If there is one type of men’s footwear that has no substitute, it’s the humble muck boot. Although many styles of leather and nylon uppers are manufactured with water-resistant linings, no boot is 100% waterproof unless made from some sort of rubber, neoprene, or PVC. But that doesn’t mean a pair of galoshes has to be less comfortable than your well-worn cowhide trail boots. In fact, for watery environments, they usually offer superior fit and performance. Here are three styles of wellies that will keep your feet dry and fully supported when the creek rises.
Full-Height Uppers
Last thing anyone needs when wading the swamp or marsh is to step in a hole deeper than their boot top. An upper height of 15 to 18 inches will give over-the-calf protection in just about any situation. Neoprene and PVC are both totally waterproof, but neoprene also provides considerable thermal protection in cold weather, whereas PVC is better suited to temperate climates.
Shorties
You don’t need a full-height boot for working in the yard or padding around a garden. Waterproof ankle boots with an 8- to 10-inch upper will give complete protection without unnecessary bulk or weight. Shorties are easier to slip on and off and super handy to keep next to the mudroom door for quick jaunts to the mailbox or when walking the dog on wet mornings.
Deck Boots
A pair of waterproof deck boots is essential for commercial and recreational fishermen alike. While most freshwater sport fishermen might simply opt for a pair of sandals or topsiders, offshore and nearshore angling can get a lot sloppier than the average Tuesday night bass tournament. For those situations, consider investing in a deck boot with an upper of about 6 to 10 inches and a no-slip, non-marking sole that can be safely worn aboard any recreational vessel.
