Wellies have come a long way since the early 19th Century. The Wellington we know today is a type of boot based upon the leather hessian boot worn by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of
Wellington. They were suitably hardwearing for riding, yet smart enough for formal evening wear and so quickly became very popular amongst “gentlemen”.
In 1839 Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanisation process for natural rubber (obtaining the patent in 1844). He decided to make rubber tyres and his friend Hiram Hutchinson bought the patent to
manufacture footwear. Hutchison moved to France, started a company called A L’Aigle that is today known as Aigle and still going strong.
In those days 95% of the population worked in muddy fields wearing wooden clogs, so waterproof rubber boots became an instant success and the rest, as we say, is history. Today, we can buy a pair of wellies nearly anywhere in any price range, style or colour.
Now that we are approaching the time of year with rain, mud, wind and cold, my choice of footwear has to be “TMMuck boot” boots.
The TMMuck Boot is known to be the most reliable, durable boot that works anytime, anywhere, in the harshest conditions, keeping their customers’ feet dry, warm and comfortable. In my opinion, their quality is second to none.
Here at Coolings we keep a good range in stock, but if we don’t have your size, colour or style we will be happy to order them in and they should be in stock within 3 days.
These are just a small selection of our foot and hand wares, why not pay us a visit to see the rest of our large range of gardening gloves and wellies.
Choose from…
TMMuckmaster Hi (available in high and mid sizes 4-14) are suitable for temperatures down to -30°C. £120.
Arctic Sport II (available in tall and mid sizes 3-9) are suitable for temperatures down to -40°C. £100/£110.
Arctic Apres Sheep Fleece lined (available in low (£95) and tall (£115) and in sizes 3-9) are also suitable for temperatures down to -30°C.
That’s your feet taken care of – now for your hands!
It’s difficult to find a warm and waterproof glove. My favourite would be the Gold Leaf Winter Touch Glove, all soft leather with an insulated lining. It will keep your fingers warm and snug. Although a gardening glove, it is nice enough to wear for any outdoor activity. They come in two sizes, ladies and gents, at £24.95 a pair.
For extreme cold the Argon Skytec Glove can withstand temperatures, well below freezing. They are available in four sizes at £7.99 a pair.
A lighter glove would be Showa Thermo 451, a very good fit and will give a more precise grip. Also available in four sizes at £6.99 a pair.
