Autumn in the UK has been wetter but milder the last few years. We are seeing the same so far in 2024. So, it is a tricky time for people who love walking and anyone who spends time working outside. It makes it even more important to have good footwear, including wellingtons. You should also know how to walk safely in different types of mud. Read on for some useful tips.

Think about the area

The most important first thing to do is look at where you will be walking. Is it visibly wet and waterlogged? Has there been a lot of activity to churn up the mud? Be careful of any areas where the mud can be very deep; you are more likely to sink and get stuck. Equally though, take care with locations where there is a thin coating of mud on the surface; it will likely be very slippery.

Footwear

Once you know as much as you can about the area and ground conditions, make sure you consider your footwear. There are four crucial elements here. First, make sure the boots are tall enough. You may want taller ones to offer more protection against deep mud. They can provide more ankle support too.

Secondly, you need to think about grip. This is probably the most important factor. You want boots with deep tread that won’t quickly get thick with mud. Deep grooves are best, suitable even for slippery clay. A slight heel helps too. Make sure you choose boots or wellingtons with these features.

Next, ensure they are waterproof. The last thing anyone wants when walking in mud is for dirty water to start getting into the footwear. It can make your feet very uncomfortable and cause foot health problems.

Finally, look closely at the fit. You definitely don’t want your feet to be moving around in your boots; it can be painful and make it harder to walk carefully in mud. In addition, you don’t want them to be loose or you might sink in deep mud, pull your foot out, and leave your boot behind. Look for footwear you can tighten to get a good fit, or wear extra socks.

Walking

You need to be careful when you come to actually moving around. Don’t just go charging in at your normal walking speed with your usual gait. Slow down, keep your stride shorter, and step carefully.

With wellingtons and other boots, make sure you place your feet correctly. Start with the toe and step down. Avoid placing your whole foot flat or you might get sucked into the mud. Then, when you lift your foot, raise the heel first.

If you are walking on any kind of slope, be extra careful. The incline will make it slippier and harder to place your feet. Make sure you slow down and go carefully.

The best thing to do is aim for the right spots. If you see outcroppings of rock, step on them rather than the mud. Level sections are good too, as well as areas where mud hasn’t formed. If it has been cold, look for where the mud will be frozen.

Find the perfect wellingtons

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been working in agriculture for generations. We began by specialising in delivering fertiliser, but today we offer a massive selection of goods, including footwear. We even have products for outdoor activities like shooting. Whether it is working or a hobby, the right boots are vital to ensuring safety and comfort.

So, come to us and see what wellingtons we have to offer. There are some great brands here, including boots with impressive features. We can even give recommendations if you need help.