Dry Feet = Happy Feet

Now its that time of year again (well actually it happens quite frequently throughout the year!) where the temperatures drop, the wind picks up and the rain/sleet/snow begins to fall. With most of you walking to work or to the station, bus stop or school in this horrible weather its the busiest time in store for wellingtons and waterproof footwear.

We believe dry feet are happy feet so here is our best of the best to keep you and your toes smiling!

(Disclaimer, all of the below information is sourced from the corresponding websites.)

Women's Romika Nadja 35115 £75 

Warm fleece lining with inside zip and lacing up the front for a more comfortable fit, rubber sole unit with plenty of grip and treated with Top Dry Tex making this boot 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable. Also machine washable at 30 degrees!

Women's Romika Spike 54515 £95

The leather uppers of this boot are treated with Top Dry Tex making them 100% waterproof, breathable and windproof. The leather makes this boot extremely hard wearing while the lacing up the front allows for a more tailored and comfortable fit. A wool lining provides extra cushioning underfoot and extra warmth; made with reversible snow spikes making this boot suitable for all wintery occasions. 

Unisex Romika Alaska 01/Yukon 01 £79.99/£89.99

This Romika boot has Top Dry Tex Waterproof, Windproof and breathable uppers, a micro fiber plush warm lining with removable foot bed and a PU direct injected Romika grip sole making it flexible and hardwearing.

Women's Romika Alaska 02 £85

This Romika boot has a Top Dry Tex membrane to guarantee a 100% waterproof boot whilst also being machine washable at 30 degrees. The plush lining provides extra warmth without creating extra moisture. Toggle system at the front allows for a comfortable and tailored fit.

Women's Romika Alaska 118 £69.99

This Romika winter boot is made with a Top Dry Tex membrane which guarantees the boot to be 100% waterproof while also being machine washable at 30 degrees. The plush lining provides extra warmth and the removable footbed allows the boot to breathe when not in use. A front zip and lacing system allows for easy access into the boot and the sole is lightweight and flexible making it easy to wear and carry.

Men's Romika Yukon 02 £89.99

This Romika boot has been treated with Top Dry Tex making it 100% waterproof and breathable. Made with a warm insole and zip on the side for easy access into the boot.

The above boots are suitable for wind, rain, snow and basic every day use. The boots below are your heavy duty, facing freezing temperatures kinda footwear - and David Beckham has a pair...just saying. 

Men's Sorel Caribou £155

The Sorel Caribou boot has nubuck leather uppers and a handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell that are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides sure footing. Rated to minus 40 degrees.

Women's Sorel Caribou £125

This Sorel boot has nubuck leather uppers and handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides sure footing. Rated to minus 40 degrees.

Women's Sorel Tofino £160

The Sorel Tofino boot has a lightweight quilted upper that is made of waterproof waxed canvas with a durable leather shell topped with a fab faux fur collar. Inside, a Sherpa Pile lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable and a molded rubber outsole for excellent traction.

Women's Sorel Tofino Nylon £160

This Sorel boot has a tough, nylon upper and PU coated leather shell that features a waterproof breathable membrane construction so feet stay dry and comfortable; inside, 100 grams of insulation join forces with a cozy fleece lining to create a cocoon of warmth. Made with a removable, molded EVA footbed and molded rubber outsole.

So there you have it, our warm and waterproof collection for men and women. We might not all look as cool as some in our winter boots, but at least our feet are dry and warm!

Happy shopping! 

Keep Warm This Winter with Hoads

Being that it is now our second Winter with clothing we thought we would put together a little look book for you using our clothing - perhaps early gift ideas too?

The MUSTO Cape Down coat is showerproof and filled with duck down for super insulation, made in one of this seasons top colours ticking both the boxes of function and fashion. 

 The Rugged styling of the Timberland and Barbour lace up ankle boots makes this the perfect look for everyday. Both Timberland and Barbour offer comfort and support in their thick soled leather boots so whether you are popping to town or walking the dog your feet will be comfortable all day. 


MUSTO's Plymouth Knit in hemp is a universally netural colour matching well with jeans or burgundy chinos or even over smart trousers and a shirt for a bit of extra warmth on the way to an event. Knitwear is key this season so what better way to stay warm while looking the part?






The Dubarry Lavery boots in warm walnut are Gore-Tex lined making them 100% waterproof and breathable - no matter what weather you get caught in your feet will stay dry and cosy! The quilted Barbour boot as an alternative is weather resistant with the waxed upper - buckle detailing on both boots give a more casual feel and nod at the biker boot trend. Add a Dubarry faux fur cuff boot liner for extra warmth on those cold mornings watching the children (or partner!) playing sport or walking the dog in bitter temperatures. 

Be pretty in pink this season and continue the spring trend of pastels through to the autumn - MUSTO's Pennie roll neck mixes comfort and warmth while remaining on trend with the placement cable detailing. Finish off the look with a lightweight Gore-Tex Dubarry jacket - the classic mac style with a country feel. 

All of these items are available to buy in-store or online www.hoadshoes.co.uk. 

SOREL Winter Boots

Last year was our first year stocking SOREL winter boots and it was one of the best decisions we made (not just because it was one of the coldest winters on record!).

"Founded in 1962, SOREL brings the spirit and heritage of expertly crafted boots to the modern world of fashion where they inspire a new generation of doers, builders, and creators."

For those of you that only know SOREL for the photograph of David Beckham and son Brooklyn wearing them in the snow last year here is a brief overview of the company.

