While the rain we’re experiencing isn’t really the run-outside-and-jump-in-puddles kind, few things might be more comforting during this extremely wet season than a pair of gumboots.
Fashion stylist Rhys Ripper says growing up on a farm, he found gumboots so handy he would often venture out only in socks, jocks and gumboots. As long as you’ve got gumboots on, he says, “you can run outside and feed the chooks or grab some firewood” without a worry in the world.
But not all gumboots are created equal. To avoid, very literally, getting stuck in the mud there are a few features to look out for.
The first thing to ensure is that your gumboots have slip-resistant soles and good tread. Tread is the first thing farmer Andrew Joy looks at when assessing a good boot. He says: “Hiking-style treads are preferable because they offer better grip and protection.”
The next thing to consider is the length of the boot, do you want Kate Moss at Glastonbury knee-high boots? Or easier to style for the city, ankle-height ones?
The first thing to think about is protection. Ripper says knee-high gumboots offer protection for your calves but also, importantly, your trousers. He says, “tucking the pants in is important” for fashion reasons (to show off your boots) but also to “keep your pants dry”.
The second is movement. A knee-high boot made of PVC or rubber can compromise your ability to flex your ankle. One way to avoid this is by opting for shorter boots, with neoprene sidewalls. Joy says he wears a “neoprene mid-height style as it provides better manoeuvrability and is not as stiff against the leg”.
Knee-high boots can be tricky to take on and off, and sometimes this can compromise the fit around your foot. Michael Hatfield, of safety boot manufacturer Bata Industrials, says you need to find the right balance between the boot being large to get your foot in but still tight enough for a comfortable fit.
Podiatrist Tanya Contis says fit is especially important, because if your boots are too loose “you will be inclined to clench your toes to stop your foot from moving around”, which can cause painful blisters and calluses.
When contemplating fit, she says: “Your feet will swell throughout the day, so if your boots are snug when you put them on in the morning, chances are by the end of the day they will be too small.” Other things to consider are how supportive and structured the sole is – whether or not it has adequate arch support, and if there is cushioning inside the shoe.
Contis’ preference is for ankle-length boots with a neoprene lining. She says the length makes them easier to pull on and off and the lining helps keep the foot insulated. Both of these things are particularly important if you’re buying gumboots for kids.
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In terms of materials, gumboots are typically made of either PVC or rubber. Natural rubber tends to be more flexible and comfortable to wear than PVC, and it is more durable, particularly if it’s undergone a hardening called vulcanisation. However, rubber is also much heavier and more expensive than PVC.
Hatfield says boots made from PVC are more commonly used for protective gear and can come with features like safety toecaps and anti-penetration midsoles to protect against sharp objects piercing the sole.
Ultimately, the right pair of boots will depend on what you need them for.
The farmer’s pick
For mid-calf protection, insulation and flexibility through the ankle, Joy recommends the Bogs Classic Ultra Mid Farm ($149.95). The boot is lined with lightweight fabric that will absorb sweat and has been tested in sub-zero temperatures so you can be sure your foot will stay warm and dry.
The podiatrist’s pick
Australian gumboot designers Merry People have made an extremely versatile ankle-length boot. Contis says she has seen the Bobbi Gumboot ($149.95) worn on the farm and in the city, and it comes in a variety of fun colours. If fit is your priority, this is a good option as these boots have arch support and generous tread. They are also lined with neoprene for added warmth and flexibility. Plus Merry People have a super cute kids range.
The fashion pick
Ripper recommends this stylish but functional knee-high boot by Hunter (approximately $225). The style originated in England in 1956 and has been worn by everyone from Kate Moss to Diana, Princess of Wales. It is made of vulcanised natural rubber and is designed for the rain. For something shorter, Hunter also make a super chic, waterproof Chelsea boot.
The pick for kids
Penny Scanlan make these short gumboots for kids ($39.95). They have a cotton lining, a slip-resistant sole and a toe guard.
The heavy-duty pick
The Bata Knee Length Steel Cap Safety Gumboots ($32.50) wear their features in the title. They are made of PVC, have a reinforced heel, a steel toe cap and are resistant to oil and acid. Plus, they are made in Australia.
