Surpisingly a search for wellies or wellington boots doesn't bring up anything particularly useful or recent ... so I shall leap in!

I want and I need some wellies. I've got Muck boots and find them hideous ... they're heavy, they're clumpy and they slip up and down and so I end up with blisters. Stacking them out with socks does the job but then the circulation in my foot is so cut off it's likely to drop off. The Muck boots were a very thoughtful, but wish they'd asked me, present :-(

At the moment I'm wearing my lovely, comfortable Woof Wear boots. So, so comfortable, however, only keep my feet dry in the merest of puddles.

I've got cheap Dunlops. They're just what you'd expect of a cheap pair of wellies, fairly uncomfortable and slip up and down lots.

I loved my Hunter wellies (the Tall Original - thankfully I have slender calves ;-) ) of 18 years ago. They lasted me many years of happy dog walking. From what I've been told and the reviews I've read the modern day version is comfortable but no longer a quality product and if they last 6 months that's pretty good. Sadly I don't have the income to fork out that sort of money on wellies lasting me that short time.

I've got some expensive, Hunter Tall Original wellies with a vibram sole - perfect for walking, apart from the fact they're not the same fit as the ones with the useless sole and they slop up and down, are horribly uncomfortable and give me blisters too. They were the original 'made in Scotland' type, so will last forever. Sure they will, they're stashed in my understairs cupboard, never to see the light of day. Not quite sure what it is about me but they were also a gift :-O

Today, in desperation, I bought myself another pair of cheap wellies. StormWells ... like the Hunter Huntress, in fact identical, but £53 cheaper. Lovely and comfortable in the shop :-) However, a 30 minute trek through puddles and bogs and they slip and are in fact quite nasty. So, that was £17 badly spent that could have been put towards a nice pair of wellies. Still, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Now I'm back to dreaming of a comfortable pair of wellies. I want something to keep my feet dry for more than 6 months, that I can walk miles in with no slipping on the heel. I really don't care less if I can get them off, so long as they're comfortable to wear, removing them is something I can worry about later. I'm not bothered about cold feet as I own lots of socks ... not many matching, but I have lots. I'm back to wondering about the Aigle and Le Chameau wellies. Only problem is, ladies in France only appear to be allowed to go up to size 7. I might be able to fit my foot into a 7 or it might have to be an 8.

So, have any of you lovely doggy people got Aigle or Le Chameau wellies - the sort around the £70 mark. I realise they do leather (don't want leather) and wellies costing into the hundreds :-O :-O If so, do you rate them? What model would you recommend?

The obvious thing would be to go to a shop and try them. Only trouble is there are no shops near me that stock them. So, if I decide to go for either of these I'd like some hard facts about them before traipsing miles to find some to try on :-) Thanks for any help.

I was a riding instructor for 6 years so I had lots of experience of wellies.  The best, warmest most comfortable ones I have ever had are by the Original Muck Boot Company but not sure if these are what you are not happy with (main reason I love them is they are so warm).  Hunters are indeed now rubbish.

I have always had aigle boots and found them to be well worth the money and very comfortable for walking in and pretty hard wearing, also pretty generous on the sizing again I have wide feet and sometimes need to size up but that has never been the case with them.  So never had their wellies but on the whole they have been a good brand and i have been happy with everything I have had from them.

As for Le Chameau, if I were to treat myself to a pair of wellies now for walking the dog in etc then that is what I would probably go for.  Again they are a good brand and although I have never owned any I have seen them in the flesh and they are lovely.

I know you said you don't want leather but have you looked on Equestrian clearance? I have 3 pairs of leather boots, 2 are k*ty Oracle and the other k*ty lake country. They do come up big though so I went down a size. They are really good quality and the lake ones are waterproof and the oracle are very water resistant. I've tramped through wet muddy fields for hrs and my feet are warm and dry in them. The oracle ones are a more slender fit round the calf. I have not had any probs breaking them in and not had a single blister. They have wellie style boots as well that look quite smart.

Le Chameau wellies here had them for my Birthday 3 years ago still good as new and I never wear sock even in the winter lot of money but after a few years of wasting money on Hunters they have paid for themselves and I walk twice a day everyday mostly in wellies xx

I had Aigle wellies, lovely boots, and looked good for rubber wellies, but, they were cold and didn't last very long, I seem to be really hard on footwear, they tend to split where they bend at the ball of the foot, and that's just what the Aigles did.

