Hunter Wellies wade off into the sunset
Joining what used to be Scotland’s Silicon Glen, manufacturing costs in this country have driven the makers of the famous Green Hunter Wellington boot overseas.
Having survived their first brush with the administrator in 2006, the company succeeded in surviving a number of trial, but has had to yield to economics and transfer its production to places such as Serbia, China, and Brazil. The changes are expected to see its head office move from it Heathhall works near Dumfries, and result in the loss of up to 22 jobs – with only seven employed in boot manufacture. In 2006, staff numbered 101, with most involved in manufacturing, and the company ranked amongst the largest employers in Dumfries.
Beginning as the North British Rubber Company in Edinburgh in 1856, it made its place by using a new process to cure and stabilise the rubber – vulcanising. World War I saw its fortunes lift, as the War Office needed waterproof boots for troops fighting in flooded trenches, and almost 1.2 million pairs were supplied. Taking the place of another Scottish manufacturer that sadly succeeded in becoming a failure, they moved to Dumfries in 1946 after acquiring the factory of the Arroll Johnston motor company, which had gone into receivership and closed in 1931.
Your scribe has had a pair of faithful Hunters for years, and is not a member of the ‘horsey’ set. His are still as good new, despite having been across a fair number of muddy fields in search of various artefacts related to the country’s First, Second, and Cold War remains, and have survived the attentions of various noxious materials they’ve had to plough through, both animal-made and man-made in some instances, as pollution comes in numerous guises.
While that sort of crap can generally be removed with some soap and water, a splash of disinfectant and a hose, nothing can remove the embarrassment that has come to be associated with a pair of Hunters ever since ‘Celebrities’ began to consider they were ‘Kewl’ to be seen in. But, since they work (the Green Wellies, NOT the useless celebrities), they still get thrown in the back of the car when they’re needed (unlike the celebrities, who’d be thrown under the car.)
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The thought of Hunter wellies being made in China is a bit of a shock. The Chinese are very good at imitating things, it is true, so there is going to be very little difference between the China-made Hunters and the original Scottish-made Hunters as far as new wellies are concerned.
The real test is whether the Chinese-made ones will last as long. The reports I am getting suggest that this is not a good move, with the soles failing or cracking after a few years (the originals would go on for a decade or longer).
I ordered a pair of Hunters and was very disappointed to see that they were manufactured in China. I have a great appreciation for authenticity and I almost returned when I saw “made in China.”
I have ordered 2 pair from different companies recently and had quality issued with them. The first pair were returned, the second pair turned up and the tops are not cut straight. The back of one of them is about 5mm taller than the other. When you pay around £50 a pair you expect the quality of hunter. I have been offered a discount to accept the wellies and not to return them. I think they are churning out low quality wellies but at a quality price. I have been buying hunters for nearly 25 years. These last 2 pairs are nothing like the quality of the ones I bought about 2.5 years ago. The finish is so much better on my old ones and belive me they have had some serious hammer on a daily basis. So this makes you question just how these wellies are going to wear. These were for a gift. Does anyone think I will have problems with them lasting? does anyone think i should just send them back and think of an alternative????
I was also outraged to discover that Hunter wellies are now made in China. In addition, the 2009 model smells of such a horrid odour. The best description that I can give it is one of a chemical soup. Just leaving those boots to ventilate in my home cannot be good for me. I’ve decided to not buy these boots.
I ordered the Hunter Original Short Boot under the impression that the boots were made in Scotland. I felt misled by Hunter’s false advertising when I discovered the boots were made in China – as are many other products I avoid purchasing. The boots were off-gassing terribly and the room in which they were kept smalled awful. The boot brochure that was attached to my new boots told the story of the handmade boot:
“Somewhere, doubtless, there’s a machine that can churn out boots, of a sort, in the blink of an eye, at the push of a button. But they wouldn’t be our sort of boots. They wouldn’t feel so good. They wouldn’t fit so well. They just would not be up to the job. Of course, making Hunters by hand is harder, granted.
