Its time to invest in winter boots already as my trainers are getting soaked on ever dog walk and I thought I had it sorted with a pair of fit flop boots but unfortunately they don't fit as I have a high instep.  I have been looking at muckboots and wonder if anyone has or has had experience of these.  Are they compatible with a high instep and big calves?

http://www.easy-wellies.co.uk/tack-classic-muckboot-beige-and-brown-p-704.html?cPath=89
http://www.easy-wellies.co.uk/tack-classic-muckboot-black-adult-p-319.html?cPath=127

I love these boots I always wear the camouflage ones, they are so warm, and really roomy, so I think you need not worry about the fit I take size 6 trainer and size 6 Muck Boots and have plenty of room for feet to breath, they have never rubbed and I go through a new pair every year, I have been buying them for years. Bearing in mind the fabric part is not water proof though, however they need to have a thorough soaking for any water to get through the tough fabric.

I buy mine from JC Country http://www.jccountry.co.uk/ they send on a next day delivery service and they have never let me down.

Having just checked prices though your company looks very competitive. At these prices though I would try before you buy to make sure they fit.

Every year a new pair??  I was hoping they would last a good few years.

I do wear them for at least 3 hours a day everyday almost throughout the year, even in the summer alot because where I walk is usually dampish and I go through a river daily. I drive in them also (too lazy to change to trainers) which probably causes the heal to wear down a bit and crack the bottom of the boot on the van pedals underneath the toe area.

I don't have thick calves myself, but the boot fabric is like you said very streeeetchy (I also manage to tuck my denims in there, sometimes pretty flairy ones too) so they should fit you there well enough.

Muck Boots are fab-I've been using them for years. I'd go for the Derwent version-I always likened them to slippers in the shape of a welly, they're so comfy! I've got the Tay version at the mo-they're good, have anti-clog soles, but don't have as much neoprene (as Derwents). They're more rigid than the Derwents, but i don't think I'd buy them again (whereas I would get Derwents). I've got big calves by the way

I've had a few pairs of Muckboots and found them to be totally waterproof. I don't have big calves (yet) or a high instep so would suggest trying a pair on first at a tack shop then maybe get them cheaper online. Then you'll be able to see if you can tuck your jeans into the boot as well. They are very comfy and some days I've got them on for about 6 hours if I'm in and out of the house (another advantage of having tiled floors).

Another vote for the Derwent here. I've tried the "standard" one's and found it very difficult to stay on my feet, even wet grass was like walking on ice, and as for mud, well.....

My Derwents last 2-3 years and even then it's the sole that wears out. I've got fairly chunky legs and can tuck my jeans in no problem.

> Another vote for the Derwent here

Oh how I wish they'd fit me, I have a high instep and they so don't fit me at all. Also one size is too short and the next size up my foot is swimming about in space..:-(

Just picked up some cheap muck boots on an equestrian site, far too big for my feet, they are supposed to fit 4/5, i'm a 5 1/2 and they are huuuuuge..

I want Aigle's as they are the only boots which i've tried on which actually fit and if i'm going to spend £70 on Muck Boots i'd rather put another £30 in for something which fits...
As WolfieStruppi has said the best thing is to try on varies makes in shops - country stores, equestrian centres and gun shops and see what fits and then see if you can get them cheaper online :-)

I have muck boots and although they do fit round my fat calves (just) I found that they were really slippy on wet ground (stable yard).

Have you had a look at fuller fillies web site? They have long leather boots and also country boots which might do the trick. web site here

You could go to Conchie's at Carnoustie to try boots - not sure if there is anywhere in Dundee to try

I had a look at the Conchies website but they didn't have much stock on there but might give them a phone.  thanks for the tip, I will check out that website since I am on my lunch break just now and see if there is anything that suits.

> I have muck boots and although they do fit round my fat calves (just) I found that they were really slippy on wet ground (stable yard).

But what version are they? I had the same problem with the standard Muckboots but there are others that have a good tread on the sole and subsequently give a good grip (the Derwent being one).

They were the 'original' muck boots - in purple :-D

I am still on the hunt for the perfect winter boots and am wondering now about people's experiences of Hunter wellies. 

I refuse to pay full price and have spotted a great half price bargain at M&M direct. http://www.mandmdirect.com/products-Hunter-Womens-Chelsea-Wellington-Black_HJ53.htm  these have got a welly bit on the foot and neoprene up them and are £55 instead of £110.  Any experiences of these in the wet, snow and ice?

My boot of choice: http://www.dubarryboots.com/product/7 Mega comfy and very very hard wearing! Love them and I have practically lived in them for the last three years - riding, walking, mucking out everything!

Eeek Just read thruogh this thread and I cant beleive how expensive some boots are. Dubarry boots £270 wow. Think I'll stick with my trusty wellies and wellie socks. Well they are blue and pink with white daisies all over!! And they only cost £30 lol

Awwwwwwwwwwww love my boots and they are so worth it! They are still going strong and still look fab! I do spend a lot on boots and shoes but I only have about fours pairs in total. I spend quite a bit as my footware gets a lot of abuse with walking dogs, riding and mucking out horses and I work in a lab (although I am living in my Ugg's at the mo.... and they have performed faultlessly and even with being worn in the lab day in and day out!)

I ware Ariat boots for riding in the summer with chaps and I walk in them too...http://www.ariat.com/products_detail.aspx?pcid=8&cid=1&scid=13&pid=697 - these are GREAT and worth the money and then in the winter the Dubarry's! I also rate welly socks :o)

£270 are you having a laugh??  OMG I sound like my mother now lol

LOL - I saved hard for them and I am glad I did, I do love them and they are really really good quality - mind you for £270 you would hope so too! LOL

I've had two pairs of hunter wellies and another pair of expensive wellies but they didn't last as long as the £5 dunlop ones I got from cheap jacks.  They are brill, but like all wellies not paticuarly warm in freezing weather.

My Aigle wellies are good - but they were pricey. I'm very hard on footwear (overweight and walk a LOT) and have tried Hunters. They didn't last long enough for my liking for their price. Couldn't find cheap ones that went round my calves and eventually bit the bullet and paid out for my Aigles, as did my partner. They've lasted really well and, as wellies go, are very comfortable. They have a thick sole and are well insulated so are cozy when it's cold.

> My Aigle wellies are good - but they were pricey.

£200 for wellies, I almost choked!  At this rate I will be going for a pair of patrol boots for £30 and replace them each year.  I am still a bit tempted with the £55 hunter neoprene boots though because they won't chafe lol

Didn't pay that much for them!!

Went into Mole Valley Farmers today and checked up on Aigle prices. The ones we've got are the Parcours Iso, with neoprene lining, they are more fitted round the ankle so they don't wallow about. They are now £99 including VAT for sizes up to 40. They were on special offer when we bought ours.

CC,

I was going to say that the Aigles I want are around the £100 mark, which is the rough starting price for them. If you are looking at the £200 plus ones i'm guessing they are the leather lined ones?

I still don't think I could bring myself to shell out £100 for wellies.  Perhaps for a stunning pair of strappy sandals but for wellies it would feel like a crime.  I think it was the leather ones I was looking at.

I am now wondering about whether to get cheapish welly type boots, possibly the neoprene hunters and then a cheap pair of snow boots for when it gets really cold.  Until last year I always wore timberland or cat boots and they did for everything but I can't find any bargain pairs of leather boots without suede or fabric trim on them.