Alright, let’s talk about these black shiny Hunter boots. I’ve had a pair for a good while now, and folks sometimes ask if they’re worth the fuss. So, I figured I’d just lay out my own experience with them, from deciding to get ’em to actually stomping around in them.
Why I Even Bothered
First off, where I live, rain isn’t just a casual sprinkle. It comes down. Hard. For days sometimes. My old boots, some cheap things I picked up ages ago, finally bit the dust. Started leaking around the seams, and my socks were getting soaked. Nothing worse than squelchy socks, right? So, the hunt for new rain boots began. I needed something reliable, something that would actually keep the water out. And, yeah, I’ll admit, I wanted something that didn’t look like I borrowed it from a fisherman – no offense to fishermen.
The Big Search and Decision
I started poking around online, reading reviews, the usual stuff. Hunter boots kept popping up. Some people swear by them, others grumble about the price. I looked at other brands too, some cheaper, some that looked like they could survive a zombie apocalypse. But I kept coming back to the classic Hunter look, especially the shiny black ones. They just looked… proper. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to just go for it. Found a pair online. No sale, no special deal. Just paid the price and hoped for the best.
When the box arrived, it was pretty hefty. Pulled them out. They were definitely shiny. And heavier than I expected, to be honest. Slipped them on. They were snug, but in a good way, like they weren’t going to flop around when I walked. The rubber felt thick, substantial. First impression? Okay, these feel like they mean business.
Living With The Shine
The first real test came a few days later. Proper downpour. I slipped them on and headed out. Puddles? Laughed at ’em. Muddy patches on the trail? No problem. My feet stayed bone dry. So, top marks for doing what rain boots are supposed to do.
Now, that shiny finish. It looks fantastic… for about five minutes. Then you get water spots. Scuffs. Dust. If you want them to stay looking like they just came out of the box, you’re going to be wiping them down. A lot. It reminded me of this old car I had, a black sedan. My first ‘real’ car after I finally scraped enough money together from that awful warehouse job I had. Man, that job. Twelve-hour shifts, mind-numbing work, just moving boxes from one place to another. The pay was terrible, but I needed the cash. Anyway, this black car. It was my pride and joy. I’d wash it, polish it, and it would look incredible. Then I’d drive it down the road, and it’d be covered in a fine layer of dust again. Drove me nuts. I spent so much time trying to keep that thing pristine. My neighbor, old Mrs. Gable, she used to see me out there on a Sunday morning, buffing away. She’d just smile and say, “Some things are prettier when they show a bit of life, dear.” Took me a while to understand that. I still like things neat, but I’m not as obsessive. So, with these boots, I give them a quick wipe if they’re muddy, but I’m not aiming for showroom perfection anymore.
Comfort-wise, they’re decent for what they are. I can walk around town, run errands, no problem. But are they all-day hiking boots? Nah. They’re rubber boots. They can get a bit warm if you’re wearing them for hours, and there’s not a lot of arch support. But for keeping your feet dry during a soggy commute or a walk in the park, they’re fine.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Here’s what I’ve found, plain and simple:
- Waterproof? Absolutely. No leaks, no wet socks.
- Durable? Seems like it. The rubber is tough. They’ve held up well so far.
- Stylish? Yeah, they look good. The shiny black is classic. But be ready for the upkeep if you want them to stay super shiny.
- Comfortable? Good enough for everyday rain boot stuff. Not for marathons.
- Heavy? A bit, yeah. You notice it at first.
- Pricey? Yep. They’re not cheap.
I remember wearing them to this outdoor festival last year. It had rained the night before, and the whole field was a mud bog. People were slipping and sliding, trying to keep their fancy sneakers clean. It was chaos. I just stomped right through it all, feeling pretty smug, I gotta admit. Then, later, I nearly went flying when I hit a slick patch of wet pavement on the way out. So much for being invincible. Just goes to show, even good gear has its limits.
Ultimately, am I glad I got them? Yeah, I think so. They do the job they’re meant to do, and they do it well. They’ve saved me from countless soggy-foot situations. If you need serious rain protection and you like the look, and you don’t mind the price or the little bit of extra care the shiny ones need, then they’re a solid choice. If I were buying again, I might consider the matte finish just to see if it’s less work. But for now, my shiny black Hunters are still my go-to when the skies open up.
