BOGS

Bogs: both kinds.  Here in the Northwest as we get into cooler damp weather the ground gets soggy and stays that way until May. Although the constant rain hasn't quite started yet, it will. Already the trails are muddy and will progress to muck that will literally suck the boots right off your feet. Footwear becomes a major concern. I need waterproof coverage that comes up high on the calf to wade through ankle deep puddles, but also a deep non-slip traction that allows both climbing and descending in thick mud. The boots have to be sturdy enough for daily use with ankle support so I am not constantly rolling my ankles on the uneven path where roots, rocks and sticks are hidden from sight first by fallen leaves, then by water and mud. Finally, they have to be comfortable and warm.

For years I have worn the knee-high rubberized boots made by Hunter, commonly called "Wellies".  The kind you see worn by workers on dairy farms.  They are waterproof, good tread, and easily cleaned by just turning on the hose. The best part of the boot is that it is totally made of rubber. It is impermeable to water and has the tall shaft on the calf that once your get your foot into it almost suctions to your leg so the mud won't pull it off.  The worst part of the boot is that it is totally made of rubber. Rubber conducts the cold so you have to have special "Wellie" liners for your boots, or wear at least 2 pairs of wool socks. Rubber is impermeable to water, which means that when your feet sweat it can't escape and by the end of the day your socks are wringing wet.  Rubber cracks where it is constantly being bent.  While the boots are made for standing and walking, they are not made for driving a car, and I do all of the above on my dog route as I drive from house to house picking up and then delivering dogs home after our walk.  In fact, I usually spend twice as much time driving in my boots as I do walking in them.  Which results in them creasing and eventually cracking right where my foot bends to press the accelerator. I go through a pair of Hunter boots every year.  That is about how long it takes for the crease to turn into a crack and start letting in water. At $80 a pop.

Which is why I LOVE Bogs!!

I got these last year. The foot is totally rubber which comes to the ankle- but it is INSULATED!  These are warm. And very comfy to walk in with good support.  But the best part is the shaft is made from neoprene- the stuff wet suits are made from.  Which allows it to bend without creasing or cracking. They are more breathable, my feet don't sweat (I know TMI).  The added bonus is that they have these great handles on each side that make putting on and taking them off so much easier.

This is my second year in my Bogs and they show NO sign of wear! Yes, they are pricey as well- the same $80 as the Wellies, but it looks like one pair will last me several seasons. Oh, yeah, and because the neoprene is insulating as well, I have worn them repeatedly in the snow and they have kept my feet toasty.

The only drawback to the boot in comparison to Wellies is that the tread is not as deeply etched, but so far I haven't slipped, so maybe it is sufficient for my needs.

As much time as I spend walking, my feet have got to be happy.  When my feet are happy, I'm happy.  Enough said.