Jack Pyke Countryman Boot

Test Of Time Review

After the very recent failure of my previous pair of boots, I was delighted to grab a pair of these from renowned clothing and footwear manufacturer Jack Pyke. As an angler who is not afraid to ‘get stuck in’, I need a pair of warm, waterproof boots that cope with the demand on my year round angling whether  it be on the bank, in the river, on the beach or from a boat, I want something which will do it all!

The Countryman boot is a fairly high leg boot reaching to around the base of the calf muscle; if you remember the ‘bovver boots’ of school years past, then this is the 9 hole equivalent and provides ample protection for the ankle and foot whilst giving enough support to reduce the amount of slip injuries resulting in hyper flexion or extension of the joint. The boots are constructed of top quality materials; nubuck leather uppers give watertight protection and a rubber compound sole 2cms in depth gives plenty of grip in slippery conditions.

The boot also contains an integral 3M Thinsulate layer and waterproof Breathatex (R) lining to keep the foot completely warm and dry which is assisted by the fact that the tongue area is firmly stitched into the build of the boots to ensure waterproof integrity.

The lacing system comprises a rust proof series of hooks/eyelets firmly attached to the upper which will not twist, crush, rip or degrade due to exposure and allows the wearer to lace the boots to suit conditions if the full amount of protection is not required. A very handy spare pair of laces is also included; nice touch!

The basic boot is as described, but having worn them for some time now, there are a few features which belie the obvious thought which has gone into the design; a soft leather collar prevents chafing at the top of the boot. A ‘flute’ at the rear of the boot, positioned in the naturally occurring ‘fold’ of the ankle, removes the potential of blisters in a painful area, and it works straight away with no need to ‘break in’ the boot by bending or crushing. Subdued colour which doesn’t reflect sunlight, panels stitched together to allow maximum water runoff and foot comfort (no stitching impinges anywhere on the foot) and the tongue is of sufficient length to maintain waterproofing, wide enough to prevent the sides of the boot coming into contact with the wearers leg and secured so it doesn’t slide down inside the boot.
The sole has a rubber reinforcing strip to reduce scuffs and scrapes and the actual grip on the underside is deep, sturdy and well spaced to prevent clogging whilst providing very good friction with the ground.

I’ve used the boots in a variety of conditions including muddy banksides, paved roads, country tracks, beach, and rocky areas and it has proved capable of dealing with everything I’ve thrown at it whilst keeping my feet warm, dry and protected. I’ve even had them blasted by the Fire Service with high pressure hoses to see if they leak! They don’t....

For me, it’s an excellent boot which provides comfort, insulation and weather protection and comes highly recommended.

Priced at around £94.95 and available in sizes 7-12, the Countryman boots can be purchased from all good outdoor stockists or online at www.jackpyke.co.uk