SOREL footwear was launched by A.R. Kaufman, whose family business started making boots under various brand names in 1907 in Kitchener Ontario.  Their SOREL boots were the most popular and successful of their collection. The name SOREL was used to invoke images of ruggedness and cold protection as SOREL was a big WWII and post war-time shipbuilder and steel town. In 2000 SOREL became a division of the Columbia Sportswear Company and continues to exist under the same brand name to this day. (sourced from http://www.vieux-sorel.com/sorel-boot-en.php)

"SOREL combines felt, wool, premium leathers, and flawless construction with people who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty." www.sorelfootwear.co.uk 

Here at Hoads we stock two of their most popular boots Tofino and Caribou in a couple of colours.

The Caribou boot sold as both a men's and women's product has a handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell that is seam-sealed for complete waterproofness. The boots are lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot - easily washable and helps to keep the boot fresh after wear. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from the cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides extra grip. Now this boot is rated to minus 40 degrees which although we will not experience in the UK (oh please please let us not experience that level of cold!) the assurance that your feet will definitely not feel the cold is undoubtedly there.

Tofino is just a women's product and we stock two designs of it; the quilted upper and the nylon upper.

The Sorel Tofino boot with the quilted upper (style number NL2029 pictured below) is made of waterproof waxed canvas with a durable leather shell topped with a fab faux fur collar. Inside, a Sherpa Pile lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable and a molded rubber outsole allows for excellent traction.

The other Tofino Sorel (style number NL2013 pictured below, left) boot has a tough, nylon upper and PU coated leather shell that features a waterproof breathable membrane construction so feet stay dry and comfortable. Inside, 100 grams of insulation join forces with

a cozy fleece lining to create a cocoon of warmth around your feet. Made with a removable, molded EVA footbed and molded rubber outsole making the boot incredibly comfortable for those snow days with the kids!

Aside from all of the technology these boots are exactly what you look for in a winter boot - hard wearing, comfortable, supportive, warm and waterproof. SOREL boots get a big thumbs up from Hoads, what about you? Will you be wearing them this winter or sticking to your wellingtons?

MUSTO Clothing

Last year we took a big step after the success of the Dubarry footwear in store and added Dubarry clothing to our repertoire; this year we are taking it up a notch and adding MUSTO!

In 1964 Keith Musto fed up of the uncomfortable and unsuitable “sailing clothes” of the time decided to take on the mammoth and aspirational job of designing appropriate, comfortable and water proof sailing attire. MUSTO & Hyde started production in 1965 in a former prisoner of war hut in Rawreth, Essex. Initially the business was focused on sail making, with just two full time staff and family members helping out whenever they could. Slowly but surely the company and its employees grew along with the popularity of sailing which produced more demand for their products. In 1974 their famous “three layer system” was produced based on the idea of having the ability to move freely while keeping protected and warm.

Having established MUSTO's reputation (by word of mouth to begin with) for producing technical sailing clothing of the highest order, Keith Musto’s eye was caught by a new range of fabric that was growing in popularity in the United States and Canada - In 1978, prototype garments were made of a fleece shirt and a blouson jacket called The Snug.

“MUSTO was one of the first companies to bring fleece into the UK. We thought it was perfect for us, particularly as we were starting to branch off into the country markets with the equestrian and shooting areas.” Keith Musto.

MUSTO were also the first the produce and bring to market the ‘one piece dry suit’ and were recognised for this by winning an award in 1988.

After becoming a well known name in the sailing industry Keith Musto, along with the help of his daughter’s passion, took the company into new territory – equestrian clothing. MUSTO’s equestrian range along with the help of key industry figures (such as William Fox-Pitt, Tina Cook and Zara Phillips) became a hit in no time and MUSTO’s customer base increased dramatically.

“MUSTO was always product-led. If you’ve got the right product you’ll succeed. And we did.” Keith Musto

In 1992 MUSTO developed a prototype for a dry suit with the aim of keeping a sailor dry and warm for up to two hours, at the time the maximum was 15minutes and these suits were only worn in very extreme circumstances. The relationship between MUSTO and the leading sailors in their field has been crucial right from the beginning. Not only have they tested the kit to its very limits, but their diligent and extremely detailed feedback has helped MUSTO push the boundaries of innovation. Skip Novak even gave the MUSTO staff a slideshow to illustrate just how important their work was in keeping him and his crew safe and warm.

In 1994 MUSTO collaborated with WL Gore to develop a new range of clothing that was breathable and waterproof even in the toughest of conditions – their MUSTO HPX range with Gore-Tex.

Having established a reputation in the sailing and equestrian markets, in 1999 MUSTO decided it was time to adopt the innovative approach to its country clothing that had made it the best-loved brand in sailing. So knowing how important it is to take part in the activity and research your target audience properly they went shooting and within a short time recognised the challenges, embraced tradition and adopted MUSTO’s renowned reputation for innovation by producing their country range.

In 2006 MUSTO launched their Evolution collection of sailing wear comprising of 3 layers for men and women. An entirely new take on clothes for boating, the capsule collection included fabrics from WL Gore, Polartec, Primaloft and incorporating Lycra, Spandex, SPF technology.

MUSTO was the official technical clothing partner to the British sailing team in the Olympic and Paralympic classes, Skandia Team GBR. The partnership is the perfect illustration of the long journey that began nearly five decades ago when Keith Musto set out on realising his own personal Olympic ambitions.

“Sailors today, they’re very, very good. I’d still like to have a go at them if I was sixty years younger.” Keith Musto.

Below are some images of the clothing we are stocking from Musto – going along to their stock room and viewing the pieces was very exciting, we got a background talk on the brand and our rep who has been working there for 10 years knew every aspect of the clothing pieces she was showing us – making our buy a lot easier! After trying on numerous coats, jackets and jumpers we can confirm that the fit is very good – snug and cosy on all levels! To view our full range please click for Men's or Women's.

We really hope you give MUSTO a try if you never have before or continue to shop with them in one of their new locations, Hoads!