Wellies or walking boots and gaiters?

[Malfuss]

After having a couple of very uncomfortable days wearing my Muckboots, I've decided I need to sort out a better set for beating/picking up this season. I've looked at the Aigle Parcour 2's on the wellie side but was wondering whether walking boots and gaiters are better. Also, any recommendations on the walking boots as I've never looked at them before.

[Breezemoor]

Depends on the type of ground you are on. Wellies are fine in most cases, fields with stubble etc..on a moor or rough ground I would definitely go for boots & gaiters, as the ground can be so uneven and offer better ankle support.
I sold and fitted boots for 5 years, the wellies you mentioned are a good make. Boots I would recommend Meindl Borneo's they offer great ankle support or Lowa are lighter but are less rigid, expect to pay around £140 - £180.

[Alice]

I swear by my Aigle Parcours and consider them as good as, if not better than, boots and gaiters. They have the same shape as a walking boot so are more supportive than a lot of wellies.

The first two seasons I went picking up/beating I wore my trusty doc martens and gaiters!

[WGD]

Boots and gaitors always for me, but high boots (Meindl Dovre or Harkila Pro Hunter are my preference) rather than normal walking boots.

[Callthatagundog]

Echo WGD - Meindl Dovre and gaitors here!

Changed from top range wellies to boots and gaitors cos I got fed up of getting stuck in mud and leaving my wellies behind. Couldn't believe how much better it was last season.

Sarah xx

[Tungulria]

Aigles every time for me but I'm lucky with the ground I pick up on. Generally pretty easy going.
I do have boots and gaiters though and found them great on the moor but didnt wear wellies so couldn't compare. I've got Brasher boots and MacGaiter Co gaiters.
I think I find wellies easier as can't be doing with laces / zips etc. I like to just pull on/pull off and go.

[Miff]

Boots and gaiters every time when picking up.

[criso69]

Aigles for me,find them so comfy whilst out beating

Chris

[tobester]

Boots and gaiters for me. Good walking boots are the best things since sliced bread - there is a type for every foot, so worth trying a number until you get the right ones. Personally, I have Meindls, I am also thinking of the new hunter leather walking boots.

Two things:

1) beating through brambles and wet days will be hard on any leather boots, so worth taking the time to look after them, drying them out and oiling them as often as possible

2) If you are training dogs and want to bend down/crouch down, most walking boots (and particularly the heavier going hunting boots) are not designed to bend and the sole and rubber support can break. So if you are spending any length of time on your haunches, look for flexible soles, for Meindls these are A rated soles. The alternative (and for me better in long term) is a stout pair for shooting/walking and a more flexible, probably less water proof pair (ie dealer boots for less than 50 - 70) for training. Again, taking the time to look after them. I know this is expensive up front, however it will make both pairs last longer and be cheaper in the long run.

Toby

[Kaiser]

Boots and gaiters 100%

I have one set as harkila and black islander gaiters and the other as meindl and berghaus yeti. Neither have ever let me down.