The Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James's Street, London, to modify the 18th-century Hessian boot. The resulting new boot was fabricated in soft calfskin leather, had the trim removed and was cut to fit more closely around the leg. The heels were low cut, stacked around an inch (2.5 centimetres), and the boot stopped at mid-calf. It was suitably hard-wearing for battle, yet comfortable for the evening. The boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck in English ever since. The Duke can be seen wearing his namesake boots, which are tasseled, in an 1815 portrait by James Lonsdale.
In his biography, it is reported that Wellington noted that many cavalry soldiers sustained crippling wounds by having been shot in the knee — a very vulnerable and exposed part of the body when one is mounted on a horse. He proposed a change in the design of the typical boot by having it cut so as to extend the front upward to cover the knee. This modification afforded some measure of protection in battle.
Wellington's dashing new boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero. Considered fashionable and foppish in the best circles and worn by dandies, such as Beau Brummell, they remained the main fashion for men through the 1840s. In the 1850s they were more commonly made in the calf-high version, and in the 1860s they were both superseded by the ankle boot, except for riding. Wellington is one of the two British Prime Ministers to have given his name to an item of clothing, the other being Sir Anthony Eden.
Now in the 21st century "Welly's" have become not only a must have for all farmers but they have slipped into the mainstream as fashion statements!!!!
Inside you will find our selection of the best of the best, not only for those hard working days on the farm, but for those who need the latest style!!
HOW ITS ALL STARTED ......
WE’D LIKE EVERYONE TO KNOW THREE KEY THINGS ABOUT MUCK BOOTS:
· Reliable, durable boots that work anytime, anywhere, in the harshest of conditions.
· Keeping people dry, warm and comfortable in any situation.
· Versatile boots made for the way people work and live today.
The Muck Boot Muckmaster (pictured)
Another classic in the Muck Boot collection, the Muckmaster has served farmers and an array of outdoor workers for nearly a decade. With its tall rubber overlay, these rugged boots withstand sharp objects and are extremely warm, even standing on cold hard surfaces.
· Breathable Airmesh lining
· Calf-high extended rubber overlay
· 2mm thermal foam under the foot bed
· 5mm CR flex-foam
· EVA contoured moulded midsole
· MS-1 moulded outsole
· Comfort topline
Comfort Range of -30°C to 10°C