I remember days out in the shooting field as a boy with great fondness, either standing with my Dad on the peg or in the beating line. As much as the enjoyment of those times has remained with me, so has the lasting memory of being bloody freezing nearly the whole time. Clad in a waxed jacket and cheapo rubber wellies from the local agricultural suppliers, I remember thinking that if anyone stepped on my foot or I accidentally stubbed a toe, the entire appendage might shatter or drop off.
Fast forward a few - OK, about twenty - years and I went to the very same agricultural store and bought myself a pair of relatively inexpensive leather wellies. The impact of these boots on my enjoyment of days out shooting was almost immeasurable. Not only did they fit comfortably, have good cushioning and keep my feet warm, but because they weren't flapping around on my feet when I moved, my footwork improved and therefore so did my shooting. However, that pair of boots is starting to look a bit tired and there are some cracks in the leather, which will not doubt begin to leak just as soon as the season opens again. So with this in mind, I’ve been looking into some of the best boots on the market, not just for shooting, but an outdoors life in general.
Dubarry of Ireland - The Galway - £329
The Dubarry Galway leather country boot has been a popular choice since the 90s. Combining stylish leather with a robust waterproof design, the Galway ticks all the boxes - warm, comfortable, fashionable and hard wearing and available for both men and women - what more could you ask for?
Le Chameau - Vierzonord - £180
As ubiquitous on the shooting field as a Schoffel gilet, the Vierzonord has quicly become a countryside icon. Combining a rubber shell with an insulating neoprene lining, they're both waterproof and very warm. The adjustable zip-closure means that the fit will always be snug without being too tight, making for great footwork on the peg, while the the padded, grippy sole allows you to walk long distances and stay comfy all day.
Aigle - Parcours 2 - £120 - £310
Hand-made in France, the Aigle Parcours 2 is subtitled 'the antifatigue hunting boot'. This is down to a tri-density rubber sole and an insole made from shock-absorbing foam, lined with Softex, allowing you to walk further without getting tired.
Purdey - Grain Leather Twin Strap Boots - £945
A slight departure from the traditional wellie or field boot, the twin strap is an excellent choice for the shooting field, not only thanks to the beautiful grain leather and Goodyear welted construction for water resistance but also because of the extra ankle support they offer, making them ideal for the grouse moor or some of the more precipitous and rugged high bird shoots.
Arxus - Primo Canvas Zip - £250
Arxus boots were created for use in the challenging landscape and climate of Scandinavia so they're made to stand up to the most extreme conditions. The rubber upper has a canvas covering and a neoprene lining, combined with leather accents, making for a striking as well as practical boot. The full-length zip makes them easy to put on or take off, and for a comfortable, snug fit around the calf.
Brandecosse - The Rubicon - £375
Handmade in the Italy to UK designs, these leather boots have an Alpine stitched, welted construction for excellent waterproofing, while under the glossy leather lies a shearling lambswool lining for warmth and cushioning. Of all the boots listed here, they probably offer the best balance between style, traditional materials and price.
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