SQUIRREL_13330934
Three Things To Know:
- Extreme Performance – These boots are engineered to handle harsh conditions, offering protection and insulation in a wide range of temperatures, from mild warmth to severe cold
- Heritage and Expertise – They come from a long lineage of footwear craftsmanship, with David Foster, whose father and uncle founded Reebok in the 1960s, bringing decades of expertise to the design
- Innovative Materials – Incorporating advanced materials like neoprene, the boots combine flexibility, support, and durability for long-term comfort in challenging environments
Our Rating:
Design and Style
Materials and Build Quality
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing
Check availability at Ebay.
While some of us might be looking for a wellington boot that can get them through a drizzly festival or a short urban dog walk (check out the Merry People Go-Anywhere Wellies), others need a hardy boot that will keep them warm, safe and dry in the harshest of conditions.
The Foster family, behind this line of Grubs boots, have been making footwear since 1776, and David Foster – whose father and uncle founded Reebok in the 1960s – created the company with his wife Jan in 2000. Drawing on a long heritage of craftsmanship and a focus on innovative materials like neoprene, these boots are designed to deliver both comfort and durability, allowing extended wear safely and comfortably even in the most challenging environments.
Let’s see how they held up on muddy, drizzly Autumn walks.
- Price: £129.95
- Made from: Neoprene and rubber blend, BEARPAW slip-resistant outsole with ULTRA-BOUNCE cushioning
- Lining: 8.5mm INSU-FOAM ULTRA™ wrapped 360° around the foot
Design and Style
They’re bulkier than regular boots, so they can feel a bit heavy at first, but the comfort and protection more than make up for it. They are a bit heavier than other technical rubber boots I’ve tried and look a bit out of place in more urban areas, however, these are technical boots made for temperatures ranging from 10°C to minus 40°C.
Overall, they feel thoughtfully designed for tough conditions without sacrificing wearability.
Materials and Build Quality
The outer shell is made of DURAPRENE™ rubber, which gives a tough, weather-sealed barrier. It doesn’t feel overly stiff; there’s some flexibility, which helps in walking. Underfoot, the FOOTFRAME™ system gives structure and support, I can feel that my arch and mid-foot aren’t collapsing during long walks. The sole, the BEARPAW™ dry-rubber with textured “bear paw” tread, grips well. On wet rocks or slushy paths I don’t slide nearly as much as in some cheaper boots.
As for build quality: the edges and joins are clean, and the HARD-TOE™ protection gives confidence around rocks, roots, or accidental bumps. It looks like Grubs have put effort into reinforcing stress points. But I do notice a few weaknesses: some users (especially with regular walking use) report that cracks can appear in the rubber (especially around the toe or upper) after months. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, but “wear and tear” seems to be defined tightly. The deep insulation plus heavy materials mean bulk and weight are real trade-offs.
Comfort and Fit
These boots are built to handle some serious conditions, and the technology behind them really shows. The 8.5mm INSUFOAM-ULTRA™ insulation wraps 360° around my foot, keeping it warm even in temperatures as low as -40°C, which is a game-changer during cold spells. The DURAPRENE™ rubber upper feels tough yet flexible, and the FOOTFRAME™ underfoot system offers solid support, reducing fatigue during long days.
The BEARPAW™ sole, made from DRY-RUBBER™ sheets, grips literally like a bear's paw, making slippery surfaces much easier to navigate. Inside, the ULTRA-BOUNCE™ cushioning absorbs shock, adding to the overall comfort. Plus, the HARD-TOE™ protection gives me peace of mind when working in rugged environments.
I did find these boots came up a little big for my average size 5 feet, which added to a bit of fatigue on a long walk, so it might be worth going down size.
Waterproofing
From the moment I stepped in, my feet stayed dry even in water deep enough to wash over the soles with no leaks and no seepage. The boot’s construction with thick DURAPRENE™ rubber overlays and 360° INSFOAM-ULTRA insulation wrapped around the foot and gave me confidence that the waterproofing isn’t just a superficial coating.
In practice, after a wet walk I rinse off the mud, let them air dry naturally, and occasionally give the rubber parts a light conditioner or protectant to keep them supple. Even after repeated exposure, I haven’t noticed cracking or water getting in at seams or the topline. The grip, thanks to the Bearpaw sole, gives me security on wet rocks and slippery paths, which helps prevent slipping and what would otherwise be dangerous water-splashes from awkward foot placement.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say that after many hours in standing water I still check the inside liners and seams just in case, but so far, zero failure. For someone who needs boots that stay dry in all but the most extreme submersion, these deliver.
Value for money
For the technology put into these boots I think under £130.00 these are the only boots you’ll really need for mild to extreme winter weather.
Sustainability
I like that the natural rubber elements can even be repaired with sealant if they get punctured, so they don’t automatically end up in landfill. That said, I do wish the brand was clearer about where their materials come from and what happens at the end of the boots’ life – neoprene and synthetic linings aren’t exactly eco-friendly, and there’s no recycling scheme I can see.
Should you buy it
If you regularly walk in cold, wet, or slippery conditions, this is a solid buy , the insulation, grip, and protective features make it reliable for serious outdoor use. But if most of your walking is urban or in mild, dry weather, you might find it more boot than you need, bulk, weight, and cost are things to consider first.
Find more in our guide to the best wellington boots.
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