Dog walking boots

[shaniashania]

Hi all!
Now we're approaching winter I desperately need new waterproof, comfy boots. What do people recommend?
I bought some Joules wellies, think I got them too big though as I feel I'm dragging my feet around in them. Not sure if I want decent wellies or walking boots, but want comfortable and easy to clean!
Am also chunky of calf, so anything knee high needs to be wide fitting
Hit me with your recommendations please!

Scarpa leather boots and Le Chameau neoprene boots.
Dubarry boots are lovely but too nice for really mucky walks.

Muckboots are incredibly comfortable and warm during freezing temperatures - the arctic version has good thread too. They are not bulky around the calf area and can drive in them no problem.
However, not sure if the standards have slipped but the inside neoprene above the heel wears off pretty quickly, bubbles up and causes horrible rubbing marks.
I haven't heard of a solution to that but seems to happen quite a lot. That area might need overlaying with something before wearing.
Also the soles wear off too quickly for the price - happened to 2 different male members of my family so I suspect it's because they are taller and heavier.

I'm very tempted by Le Chameau - are they completely waterproof and is the neoprene lining resistant to wear? Would they be as comfortable as muckboots?

I've got a pair of £££ neoprene Le Chameau wellies with the zip - the zip is brilliant for muddy conditions (no hopping around trying to prise the boot off with your socked foot) and they really are warm, especially if you put a sheepskin insole in there too. The sole is great for walking and they gave me several good years of daily use in all weathers.

However... the rubber has cracked at the heel on both sides now and I can't wear them zipped up without scraping off a layer of skin. Hence the Bareback Quebec boots.

@Branster mine are at least 12 years old, worn almost daily in winter most years and still look like new. The neoprene is in perfect condition. You need long socks as the back of the heel is rubber so they don't slip. I don't have ones with the zip so do have to use a boot jack or hop about a bit. I would never have considered that a pair of wellies could be so warm and comfy.

However, as a caveat I used to buy Hunter wellies years ago and they always lasted a long time but then the manufacturing changed and they became a low quality fashion boot. So it's possible something has changed with Le Chameau too. DH has a pair that are on their 3rd year and he's pretty happy with them so far.

Thank you very, very much @alpinia and @NorthernLion , this is very useful.

If I get at least 3 years of comfort and warmth without having to bother with extra socks, I'll be happy with Le Chameau.

I had 2 pairs of sensible Hunters which barely lasted, awful quality they split really quickly and I never used them for driving to say maybe the tubber was under too much pressure where it's not meant to be. I suspect they don't make them that good anymore. Last pair replaced in haste during very wet weather for under 24h delivery by a cheap £12 Amazon purchase - bog standard wellingtons to see me through a couple of weeks while I decided on a proper pair. I've still got them 4 years later 😁 but they don't cut it in cold weather.

Sad to admit defeat on my comfortable Muckboots but lesson learned.

I ordered Le Chameau but they were too tight on the calvess.

Aigle Parcours are wider but also great quality and neoprene lined. Super comfy for walking. I wore mine twice a day for dog walking from October to April last winter and they’re still as good as new.

I've just ordered my second pair of Grub boots which are toasty warm, keep my feet dry. As they are made of rubber if you do get some I'd advise you get a rubber protecting spray. I didn't with my last pair and they cracked. I'm determined these will last much longer. That said, my other ones are at least 5 years old and still have a lot of tread left.

@livingonpurpose and @NorthernLion how are your Quebec boots holding up?
I'm contemplating investing in a pair for winter dog walks but just trying to justify the eye watering price. I love the look of them and need to replace my ancient Merrells.

@MissRainbowBrite to be honest I am not wearing them this winter as when I tried to start wearing them again they flayed my heels to shreds! I don't remember them being that bad last year - although I did get blister quite a few times if I didn't wear thick enough socks. Gutted really as I loved the boots but simply can't wear them again. That said, my heels do seem to rub very easily, so it might be a me problem!

Thanks for the info @livingonpurpose. I think I'll wait and see what the sales bring before I make a decision.

@MissRainbowBrite my Quebec's are on their second winter.

They're absolutely fine and dandy! Currently got a seconds sale on website that's worth a look

Muck boots! Nice and warm and super easy to hose down.

I have Achilles tendinitis and can't wear boots anymore. Only trainers. So I get wet feet 🙁🙁

I've had a pair of Quebecs for about a year and they're getting better with use. I've only dubbined them a couple of times but they're still waterproof through mud/puddles - I don't wear them for serious wading around. The comfy inner sole has been replaced with a sheepskin liner but otherwise... still love them! Check out the website for seconds sales - bound to be some new year offers.

I've got a pair of Meindl walking boots for anything over an hour, and otherwise use a pair of cheap wellies with an extra pair of warm socks.

Muck boots!

Muck boots, Ariat Grasmere, had both pairs for years, still going strong or Dublin Pollard, All keep you dry and snug. Horze Hazel Women's Long Raincoat with Slits, to keep lovely and dry but go up a size .

Place marking