An unbelievable amount of leaky boot...

[binbons]

Hi all!
I am new to these forums as an author but have used them to help on so many occasions, and I feel you are the right bunch to ask!
I feel so betrayed by wellies and boots at this point that I'm on the verge of never wearing shoes again XD
It all started with a pair of Dublin river boots (fleece lined!). They were so perfect for the winter... Until after about 2 months when they started to leak since then I've had Joules (leaked), Hunter (leaked instantly), Dunlop (also leaked instantly) and some Aigles (which I noticed leaking after about a month). Can anyone recommend some wellies that will be waterproof for longer than 2 months?!? I'm really worried I have cursed feet, I'd love to hear your experiences of these brands (or any brands to avoid or look out for).
I've obviously only tried one 'variety' of each of these brands (refined back hunters, Dunlop blizzard boots and Aiglentine Fur lined Aigle) any help at all will be so appreciated!
Thank you!

 

[Rhandir]

I wear American boots most of the time as I ride western .. I have a pair of Twisted X all around boots, which are advertised as being waterproof .. which they are, with bells on.

I have worn them all day, every day for the past two years, on the yard, in the field .. everywhere. When I finish on the yard I just hose them off.

Oh yes . they are toasty warm in winter too

 

[Overread]

Get a cheap set of green no-brand-name wellies down the local outdoors/garden shop and a few pairs of thick socks.

Wellies are wellies and whilst brand name ones are slightly better made and have fancy things like fleece linings they are still the same outer material. Thus they will still get a hole in them at about the same time as cheap ones.

The difference is that cheap ones won't cost an arm and a leg to replace. Even a cheap set of steal toe-capped ones won't be that expensive (although when it comes to steel toecaps ideally you want to spend more for a really good quality cap and I've read generally mixed reports on their effectiveness at protection when working with horses - generally good for a "scrape" but full pressure down on the foot and it seems they can save or make things a whole lot worse).



A few other thoughts as you seem to be getting really wet wellies very fast:
1) Trousers - are you wearing your inside or outside the boot? If you wear them inside then any water they collect will just run down inside the wellie; thus they should run outside the wellie so that any water is carried outside and to the foot which is covered.

2) Feet - long shot but it could be that instead of the boots leaking instantly your feet are instead sweating more than normal. You might benefit from gortex socks and workboots instead to improve ventilation.

3) Metal-detector - and a few hours making sure you're not just stepping on nails everywhere (ok a very unlikely aspect considering you keep livestock on site)

 

[binbons]

Thanks for your answer, my next step was going to be cheapo ones (unless anyone recommends some wonder wellies!), at least then I won't be £70+ down.
I'm always wearing jodhpurs or skinny jeans so they are tucked inside but the worrying this is they are leaking just from walking through small puddles etc let alone when it's actually raining. There is no physical damage to them as I haven't really had them long enough! I did think it might be sweat but the sheer volume of moisture in them would mean there is something very wrong with me!

 

[YorksG]

Do you drive in them? I found that when I drove regularly in wellies they would crack at the top of the back of the heel, where they creased. This may be what is happening with yours, if you aren't driving in them then I can't help

 

[Overread]

You really shouldn't be getting leaks with no damage what so ever - what might be happening is that you're splashing more water up over your legs which is running down inside than you realise. A simple change to how you "charge madly through puddles" might resolve that issue.

Otherwise it could be that the combo of work clothing and wellies is building up too much heat in your feet and you are sweating more than you realise. If you're wearing thick socks with fleece lined wellies you could well be building up way more heat around your feet than you appreciate.

I'd say get a cheap set and see how things go; but consider adapting how you walk and overtrousers just to rule out water getting in.

 

[binbons]

I really appreciate all of your replies, but now I am starting to think I have cursed feet!!
I turn 17 at the end of this month so not driving yet (and I'll be sure not to drive in wellies now!), I'm wearing average socks and my feet aren't getting that hot and the conditions they've leaked in have mainly been me just walking through boggy mud (ankle deep, very wet but I'd still expect wellies to be able to with stand it!)...
I'm really stuck!

 

[sav123]

I got some Dunlop Purofort Terroir Pro's about 7 months ago and have worn them pretty much all day every day since then. I've found them durable and comfortable. They've kept my feet warm enough with just normal socks (plus tights when it's particularly cold) but equally haven't made my feet sweat when it's warmer. Our gateways are still rather muddy so I won't be taking them off any time soon!

They're the first pair of wellies I've had in quite some time that 1) have lasted to the end of the winter and 2) won't have to be replaced for next winter. I got them from ****** for about £58.

ETA Don't why that was starred out - they're from V I o v e t

 

[MotherOfChickens]

dunlop purafort plus for me.

 

[Archangel]

I bought some £11 short green wellies (they are so uncool but I was so fed up with wet feet) - they are brilliant - gone through the whole winter, walked the dog, driven in them. Meanwhile my friend has bought and returned as faulty 3 pairs on wellies all over £100 a pair. If you can bear to be seen in them buy the £11 ones from a garden centre!

 

[binbons]

I do love a bit of green!

 

[glamourpuss]

I am a wellie killer extraordinaire, I'm actually considering putting it on my CV
Currently wearing these http://www.sportsdirect.com/harry-hall-hall-neoprene-ladies-wellington-boots-279024
Warm, dry, a bargain & strangely able to withstand my best attempts at wrecking them!

 

[Dunlin]

Huge amounts of money but all the farmers round here wear La Chameau and sing them the praises, a cheaper option is Bekina, rated highly amongst farmers as well. I have Hunters which have lasted well but not as long as I'd like considering the price, I'll get another pair of Aigle Parcours next as had them before and they lasted forever. Joules wellies are only suitable for Kate Moss to walk around Glastonbury in.