Hunter wellies - which ones?

Hunter wellies - which ones?

Author
Discussion

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,441 posts

233 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
A bit of an odd and rather trivial subjct I know but with the amount of potential mud and sludge theres likely to be at Goodwood this weekend I've decided I need some wellies. Hunter are the only make I know that are decent but I hate those floppy wellies that cramp your feet and blister your calves. This in mind what Hunter wellies do I need as theres a multitude of types/styles for a bit of comfort (walking around all day) along with grip.

Burrow01

1,802 posts

191 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Found Hunters to be fairly poor quality and uncomfortable to be honest

I have some Seeland wellies, neoprene lined warm and comfortable and cheaper than Hunters

www.wellieboots.com is a good place to get them

The Don of Croy

5,975 posts

158 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Check out the French manufacturers - le chameau etc etc

Good wellies, can be walked in, worth paying for IMHO. Any decent outfitter should help (google is your friend).

13th

3,169 posts

212 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Burrow01 said:
Found Hunters to be fairly poor quality and uncomfortable to be honest
I agree, I now never wear mine after weeks of trying to break them in.

In desperation I bought a cheapy pair from the local garden center and they are great.

superlightr

12,842 posts

262 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Strange
my first set of Hunters wellys were in about 1982 - very comfy, worked in them on a farm for long hours. Have a new pair from about 5 years ago but just wear them occasionaly now so cant comment on comfort for any length of time.

Shame to hear if they have gone down hill.

Saddle bum

4,211 posts

218 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
I once bought a pair of Barbour green studded Hunters.

They lasted 30 outings before they failed.

Barbour treated me with contempt when I complained.

I now use Aigle ISOs. Brill.

OldJohnnyYen

1,455 posts

148 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Fashion victim!

jogon

2,971 posts

157 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Hunters (Originals) have become a st shadow of their previous incarnation (all changed when they went bust IIRC)
Same goes for Oliver Sweeney shoes after they were 'rescued' by a private equity group.

LotusMartin

1,112 posts

151 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
jogon said:
Same goes for Oliver Sweeney shoes after they were 'rescued' by a private equity group.
Don't talk to me about Oliver Sweeney - used to love their boots, now there customer service is 'second to everyone'. Their range now also looks like everyone else's - whats the point in that? What a waste! aarrgghhhh

I'll never go back

jogon

2,971 posts

157 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
LotusMartin said:
Don't talk to me about Oliver Sweeney - used to love their boots, now there customer service is 'second to everyone'. Their range now also looks like everyone else's - whats the point in that? What a waste! aarrgghhhh

I'll never go back
Yep. They also fall apart alot quicker than they used too - Quality has gone way down hill.

Dusty964

6,919 posts

189 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Aigle is the answer to the question.

Far better quality than Hunters.


Mobile Chicane

20,737 posts

211 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Dusty964 said:
Aigle is the answer to the question.

Far better quality than Hunters.
These are what my gardener wears. Since he's on his feet all day in all weathers, he ought to know.

Hollywood Wheels

3,689 posts

229 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
I purchased my (expensive) Hunters 6 years ago. I still can't wear them for long periods now without rubbing and blisters. I'll never buy Hunters again, utter c**p.

madbadger

11,555 posts

243 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Have a look at Muck boots too.

Far better than Hunters.

Harry Flashman

19,283 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
We had a thread about this, and the consensus was that Wellie snobbery is a bit pointless. If you shoot every day, or are in the field every day, a £300 pair of Le Chameaus is fine. Otherwise, total overkill.

I still shoot in my 15 year old Hunters, of the most basic spec. They are absolutely fine, comfy as anything, and still going strong. The Balmorals (at £80 or so) are a bit more comfy, probably better for something like Goodwood, where you'll do more walking around - but to be honest, a size overlarge (my Hunters are an 11 to my size 10) and cheap memory foam insoles £2 off ebay) have kept me very happy.

Fit is more important than brand. I have found with wellies that going oversize, and sticking in an insole works to the best comfort if wearing thinck socks and tucking your trousers in.

Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 27th June 12:33

Harry Flashman

19,283 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
PS - I believe, if buying the basic Hunters, you should only buy the green, dark brown or black - the other "fashion" colours are I believe made overseas in an inferior factory, hence the complaints about quality. Might want to check on this though...

Agrispeed

988 posts

158 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Mobile Chicane said:
Dusty964 said:
Aigle is the answer to the question.

Far better quality than Hunters.
These are what my gardener wears. Since he's on his feet all day in all weathers, he ought to know.
These, all the farmers I know have either these, or dunlop puroforts, which are insulated, and spung(ish)

very light, warm and well shaped. and I spend all day in one of the two (Aigle don't do steels, so I have dunlops for livestock).

They might be a tad expensive, but don't skimp on them, cause you'll hate walking anywhere in a cheap pair.

Animal

5,246 posts

267 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
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SWMBO got a pair of Hunters at Christmas and they're already worn out and leaking. Avoid!

theironduke

6,995 posts

187 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
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I've got a pair of Hunter Neoprene jobbies, no complaints, can wear them all day in the winter when i'm shooting and they are spot on.

B.J.W

5,782 posts

214 months

Wednesday 27th June 2012
quotequote all
Le Chemeau 'Le Chasseur'

The best pair of wellies you can buy. Mine will outlast me - unlike my previous Hunters... which didn't. I got 2 seasons out of the latter. The quality with Hunter is not what it was. Aigle would be my second choice, but in any event my advice would be to buy the best pair you can afford.