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Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots

Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots

When the wellies come off, what do you put on? Well, for the last month, the SD 6” Pull-on Chelsea boots from Gateway1, as these are perfectly designed to complement the high-quality wellies they also supply.

The details

Two pull-on tabs are fitted front and rear so that you can step in and draw on the soft leather boot, which is finished in a mid/light brown colour. The front and rear of the ankle are separated with elasticated fabric bridges, enabling the simple on/off fit and although not as secure as a laced, tight and supportive boot, they are faster, more convenient and less bulky. My size 11s tipped the scales at 1210-grams for the pair.

Sizing goes from US 7-13 which equates to 6-12 in the UK. I’m usually an 11/45 and fit that size in all my other Gateway wellies while wearing thick winter socks. Similarly, the fit is identical here, but if you are likely to be wearing thinner socks in a more summer-oriented boot, I’d be tempted to drop one size.

Specs

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The polyurethane ‘Foreman SD’ outsole is oil resistant, with a softer foam midsole for cushioning. The outer tread is 4mm deep and much less aggressive, so won’t get you in trouble if you wear these ‘clean’ and wander into the house, they won’t pull threads from the carpet.

Gateway’s famous coil lining is in place to complement the naturally airier boot and the leather’s natural breathability for all-day wear. The boots are comfort rated for 5°C air temperature. Arch support is present in the boot’s midsole, along with a removable internal footbed insole that wraps the sides of your heel and offers 10mm thickness of padding for an airy, silent footfall.

The boots are quiet when you walk in them, with no squeaks from the internal surfaces or stitching, so you don’t need to douse the liners with talc to prevent annoying noise.

With the insole removed, the lining is visible, showing paper-thin, delicate leather for comfort on the internal surfaces, with similarly neat stitching applied flatly across the folds, joints and layers to avoid bulky seams or creases. A slightly looser fitting boot would quickly cause blisters, otherwise.

The end

Needless to say, my goal was to see how beaten up these would get in 4 weeks of daily wear. Well, I have found them quite tough. They have bedded in nicely with an earthy, visual hue that’s fended off watermark staining from damp ground. They seem to shed any mud splatters easily and although not polished leather, they haven’t really marked. Perhaps most telling, the toes have stood up to endless damage from being scuffed across the gravel and other rough surfaces while shooting prone. I have worn them while driving, in the pub and on the odd social occasion, they just blend in. I’m converted.

  • Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots - image {image:count}

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  • Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Gateway 1 SD 6” Pull on Chelsea Boots - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

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features

  • Name: Gateway1, SD 6” Pull-on Chelsea Boots
  • Price: £142
  • Sizes: 7-13 (USA)
  • Contact: Koolbox - www.koolbox.co.uk
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