But in our long experience, there’s no other way to make the kind of boot we’d be happy to put our name to. The kind of boot that you’d be happy to wear. And if that means it takes a whole working week to make a pair of Hunters from start to finish, then that’s the way it has to be. You just can’t rush perfection.
It’s a classic of design that can still put in a hard day’s work doing the job it was built for – and that’s a rare thing.
One small, dedicated team keeps alive our 150 year old traditions by painstakingly turning out these beautiful, bench-made boots.”
In reality, Hunter boots are being made in a factory in China. I found it strange that nowhere on the boot did it mention where the boot was made. I imagine that if it stated on the boot that it was made in China, this would hurt the reputation of Hunter Boot. Now that I have discovered that Hunter Boot makes its boots in China, I will no longer purchase boots from them. I am very disappointed and do not believe that Hunter provided honest information about the product in which I carefully chose to purchase based on its “authenticity.” I do not believe I have received a quality product for the high price I paid.
Many thanks for the comment, and including the story from the leaflet.
As can be seen from the earlier comments left here, your experience of the modern, post-2006 Hunter Wellies, is not unique.
Oddly enough, I was looking at the stats in here today (which I rarely do), and this old post remains one of the post popular, always in the top ten, and is actually number one at the moment.
I must have hit a nerve.
I also have a spare pair of wellies now, they cost a mere £6 (and I got change) from Lidl, and I have to be honest and say I can’t fault their quality, either in material (they don’t smell) or manufacture, there is not a poorly made seal or seam to be seen.
I just googled “hunter boots crap” and got this thread! I WAS considering buying a pair of hunters but when I went and tried them on I was appalled at how flimsy they felt. After a bit of research I have ended up with a pair of le chameau boots which are fab. I cannot believe how much the hunter quality has fallen and feel that they should only be regarded as a fashion item now.
I’ve had a pair of Scottish made Hunter Wellies for over ten years and before that another pair and finally decided to buy myself a new pair… Oh dear! The new ‘made in china’ hunter wellies are just what you would expect from chinese quality control… They look like hunter boots but that’s about it.
Hoggs make a boot called ‘Braemar’ and I have just bought a pair of these as the quality, fit and strength of rubber is exactly what I want in a pair of boots that will last through all seasons and they are what Hunter used to be. If you’re looking for a replacement Hunter welly – Buy Hoggs Braemar. Goodbye Hunter…
I have a pair of Hunter Wellies this will be my 2nd year getting these out ready to use cleaned mud off etc only to find most of the green has come of leaving me with dark green and a white mess Please help.
I, like some of you, went to purchase a new pair to replace my very old pair. When I got home and found the made in china stamp on the box I nearly cried. Back to the store they went, shame on Hunter!
I have returned to this page, and note that a growing number of people have issues with Chinese-made Hunters.
I now have direct experience of the crap quality, having bought a pair of Hunter Balmoral wellies for a friend. Now, you’d think that since they looked more substantial than standard Hunters, that they would be stronger and last rather longer than 6 months without cracking. They were certianly more expensive.
How wrong I was. My friend used her wellies daily – she relies on them. After 7 months, she reported that the right boot had split, and the left one was about to go the same way. As I was the one who paid for them, I have complained to the retailer, and have sent them back.
Let’s see what happens now.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m wearing Le Chameau wellies now. Nothing else comes close in terms of durability.
I had a pair of original Hunter boots over 20 years ago.
I was looking forward to getting another pair..until is saw ‘made in China’ label….
I cant believe that hunter boots are now made in china and yet the little booklet leads you to believe tha tthey are hand made in Scotland…
and further more they stink..
Thank you so much for the information and tips on where to buy better boots. I was raised by a British mother and other European women who survived WWII and emigrated to the US. As children we were always embarrassed by the old country ways and the “odd” clothing they liked to dress us in. It wasn’t until my teens that I realized what high standards and regard for quality and design they had. The rubber wellies I had been loathe to wear into town around the public school kids were now my favorite thing to throw on when I returned home from college.