If I was looking for rubber wellies I'd opt for Lechameau.
I know you said you didn't want leather, but have a butchers at these babies.
http://www.lechameau.co.uk/index.php?p=cart_products&pid=351&prodname=Vatna
and their on sale.

I have recently invested in a pair of Aigle Parcours wellies and I am thrilled with them so far.  The design is based on a walking boot  I've only had them about three months so I don't know how well they will last but in every other respect they are brilliant.  They are unisex so no problem with small/large sizes.  I think they look good (at least for rubber wellies!), and I find them VERY comfortable.  I walk in them for miles, sloshing around in very muddy woods and the soles grip really well and don't get clogged with the mud.  They feel stable, even walking up and down slippery slopes & hills.  Good ankle and foot support and a strap to adjust the calf fitting.

I have never had 'proper' posh wellies before but decided to take the plunge and got them online from the Aigle site as there is nowhere near me to try them on.  I'm so glad I did.  Until I got them I didn't really think I could walk long distances in wellies but I can and I'm now wondering how I ever managed without them!  (No, I don't work for Aigle!)

Good luck with your search.  I looked at loads before deciding and it can be very confusing but I'm sure there's a perfect pair of wellies out there for you - but in view of your experience maybe not as a gift from someone else!

I have just bought a new pair of La Chameau welliels, last pair last over 10yrs, wear them contant in winter. neoprene lining. not cheap but worth every penny.

I always wanted Le Chameau and went and tried them on, but sadly they didn't fit my feet and legs, I was swamped by them.. Tried on Aigle and perfect... I have to say with the non slip sole they both came in around £120....
Try local gun and tack shops.. I know some of the outdoor outlets also sell them too..I refused to buy them direct from an online store as I have to try them on..

I just love my Muckboots but the first style had no grip on the soles after one season, the second leaked after a year so I gave up. A shame as they are as comfortable as slippers: I could wear them all day. Barbours last much longer than Hunters and are the same style. My current purple ones are great.

My partner and I both have Aigle boots. They are pretty comfy and have lasted really well - and we're both really tough on footwear. We've got the neoprene lined ones and they are cosy and warm.

Thanks all for your feedback, it's much appreciated :-)

Roxylola - Yes, they are the Original Muck Boots I've got and hate :-( I think the problem is I've got the Tay, a unisex welly. Whilst I don't have narrow feet nor narrow heels, they are just too clumpy to snuggle around my foot and stop them slipping. I see that they do now make a ladies Muck Boot, Greta, I may possibly have a look at that. But do they really have to make it in pink or purple? I'm so not a pink/bright purple footwear sort of a person :-O  What I do like about the Tay's is the neoprene which means I have lovely snug feet in the winter (though far too hot in summer, phew!), and the reinforced toes ... don't get bruised feet when my sheep tread all over them!! I just need to stand still for them to be comfortable :-(

Roscoebabe - Love the look of the leather boots, but I've got sheep and need to wear them when doing close 'maintenance' work. Leather, mud and sheep poo don't go together, without the blue terramycin spray I seem to get absolutely everywhere :-O. They'd be far too much maintenance for my liking ... I'm a 'wash and go' sort of person ... hose off me wellies and off to a less mucky task :-) When I win the lottery I'll be getting some for nice dog walking sessions ;-)

It's sounding like my original research bringing up Aigle or Le Chameau is what I need to stick to. Thanks for confirming that. Now just need to find somewhere that sell both and off I trot to try some on. Thanks again :-D

G.Rets - just spotted your post. Hhmm, never even thought of Barbour wellies, not really come across them before. Will have a look, thanks.

I'm a Muck Boot person too :)  But they do make lots of different kinds of wellies, so I'd suggest perhaps trying some of the others on - there should be something for everyone there.

They make one - I think it's more of an equestrian one - which has almost no heel and very little grip, but it fits really snugly and is incredibly comfortable.  I had those as my first pair...

Rabid - thanks for that. I've tried those on, Tack boot, I think. Yes they are very comfortable and they're the fit I'd like but sadly the sole is no good for me running around fields with dogs and sheep, just too slippery :-( I'll have a look at the Greta Tall, the bright purple boot they do. It's got a sensible sole, ladies fit so might not be too clumpy and with a bit of mud and sheep poo splattered all over them I might not notice the bright colour ;-)

The Derwents are the same fit as the Tack, but have a better sole. I've used them for years although I have to say the last couple of pairs haven't lasted as long - the body of the boot is fine but the soles seem to wear much quicker. I invested in some leather wellies in the hope that I only needed to use the Muck Boots when it was really wet and they would last a bit longer. It has worked out well.

