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As a field archaeologist I spend a ridiculous amount of my time in the winter wading around ploughed fields in Wiltshire up to my backside in mud. Unless it's appalling wet I wear walking boots and gaiters for all my work, and it tend to be between 5 and 10 miles a day and 4 to 5 days a week for a couple of months at a time.

As a result of this intensive "field-testing" I've reached certain conclusions about boots. They are:-

1. If you can afford it buy boots made from one piece of leather - the more stitches the more likely they are to leak;

2. Goretex boot liners are not really worth tuppence. Goretex is not designed to take the sort of creasing and wear created by walking. Even XCR gives up after a while

3. Buy boots with a high rubber rand running round then to protect the lower leather

4. Get a really waterproof boot. For me the best make around is Zamberlan, a pair of their old Trek-lites lasted me 10 years. Their Hydrobloc system is excellent if the leather is treated regularly

5. Vibram soles are essential. Most others wear out too soon

So at the moment I'm using a pair of Zamberlans I bought in Ellis Brighams outlet store at Capel Curig teamed with a pair of Deerhunter's excellent gaiters.

Sorel, a US winter boot mainufacturer do an ideal winter boot for UK fishing called the Conquest 2 but it's not imported over here. It's ideal being waterproof, insulated and of mid height.

Choice of boots can make or break a day's fishing. Go for the best you can.