Muddy Madam here; I spotted these and quite a few other quirky boots and shoes on a stand at the Outdoor Trade Show, and was immediated entranced, and after a chat with Helen from the West Midland Shoe Company I was even more smitten with these Delia Multi walking boots. 

You see ladies walking boots are usually pretty boring or in 'ladies colours', and most of them have such a narrow foot that I would have to cut off a toe or two to get my slabs of meat into them, but these were a little bit different (OK a lot different).

The look reminded me of those customised DMs of the mid-nineties, but these are more than a fashion statement as they have all the benefits and feel of proper walking boots.

 These printed leather boots are waterproof, and have a gussetted tongue attached part way to the uppers so that water or dirt doesn't get in. They also have a lovely flexible and ribbed padded back at the top of the ankle, which for me is brilliant as I have a slightly pronounced Achille's tendon, and can find the more rigid boot style very uncomfortable unless it has a cutout.

I am a good size 7, with a very wide foot, and sometimes, when I have proper hiking socks on, boots can be a bit tight, so I opted for the UK 8/Euro 41 size.  After they arrived I realised that I could have probably managed in the 7s, but I think the 8s probably gave me a little bit more width, so with the addition of 2 socks - 1 thin cotton, 1 thicker hiking style (which is actually recommended to stop blisters) - they have been brilliant.

I have done countless dog walks through fields, forests and on tarmac, jumped in quite a few puddles and meandered to the shops in driving rain to test them out, and so far, so good - no leaking, no blisters, no sore toes and actually my hip isn't feeling as bad anymore, which is probably due to the decent sole that doesn't let me walk badly.

The only thing I'd change is the round laces, as I find unless you double knot them they always work themselves loose, but changing them isn't much of a hardship, and actually some funky coloured laces to go with the funky pattern may look amazing. If you aren't as bold as me, and don't fancy the multi-coloured design, there are a couple of more traditional colours to choose from (Black or Olive), which are made with soft Nubruck leather.

Overall I am impressed. I've tried out quite a lot of boots in the past, and these are as comfortable as some of the more widely recognised brands, with the added bonus of being a much better price.

price: £79.99

more at » https://wmsc.co.uk