Google 'easy wellies' I bought Muck Boots from them and they have a range of different brands.Funnily enough I spoke to them recently they are selling off the remaining stock of Muck Boots and will not be re-stocking.Apparently they are now of a lesser quality than previously.

Husband has Le Chameau boots, swears by them, he's on his 2nd pair, first pair lasted over 10 years. Downside is they were £210.

£210???? And he was allowed to wear them outdoors??! I buy the £10 wellies from Millets or Brantano and they last about 2 or 3 years.

>Rabid - thanks for that. I've tried those on, Tack boot, I think.

No, not the Tack boot ones (although I think they might be similar), but the Trent boots - google them.  They are green and not weird colours at least.

I now have the Tay Sport, which are much heavier, but have better grip and are better insulated.

> £210???? And he was allowed to wear them outdoors??! I buy the £10 wellies from Millets or Brantano and they last about 2 or 3 years

LOL :) You're not the only one who wouldn't spend that sort of money on a pair of boots (nor any item of clothing) :) :) But then I have a husband who will spend that on a drill (or three) :) :) :)

Love my hunters, and they've lasted through all sorts :)

> You're not the only one who wouldn't spend that sort of money on a pair of boots (nor any item of clothing) :-) :-)

Ditto, I tend to have a £30 limit on footwear and £20 on any other outerwear, and about a £5 on underwear (expect to get a weeks worth of knickers for that though), LOL.

Aigle Parcours Vario here, money well spent.  They're now 4 years old and have done me well over a couple of hours/day.  We often go for long 8-10mile walks and I preffer them to my walking boots.  Great grip and ankle support as they're built on a walking boot sole.

Still look like new (except for the gloss paint marks!)

Muck Boots don't stay brightly coloured for long. They soon revert to mud coloured so don't worry that they might be a bit bright.

Le Chameau and Aigle. I have serious problems with my feet and need Wellies with a thick tread. My Le Chameau have served me well for 13 years but I bought top of the range Aigle two years ago because I needed a second pair of wellies for other reasons.

£210???? And he was allowed to wear them outdoors??!

Love it. Yes, I do allow him to wear them outdoors. I nearly choked when I heard the price, I certainly wouldn't pay that for wellies but hey ho ......

Mine are tack boots and I have found the fit ok.  Can I suggest you maybe go to an equestrian type shop as generally they have a good selection of all sorts to look at then order on line.  (Especially the independent ones rather than the chains)

I have never got on with wellies as always found them so uncomfortable and could never walk in them. Husband got aigles and he uses them on the shoot and said really warm, dry and comfortable. My friend got some and said the same, so I gave in and spent my cash and bought some... they are fab. Really comfotable under the sole to walk in, the ankles are really well supported and they don't feel like you are wearing wellies at all.

My husband is rally hard on shoes and had his about 8 years before replacing, bearing in mind he wore them for walking dogs in, and out shooting. Mine have lasted much longer. Worth every penny!

I went welly shopping today - I was sick and tired of drying out my proper walking boots!  Even alternating between two pairs of walking boots they just aren't getting dry enough and I feel I'm in danger of ruining them.  So I need a pair of wellington boots that feel as much like walking boots as possible, good grip, slim ankles, with cushioned suspension as most of my dog walks are cross country over uneven surfaces.

I tried Hunters but they definitely aren't the quality they used to be and they felt flimsy, I liked Barbour which felt similar to the way Hunters used to but they are a bit slim in the leg for me (OK for you though I should imagine) but I didn't feel as if they'd be comfortable for long dog walks.  I tried several other 'nearly Hunter' types but nothing felt right til I reached the Aigle Parcours selection!!!

I preferred the Aigle Parcours Vario with the extra width in the calf (so much easier when tucking in jeans or walking trousers) but you could easily manage the standard width calf, the standard fitted me but I really prefer a bit of extra room.  I tried the Iso version with the Neoprene linings but thought that I might overheat in them, although if I thought I was going to be doing a lot of standing or waiting around that's what I'd choose.  All the bumph about these boots emphases the comfort angle and the 2012 version says "with it's triple density sole, the new Parcours boot gives unrivalled comfort and allows you to walk for much longer without getting tired"

So the upshot is that I bought the Vario Parcours - a boot they say is inspired by specialist knowledge of walking - and I chose one size smaller than I expected.  I paid £99 at Mole Valley Farmers but with a bit of clever shopping around you can find them at £75 ish although that may be a previous version? (May need to check).   I decided to buy on the spot as I didn't want another day of damp socks :)

Oh and for what it's worth you could try Countrywide Farmers if you have them nr you as they certainly sell Aigle and they also had Ariat mudbusters too which are nice.  I didn't spot Le Chameau but I already had my boots by then and wasn't really looking.  Good luck, I'm really looking forward to trying mine.

