Dubarry Clare boots: failed

[erinr5432]

I've had the Dubarry Clare boots for a few months. Yesterday I made the mistake of getting them really wet and dirty for the first time: I wore them working in a field of very wet ankle-deep mud for about 4 hours. They were great at first but when I went inside the foot part of both boots was soaked and my socks were wet to the ankles with slightly mud-colored water. The boots were actually making squishing noises when I walked!

I stuffed the boots with newspaper but they're still quite wet today. Any thoughts on how to dry them out and clean them? Also any way to re-waterproof them since the original waterproofing seems quite dead?

Anyone else had this problem? Wonder if I've got a bad pair or if they just can't take this kind of use.

 

[Dizzydancer]

Never mind reproofing id take them straight back to shop just not on really. You can buy waterproof spray but you not ha long enough to need re doing.

 

[deicinmerlyn]

Good luck with taking them back. Their customer service is abysmal. same thing happened with mine, I didn't even get a response when I emailed them twice!

 

[Hairy Old Cob]

Good luck with taking them back. Their customer service is abysmal. same thing happened with mine, I didn't even get a response when I emailed them twice!

your contract is with the supplier not Dubarry clean and dry the boots and get them returned with your receipt, I have always got on well with Dubarry I think a lot is down to the manner that you aproach them with.

 

[RunToEarth]

The Clare has an elasticated strip up the back of the heel to help you get them on, elastic is not waterproof, it isn't a fault with the boot if you were in ankle deep water it will allow water through.

Can you stick them upside down on the radiator/aga?

 

[hayinamanger]

If the Clares are the ones with a short zip at the heel, I am not surprised, I don't think any zipped boot would be waterproof.

 

[gerbera]

I only wear mine for riding as can't bear the thought of them getting ruined! lol I would sit them in front of the radiator.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Stuff them with paper & leave to dry.
Do NOT put them on/close to a radiator as the leather can crack if dried out too quickly.
Change the paper stuffing every few hours as it absorbs the damp.
When dry, polish with dubbin or similar waterproofing polish.

Sorry, but your choice to use them as wellies when they are zipped elasticated boots.... I dont think you have a leg to stand on for changing them....