Hunter wellies - poor quality?

My daughter had a new pair and they rubbed her. The seam down the back of the boot had worn and that was causing the problem, my old original Hunters don't have this seam. She returned them and got a replacement, but they seem to be leaking already. I am still wearing the same old faithfuls, she is heading for a 3rd pair, though think will stick to muckboots this time.
 
Further to this thread, production of Hunter wellies now takes place mainly in China.

Serbia and Brazil also do some production as well, apparently.

Whilst the Chinese - to give them their due - are very good at imitating things, they are not very good at durability, and have no interest in that particular quality. However, the low production cost (compared to the original factory in Dumfries, Scotland) means that Hunter can protect their profit margins. This is even more valid now Hunter have become a global "designer" label.

I made a point of acquiring, where possible, only the Hunters made in Scotland, i.e. up to the end of 2006. This is obviously not possible for some of the new colours. I also make a point of never paying retail price, because Hunters are no longer worth that. £40 per pair is the absolute limit now.

You can spot the China-made Hunters via certain clues: first, the boot size is marked in red ink inside on the insoles, and secondly one boot (can't remember whether it's left or right, but I think it's the left one) has a very "square" front at the top, suggesting that the last on which it was assembled was misaligned or damaged in some way.

If you wear the current production Hunters on a daily basis, for yard work, etc. then my view is don't expect them to last more than about a year. Staff at the livery yard I go to have managed to kill their China-made Hunters in 6 months flat. Since this is within the guarantee period, this would ultimately cost Hunter's current owners a lot of money in the long run if the guarantees were all taken up. I would urge anyone in this situation to enforce the guarantee - hurting their profits is the only way to make Hunter sit up and take notice.

For really tough traditional wellies, I would wear Le Chameau - particularly the neoprene-lined Vierzonord model, which I use in winter. Very little else comes close in strength nowadays. Unfortunately they run at about £115 per pair, but they are an investment.
 
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