Definitely agree about Aigle Parcours - absolutely brilliant!  (I have the standard Parcours, not the Vario).  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I never believed 'wellies' could be so comfortable and so good for proper walking over wet muddy fields and through wet muddy woods, but they are!  I wish I had bought them ages ago - like you, dogs a babe, I was sticking to my walking boots but getting fed up with soaking wet trousers 5 mins after setting off.  Wearing the Aigle Parcours I genuinely forget that I am wearing wellies rather than walking boots - they feel so similar to a good walking boot and grip so well.  I even (successfully) risked ordering mine online from the Aigle site - £90 odd quid.  Seems a mad price for rubber wellies but if they last I think they are worth every penny.  (Also got free posh socks which are very nice!)  Also the soles do not get clogged up/weighed down with mud which is a bonus.

I hope they last for ages but I am already looking forward to my next pair!

Sorry to rave on about wellies - but I am just so pleased with them - they have really made me look forward to rain sodden winter walks!

Trialist did you get sorted with wellies?

I posted above that I bought a pair of Aigle Parcours and I can honestly give them 10/10!  They are amazingly comfortable across all terrain, I haven't worn anything else since the day I got them (and I speak as a committed proper walking boot kind of gal)

...bloomin' good job too as most of the fields round here now have 'floating grass'.  Welcome to Somerset if you like a watery view, we now look a bit like a lake house :)

Like Blay I'm very happy to rave about these wellies and I've just ordered my husband a pair

Hi! No didn't get sorted with wllies :-( Other things took priority for time and money. However, we are currently having a tremendous storm here in the Lakes ... think tomorrow morning's dog outing might well bring it back to our thoughts! Will have a look at the parcours, thanks :-)

I've got the Aigle Paracours Vario, these are a slightly different design to the ones dab has... I love love them and realised now that they are a few years old and the soles are good as new!!! :-)

Another vote for Aigle Parcours here!  I got the Iso version since I'm currently a dog walker for other people as well as my own dogs.  Brilliantly comfortable, nice and warm.  I paid £75 for them on Amazon - worth every penny!

How generous are they in the calf area? I currently have Muckboots due to me having "larger" calfs and they are the only boots that seem to cater for that. They only seem to last one winter now before the sole wears out and I want something that lasts longer. I've got some leather boots but with all the mud and water about at the moment think I will have to get some new wellies.

I too am rather larger than average in the calf area and they are fine- can tuck trousers in and still comfortable. I found the shaped ankle a bit close on my normal size ( understatement; didn't think I would ever get them off again!! :) ) next size up is fine. I do have a high instep. Very pleased with them all round- particularly the good deep cleats. Would never buy Hunters again- poor quality now.

Oh blimey. Aigle Parcours ... which one did you get? There's Parcours Vario, Parcours Unisex, Parcours Mens, Parcours ISO! My head is a fairly spinnin'! Ranging from expensive to 2nd mortgage required :-O

Also, how have you found the fit? Normal boot size or have you had to go up/down. Bearing in mind I don't have anywhere local to try, hence the questions! I'm building myself up to action ... but not til I've had a few more coffees!

In expensive shoes I am a size 5 but don't usually buy expensive shoes so end up normally wearing a 6 in most things.  The first pair of Aigle i bought i thought 5.5 would be right but they were too big - I am a 5 in them.  I have big calves too - comes from doing a lot of walking (that's my excuse - feel free to use it) and the parcours vario iso are perfect and v v comfortable.  I'm currently dog walking for 6 hours a day so they have to perform well and do!

I'm usually a 5. In the shop I tried on a 5 and a 6, they didn't do half sizes. The 5 felt "right" with thin socks but I opted for the 6's, which although felt a bit long in the foot I figured with thick socks might be better. Having worn them on one of today's walks I now wish I'd gone with the 5 as I did "slosh" about a bit in them with normal socks. The rubber is much more bendy and pliable than cheap wellies so seems to "give" a bit more, rather than being really rigid. So I'll just have to wear 2 pairs of socks until I need a new pair, which hopefully won't be for a while yet! And I went with the Parcour Varios as my budget wouldn't stretch to the ISOs.

