wellington boot recommendations?

[Becca]

Hello all :0)

Does anybody have any recommendations for decent quality wellington boots? I've just started doing some voluntary work with the rspb restoring reedbeds (with a view to hopefully becoming a nature reserve warden in the fullness of time :0) ) and when I went for my first visit last week I found that my old fiver off the market wellys let in water on quite an epic scale so I need a good quality replacement that'll stand up to the demands of my hopefully new career.. :0) any recommendations?

Many thanks,

Becca

[Pumpkin Becki]

I invested in some proper 'Hunter' wellies when I worked for Forsham Cottage Arks. I had them for Garden Shows, where we'd be standing up all day, usually in the pouring rain. They are brilliant and have really good arch support. My OH bought some cheapies, and I tried wearing them (we're the same size) but they are dreadful for walking or standing around in for long periods. It is trial and error, as all makes are slightly different on fit, length and width, but you really don't want to be uncomfortable, so spend plenty of time trying different sizes and makes on. I found our garden centre carried a really good selection, so that's probably your best first port-of-call.

[TEB]

I like Hunters, find them really comfortable but a word of warning if you plan on doing a lot of work on your knees in the wellies then I find that the seam across the front has a tendency to stretch, I wouldn't personally buy from a garden centre because of their wicked markups but would use them to find a pair I liked and then purchase elsewhere

[ginger ninger]

Mine are Hunter's, i've had cheeper wellies, but they just don't last half as long...pop on:- "hunter wellington boot" on Google and it will give you some good price's, i've seen them for as little as £20 in red..It's already been said Garden Centers will rip your arm off for a pair.

[Flummery]

I can't get on with wellies at all in me old age - they give me foot cramps. I wear green Derriboots. Fluffy lining, the sort old dears wear to walk the dog! However, they are so comfy I've been known to travel in them (to save carrying them)

[Two_Sheds]

I prefer old walking boots to wellies ... more breathable, stronger, more arch support. But, only ankle high, so no good for puddles (or reedbeds)

[HayleyB]

I live in Jodhpur boots but for mud then it's my Hunters which have been around for years...

[seasprout]

If your doing conservation work, lifting etc... I would recommend what ever you get make sure they have Steel Toe Caps.

If you look in yellow pages under protective clothing or work clothing, they should help you out.

I know my local wildlife trust wont have volunteers with out them.

[rana]

If you are working in reed beds you might want a pair of waders rather than wellies.

[Glutton4...]

I'm heavy and have small feet I also have high arches, so need plenty of support. I live in hiking boots or good quality Joddy boots (like Hayley), but in the winter I wear Le Chameau Vierzonord! ('Google' the name) Now, before you start spluttering at the price, they are lined with neoprene and are as comfortable as slippers. My current (1st) pair are on their 4th winter and I've never had cold feet whilst wearing them. I wear them from dawn till dusk, and they are worth every penny! I've had the pee taken on here before about them, but can assure you they are so good, that they will be replaced (eventually) with another pair of the same.

If you buy Hunters, get a size bigger to allow for the thick thermal socks, or you will freeze!

[Alison]

I use old site rigger boots, furry lined and comfy and good in the wet. Also, steel toe capped so my tootsies are safe!

[Polly Fouracre]

I too have Hunters and though they look good, they are very uncomfortable to wear. I use Mole Valley Farmer cheap as chips wellies and they feel good and last well.(Even without socks!!)

[TEB]

I'm heavy and have small feet I also have high arches, so need plenty of support. I live in hiking boots or good quality Joddy boots (like Hayley), but in the winter I wear Le Chameau Vierzonord! ('Google' the name) Now, before you start spluttering at the price, they are lined with neoprene and are as comfortable as slippers. My current (1st) pair are on their 4th winter and I've never had cold feet whilst wearing them. I wear them from dawn till dusk, and they are worth every penny! I've had the pee taken on here before about them, but can assure you they are so good, that they will be replaced (eventually) with another pair of the same.

If you buy Hunters, get a size bigger to allow for the thick thermal socks, or you will freeze!

Blimey (just saw the price)

PS Some Hunters models recommend that you get a size smaller

[Glutton4...]

Blimey (just saw the price)...

Don't knock it till you've tried it!

[fran]

I've had quite a few pairs of Hunters but they always seem to crack in the ankle area. Cld be because of socks being too thick or else riding horses in them! Now on lottie I wear Palladium canvas desert boots in summer and my Brasher walking boots or cheapo wellies in winter. Walking boots seem to give me a swelling on my Achilles tendon tho!