Choosing the Right Pair of Boots' Guide

GENERAL

WHY BUY A PAIR OF AIGLE RUBBER BOOTS?

Rubber, from rubber tree plantations, has remarkable natural properties. By using rubber rather than 100% synthetic materials, our master rubber makers at Aigle hand make, in more than 60 stages, boots that last and combine flexibility with excellent comfort. Rubber boots are more robust and durable and have a high resistance to wear and tear and ripping, so you can pass them down through the generations.
Products made from plastic, derived from petroleum, will not provide you with the same level of comfort nor the same amount of flexibility when walking and will become much more brittle over time.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR OF RUBBER BOOTS FOR ME?

Choosing the right pair of rubber boots depends on what you wish to use them for.
If you are looking for the latest design seen in a magazine, that's in the rain boots category.
If you need a pair of boots for a particular activity: hunting, fishing, professional boots or gardening boots, you'll find what you are looking for in our specialist categories. To help you choose, you can go to the How to choose the right boots for me? » et « How to choose the right boots for professional use? sections.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Always make sure there is space in between your toes and your rubber boots. It is normal for your heel to lift up slightly when walking but it should not come away completely. You shouldn't feel as though your boots are going to come off.
If you aren't sure of your size, you can print our shoe size chart and measure your feet to find out your size.
To help you, for each boot, next to where you choose the size, we indicate whether the boot is a normal fit or whether it is a large fit.
See also HOW DO I CHOOSE BOOTS TO FIT THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF MY CALF? »

HOW DO I CHOOSE BOOTS TO FIT THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF MY CALF?

Rubber has remarkable natural properties but there is a limit to how much it stretches. A pair of boots that is too close-fitting will not be pleasant to wear, it is important to check before ordering.
To calculate the circumference of your calf, sit down on a chair, place your foot flat on the ground with your knee bent at a 90° angle. Using a tape measure, measure the widest part of your calf without pulling on the tape. We recommend that you measure both calves. If there is a big difference, use the larger measurement.
Now that you know the circumference of your calf, you need to think about how you are going to wear your boots. If, for example, you want to push your trousers into your pair of boots, you need to add the additional width of your garment and a 0.5cm safety margin.

You can now check the circumference of the boots you wish to buy using the table below:

Check the size of the boots

For this boot, sizes are :

  • Boot height 370 mm
  • Calf size 355 mm

If you're not sure, we also offer a selection of ankle boots, which are lower and easier to get on, regardless of the size of your calf.

HOW TALL ARE MY BOOTS?

The height of the boots is obtained by measuring the distance between the interior sole and the top of the boot, in a straight line. You can find the height of the design that you want in the table below:

RAIN BOOTS OR ANKLE BOOTS?

The choice between boots and ankle boots is an aesthetic one to begin with but that's not all there is to it! Depending on what you are going to use your boots for, there are many things to consider.
A pair of boots is the most classic choice and will certainly remind you of when you used to jump in puddles as a child. Choosing boots is also about choosing a design that covers the entire calf for the best protection.
The ankle boot is becoming increasingly popular. It is lighter and very easy to put on. The other advantage is that you won't have to worry about the size of your calf when making your choice.

TIPS FOR TRYING BOOTS ON?

When you are trying on your pair of boots, always make sure there is a space between your toes and the end of the boot. Walking will be a lot more comfortable and this air space will act as an insulator in cold weather conditions.
When you take your first steps in your pair of boots, it is normal for your heel to lift slightly because your foot is not supported in the same way as in a pair of shoes with laces. If you feel as if the boot is coming off with every step then it's too big.

WHICH DESIGN SHOULD I WEAR IN WINTER?

You have two options:
Buy a pair of fur-lined boots. You won't have to worry about which pair of socks you going to wear to keep your feet warm. Buy a lining sock, the fur will provide added comfort.
Nevertheless, these designs should be kept for extremely cold conditions, if you're outside for long periods, for example, or if you really hate the cold because you cannot detach the fur lining from the boot. There are different types of fur, natural, imitation fur or neoprene for example, the characteristics of which you'll find in the product description.

