WITH a change of season just around the corner and much of Australia experiencing torrential rain and floods, now is the perfect time to share my thoughts on a new pair of boots.
I once thought “gum boots” were uncomfortable and impractical for fishing. And I was probably right. That’s because the old style of cheap plastic boot were unsuitable for walking longer distances, made your feet cold in winter and were slippery on wet river stones or boat ramps. The alternative was spending a few more dollars and buying a higher end product designed for sailing. These were okay on the boat, but not so great for shore based fishing, in the mud, or around slippery boat ramps.
Thankfully these days we have more choice and probably the best option for an all-round all-weather boot is from The Original Muck Boot Company. Muck Boots have a solid reputation amongst fishos and hunters in the US and have a range of boots suitable for wearing in all weather conditions. These boots have had years of refining in tough, cold environments. They’re tough boots, they’re warm and very comfortable for long days shore based fishing. The outer soles are also less slippery than cheaper boots and incredibly grippy in the mud or wet grass.
The Chore model I’ve been wearing features a steel cap, which may be an overkill for fishing, but makes for a versatile boot for working around the yard, or if you’re a tradesman, on the worksite. They also feature a steel shank for additional arch support and are triple reinforced in the toe area and quadruple reinforced in the heel area. They’re obviously tough and very supportive boots!
The boots also feature a stretchy neoprene upper making them easy to get on and off and more flexible while kneeling down and walking around. The 5mm neoprene is also fully waterproof and keeps your feet and legs nice and toasty.
The boot itself is made from tough rubber material and feels very solid with all the reinforcement mentioned above.
The boots feel reasonably heavy, although light enough when they’re on your feet.
With more rain expected and the cooler months ahead, I can see the Chore boots from Muck being a useful addition to my fishing arsenal while boating and shore based fishing.
