Warm boots for outdoor swimmers

MERRY PEOPLE Bobbi Ankle Boot

£89.95

Pro: A colour for every mood
Con: None
These 100% waterproof, neoprene-lined ankle length wellies are stylish, warm and instantly comfortable. They have great arch support and feel stable, while the thick tread in the soles give good traction on slippery ground. The neoprene lining not only keeps your feet warm, it also feels cushioned and supportive. The best part has to be the range of colours, though. While most wellies are drab shades of black and khaki, the Bobbi Ankle Boot is currently available in 19 colours – from vibrant ‘fuchsia pink’, ‘sunflower yellow’ and ‘violet blue’ to subtle and contemporary ‘clay’ (pictured) ‘rust’ and ‘mocha’, with new shades launching all the time.

KEEN Greta II

£150

Pro: Warmest boots we tested
Con: Made for winter so not as versatile as warm wellies
Like a puffy jacket for your feet! The Greta II is an sturdy, all-weather leather hiking boot with toasty insulation and a quilted collar. As with most KEEN styles, the fit is generous across the forefoot with space for the toes to splay, and they felt comfortable from the first wear. The cushioned midsole has a lightweight air-injected core, so it feels super bouncy – great for long distance hikes to remote swim spots! These are seriously warm boots, which promise to keep your feet warm in temperatures down to -32°C, with a waterproof, breathable membrane that seals out moisture from the inside. So perhaps not one for outside of winter months!

MUCK BOOT COMPANY Apex Zip Ankle Boots

£164

Pro: Stylish as well as practical
Con: A little stiff around the ankle
Finally, a pair of boots that’s 100% waterproof, while comfortable, stylish and practical. These are like a welly-boot blended with a decent walking boot. They are easy to put on after cold-water swims, even when you can’t feel your feet, and the sole has incredible grip in slippery, muddy conditions. They also have a breathable mesh lining, which helps move moisture away from damp feet. Paired with a pair of wool socks, they are a new go-to for winter swimming and should last for many years to come.

XTRATUF 6” Ankle Boots Camp

£99

Pro: Shearling-lined for warmth
Con: Too warm for summer
Originally designed for extreme conditions in Alaska, Xtratuf boots are a great choice for wild swimmers as they’re sturdy, 100% waterproof and have robust, rugged soles to protect your feet on river banks and rocky beaches. The new Camp collection is lined with bioprene (which is significantly more sustainable than petroleum-based neoprene) and faux shearling so they’re super warm. They’re tough and warm enough to be used in all weathers and yet stylish enough for wearing every day. Compared to the non-lined versions where insulation can be controlled by choosing the right socks, these may be a bit too warm for the summer months. The contour print on the pull tabs in a nice touch.

KEEN Men’s Revel III Waterproof Winter Boot

£145

Pro: Made for snow, ice and mud
Con: Wouldn’t wear them year-round as they’re best suited to winter conditions
Walking boots usually need ‘breaking in’ but these boots were comfortable from the moment I slipped them on. As well as incredible grip in the coldest, icy and snowy conditions they kept my feet warm and toasty. I even managed to get my feet back up to temperature after a very cold dip in an ice hole. The Revel III boots performed well in both urban and wild spaces. They feature excellent support around the heel and ankle, which gives you confidence in difficult conditions while being completely waterproof when walking through deep snow. The traction also holds its ground in icy, slick conditions. As the boots are best suited to winter conditions, they might be too warm for fairer weather walks.

XTRATUF Out of the Ordinary Ankle Deck Boots

£114

Pro: Super waterproof and easy to get on
Con: The white detail doesn’t stay white for long!
We were very impressed with these Out of the Ordinary ankle boots by Xtratuf, which felt immediately comfortable. They offer a sporty, everyday style paired with 100% waterproof design. These boots are easy to slide on and off your feet when you are waterside, the pull-lugs are especially useful with cold fingers. They’re a versatile year-round choice, which kept my feet warm in cold weather but also felt cool enough when worn in warm weather, thanks to the moisture wicking XpressCool™ lining. They come up big, so you might want to size down if you’re between sizes.