Hi Trialist - don't panic!  Yes, I got a headache when I was trying to decide what to get but I was glad I stuck with it and that I took the plunge and got Aigle.  My Parcours are the Unisex version.  I have small feet (3.5 or 4 usually).  I went for the 4 thinking that I would be wearing thick socks or two pairs and therefore wanted plenty of room in them.  The size 4 was the right size for me but slightly on the extra roomy side so I put in comfy insoles (just bog standard inexpensive ones).  With the insoles in and wearing thickish socks they are perfect and very, very comfy.  Good fit on the ankle too.

My other worry was they would be too long as I am 5' 2" & was worried that they might come too high up the leg for me to be comfortable, but again, no problem, they are fine.

Good luck with your decision!

Sorry - meant to add that I successfully bought mine on line without trying on!  The Aigle home site is helpful and it might be worth 'phoning them for advice re. sizing etc. even if you eventually purchase elsewhere.

Yep Aigle Parcours 2 Vario here but without the neoprene lining - fitted round the ankle and generous in the calf with the adjustable tops.  Do buy a boot remover though as you want a good fit for walking but this makes the boots a little more difficult to get off.

I'm a 39 or 40 depending on manufacturer and bought a 39 in these boots.  My husband is usually a 45 and he bought a 44.

My husband bought the standard Parcours (he has slim calves) and got them from a company called Easy Wellies - amazing customer service, brilliantly helpful on the phone and although we paid for 2-5 day delivery they arrived the very next day!!

Expect to shop around and do check out the offers, some companies offer free socks and or free boot bags.  IF you get a free boot bag that you don't want flog it on eBay for £15- £20.  I think people are buying these for Christmas and they're going for very good money at the moment.  Aigle sell them for £19.99 I think :)  BTW if you're ordering boots online do ring to check stock first - some of the companies have a 2 week waiting list...

I've just realised I lied, or don't know which ones I have.. I have the ISO after checking and they are neoprene lined.
I'm a 5-6 and I got a 5.. Roomy and can sill wear thermal socks but choose not to as my heat get too even on the coldest days!!

Another Aigle fan here, Iso neoprene lined, really comfy and warm.  My only issue is that I find them quite heavy for long walks, maybe due to the decent soles, but wouldn't be without them living in the muddy country.

Yet another fan here, was very disapointed when my Dulop wildlife boots died.  It took a little while to get used to them, have the neoprene lining & if anything I have to wear a thinner sock as they are almost too warm. There jackets are great too, very warm but not heavy.

My calves must be xtra large :( as I got the Aigles Parcours vario ISP and the plain Parcours on but only with my jeans outside the welly...
and that was with the sides expanded they were welded to my calves with no room to stuff the jeans inside the boot..sigh
But other than that they did feel very very comfortable on the feet.
Sigh back to the drawing board for me....

Do you really need wellies or something longer then the woowoofs ?
I can't wear any sort of wellies and recently bought these
http://www.harryhall.co.uk/Snow-Boot/eiger-snowboot.aspx

Really comfy, warm with removable wahanle liners and so far have kept
me dry
Shop around because prices do vary 

I rather like my Gill deck wellies - bought for a sailing holiday, but they work just as well for tramping round the fields!

I have been following this topic avidly as the 'storm Wells' wellies which I bought in July have already split. Anyway I have just splashed ot (ha ha0 £115 on some Aigle ones from Counrtywide.

I have just bought a new pair of La Chameau welliels, last pair last over 10yrs, wear them contant in winter. neoprene lining. not cheap but worth every penny.

Another fan here, yes they are expensive , but well worth it, have had mine now for over 10 yrs, they are worn every day, winter ,summer,  they have a good grip and good  support  for the feet, unlike many other wellies.

Good price on Amazon  for the middle of the road range....Le Chameau Country Lady Neo £120

Just to say many thanks to the people who've taken the time to post the wealth of info on here, as I'm currently looking for new ones after 2 cheapo pairs started leaking from sole after less than 4 months each.

What no one else has mentioned is height -being tall and after 2 weeks of snow over the tops of my old pair, I'm looking for something full height, ie at least 16", and preferably light as well as I have chronic anaemia and tire easily - I note comments that the Aigle are heavier than average.  Any suggestions?  I think I might be seeking the impossible perfect pair tho!