The Offshore Voyaging Reference Site

Dubarry Boots—Arctic Voyage Gear Test

In our Warm Feet, Please post of several years ago, we mentioned that we had purchased Dubarry Ultima boots and, after several years, were impressed. At that time, however, we weren’t ready to commit to anything until we had given them a thorough testing.

Well, we’ve used them now for 5 years and we’re still in love with the boots…with each other, too,and that has been 15 years!

Anyway, back on topic. The boots (with the very important addition of Smart Wool socks) kept us warm throughout our 10,000 mile Arctic voyage last year. And though mine, which get regularly bathed with salt water when hauling the anchor and cleaning the deck with the deck wash, looked pretty rugged by the end of the voyage, they came back beautifully after a good clean and condition (using Dubarry’s recommended cleaner and conditioner). They look like they could go on for another 5 years.

So, though they are expensive, that isn’t so hard to take when they last this long. And they are warmer and, since they are breathable leather with a Gore-Tex lining, they are also a lot more comfortable than any other boots we’ve tried.

The verdict? Dubarry Ultima boots get an A++ on their report card!

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Jeff H

To get this great life, are you wearing them only on board or do you wear them ashore as well?

A side note…loved the pictures of Kilmarnock, Va. My wife and I keep our boat at Chesapeake Boat Basin, just a mile or two out of town.

Paul Mills

Hi

DuBarry have agreat reputation over here too… however for me I cannot find ones that fit, even their wider fittings are not good for my small very wide feet.

Two years ago after a long search I bought a pair of Orca Bay extreme boots, at about £100 a pair less than Dubarry. Thus far they are great, warm, comfortable and waterproof – as well as breathable. They also, despite being higher, fit comfortably over my cart horse calves and warmer socks when needed.

For years I used wellies that did not breathe and have to say the investment is so worth it for the increase in comfort!

Paul

Paul Mills

PS to my comment above…

Hazel says that sheepskin uggs are here favourite, extremely warm, ease to slip on and off – and as a bonus their lack of waterproofness means she can hide below, in the warm in wet weather 🙂

John Harries

Hi Paul and Hazel,

The Uggs look like a great idea. My feet tend to get cold when I’m below and not moving around and the boat is in cold water and the sole cold . I often wear my DuBarrys in this case, but the Uggs would be better since it’s a good idea to let your deck boots dry out, when below.

James

We too have used our Dubarry Boots which have lasted for 15 years, when the soles start to go just send them back and for a relatively small price will resole ,refurbish and return like new.
They are the only Boots that we have been able to wear BOTH in the Arctic and the Heat as they breath.

Colin

Hi Phyllis

I’m on my second pair, and I have to say that I preferred the older version which had a traditional stitch on sole, as they were easy to repair.

The first pair of new ones (same as your own) went back as they leaked – replaced without quibble by Dubarry. The replacement pair were fine for a while, but then the soles started to peel off at the toe end. I had them reglued in Morocco last year, and so far so good.

They are great for on board use, warm and waterproof (enough), but don’t keep the water out entirely if immersed – or maybe it’s just Hebridean weather that gets through.

Proper green, steel toe capped wellies are the only answer for that!

Best wishes

Colin