About this deal
Warmth Heaps of neoprene insulation provides polar-bear-like insulation and beats most work boots when it comes to out-and-out warmth. No chilblains here. 9/10 As usual, the test is by no means scientific – our views are wholly subjective – but it should give a good idea of how each one shapes up. Quality An old-school rubber boot that has a flexible body and a tidy finish. They come from Hunter’s work range and have more of a hand-made feel than the rest. 8/10 Quality The heavy, stiff Aciforts keep the water out, but that’s about it. They’re better quality than the Pricemasters, but the finish is unremarkable and the tough plastic material has no insulation qualities at all. Reinforcement around the ankle and ribbing on the toe should help see them through a few hard winters. 5/10
Of course, our selection isn’t exhaustive and there’s certainly scope to spend more if you wish – Le Chemeau and Hunter spring to mind – but our motley crew of boots are those designed for work. Grip Traction is bang average, but better than the stiff-soled (and far more expensive) Argyll. 5/10 Quality The dark horse of our line-up is neoprene-lined but not built for all-out farm work. They have a quality feel, but the natural rubber is unlikely to stand up to solvent abuse quite like some of the others and they are angled towards leisure rather than work. The lining started to peel from the top of the boot and reports from the shops suggest a fair few get returned due to splitting. 8/10 The wellington boot might be a farming institution, but how much thought really goes into replacing your worn-out rubber workwear? Fit/blisters Loose fit and inflexible leg does the No Bull’s fit score no favours and means they crease in weird places and dig into the shin. The liner shunts around in the shapeless body, though the lining is soft so the blister risk is low. A reinforced toe should offer some protection from clumsy cows. 2/10To get a better idea of the winners and loses in the welly war we raided the shelves of Mole Valley Farmers, Robinsons and Countrywide to collect a mix of boots.
Value The No Bulls are the welly version of Crocs. They are grossly unfashionable, but if you’re simply after something that keeps your feet warm and dry then they’re actually a strong bet. Fit and shape are weak points, but they can still do a job. Grip The tread pattern under the ball of the foot is shallow and the sole is solid, so grip is a bit disappointing. The Puroforts claim to have a steel toe and midsole, but with little noticeable extra weight it can be nothing more than a slither of tin. 5/10Value The Argylls are a well-made, classic work welly. They look the part, too, but were a big disappointment – the equally-priced Bekinas were warmer, comfier and grippier.