Hunter vs Muddies wellies

littlesnuggy

I haven't owned a pair of wellies since I was a child (now 25) but I now need some for various purposes:

1) Dog-walking (new addition coming soon)
2) Gardening
3) Going around (posh) country estates with work

I was all set on getting Hunters, either in Navy or Aubergine but have read that their quality has dropped in recent years and they are not very grippy in snow/ice.

I've read good things about the Tayberry Muddies County boots (warm, comfortable, good grip) and they're slightly cheaper than Hunters but they don't look as smart.

For uses 1) & 2) this is obviously not an issue, but for 3) when I'm likely to be going to a meeting first wearing something like a pencil skirt then changing into wellies to walk around the estate, I think Hunters would look less ridiculous than Muddies!

So, can anyone who's got Muddies advise how 'clumpy' they look when on? And any other general opinions about which are the better purchase?

suki1964

All I can tell you is if you are using them for that much time - go cheap and cheerful

I live in my wellies ( it seems) and I get through a pair in months - no matter what make

Even the 50 quid hunters I had split across both soles in less then one season

Now I pay 6 quid a pair out of the local outdoor clothing shop and they last me maybe 5 - 6 months

Pennylane

Take a look at Muckboots - every member of my family now has a pair. We all had a variety of wellies over the years and these are vastly superior to any we've ever had.

Hunters are OK but they're like any wellies, not very warm. Then we invested in these polar fleece Hunter liners which were a bit better but still not great. We have dogs and horses and are therefore outside a lot in all weathers.

Muck boots are fabulously warm - all of us just wear one pair of normal socks underneath. They used to just come in black and green (mine are called Derwent) but they now come in other colours. They are 100% waterproof and really well made.

The upper part of the boot is made of a waterproof fabric which you can roll down for easy on/off. I am the newest convert in our family and I paid £48 for min a few weeks ago. I am SO pleased with them that I would honestly pay another £20 on top if I had to.

Pennylane

suki1964 wrote: »

All I can tell you is if you are using them for that much time - go cheap and cheerful

I live in my wellies ( it seems) and I get through a pair in months - no matter what make

Even the 50 quid hunters I had split across both soles in less then one season

Now I pay 6 quid a pair out of the local outdoor clothing shop and they last me maybe 5 - 6 months[/

My DH was finding this with expensive wellies and ended up buying cheapos which lasted a couple of months. However, he bought a pair of MuckBoots 5 years ago and has not needed to replace them at all. SO every penny he spent on them was worthwhile. They're also fabulously comfy.:)

lostinrates

I go with the cheaper boot theory. In fact last winter I bught Derby House thermal muckers (not as ''nice'' as hunters but now I like the way they look more, harder And much, much warmer!:) I got them in ahalf price sale and mine are still going strong. I've worn them through autumn, spring and winter...get some hunters for wet summers when they'll last but still be useful for what you want.

fWIW, if its a ''look''think then its moved on since hunters.Leather long yard boots ...which I find too impractical and require too much maintaining for my daily wants, but Dubarrys seem all the rage, or Le Chameauboots. DH has a pair of le cham.s and usually sticks on his farmers £10 quid boots for ease instead

mk_wotsit

Another vote for Derwent Muckboots from me.

I'm a postie and have been wearing mine in the recent snowy weather. They're comfy enough for the 3-4 hours of walking I do. I only needed ordinary socks and my tootsies were toasty!

We've got a landscaper in at the moment and he recommended them to me. He has just replaced his after 4 years of hard wear.

Wouldn't touch Hunter with a bargepole. People I know have had them split. They're all about the 'name' these days

lisa26_2

my mum and I have both had several pairs of hunters over the years and never had any problems with them. If you're walking any disatnce then in my opinion these are the wellies you want. My mum walks 3-6 miles a day in hers through the winter and they last her atleast 3 years, she only ever needs a new pair as she's worn the tread off of them as alot of the walking is on tarmac.

littlesnuggy

Thanks all - have investigated the Derwent Muck Boots. Am a little put off that they are described as a 'heavy duty work boot' with reinforced toes - makes me think they might be quite heavy to wear?

Also, what's the sizing like? I'm usually a 4, so should I order a 4? Best price I can see is £52.95 delivered - can anyone better it?

Pennylane

littlesnuggy wrote: »

Thanks all - have investigated the Derwent Muck Boots. Am a little put off that they are described as a 'heavy duty work boot' with reinforced toes - makes me think they might be quite heavy to wear?

Also, what's the sizing like? I'm usually a 4, so should I order a 4? Best price I can see is £52.95 delivered - can anyone better it?

The sizing is spot on - if you're a 4 buy a 4. Remember they are so well insulated that you won't need liners or thick socks as with other boots so don't be tempted to go up a size.

I would say the price you've been quoted is v good as it includes delivery. Mine were £48 from a shop. My DH had some posh equestrian boots which cost over twice the price of these and they didn't last 6 months.

The first time you wear them they may feel a bit different to ordinary wellies but they kind of mould to your feet and are just so comfy and cozy. Let us know how you get on!:)

Moody_Mare

Another vote for Derwent Muck Boots

My entire family are horsey and we all live in these, fantastic and durable. We gave up on Hunters due to them splitting within months.

If you do want a waterproof smart boot then your only other option is the Dubarry Galway boot, mine lasted 4 years and were superb but at £280 for a pair I have followed the rest of the family into muck boots.

littlesnuggy

Muck Boots it is! Now deciding between green or navy :think:


Edit: Ordered in navy, £52.95 with free delivery and free pair of gardening gloves from http://www.internetgardener.co.uk/ProductDetail/3604/Derwent-Muck-Boot

---

Navy.aspx

That's my christmas present from OH sorted!