One of my mothers is now dead but her red hunters are still in the hall closet waiting to be worn by whomever stops by for tea and a tromp in the woods. I was nearly devastated to learn that the real thing cannot be obtained (unless one can pay through the nose for the models that ARE made in Scotland). It has nothing to do with snobbery but with a standards and appreciation for the reality that those boots were made by people who took pride in them and supported their families through these efforts. Not that I don’t think people in China don’t appreciate their jobs…. I think you all know what i mean though.
Cheers,
Tara
I am so cross went to get new hunters after 8years of faithful life from my last pair,expected them still to be same quality but awful cheap looking and nasty although not cheap sorry hunter I”m off,brought a pair of Aigle wellies.
Having been involved in the manufacture of Hunters for more than 20 years I can honestly say that the boots manufactured overseas are not made to the same standard as Dumfries manufactured boots. The actual manufacturing technique is totally different. The boots you are buying for £60 will be made in the same way with similar materials as the pairs you can see all over the place at under a tenner !!!!
I live in Russia and to tell you the truth it is VERY hard to get Hunters here. Mind you our average salaries are way lower than yours guys (no offence). I’ve been considering buying a pair of Hunters for 100$ but when I’ve learnt they’re made in China, smell bad and are flimsy – no way i am going to buy those! It is a shame though. The Hunters website is totally misleading. And they’re going to open new shops in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in Autumn 2010!I think the only reason to open those stores is to try to sell all the subpar Hunters which were returned from european stores in Russia.
My fiance bought me a pair of Hunters just 2.5 years ago and said that they would last for years. Both boots have developed cracks along the soles and are letting in water.
Alas, it looks like the comments hear ae accurate. My advice is save your money and get a pair at Lidl!
I have just returned my third pair of Hunter Balmoral wellies in a row. First pair wore through the heel lining within three weeks, second pair split and started leaking within three weeks and the third pair had the right boot smaller than the left and showed signs of the the upper coming away from the sole unit before I’d even worn them. They also stank horribly. Not impressed, and never again.
I have bought 2 pairs, both only lasted 6mths before being non waterproof. They replaced one pair but now that that pair is not waterproof they have said their policy is only one replacement! Would not recommend to anyone.. big price tag for cheaply made product
I purchased a pair of the Balmoral bamboo carbons 4 months ago directly from Hunters and the lining has worn at the heel, the red lines are different thickness and logo on 1 boot is near the top were other is much lower.
returning them Monday.
I am able to report that a refund on the faulty Hunter Balmorals was successfully obtained from the retailer. My friend has now replaced them with a pair of Le Chameau Vierzonord wellies, same as mine. They may cost a lot, being made in France, but then again they will last a hell of a lot longer than Chinese Hunters.
I have just discovered my Balmoral Hunters brought last July are split in a number of locations as if they were years old and are fit for the bin. I have worn Hunters for many years but this pair will be the last.
i have never been so angry. brought my pink hunters for reading festival last year and didnt even get them muddy or involved in a mosh pit. wore them for 5 days! got them out the other day to go and walk my nans dog and the colour has faded to a blotchy orange there are dents and loss of shape on the shin, the seams are messy and theres a crack in the heel letting in water! i paid £65.00 for aload of tat! and now i see there made in china! rip off! con! false advertisement and extremely poor quality! just another example of corporate lazyness and greed! will be reporting to a regulating body and watch dog! they can not continue to con people out of the hard earned cash! disgusting!!!!!
I was just about to buy my first pair of Hunters! I was excited to be buying a well made boot from Scotland. After finding out they are made in China, I have to find a new boot. Thinking about Aigle boots now.
very interested to read all the comments on Hunter wellies. I work in kennels and stables and go through wellies at a rate of a “good” pair every year. Le Chameau (expensive, and VERY expensive ones) last me a year and a half before the tread wearing through, and Aigle and Hunters tend to last about six to nine months!! I don’t really care about country of origin as long as they’re made of a quality that the price reflects (and being Scottish myself, I know most things that claim to be from here, actually aren’t!)
i just got my hunters and was so excited. they smell HORRIBLE and stunk up my apt overnight. the chemical smell is giving me a headache and probably melting my ovaries. i am going to try to send these back. what a bummer.