The other option you have is to buy a pair of classic rubber boots and complete your purchase with a pair of socks, like the Warmsocks design, in fleece. That will enable you to wear your pair of boots more easily, according to your taste and your requirements, depending on the season.

CAN I WEAR MY BOOTS IF IT SNOWS?

Yes, but your rubber boots can never replace a good pair of après-ski boots. If you opt for boots, go for fur-lined boots that will protect you from the cold. You should also pay attention to the choice of sole. We recommend that you choose a serrated sole to prevent you from slipping.
After walking in the snow, it is important to clean your boots. See How to maintain my boots?.

WILL MY FEET SWEAT IN MY BOOTS?

Our commitment is to offer you totally waterproof rubber boots. It is technically impossible to create a product that is completely water proof and breathable. It is likely that your feet will sweat in your boots, depending on the weather conditions, but you are guaranteed to stay dry, even in puddles. That's why you're going to treat yourself to this pair of boots that you've been dreaming of, isn't it?

WHICH BOOTS SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR CHILDREN?

For your children, we recommend following the same rules as for adults.
Your children's feet grow quickly but be careful not to take sizes that are too big. It is normal for the heel to lift up slightly when walking but it should not come away completely.
See What size should I choose?.
For very small children, we recommend a design suited to the shape of their foot. The Baby Flac boot, available in 19 to 23, is lower and wider. It is easy to put on and it does not interfere with your child's walking.

HOW SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY BOOTS?

After each time you use them, clean your rubber boots with a sponge soaked in soapy water and leave them to dry in the open air. Avoid putting them too close to heat or in the sun: that may alter the quality of the rubber and its colour. Keep them straight, using a shoe tree for example, in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
To protect your ankle boots and revive the rubber, apply Spiwol spray once every three months. Hold the can at a distance of 20cm from the boot and spray the entire outer surface of the boots. Leave them to dry in the open air. We recommend that that you do this outside.

HUNTING BOOTS

How do I choose the right hunting boots?

Aigle hunting boots are all made mainly from natural rubber to provide you with comfort and durability. Our range of hunting boots is made in specific styles of footwear and soles to best suit different types of hunting.

See Characteristic Table of Hunting Boots.
See also How do I choose boots to fit the circumference of my calf?

I practice stand hunting, which design should I choose?

Do you spend hours waiting for your prey? Depending on the weather conditions, you need a pair of boots that will protect you from the cold and keep you dry. Our Parcours® Iso boots or Benyl Iso with a neoprene lining are designed specifically for your needs

I practice stalk hunting, which design should I choose?

Do you go on hunts that cover long distances? Go for one of our Parcours® boots, the first anti-fatigue boot with a cushion built in at the heel. A boot with temperature regulation like the Parcours® Outlast®, would be a bonus: Outlast® materials absorb excessive heat to reproduce it when you need it.
Avoid ISO designs with a neoprene lining, it will be too hot for active walking.

I'm looking for a boot for hunting in cold weather conditions.

If you hunt in cold weather conditions, choose boots with a neoprene lining. See all hunting boots with Insulation.

I hunt on uneven ground with lots of bramble and branches. Which boots should I choose to be well protected?

We offer boots with a puncture-resistant reinforcement on the bottom of the boot to protect you during the more challenging outings. See all boots with puncture-resistant reinforcement.

How do I choose the right sole for my pair of boots?

Our soles all have specific characteristics.
Depending on your choice of boot, you can prioritise cushion, grip or lightness. You can use our comparative table to help you know the difference between our different designs. See comparative table.

I am looking for hunting boots for women.

Our range of Parcours® hunting boots is available from size 36 and gives you a very wide choice. The Chantebelle boot is well-suited to women with its close-fit at the calf.

I want to take my children hunting, which boots should I choose?

The Woody Pop boot is ideal for children with its serrated sole. The boot leaves leaf-shaped prints on the ground and will delight children. You could also choose the Perdrix boot, inspired by adult hunting boots, it is ideal for less uneven terrains.

