Quality A peculiar boot that looks better suited to a novelty Father Christmas fancy dress kit. They are constructed from a foamy material that makes them feather-light but very poor fitting. 4/10 Practical, durable green wading pants. Features a steel tipped toe and steel midsole for impact and penetration protection. The wellington boot might be a farming institution, but how much thought really goes into replacing your worn-out rubber workwear?

Warmth Heaps of neoprene insulation provides polar-bear-like insulation and beats most work boots when it comes to out-and-out warmth. No chilblains here. 9/10 Fit/blisters The bargain boots provide a better fit than expected thanks to a defined heel cup that wraps around the Achilles tendon more effectively than the steeper-priced Dunlops. However, the sides are shapeless, and the soles cushionless, so they are not the sort of thing you would want to be trudging about in all day. A small spur helps get them off at the end of the day. 4/10

Technology

Grip The tread pattern under the ball of the foot is shallow and the sole is solid, so grip is a bit disappointing. The Puroforts claim to have a steel toe and midsole, but with little noticeable extra weight it can be nothing more than a slither of tin. 5/10

Quality The Puroforts are made of higher-grade, softer materials than some of the cheaper options, which makes them more supple and fairly comfortable to wear. The silky fabric interior – not dissimilar to the Bekinas – also benefits comfort, but little rubber tails like you would expect on a tractor tyre hardly shout top quality. 7/10Warmth The inner material provides a certain degree of insulation and the maker claims to they’re some of the warmest about. Realistically, they come in just above average. 7/10

Value The No Bulls are the welly version of Crocs. They are grossly unfashionable, but if you’re simply after something that keeps your feet warm and dry then they’re actually a strong bet. Fit and shape are weak points, but they can still do a job. Value The Argylls are a well-made, classic work welly. They look the part, too, but were a big disappointment – the equally-priced Bekinas were warmer, comfier and grippier.Grip Traction is bang average, but better than the stiff-soled (and far more expensive) Argyll. 5/10

Fit/blisters A distinct shortage of cushioning means the flat, jarring sole gives the feet, knees and hips a hard time. On the bright side, their tough design means stones and sharp objects rarely penetrate the soles, but the steel toe also makes them heavy. 4/10Quality A surprisingly good quality finish for a plastic boot, with no dodgy seams and a flexible leg section that almost matched the rubber-made Argyll. Reinforcement up the sides strengthens the leg section. 7/10 As usual, the test is by no means scientific – our views are wholly subjective – but it should give a good idea of how each one shapes up. Quality An old-school rubber boot that has a flexible body and a tidy finish. They come from Hunter’s work range and have more of a hand-made feel than the rest. 8/10 To get a better idea of the winners and loses in the welly war we raided the shelves of Mole Valley Farmers, Robinsons and Countrywide to collect a mix of boots. Fit/blisters Loose fit and inflexible leg does the No Bull’s fit score no favours and means they crease in weird places and dig into the shin. The liner shunts around in the shapeless body, though the lining is soft so the blister risk is low. A reinforced toe should offer some protection from clumsy cows. 2/10