In Defence Of The Gum Boot.

The poor old Wellington boot is getting a harsh rap in fashion circles these days.  I have decided that someone needs to come to the defense of what is one of my favourite types of footwear. (And I am a shoe girl so that's saying something.)

I think the whole issue has started because of the way the gumboot has creeped into urbanwear.  I may be a bit behind the times as I only noticed this last August.  The Farmer and I were in Copenhagen and every second Danish uber babe was rocking a pair of Hunter gumboots.  I must admit I scoffed at first as I thought it was a bit ridiculous.  And then I ruined two pairs of shoes after walking around very wet cobblestoned streets.  If I had been there any longer I would have found myself a pair of cheap gumboots...

Here on The Farm we all have a pair. In rural WA we don't tend to refer to them as Wellies, rather gumboots or even waterboots.  Whatever their name, I am a huge fan.  So much so that I have two pairs.  One for summer and one for winter.  Or light and heavy duty if you like!

The summer pair are Target cheapies.  They are three quarter length and are mainly worn for snake protection when I am in the garden or at the chooks.  They are classics in a monochrome print (because the chooks care about these things...).

Here they are - gumboots worn in summer mode.

Gumboots.

For heavy duty winter wear I have brought out the big guns.  On my English mother-in-law's advice, I took the plunge this winter and bought myself the Hunters.  (She said her last pair lasted 30 years - I like longevity in a work boot.)  Now, given that I have made internet shopping an extreme sport, I would just like to point out that I managed to find a pair online for considerably less than half the retail price in the shops.  We love a bargain here on The Farm.

These boots are the absolute best.  They are super comfy as they have an orthopaedic last.  They are definitely the heavy duty members of the gum boot family.

Look - I take mine off road all the time.

Gumboots - Doing What They Do Best

(Don't tell anyone but I even wear them with skinny jeans and a puffer vest.)

Now I would just like to point out one more feature of gumboots that I have only discovered recently.  They can control the weather.  This year we were desperate for rain.  I decided to get brave and not just think positively but act positively.  Yep - I went shopping.  I bought the whole family new gumboots.  (You can see Farmgirl's here) And you know what?  A few weeks after what I now call The Great Gumboot Buy Up, The Weather Gods smiled and it rained.

So there we go.  The gumboot - what's not to love?

A quick note - no proof for the whole weather thing.  So I have borrowed Elders weather disclaimer.

Long Range Disclaimer

The forecast information contained on the Life In The Country website, while believed to be reasonably made at the time of publication, is subject to change. In particular, 28 day and 12 month rain forecasts, given the range of the forecast, do not contain a guarantee of rain on any day and will contain some degree of inaccuracy. You should always seek updated professional weather advice before taking any action dependent on certain weather conditions prevailing. Liability for any errors or omissions, including that arising as a result of AFW's negligence, (except any statutory liability which cannot be excluded) is excluded by AFW, its associates, officers, directors, employees and agents.

Also - if you want really cute shoes, check out Lovely Jublies Disco Mice. The sparkles are guaranteed to make your day.