Hunter Original Tall Boots

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Hunter Original Tall Boots Review Facts

The Wellington boot was developed by Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington who led the Brits in the war against Napoleon. Since that time, a decent pair of rain boots have been an essential part of everyone’s wardrobe. Particularly in the UK, where we get the weather for wellies far too often!

While Hunter is an iconic British company, it was initially the brainchild of the American entrepreneur Henry Lee Norris, back in 1937. Once the favorite boot of farmers and outdoor explorers; the Hunter Originals are now a fashion essential and a common sight across social media. With two royal patents and plenty of celebrity fans, these reliable and hardwearing boots have become an iconic style statement. Keep your feet warm and comfortable in the ultra-fashionable Hunter Originals. The boots are well-fitted and exceptionally well made, handcrafted from 28 separate pieces of natural vulcanized rubber. They are said to last a lifetime and come with a pretty hefty price tag to reflect the quality and brand. If you are thinking about investing in a new pair of rain boots for the wet weather season, check out our handy guide below for a quick breakdown of everything that you could consider before purchase.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Fashion must-have
  • Natural vulcanised rubber
  • Orthopaedic fit footbed
  • Cosy neoprene lining
  • 100% waterproof
  • Hunter Original tread pattern for improved grip
  • Flexible

 

 

Cons
  • Decrease in quality
  • Lack of ventilation
  • Expensive compared to other brands

Brand

Hunter is probably the most well-known maker of wellington boots in the world, worn by royalty, celebrities, and farmers alike. First founded back in 1937, they originally opened as the North British Rubber Company. Then during the Second World War, the company gained in popularity as they made footwear for the British soldiers. Each one was assigned rain boots that offered some warmth and protection from the constant damp that was ever present in the trenches.

The company has since become world-renowned for providing top-quality wellington boots that will last a lifetime! Each pair of Hunters is made from 28 hand-cut parts and carefully crafted with the finest attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship. Hunter rain boots are available in a whole host of different styles and types, with wellingtons for men, women, and children. Get a piece of history with rain boots and accessories from this iconic brand. If you are considering investing in some new wellies, the Hunter Originals are the OG Hunter design.

Style

Finishing off the supermodel at a festival look, it is all about the style with the Hunter Originals. Offering a tailored look, they really are insta-worthy rain boots!

The Hunter Originals are available in at least a dozen different colors. With boots in a kaleidoscope of colors to choose from, including everything from the traditional green to bright and funky patterns that are sure to make an impression. Personal favorites have to be the super stylish navy blue or the recognizable military red. Lots of the Hunter original designs are also available in either matte or glossy and whether you opt for the more traditional option or add extra shine to your look is up to you!

The Hunter Original boots are available for men, women, and children in a rainbow of colors, with heights ranging from 14.8-18.9 inches and a selection of different designs, including:

Original Tall: Perfect for gentle strolls in the country, festivals and walking the dog, the Hunter Original Tall boots are ideal for people of average height. They come in at the knee and have a slightly narrow fit on the legs.

Original Short: Providing a cut off at the calf, the shorter boot height and wider boot allow for a much more comfortable fit and increased flexibility.

Original Tall Adjustable: Similar to the Tall, these are knee-high boots. They also feature a strap adjustment at the back, which can be customized to allow for expansion in the calf.

Original Chelsea Boot: Very similar to the Tall but much shorter and also featuring elastic sides.

Original Refined: Similar height to the Tall version, but designed for those with thin legs and narrow calves.

Use

From summer downpours to wintery showers, the Hunter Originals will keep your feet protected on those grey days. Providing all-weather durability and complete waterproof protection, your feet will be warm, dry and comfortable, even on the soggiest of treks.

The Hunter Originals are a wet weather boot that is perfect for everyday use. Whether you are heading to a festival, walking the dog, or gardening on a rainy day, these colorful boots are the perfect companion to keep your feet toasty. However, it is important to remember that the Hunter Original boots are not suitable for long distance treks or particularly rough terrain. However, if you are planning on walking quite far, the short version of the boot is much more comfortable. If you are looking for hunter boots that will withstand farm or heavy duty wear, Hunter does have a huge selection of field options available. The Balmoral collection is particularly regal and particularly well-suited to equestrian tasks or perhaps the Norris Field if you are looking for a boot that will withstand the toughest conditions.

Although social media is filled with cute snaps of Hunter Originals in the snow, they are not really suitable for sub-zero climates and may crack in such temperatures. Although they offer premium waterproof protection, they are not very insulating. As a result, we advise pairing them with thick socks or thermal liners if you are walking in chillier temperatures.

Durability

Hunters are well-known for their excellent durability and exceptional life span. Back in the UK, my parents have had the same pairs of Hunter boots by the back gate for as long as I can remember, and they still wear them to this day. However, there have been some reports that have suggested that there has been some decrease in quality since the company changed ownership a few years back. With several online reviews reporting that their boots did not have the same longevity or met the same quality standards as previous Hunter models.