Comment 25 pretty much sums up why we are in hoc to the banks. Nobody cares that the vast majority of manufacturing industry was allowed to walk away by the preceding labour and conservative governments. There is little manufacturing left to bring wealth back to the UK. We used to be the World’s Workshop. Not any more and never again because most folks think like Diane and do not care about keeping things local as long as they are cheap.
Just got a pair of Hunter low Wellies and am supremely bummed to find they are no longer made in the UK. I’ll be looking for a pair of Aigles, or Le Chameaus, made in France. Thanks for all the great info regarding extended use and shoddy quality. Wish I had known this before.
my wellies have lasted less than half the time of my last pair of the original scottish made boot. (I bought my first pair in 1976 and all pairs have been fab until now). Am really cross about it so shall not be buying another pair!
ALSO Hunters havent even got the courage to print HUNTERS MADE IN CHINA on their boot. that must say something.
I don’t care where things are made but I do care about quality. My hunter wellingtons failed within 18 months of light use – Hunters were of no use, giving me the old pap about our quality etc. The boots are of poor quality and high price. The owners seem to be taking everyone for a ride. You may as well buy boots from a banker.
I have just had my third pair of Hunter Balmorals split in 13 months, They have been good at replacing them but for that money you should get more than 5 weeks out of a pair of boots!! I think its time to go back to Le Chameau.
I have been buying and wearing Hunter wellies for over 30yrs…but judging by the quality of my most recent pair I will not be buying them again…failed miserably to keep my feet dry the recent bad weather…no apparent holes..but manage to let the moisture in anyway
I have been wearing Hunter wellingtons since about 1970. The quality has been up and down a bit in that time, but never as low as it is now. The last ones they made in Scotland by the dipping process, were in fact very good. The Chinese boots start to crease and then crack after just a few hours. Some retailers are claiming that they are still made by the dipping process, which is not true. One of Hunter’s directors told me that and admitted that they were not as strong now. There has been considerable trouble in the industry over this. Many people resent that Hunter keep its Royal Appointment, by just keeping on a few people making something in Scotland. One wholesale customer was not told that the boots he had ordered were Chinese and when he found out, the container from China sat at the docks for months, after he refused them. I think Hunter and the shops have been very dishonest in trying to conceal their origin and the prices are an outrage. I have seen over £200 for some. I would be very surprised if they come into the country for more than £5, maybe less. You might as well take pot luck with any other Chinese wellingtons for £15 to £20. Some are not bad. Alternatively spend a fortune on Chameau, but not Hunter. Be careful about other brands too such, as Hogg and Barbour, which Hunter made. If they are very neat at the back and have a visible seam in the cloth inside, they are Chinese. The last real Hunters were not and did not. It should be obvious from the dozens of varieties, that they are Chinese anyway. The Scottish factory could never do that. Hunter had a long history. Now the name is the same and that’s all. Hunter may be flying high now as a fashion item, but fashion is fickle. I can’t see that they have a long term future.
Hi, I have been thinking about buying Hunters for a while now but because it’ll cost me around $200 after taxes and all, I’m kinda worried? Is the quality really that bad? I want mine to last at least like 5 years. And i probably won’t wear them often, like around 3 times a week at most. Can anyone tell me if they think the quality is really that bad? I mean if they’re selling at that high a price, they must still have some durability but made in China. HELP PLEASE! I was soo set on buying these boots (the originial glossy ones) but this has made me skeptical!
I decided not to buy a pair today after I saw a grommet coming loose and noticing that they were made in China. I look forward to the day where we go back to our roots.
I thought they were made in Brazil, not China
Very dissapointed with Hunters full stop!
I had a new pair which leaked alomg a seam after 3 months, my local agricultural merchant has returned loads of them with similar promlems shame I never kept my reciept he would of returned them as well.
Wife’s Hunters stated leaking today now destined for the dustbin after 11 months hardly ever used.
I now got a pair of Hoggs of Fife, Wellies they seem a lot stronger not sure where they are made but time will tell.
