Dubarry was established in 1937 when a co-operative company set about providing employment in Ballinasloe, Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Today, they produce leather boots inspired by the rugged coastline and sailing heritage that has long been at the heart of the area.

The Ultima boots have been designed for sailing, fully waterproof as well as breathable and warm due to their GORE-TEX lining. This lining has tiny holes that prevent water entering the shoe but allows perspiration to be wicked away from the foot, helping to keep your feet at a comfortable temperature. The boots are constructed from a high quality, water resistant crushed leather hybrid between pull up and nubuck, and feature an expandable section of Lycra that has been incorporated into the back of the boot to give the calf area a bit of stretch.

The Ultima features the Dubarry’s award-winning NonSlip, NonMarking outsole design that is constructed from duo compound PU and rubber, which has been directly inject-moulded onto the upper. Branding is at a minimum, with a small brass, rust proof emblem and a moulded rubber insert on the centre leg band, which reinforces the boot and keeps them upright and ready to put on. The boots are available in donkey brown, brown or black, and in UK 3-13 in both women’s and men’s. Personally, I think the black variety looks the best, followed by the donkey brown (which we received). The brown remind me of those horrible UGG boots people would insist on wearing outside.

The boots are very quick to pull on with a leather loop at the back, and they kept my feet warm and dry throughout testing, but that non-slip sole could use a little upgrade. Most of the time they provide good traction, but every now and then they would slip just enough to make your heart jump into your mouth. Sadly this meant I was left feeling very cautious with every step. So, would I pay the £279 asking price? Probably not, as you only need one slip up to result in a nasty accident. RRP £279

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3 out of 5

Pros

Fully waterproof

Comfortable

Warm

Stretchy Lycra on the calf

Easy to pull on and off

Cons

Pricey

Sole can get slippy