Hoggs of Fife: Field Sport Neoprene wellies: quality issues

[Cyres]

I purchased a pair of these from Game and Country just prior to the first lockdown. I was initially impressed by the boot it seemed sturdy had a vibram sole and fitted well. Ideal winter wet weather foxing boot. Initial wear was very good but after a couple of months of winter use the R boot started to leak. Also the R heel bed appeared to have collapsed. I had to contact the vendor and Hoggs and they were eventually returned to Hoggs and deemed faulty and I received a refund.

In September 2021 I decided to buy another pair this time from Cambers Country Store. I didn't wear them much until the winter and on New Years day a wet and muddy dog walk ended up with another wet R foot. Again the R heel bed appears to have collapsed. Overall they looked almost as new. Anyway returned to Cambers a couple of weeks ago and received full refund.

I find it hard to believe I could have been unlucky to get two leaking R boots and although I weigh 105 kg I don!t thing the heel beds should collapse.

Looking at reviews on here I decided to try a pair of Skellerup Quatro sports and Stroud Farm Services kindly ordered in some for me to try. Despite being size 10 I felt best in a pair of size 9.

They look to be a very good boot but as yet unworn due to the very dry ground conditions at present.

I was very impressed by Stroud Farm Services and they hold a huge stock of a variety of wellingtons and foot wear.

D

 

[Free range rob]

I didn’t get to find out what mine were like, ordered the same size as I’ve always worn and when they turned up were more like 2 sizes too big, so passed them onto a mate.
Bought a pair of Dunlop purofort and bugger me had exactly the same issues (hence I’m rapidly going off internet shopping).
Have now fitted those with a massive pair of insoles but really they are still too big so only get occasional use and for an hour or so at a time, would rub your feet raw if worn all day.
Had to get a decent pair of boots for shooting so went to a shop and tried on aigle and le chameau, both fitted like a glove in my usual size but aigle felt so much better, very happy with those so far

 

[Cottis]

You won't go wrong with Skellerup. I have the standard Quatro insulated ones (not the sport) and am still on the same pair from years back.

I don't know how many miles I have done in them through fields, forests etc but I can say I have also dug many thousands of holes with them metal detecting, and still no discernable wear on them. They are filthy though having never been cleaned. They are also bloody warm and you can happily just wear thin socks in them even on the coldest nights.

It seems to be a challenge to destroy them. A challenge I cannot complete. They are designed for Kiwi dairy farmers. They also have convex soles with the outer lugs basically meaning you cannot slip even on crap covered concrete that farmers experience. They are a proper boot.

 

[Free range rob]

You won't go wrong with Skellerup. I have the standard Quatro insulated ones (not the sport) and am still on the same pair from years back.

I don't know how many miles I have done in them through fields, forests etc but I can say I have also dug many thousands of holes with them metal detecting, and still no discernable wear on them. They are filthy though having never been cleaned. They are also bloody warm and you can happily just wear thin socks in them even on the coldest nights.

It seems to be a challenge to destroy them. A challenge I cannot complete. They are designed for Kiwi dairy farmers. They also have convex soles with the outer lugs basically meaning you cannot slip even on crap covered concrete that farmers experience. They are a proper boot.

Do us a favour, stick a few pics on of them, and how do they fit for size, sound like just the job for me

 

[Cottis]

Do us a favour, stick a few pics on of them, and how do they fit for size, sound like just the job for me

Size wise, I would say they are about true to size, maybe ever so slightly on the large side. They are surprisingly supportive given the flex that you get in wellies. The outer material is very tough but still has the sort of give you associate with wellies. Mine are still 100% waterpoof and cold proof. My only complaint is that they can get a bit warm but you can get non insulated ones. I don't really like wellies. They are just a necessity for the winter months when everything is soggy. As soon as I can get in to proper boots, I jump at the chance.

Coupla pics below I just took as been over to the farm, so they are in the back of the truck. They used to be black. They are now some kind of stained mud colour . The soles really are stand out quality. They grip but at the same time lose mud really easily. Bit like proper off road mud tyres. They don't gum up. They also have heel lugs on, so you can pull them off easily by treading on the back of your heel, rather than actual standing on the rear of the welly outer.

 

[Free range rob]

Thanks, just ordered a pair for farm duties

 

[Wilsonm0116]

I had my pair off Hoggs for years and they where great. Would have another pair no problem I thought I’d give Harkilla a go this time cause the price was right and I wanted full side zip so far so good.