I have purchased Hunter boots for over 25 years. It seems this pair, purchased around 7 years ago, will be my last (made in Scotland on the front label) still in good condition and no ingress.
I thought I would get my daughter her first pair for Christmas – this has turned out to be the worst experience of buying a quality product – ever. (Land Rover Defenders included)
Package opened on Christmas day to find one size 5 boot, and one size 6. Also one a ‘Huntress’ the other a normal boot – so different heights !!! It is now February 25th and they can’t even find my house to deliver a ‘new pair’ Will never buy a Hunter product again. If it has not already been revoked, the Royal Family should seriously consider no longer supporting them.
Interesting ! Was going to get a pair for my daughter so she doesn;t steal my wife’s pair so often (10 years old and still in good nick. I bought a pair of Aigle Parcours a good 14 years ago – a couple of thousand miles later they’re still going strong. Made in France with a good walking sole. So will let the daughter wear mum’s old “fashion boots” with the Made in Scotland label and get the wife something french with a decade or two of life in them
To anybody considering buying hunters for the quality and durability (of the past), don’t!
I bought a pair but as I am not a frequent user at all it has lasted thus far after a few months. From experience though, Dr Marten boots bought for my partner and I were of a shoddy quality and the leather coating on the shoe came off after a few wears. They were made in Thailand. I have no doubt not only are Made in China goods compromised in terms of quality, but the companies that made this outsourching move in the first place have a cost cutting mentality so lots of corners would’ve been cut along the way.
I am Chinese born but I don’t support exploitation of labourers (the ugly side of globolisation), profit driven corporate mentality that does not also drive down the price in keeping with the drop in standards, and deceiving customers into thinking they are buying British made. If they are so desperate to make them in China due to competition and need to stay alive, how come they don’t lower the price to refelct the cheaper costs? Pure greed. It is more cost effective to buy wellies for a tenner multiple times instead.
I got a pair in july 2009 and now june 2011 they have cracked and leak. Not even 2 years for fo pound plus. Very poorly made. My mate has some over 10 yearfs old from the uk and still going well, so sad I will never buy again
I believe Berghaus has bought Hunter. Does anyone know if the factory shop is still in Dumfries or where the Hunter and Berghaus factory store is?
No mention of any acquisitions, but their own site has info on outlets:
Berghaus | Outdoor Clothing, Waterproof Jackets and Rucksacks
Hunter is now part of a large footwear holding company called Pentland. Don’t look for the quality to be returning anytime soon. These types of companies just look for brands to exploit. They churn out total crap and know people will buy it simply because of the name on the box. Hunter not only sells junk made in China, but they’re no longer even Hunter.
bought a pair of hunter balmoral sovereigns 10 months ago for £295!!! thinking they were hand made in scotland, and after only one shooting seasons useage, they leak at the zip and where the button snaps shut to keep the zip up, well it fell off!!! hand made? i do’nt think so last pair i buy!
I was looking for a great pair of rubber boots to use when hiking in the mucky areas. My first criteria, NOT made in china. So, off to my online search. I found the Hunter Wellies which on the website touts them being made in Scotland. Great… can I find a distributor in USA. Sure I did. Then I sent an e-mail to determine that they were DEFINITELY made in Scotland – received the reply…. UGH – made in china! Hunter will not get my money! It is so sad that it is such a chore to find a quality product NOT made in china. Everything that is coming out of there is garbage. If anyone knows of a good boot NOT made in china, please let me know. I will continue searching as well…. Thanks!
I made, what for me, was a huge investment, and bought a pair of Hunter Original wellies this spring. I haven’t noticed an odor, and can’t comment on the relative quality because these are my first pair. I bought them because they offer much better foot support than cheaper rubber boots and because they are an well established manufacturer, and I expected them to last for years. I wore them the other day…(for about the 3rd or 4th time)…and thought I felt some dampness in the toe, but couldn’t believe it. Now, I’m wondering. I was planning to buy another pair…the shorter style…but I’m leery. Are some of the Hunter boots still made in Scotland? Typically, I try not to buy from China, so I feel very betrayed right now.
Nothing is manufactured in Britain, all production was moved to China and Serbia.
