I remember as a child I had wellies, nothing flash, very basic black children’s wellies - but they lasted for years. When I grew out of them they were handed down to my younger sister and eventually our younger brother.
We were very active children, we grew up on a farm and spent most of our time outside ‘helping’ the farmers muck out the crew yard or shepherding the sheep, and we were great with the Harvest; one year we even helped with lambing - we literally lived in our wellies and they never sprung a leak!
As an adult I seem to buy a pair of wellies every six months or so mostly because the seams split and they are no longer fit for purpose. I think it’s unfortunate that in order to cut manufacturing costs, many UK companies, even the high-end brands are having their products made abroad.
It’s a shame, but it is a commercial decision, they have to be competitive in-order to survive. One can only hope that companies have rigorous quality controls in place to maintain the British standard and protect the brand name, sadly that is not often the case.
These boots are all by Muck Boots, originally they were made in the USA, but they have recently transferred manufacturing to China, which is again, a bid to remain competitive. Reading the chatrooms on Muck Boots, the general consensus is that the brand have passed the saving onto the customer and the quality has not been compromised.
The Original Muck Boot Company made the first neoprene wellies sold in Europe and they remain the best available anywhere in the World. 100% waterproof, Muck Boots are unbeatably warm, comfortable and supportive. Muck Boots are not rubber wellies lined with neoprene, but are a complete neoprene bootie, with a customised sole & outer shell. Neoprene is aerated rubber, which makes it exceptionally lightweight; buoyant; warm; stretchy; and supportive, whilst still 100% waterproof.
The UK Distributor for Muck Boots are Belstane and to find a retailer near you call them on 01335 372 600. If you live in Warwickshire the nearest retailer is Keen Gardener who are based in Alcester and have a great selection.
The natural rubber uppers, neoprene shell construction is 100% waterproof and self-insulating, the diagram below shows how the design works.
Every boot in the line is expected to deliver the same 100% waterproof quality and comfort that inspired the original footwear. In just a few years, the line has grown to over 60 styles of rubber and leather footwear. The designs all addressing different activities from, dog walking, gardening, horse and stable to simply cold weather or working on the land.
I spend a lot of my free time outside, either gardening or walking the dogs, so I have decided to invest in a pair of Muck Boots, and stop spending my money on fashion PVC wellies, which although pretty, can’t take the pounding I give them. Let’s see if my new Muck Boots can!
Here’s to toasty toes this winter…
Dee Hope | | PRINT PDF |