As all the clocks have recently turned back an hour, it is the signal that we are drawing towards the cold and wet English winter which means temperatures are dropping fast and the ground is often wet! Now is a great time to stock up your boots and wellies before the Christmas shopping rush. Where is the best shoe shop to look online? Hirst Footwear would be a great place to start.
Hirst Footwear is a family-run footwear business established in 1983, with a wide product range for all your needs to keep you looking fabulous, warm-blooded and wallet happy winter after winter. They also offer free delivery and returns.
Since having our buddy dog Mabel, I have been scouring for some proper waterproof walking boots for this wet weather. Shoes play such an important part in our lives. We walk in them, jump in them, they protect our feet and keep us warm and cosy. So, for my requirements, the boots have to go with everything and keep an outfit looking polished and sophisticated. As for boot length, I prefer it to be a shorter boot as I have a big calf and struggle to wear taller boots. They should be comfortable for my wide flat feet.
After looking for a while, I found these Bogs Crandall II Mid Zip boots that are 100% waterproof and has an algae-based EVA footbed that helps clean polluted water habitats. As mentioned earlier, I have big and flat feet, so I went for a bigger size. I am a size 7 but I prefer a slightly looser fit with a size 8. These boots feel true to size and I can wear thicker socks for keeping my toes warm.
The boots are constructed with 3MM Neo-Tech waterproof insulation and have rebound cushioning. Inside the boots, the DuraFresh natural bio-technology activates to fight odours and keep feet dry. The outsoles are well made and slip-resistant. There is a zip fastening on the lateral side of the boot which is easy to use. I do find the fold around the zip slightly uncomfortable as the materials are slightly thick for my liking. Hopefully, I’ll get used to it.
There is a loop at the back of the boot to help you to easily wear or remove the boot. It is quite handy after a muddy walk. I love that even though we went into the shallow stream, my feet remained warm and dry as they are waterproof.
These boots are well made, flexible and breathable. They also look very stylish that I can wear with jeans or casual trousers. So what would you wear with these? Or, like me, do have any difficulties buying the right boots?
Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.