New boots

[doris]

My Dubarrys are getting to the end of their life, also they never had any grip on dry teak.
Of the array of breathable boots out there, all of which seem to cost a bit over £200, has anyone got any strong views as to what to avoid etc?

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

I would swear by Dubarrys. Yours may have lost their "grippyness" through long use. If the uppers are in reasonable condition why not have them re-soled. I sent mine back to Dubarry in Ballinasloe and they charged 60 Euro (about£ 40) +p&p. Even with the additional cost of posting them from London this is considerably less than the cost of a new pair. It did take about 4 weeks so better done off-season. You can find the email address of their Customer Service Dept on their website. For ongoing upkeep and waterproofing see the other current thread on this subject.

 

[sailorman]

we have Dubarry Newports very light & supple would buy again

 

[michael_w]

Attack the soles with a bit of coarse sandpaper. Does wonders for non slip on dry teak.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I would swear by Dubarrys.

+1

Pete

 

[bromleybysea]

My Dubarrys are the best bit of wearing kit I've ever bought. Putting them on is like a tender caress from a beautiful woman. Or at least the nearest I'll get to it these days.

 

[concentrik]

Putting them on is like a tender caress from a beautiful woman.

Next time my beautiful woman offers me a tender caress I'll mention that it reminds me of pulling on a couple of old boots..... I'll let you know how I get on. If I survive.

 

[bromleybysea]

 

[doris]

So no one has any comments about the Henry Lloyd or Musto breathable boots? They look the biz bit I don't know anyone who has them.

 

[raven]

These are good

http://www.crocs.co.uk/crocs-greeley/11483,en_GB,pd.html?cid=261&q=boot

 

[jellyellie]

You know what, I had a pair of Henri Lloyd boots to start with. Leather ones, pretty chunky, really warm, great grip. Loved them but they were a bit too big though so I sold them (hadn't worn them much) and bought a pair of Dubarry Ultimas, because they fitted so well. I'm not impressed. They are so thin that my feet are the first, and often only, things to get cold. And everyone has them! I think I may sell them on and try something different.

 

[Fire99]

Musto HPX got a good review in Practical Boat Owner but I'd always want to try them on first before buying. I wasn't overwhelmed by Dubarry either.

 

[Daydream believer]

I am quite happy with my Gill long boots
Miles cheaper. but when boots are not needed i would always wear my Dubarry deck shoes

 

[gcostell]

Was passing the Dubarry factory this week and handed my Fastnet boots in for repair (one had a slight tear, my own fault). Thet took the boots and my address, will repair and post, no charge. Great service. Boots are really comfortable, would buy again.

 

[tokoloshe]

Ian Dury had a sailing girlfriend.

She always recommended "New Boots and Panties".

 

[john_morris_uk]

I too have had my Dubarry boots resoled and relined by the factory. Very well done and I don't EVER remember having cold feet when wearing them. Even when sailing in the snow...

 

[dunedin]

Another Dubarry fan - and SWMBO even more so

 

[JALDI]

Had my Dubarrys for 10 years & intend to get them re-soled by Dubarry as back up second pair. Currently have the Henry Lloyd Ocean Extreme boot which I am very pleased with & they are guaranteed for life. Warm, dry, comfortable & easy to pull on with tab at back. They have little elastic inserts at top, which aids getting them on too. Excellent non-slip soles for good grip on deck & integral metal rod reinforces upper foot to keep shape & not sag. I also like them being a little higher than my Dubarry boots. I think they cost approx £160 in 2010 (a present) and you can still get them at Mailspeed Marine for similar price, see http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/sailing-clothing.bhtml, although I believe they may be discontinued now. It would be ideal to try any boots on for size and fit, especially if you have big calfs, before purchase if you can & inspect the quality of materials and manufacture. I'd strongly recommend them & I think they'll last as well as the Dubarrys. Good luck with your search & let us know what you finally choose.

 

[Ru88ell]

A question for all you Dubarry wearers. Do they come up big or small? I'm thinking of treating 'er indoors to a pair, since she's about to discover that she's going boating through the winter. Should we go up half a size to allow for thick socks?

 

[uxb]

I got my 15 year old Dubarrys boots refurbed and am very happy with the service and the boots,never had cold, damp feet in all the time I've had them. Hopefully they will last me out.

I've been told the new boots can't be re soled which is a real shame.