Question:
I'm looking for a new pair of leather boots for general shooting and field
work (not wellies). The ideal boot will be 100% waterproof - probably
gore-tex lined, with a minimum of upward facing seams or exposed stitching.
The tongue will be stitched in and the lacing will include speed-lacing
hooks.
To be worn with knee-length socks and goretex gaiters when wet, these boots
must be tough enough to withstand everyday wear and day-long exposure to the
worst of an English winter. I'm no twinkle-toes and I don't want to have to
think about where I next put my foot down - brambles, cowshit, 8 inches of
mud whatever. And I don't want to be slipping on wet grass, clay or logs
and falling on my bum thank you. I have wide feet so elegant
Italianate-bootees need not apply.
I expect the structural and waterproofing integrity of the boot to last as
long as the tread pattern - not just a few months and if anything does go
wrong I want a 12 months manufacturer's guarantee for no-quibble
replacement.
Answer:
I agree my builders wellies have been invaluable on some long walks
even over Kinder, I also have a pair of riggers which basically are
leather wellies with fur lining.
Ah, in that case could I suggest that you consider knee length
waterproof boots constructed from rubber, traditionally available in
yellow, green or black, although I understand that modern technology
enables other hues, with or without steel toe-caps and having a very
considerable tread. Known, I believe, as sea-boots or alternatively
named in honour of a certain British nobleman.
I have some Danner Olympic boots. They are fantastic. They are gore-tex
lined and like slippers to wear. Never had a blister. I've walked many miles
in all kinds of crap weather and my feet were always dry.
Buy a PRO BOOT in leather with a goretex lining they are excellant. Issued
to services for winter use. Keep away from the Hightec magnums the services
special or not only issue them for light summer use. They stink rotten after
a week and are not waterproof by any stretch of the imagination.
