Grubs Footwear is launching a new range of kid’s neoprene boots, called Muddies. The Autumn/Winter 2023 collection includes four girls styles in unicorn and flower prints for the Puddle boot – coming in sizes 2-9. Then there are dinosaur and space rocket designs for boys.
The 100 per cent waterproof Puddle boots feature shearling fleece lining and Velcro easy access opening. The outer is a 4mm INSUFOAM-ULTRA Neoprene rubber shell with a droplet sole which offers great snow or mud grip and is snow suit compatible. Not only that but the Muddies boots are comfortable in extreme temperatures – anything from -10 to +20 degrees.
Meanwhile, the Icicle boot (in kid’s 6 to adult 5) is perfect for older kids and features 5mm INSUFOAM-ULTRA Neoprene rubber shell, full height rubber protection and performance fleece linings which will protect down to -20 degrees.
The Muddies range comes from Grubs Footwear, the Bolton-based footwear brand owned by David and Jan Foster. Eight generations of the Foster family have been crafting sports footwear since 1776. David and Jan created the neoprene revolution in sports and agricultural boots with the Grubs brand back in 2000.
As the story goes, the couple were woken early one Sunday by their excited young children: “it’s snowing! We want to play out!”. After 10 minutes digging around in the garden shed to find their ‘wellies’, two pairs of socks and feet crushed into their boots, the little ones were out building a snowman. Then, 10 minutes after that they were back inside with frozen hands and toes!
David thought then, ‘there has to be a better pair of boots for kids, something to keep feet warm and dry!’ He used his contacts in the shoe industry to make a pair of comfortable, warm boots.
On a business trip later that year, David saw some surfing boots being made. It was a lightbulb moment! He immediately drew up the first design for Muddies, a 4mm INSUFOAM boot for insulation, reinforced with rubber overlays to protect and support the foot.
The following Winter the Foster kids were wrapped up warm and sported their new Muddies boots! Parents and kids quizzed them about their footwear and very soon Jan had a handful of orders and an idea that there was a market for these quirky-looking boots.
Over the years the range has expanded to offer boots for boys and girls from crib to teens and these are tested to deliver the same 100 per cent waterproof, insulated quality and comfort that inspired the first boot.
Sold throughout Europe and North America and as far afield as Alaska and New Zealand, Muddies has quickly established a strong and loyal customer base.
