Gateway Game Ladies Wellies

Gateway 1’s Pheasant Game wellington boots offer a specific fit for ladies using a narrower ‘Last’ more suited to slimmer feet. These Japan rubber, supported wellies in dark brown feature 5mm of insulation making a great compromise between comfort, weight and warmth for the colder months.

Fit

They show a slender fit through the leg to blend better with the footbed. It’s noticeable how they don’t feel baggy around the ankle bones like some wider fitting boots. In addition, the stiffer G1-stage3 footbed gives more support, especially when walking on uneven ground or for longer distances. Further support, particularly under a twisting motion is given by the glass fibre shank.

Function

The boots are fitted with what Gateway 1 call their ‘Mud-field/Lynx ICE-GRIP+‘sole pattern. It is rated to provide grip down to -45°C and all the way up to +30°C, although I can’t imagine wearing wellies in such high temperatures! An adjustable gusset caters for all calf sizes with a smooth overlapping fold that doesn’t gather up and irritate. The only slight downside is that, and I don’t have particularly long nails, it could do with a slightly larger locking cleat to fasten. I do like the secondary slot to secure the overhanging strap, preventing it flapping about and tapping the back of my leg with every step. This adjustability also offers clothing versatility and space to fold in heavier trousers if the weather demands it, yet still retains a great feel if worn casually with just leggings.

In use

The 17” height is perfect for me at 5’6” tall, and I got all day walking comfort with minimal internal moisture. The ‘coil lining’ seems to wick anything away swiftly. My size-6 boots weighed in at 2400-grams for the pair but I never seemed to feel it. I think the thinner sole with 6mm tread depth, yet plentiful insulation against the cold ground, complemented the ‘ladies fit’ design ethos perfectly, with minor but important details well addressed. Further to this, they did not feel too clumsy, and the reduced bulk visually made them more similar to a fitted leather boot.

Conclusion

Overall, I found them warm enough without being overly bulky or heavy plus they were particularly comfortable and well profiled for a slimmer fit. They are great boots that address the growing number and decisive needs of ladies in field sports who demand direct design favours.