Alternative to wellies?

Fuzzy_Duck

Not sure if this even exists but I'm looking for a shoe suitable both for muddy festivals in the summer and walking on snow/ice in winter. I already own a few fleecy boots which are lovely and warm but they get easily marked, and aren't quite as grippy as I'd like them to be.

I definitely need something for festivals so was thinking I could save some money (not to mention space!) by buying something suitable for both. Wellies would normally be perfect, except I just don't like them. I have narrow feet and legs and wellies so they tend to wobble around, and if I'm honest I just don't like the style!

Thus far I have thought about army boots and hiking boots but haven't found any I like yet. Any ideas?

Thanks! :beer:

annakat99

How about a pair of Dr Martens? You can get pull on or zip up boot versions as well as the lace up variety. I love my Docs, they've done me many a festival and are prooving brilliant in the snow too. If you polish / wax then every so often, they'll last you a lifetime (and they look pretty damn cool too)

I'm eyeing up these at the moment - http://www.drmartens.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=13700450 or these http://www.drmartens.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=13418202

La-Cara

once you do find a style that you like, if you need them to be more waterproof you can always buy gaiters to go over them which will stop the lower part of your leg from getting wet too

Alton_Towers

My Mum and Sister have just got these http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Equestrian/Women/Footwear+and+Chaps/Wellies+and+Muckers/Derby+House+Adults+Thermal+Long+Boots_556-0023.htm

I tried my mums on today and I must admit I am tempted as they are lovely and warm and really comfy! They do seem to come up quite generous in size as I am usually a 5 in boots and my Mums were a 4 and fitted me and I had thick socks on - HTH!

lostinrates

Alton_Towers wrote: »

My Mum and Sister have just got these http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Equestrian/Women/Footwear+and+Chaps/Wellies+and+Muckers/Derby+House+Adults+Thermal+Long+Boots_556-0023.htm

I tried my mums on today and I must admit I am tempted as they are lovely and warm and really comfy! They do seem to come up quite generous in size as I am usually a 5 in boots and my Mums were a 4 and fitted me and I had thick socks on - HTH!

I have these and they are fantastic (much better than boots costing many times the price) but would be far too hot for summer,and I think OP wants one pair of boots for both.

I'd get different boots personally, one for hot mud days, and a warm pair for winter.

roadiegirl

I've tried getting alternatives to wellies for festivals, and nothing seems to really work. Tried my snow boots and walking boots, but there just too thick and too hot for the daytimes. This year I was at Leeds Festival, and we had very very little rain (about 1-2 hours over the entire weekend!) so wore my £2 primark pumps in the day, then my wellies with thick socks at night to keep me warmer. I know its a pain, but I guess its one of wellies main purposes - muddy festivals! Sorry if I'm not much help

Fuzzy_Duck

Thanks for the suggestions all

annakat99, I love Dr Martens! Just not as keen on the price Those are gorgeous though, will have to look out for some in the sales!

La-Cara, cheers, had no idea such things existed!

Alton Towers, those do look comfy and I love the chunky sole. Think they might be a bit too warm though, so definitely a winter boot.

lostinrates and roadiegirl, I think you're probably right, last year I got away with some canvas pumps but I doubt I'll be that lucky again!

I saw these earlier, and surprisingly I quite like them- nice colours, stylish but comfortable heel, and they look like they might actually fit my legs: http://www.wedgewelly.co.uk/

I think I'd like a pair of Dr Martens AND some Wedge Wellies, but that's not very money saving!

eamon

For festivals consider only looking good from the knees up. I agree that wellies can be uncomfortable. Get yourself to an outdoor shop and try boots and gaiters.

jenniewb

I'd really recommend getting two different pairs. Wellies are great for the water and even the snow, but they are not as warm as you really need. Yes you can double up socks and etc and that does help, but in terms of easy packing, wellies are not so easy (or light) to carry. I'd say get short wellies (much lighter and not warm) for the summer and then snowjoggers or some wellies you can wear thicker socks under (and possibly longer in the leg) for the snow. You can get special grippy things you add onto the soles of your shoes if you feel the grip is not enough but I have heard these don't mix well with flat flooring and the idea of peeling them on and off every time you enter a shop, building or public transport may not appeal...

I'd say it also depends on your style. One of the things which held me back from snowjoggers (aside from the cost) was the style, if your at all style concious they may or may not fit with the rest of your wardrobe (if you worry about this) wellies tend to pass off better so its a bit of style over substance when it comes to the snow if cold toes bother you at all! (Having said that Sport Direct do a range of thermal, furry and 2.5 tog socks for lowish prices).

Wait for the sale though, prices are really only going to go one way in the next week or so.

lostinrates

Fuzzy_Duck wrote: »

I saw these earlier, and surprisingly I quite like them- nice colours, stylish but comfortable heel, and they look like they might actually fit my legs: http://www.wedgewelly.co.uk/

As someone who works in mud daily but loves heels I can't think of a better recipe for a sprained ankle or worse. How your foot lands on mud and slippery surfaces is a vital part of staying upright!

Also remember mud works to pull against you and place extra ''stress''on all your soft tissues, this will only further that stress.

Fuzzy_Duck

lostinrates wrote: »

As someone who works in mud daily but loves heels I can't think of a better recipe for a sprained ankle or worse. How your foot lands on mud and slippery surfaces is a vital part of staying upright!

Also remember mud works to pull against you and place extra ''stress''on all your soft tissues, this will only further that stress.

Aw that's a shame, I thought being a wedge it might make them more comfortable if anything Ah well, £40 seems a bit much for wellies anyway, however pretty they are!

jenniewb, I do like the look of snowjoggers, especially the Rubberduck brand ones. I'd definitely be wanting a somewhat plain black pair so they go with most things though. Typically I vaguely remember a Rubberduck snowjogger grabbit a while ago- I think it was in the summer though so I wasn't ready to think about winter footwear!

I'm still liking the idea of Dr Martens, especially as I have owned many pairs in the past and they've always served me well. Maybe a mid-length pair so they cover up a decent amount of leg. Only problem is they are difficult to lace up at the best of times so a pair with a zip would be good. I've seen a pair called 'Victorian floral' which I love, but they seem to be canvas rather than leather so they're get ruined in no time!