Grubs Bowlines are really handy, easy-to-wear, waterproof boots for when conditions are wet, cold and mucky, writes Mike Gormley.
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Grubs from Bolton in Lancashire have their roots firmly based in the UK, have been designing and making their footwear since 1776 and are now in the ninth generation of the same family. I have to confess this is the first time I have come across them, as far as I recall, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to try a model from their extensive range.
Recently I have been trying out the Bowline 4.0 from their wide selection of footwear. If I were to say Grubs are principally for ‘grubbing about’ I don’t think I will offend anyone. Their range is focused on the outdoors where things are wet, cold and mucky and ranging from protected work boots through to easy to slip on types such these Bowlines. For me the Bowline 4.0 boots have been great and now live by the door, ready to pull on if I need to go out to the garden or put out the bins, especially if wet outside.
If it is cold and or wet these are perfect. Ideally, the soles are grippy but not ‘chunky’ so don’t bring in mud to the wrong side of the door. The tread design caters for acceleration and braking and the soles offer all-around protection. Conventional classic ‘wellies’ are somewhat OTT for many uses and these ankle height pull-on boots are perfect. If the weather is a bit cold the 4mm INSU-FOAM ULTRA material of the uppers is ideal being both comfortable and warm, so no need to wear chunky socks as well if just popping out for a short time. If out for longer your feet are protected from the cold and discomfort by the 5mm POLYOU footbed that contains tiny bubbles of nitrogen.
The overall specification of these boots is not perhaps obvious as they in general initially look like cut down ‘wellies’ but when you look at what goes into them, they are far from this. The special lining helps to wick away moisture and is proof against that ‘wet welly’ smell you can often get with similar footwear. These are great with a higher spec than you might imagine and something I am sure you will use a lot.
If I am to criticise anything about these, I would prefer to have a bit larger pull-on loops so my ‘country boy’ fingers fit in them easier. Other than that minor gripe, these are great.
[images © Mike Gormley]
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