Full description not available
F**T
Not the worst boots I've ever worn
Review written after approx. 7 weeks use, and updated (added to the end of the review) a few days later.I have mixed feelings about these boots. I'd have sent them back the moment I took them out of the box if I wasn't in need of boots ASAP.* Firstly: they're very long!I find that size 8 boots from almost any manufacturer fits well (one exception being Bates' Zero Mass Desert Boots - which are awful IMO), but these are weirdly long. They're a little sloppy around the whole boot, which leads me to suggest they run around ½ a size large. That would still leave them longer than "normal".* Secondly: the sole is moulded TPU, not "Gum Rubber" as stated in the description (at my time of ordering).The supposedly rubber sole was actually one of the reasons I chose these, but as I already said, I was in need of boots and couldn't afford the time it'd take to return and replace.The grip isn't actually that bad. Actually very good on all dry terrain, but a little bit slippy on solid wet terrain.They're abysmal on mud! The heel slides from beneath me almost every step! >.<We've had a little frost recently, and they've not been too bad on that, but I feel far from confident. Walking on an icy road was an unpleasant experience.The sole is also very squashy/soft, which for a "Guaranteed Tough®" work boot is a terrible idea! If I needed to "adjust" *cough* something with my foot, either I or my boot is likely going to get hurt.It's very much like a Dr. Martens sole.The tread also collects a lot of mud and little stones get trapped, and the compacted mass holds on tight. This reduces traction, increases weight, and once the mud has dried it does actually let go, and ends up all over the place! I've not had to sweep up behind me so often with any other boot I can remember.* Thirdly: the leather is quite thin.Again, for a work boot, this is a terrible choice. It's nice and supple, and appears to be good quality, but offers almost no protection from bangs and pokes.The waterproof layer/booty reaches to where the tongue gusset stops (just above the last lace "hole" (not "hook")) and works very well.My feet have remained dry through all kinds of wet from above and below, and they aren't horribly sweaty and/or hot. The leather dries out reasonably quickly after being thoroughly wetted, which is not usually the case with "waterproof and breathable" boots. This is one good thing about the thin and soft leather.* Fourthly: the manufacturing process leaves solid knots of purposefully melted thread right where you don't want them!The way the seams are finished, creates a little knot with the stray thread ends melted back to the knot. Then where several layers of material meet, each with several rows of stitching and prebuilt seams already in place, the quantity of these little knots gets very noticeable.On my left boot, the balls of melted thread at the intersection of the tongue gusset and inside ankle were so pronounced - it hurt!It was bad enough that I would have usually simply sent them back (but...). I ended up cutting into the seams around the tongue, removing fabric and thread bit by bit until all the protrusions were removed.This action (under UK trade laws) has invalidated any claim I may have against DeWalt or Amazon (the seller).If one has to "customise" one's footwear to make it tolerably comfortable - it sucks.* Having opted to keep the boots even though they were obviously not good (because...) I have to admit that I have had worse.That's not saying much, but it's true.The ankle support isn't bad considering the relatively low profile and soft leather, and they're quite comfortable (after cutting the lumps out).I find they tend to force me to slap my feet, which is annoying. The issue is that there's an obvious forward leaning rake (the inside is going downhill away from me) which throws the foot forward.I find I need to over tighten them to keep my feet from slipping about inside, which might be solved by ordering a size smaller? This tightness gets uncomfortable for a while, then relaxes again leaving the boot a little loose! >.<It's very difficult to make them fit.Q: Would I buy them again?A: NO.Q: If they were on special offer?A: Nope.Q: If they were free?A: I suppose they'll do while I look for something better.Q: Would I recommend them?A: I can think of many people I would recommend them to, but nobody I like ;-)They're not completely awful, but there are much better options (they're just really hard to find).I will be replacing these at the earliest opportunity.UPDATE - 7th Dec 2016:Something broke inside one of the soles and now cracks/snaps (and pops!) with every step. It is driving me crazy, but hopefully my replacement boots will arrive tomorrow, and save me from completely losing my sh*t!I had two pairs of Scruffs boots that suffered the same problem many years ago. They never stopped clicking 'till the day they died.I will video record an autopsy for upload once I am satisfactorily reshod.UPDATE - 24th Dec 2016:Unfortunately the replacements I ordered were excessively large and had to be returned. I am stuck with these for a while longer.I am pleased to report though that after about a week of sole clicking, my various attempts to manipulate the soles to make it stop succeeded!The hunt for better boots continues...UPDATE - 3rd Feb 2017:I've set my sights on some rather expensive boots, so cannot replace these for a longer while than I'd like.The inner soles are already worn through at the heal.As is typical of "breathable" (LOL), "waterproof" (TRUE) boots, they're starting to smell mouldy. If they don't have enough time to fully air dry between uses, this is pretty much unavoidable.The ridiculous lack of useful tread (especially on the heel) is proving extremely frustrating this wet and muddy winter.The leather is remarkably good and standing up really well to the weather.The clicking in the sole became an occasional crunching.UPDATE - 18th May 2017:They're surprisingly still mostly waterproof and the leather hasn't cracked or split at all without any care taken to help it. I have to somewhat begrudgingly say I'm impressed by that alone. The poor excuse for a tread is wearing away at a reasonable rate. The innersoles have disintegrated and the boots stink moldy (a typical feature of leather boots with a waterproof lining). They're still horribly uncomfortable to walk in and far too soft to be sensible for use as a safety boot.I was hoping to have replaced them long ago, but due to many other financial responsibilities and concerns I have remained stuck with them.
A**N
great boots so far
bought as present for son he said best boots he has had as a personal comment (far to costly for workware that should be zero rated)
A**R
Great work boots
Very good boots for heavy work or garden use
P**E
Excellent buy.
Excellent service , quality and value ! Highly recommend.
W**C
Comfortable and sturdy
Comfortable straight out of the box. Seem really well made. And I think they look good too (wife disagrees…)
C**R
Amazing
Bought these on a recommendation from a friend. I can honestly say I'm glad I did buy them. Comfortable straight out of the box, waterproof, bonus for the winter...im a size 8 and bought an 8, fit perfectly. I cannot recommend these boots enough. I've had them a few mo ths now and have left my review until I could see how they performed, I am more than happy with their performance (as boots go). So if your looking for sturdy waterproof boots buy these 100%
D**N
Perfect product.
Excellent service.
P**N
Best boots ever!!!
This is the second pair I bought and no wearing in, great steel toe cap boots with added metal within the sole
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
1 week ago