The Barnsdale are unisex handmade rubber wellies with a 4mm neoprene lining, and they feature a real leather strap and fine piping. My first impressions of these wellington boots were that they looked smart with a similar look to the now discontinued Ariat Burfords. The expandable back gusset allows for a more tailored fit – suitable for a slim, regular or wide calf, this was great for when I needed a bit of extra room for my trousers and I found them quick and easy to adjust.
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The Toggi Barnsdale wellington boots are available in sizes EU37–48. I am a size UK5 and tested the EU38, but after a few wears I realised my feet were slipping about because they were too big and I was getting blisters, so I had to wear them with thicker socks and felt more secure in the foot.
I asked my mum to try them (as she’s a UK6) and she found them to be a comfortable fit when wearing regular socks and had no issues with rubbing. She found them easy to slip on and off, and comfortable when looking after the horses and walking. She also noted they were not as tall as her Ariat Burford wellies she usually wears daily. I think if these boots came in half sizes I would have been able to get a better fit.
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The tread has been great and prevented sliding when pushing up the wheelbarrow at the muck heap and walking out into the muddy fields with the horses.
These are smart wellies, which offer some added warmth with the 4mm neoprene lining, however I did not find them as warm as some of the others I tested, but also meant they could be worn on sunnier days, too.
These boots allow for plenty of adjustment around the calves making them ideal for a range of calf sizes. The leather strap and piping offers a higher end finish without the price tag. If you’re after smart adjustable wellingtons for a less eye-watering price than some of its rival brands, then the Barnsdales could be a good bet for you.
Verdict
H&H Approved – Smart looking wellies with a reliable tread and warm neoprene lining that would not look out of place away from the stables.
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Who tested the Toggi Barnsdale Wellington Boots?
I am products editor at Horse & Hound and have been testing products for the last 10 years. I own three horses who are on grass DIY livery, so I am up the yard at least twice a day, doing all the daily jobs of a horse owner and riding up to four times a week. I also enlisted the help of my mum who is also a horse and dog owner as I found these boots to be big and wanted them to get a fair and thorough test.
I live on Hayling Island, right by the sea, so I regularly walk my dogs on the beach. As well as endless hours in the field looking after my horses and walking the dog, I wore these wellies on the school run, running errands in town and leading my son on his pony around the countryside. To ensure I gave them a thorough test, I purposely went out in very wet weather and splashing around in puddles with my son – which was great fun!
Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