To ensure that you get the most wear out of your Hunters it is important that you care for them properly. Many sites on the web suggest cleaning your Hunters with olive oil, but we would definitely advise against this. Oil-based solutions can have a long-lasting negative effect on your boots and impact on their lifespan. Instead, make sure that you clean your boots regularly, using an appropriate cleaning solution and allow to dry in a cool well-ventilated area. Due to the natural rubber used, you may notice that your Hunters develop a powdery while film, also known as blooming. Some people like the blooming effect, as it can add character to the shoes, others prefer to clean them up.

Weight

Hunter Original boots are definitely on the heavier side. At around 2lbs each, depending on the size, they are relatively heavy in comparison with similar boots from different brands. This is due to the use of natural rubber, which has more weight than a synthetic version. They have not been designed for everyday wear in sunny weather or trekking through the mountains. Instead, they are rain boots, keeping you warm and dry on those rainy days and wearing your boots for an extended period of time may get uncomfortable.

Comfort

Step into your Hunter boots to stay dry and comfortable on your wet-weather walk. The Hunter Original boots have been designed to include an orthopedic fit, for extra comfort and support. They have also been lined with a neoprene lining, providing extra comfort and warmth. Comfort is also improved by the fabulous flexibility of these boots, with the rubber molding to your legs to allow for movement.

The Originals are reasonably comfortable, particularly in comparison with other boots for this purpose. However, some reviews have suggested that there is not enough support in the Hunter Original boots if you have low arches. Although this can easily be remedied with insoles, others have also noted that the lack of sufficient ventilation meant that their feet got hot and sweaty. In fact, some reviews indicated that their Hunter Originals were not as comfortable as expected and actually suggested that they were relatively uncomfortable compared with similar boots. Although, they definitely get more comfortable the more you wear them and require some ‘breaking-in’ time before they reach peak performance.

Price

In comparison with other rain boots of a similar price category, Hunters knocks them all out of the water. They are ultra-stylish classic boots that will be the perfect accompaniment to your Fall / Winter wardrobe. Whilst the Hunter Originals are definitely pricier than other rain boots, they are a classic, and you are paying for a brand name. Plus, although they are a little expensive, they are an investment, with one pair of Hunters being likely to last you a lifetime.

Protection

If you live in a part of the country that is prone to bad weather, the Hunter Originals will keep you dry and protected. They are 100% waterproof, providing you with full protection from the elements. Many of the online reviews state that they get ten out of ten for water resistance!

These tough and sturdy boots are made from high-quality, durable rubber, a material that will resist pretty much everything, except petroleum or oil-based solutions. Plus, the natural vulcanized rubber used to create the boots is also resistant to puncturing and cuts. Out of the different types and cuts available, the knee-high Hunter Original Tall boots offer maximum protection, with the high shaft preventing rain or debris from getting inside the boot

Size

We certainly advise trying your Hunter Original boots on before you purchase them, as the right size is essential for your comfort. If you do need to online from a store that allows for free returns, consider ordering several sizes to make sure that you get the perfect fit.

Hunter Boots are well known for their snug close fit, but your toes should still have a nice amount of wiggle room. A lot of customers have suggested that the boot runs large and that you may require a smaller size. However, remember always to wear socks with your Hunter boots to protect the skin from contact with rubber; so a good fit must allow for thick socks.

Features

Outsole: The outsole of the boot is made from rubber and featured the Hunter Original tread pattern. This includes multi-directional lugs and tread that will help to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.

Midsole: The Hunter Originals feature an orthopedic cushioned footbed, for extra support and comfort. It also has a comfortable anti-bacterial neoprene lining, which adds an extra layer of protection.
Upper: The Hunter boots are handcrafted from a natural vulcanized rubber. Featuring a unique design, they are fully waterproof and will always protect you from the elements. Due to the slim fit of the Hunter Originals, they remain flexible, moving with your legs as you walk or run. Although, this does make it is more difficult to put them on and take them off.

Bottom Line

Okay, so whether you call them rain boots, Wellingtons or just plain wellies, the Hunter Originals are definitely amongst the best in the business. They are a fashion statement, an iconic British look, and a festival essential, and the brand has gained immense popularity around the world. The vast majority of reviews online were positive; with many highlighting that these boots offer complete protection from the elements. Although, it was also noted by some reviewers that since Hunters changed ownership and manufacturers, there have been reports of a decrease in quality standards. Potentially, the lack of ventilation and the sizing of the boots could also be an issue.

Regardless, Hunter Original boots are more than just wellies. They are the must-have boots of every season, and there are so many colors and designs to choose from. With ultimate protection, fabulous style, and the finest craftsmanship, complete your look and invest in the Hunter Originals.