I’m afraid if you want a waterproof boot, then the last thing you want to buy today is a Hunter.
By the company’s own admission, the product is now just a fashion accessory – an ornament to be seen in – not a working product:
Hunter Boots owner Lord Marland looks for new prey – Telegraph
My 4th pair of hunters (in 5 years) has just started to leak. All the others were under waranty so were replaced but this pair are just out of date! I refuse to give hunter any more of my money. I had them as a child and they lasted 10 years!
I bought some VIKING short wellies a couple of months ago, they are fantastic. Just ordered some Aigle wellies for winter, hope these prove to be better than hunter?
Wow, I can’t believe all the negative comments about the hunter situation. I have been wearing Scotland hunter boots for many years. I have been ready to replace due to heavy use. I have chosen not to purchase the china made boot. Looking into other boots, it looks like Le Chameau will replace the good ole hunter green boot. Very sad…
I was a Hunter fan, however my most recent pair have only lasted about 10 months!
Hunters no more!!!!!
Ive just bought some balmorals and love them super comfy and look good too. they are more like a walking boot than a welly in my opinion.
I just hope they stand the test of time ss they are not cheap!
I bout the St james regent and it leaked. I returned them and bought the Regent Neoprene and they are leaking on the 2nd and 3rd wears…I will NEVER buy Hunters again…thankfully they are warrantied and I can hopefully get store credit
[...] everyone else spends double or triple by buying those ridonculously over-priced Hunter wellies (which are now made in China, not Scotland as they used to be), you can walk a little lighter knowing you put your money and [...]
[...] along for a couple of years but in 2008, after many more trials, the worst happened and they had to move their production to China, Brazil and Serbia and scale back their Scottish workforce to around 22. There was a [...]
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I recently purchased a pair of Hunter Originals made in China according to the box. After wearing them less than 4 hours total over perhaps 5 occasions one of the heels has fallen off and remains lost in the mud somewhere on my modest property! It is unbelievable that owners of such a famous brand would throw everything away by sanctioning poor quality and inferior merchandise to be manufactured under their name. Face it, the poor Chinese workers are making what their British corporate lords and Chinese mafia shop owners agree is acceptable.
The current holder of the Hunter brand must be exposed as a vulture capitalist who takes over a struggling company with a reputable brand for cheap only to dismiss the skilled workers and extract the last profit by sourcing cheap janky merchandise as the whole business fizzles down the drain. Ethically bankrupt bastards.
I bought a pair 10 days ago (short glossy type) and they made my feet wet across the toes from day one. I took them back yesterday and was given a new pair (short non-glossy). I wore the new ones last night and this morning running errands in the rain and the toes on my left foot were wet again. I returned them (for good this time) and bought a cheap pair of kids wellies for $13 cdn at a local discount store. They’re rubber and made in Canada to boot! I considered getting a pair of the Tretorn’s but a friend of mine has had hers for a few months and they are leaking too! I don’t know how long these cheapo wellies will last but I won’t invest over $50 cdn on anything that leaks within the first year. (Note: I don’t believe that something being made in China makes it automatically inferior. Many good quality items are also made in China. It’s clear that Hunter is no longer interested in maintaining any sort of quality control, hence the leaky boots straight out of the box.)
Over 10 years ago I was given two pairs of Hunter Classic (Made in Scotland) wellies, and where I have used one pair thoroughly, I’m now having a clear out and want to sell the other unused pair. They are dusty from being in the shed but are in all sense “brand new”. I just went on to Ebay for research purposes but could only see the Chinese ones, and all I can say is that they are Flimsy Fashion items compared to the Scottish 4 Wheel Drive ones!
My 4WD ones are now on Ebay!
I treated myself to a new pair of Hunters last week – bought from Amazon. Was so shocked when they arrived I was going to report the seller to trading standards for selling fakes. They are flimsy and horrible. Can’t believe this has happened – I will besending them back & looking for new brand of wellies. Same happened with FAL horse rugs – still cost over £300 but now made in Far East not UK & quality awful. Still – ALL Barbour goods still made in North East England so that’s a positive.