TABLE OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HUNTING BOOTS

   
3-Density Cushioning Amorti avec semelle tridensité
360° Grip Accroche 360
Grip Accroche
Fast drying Séchage rapide
Anti-perforation Anti-perforation
Cold protection Isolation froid
Temperature control Régulation température
Wide calf Mollet large
Wide foot Pied large
Durability Résistance semelle
Light weight Légèreté semelle
Easy to clean Décrotage rapide
PARCOURS PARCOURS BOTILLON PARCOURS Lady PARCOURS VARIO PARCOURS ENDURO PARCOURS OUTLAST PARCOURS ISO PARCOURS ISO OPEN PARCOURS TROPHEE PARCOURS SIGNATURE BENYL
x x x x x x x x x x  
x x x x x x x x x x  
                    x
x x x x x           x
        x     x x    
            x        
          x     x x  
      x   x x   x x  
                  x  
x x x x x x x x x x x
                     
                    x
   
Multi grip Amorti avec semelle tridensité
360° Grip Accroche 360
Grip Accroche
Fast drying Séchage rapide
Anti-perforation Anti-perforation
Cold protection Isolation froid
Temperature control Régulation température
Wide calf Mollet large
Wide foot Pied large
Durability Résistance semelle
Light weight Légèreté semelle
Easy to clean Décrotage rapide
BENYL ISO CHANTEBELLE NEMROD BELLASTIC ALASKA
         
         
x x x x x
  x x x  
         
x       x
         
    x   x
        x
x        
  x x x x
x x x x x

PROFESSIONAL BOOTS

How do I choose boots for professional use?

The intensive use of boots for professionals requires you to pay particular attention to the comfort and durability of the product. We offer a wide range of boots made mainly from natural rubber that meet professional requirements.

Before choosing your pair of rubber boots, you should identify your needs. Ask yourself what you are going to use them for: rough terrain or smooth surfaces? Do you need to put on and remove your boots regularly? Do you need insulation against the cold?

See table of features of the professional boots range..
See also Table of heights of stem and calf circumference.

How do I choose the right sole for my activity?

If you work on loose and heavy terrain where the material can stick to your sole, go for our Chambord Pro range of boots with quick dirt removal. Otherwise, your boots will quickly gather dirt, become heavy, and if you are in contact with bacteria, you risk spreading it on your travels.
If, however, you work on dry terrain or smooth surfaces, having grip is less important.

Why should I buy a pair of Aigle boots?

Every day, you will put your boots to the test exposing them to trying conditions: long walks, stress from the elements, bending Our master rubber makers at Aigle hand make, in more than 60 stages, boots that last and combine flexibility with excellent comfort. You will no longer need to worry about your feet during work days.

Do I need to choose boots with insulation for my activity?

It all depends on the activity. If you have to deal with difficult or very humid weather conditions where you remain still without any intense physical activity, you will need insulation. See all our professional boots with insulation.

However, if you are performing an intense physical activity, insulation may bother you and generate too much perspiration. You need to really think about what you are going to use your rubber boots for.

Boots or ankle boots for my activity? How do I choose?

A pair of boots will protect you more than ankle boots. They provide you with more cover and insulation. An ankle boot will be lighter and easier to put on and remove if you are going frequently going in and out. You will also need to think about your needs to choose the design that is most suited to you.

Table of the characteristics of the professional boots

   
Multi grip Accroche avec double crantage
Grip Accroche
Cushioning Amorti
Fast drying Séchage rapide
Cold protection Isolation froid
Wide calf Mollet large
Wide foot Pied large
Durability Résistance semelle
Light weight Légèreté semelle
Easy to clean Décrotage rapide
CHAMBORD PRO CHAMBORD PRO Lady CHAMBORD PRO ISO CHAMBORD PRO ISO Lady TERRA PRO TERRA PRO VARIO TERRA PRO ISO BISON BISON Lady BISON ISO PARTHE-NAY
x x x x              
        x x x x x x x
        x x x        
x x     x x          
    x x     x     x x
          x x x x x x
        x x x       x
x x x x             x
              x x x x
x x x x       x x x  

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE SAFETY SHOES

ARVALT : https://www.aigle.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Librarie-shard-aigle/default/dwa28589d7/documents/attestationarvalt.pdf

SOLTER : https://www.aigle.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Librarie-shard-aigle/default/dw2ede06e5/documents/attestationsolter.pdf