Voylok Shortie Boot

£125

They say: The most sustainable boot in the world. Technical by nature, the wool is breathable and insulating (but also thermoregulating, so no sweaty feet in the summer!). They are flexible – wear them inside or outside by simply removing the rubber overshoe. They are joyfully simple – easy to slip on and off. Perfect for slipping into nature whenever the urge strikes.

We say: Great for winter swimming because you can slip them on straight out of the water and they start warming feet. The bottom rubber overshoe is like a wellie boot, great for muddy riverbanks. Overtime they mold to your feet, so become very comfortable. We loved removing the muddy overshoe and then walking around the house in cozy wool slippers! Not great on uneven terrain but for simple walks to the water – perfect!

Blundstone Chelsea Boot

£180

They say: With a strong, grooved outsole, these boots are perfect for walking on all terrains and will support your feet all-day long. Comprised of premium black leather uppers, these boots are suitable for day and night and will complement a variety of outfits. The removable footbeds and XRD® Technology within the heel of the outsole support your feet and absorb shock. These boots are both comfortable and durable.

We say: A decent boot for winter walks and swimming. Easy to get on and off, warm with a decent pair of wool socks and durable. These did rub a little to begin with, but we were assured this is normal and they give, which they did. Good for swimmers who have a more challenging walk in, hard wearing, and feet remained dry and warm!

XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots

£130

They say: XTRATUF® Deck Boots have been crafted specifically for sport and recreational fishermen. Anglers are athletes, and like any athlete, they need the best footwear to help them perform at a high level. Handcrafted from natural rubber, we have created a lightweight design with a high traction chevron outsole. This performance women’s ankle boat boot is ideal for any on the water athlete looking for protection with slip-on-and-go styling.

We say: These are like a comfy, fun and stylish wellie type boot. 100% waterproof we loved them at the beach and on rainy days. Easy to get on and off, they had comfy insoles which meant they felt warmer and supportive for walk ins. The anti-slip soles were great when walking over damp stones. Love the variety of colours!

QUECHUA warm waterproof snow hiking boots

£19.99

They say: Fancy discovering the snowy trails? This warm women’s boot is ideal for your occasional hikes in shallow or packed snow. This women’s boot model, warm and waterproof in the lower part thanks to its cradle, will provide great comfort in use. Equipped with a snowcontact sole, they guarantee good grip on snow.

We say: A high-quality boot at a really reasonable price point. The boots are not only comfortable to wear, but also strong and sturdy – the waterproof rubber material and rugged soles means that they’re suited for rougher terrains and conditions. These are boots that I could see myself wearing all year round.

XTRATUF Women’s 6” Ankle Deck Boots Ice Rubber

£119

They say: Alaskan winters are tough, so we designed a boot that can conquer whatever the weather throws at you. The ADB Ice is lightweight, 100% waterproof with the addition of a faux shearling lining for quick drying comfort and warmth. The ADB Ice features a GlacierTrek® PRO outsole, an ice gripping slip-resistant compound for superior traction. Whether it’s a sunrise swim or an evening surf session – XTRATUF has you covered. (Size 4-8)

We say: Warming up your feet and hands after a cold water swim is a real priority, as they’re among the most sensitive parts of your body after physical activity. These super warm and waterproof ankle boots are so easy to step into, hands-free or using the reflective pull tabs, and apparently comfortable down to -20 degrees (an air temperature you certainly won’t find us swimming in!). The faux shearling lining is not only super warm, it’s also quick drying so they are always ready for your next dip. Despite their robust feel and rugged grippy souls (which are designed to prevent slips on ice and wet surfaces), they’re also remarkably lightweight, so easy to pack and carry. Our go-to boots for winter swims.