Hunter Wellington Boots €120
These are quite the style item and everyone from royalty to supermodels have been spotted sporting them. Let's leave aside the price for a second. When you get the size, it is your actual size, so they fit you better. They are adjustable at the calf, which makes them more secure. The heel is reinforced ,which makes them more comfortable – not a word normally associated with wellies. And they have a grooved sole, which makes them easier to clear. They are also likely to last as long as you are. Now, back to the price. It is very steep and, if we are only going to wear them a couple of times a year, then we can't see how you could justify it to ourselves.
Verdict: High quality. High Price.
Star rating: ***

Bow Wellies €49.95
We found these boots selling in Avoca. Now, in the normal course of events we would have been put off by the high price, but having just seen the price of the Hunters, these actually seemed like quite a bargain. (Note: they are not actually a bargain.) While no farmer worth his or her salt would be seen dead traipsing through the fields in a pair of these, they do have a place. That is most likely on the feet of a style queen at a music festival. The bows are sweet, the heel sturdy, and the little black strip that runs down the back of the boot is kind of cool. They will also keep your feet dry. But you'd expect that.
Verdict: More funky than functional.
Star rating: ***

Woodies Wellington Boots €12.99
These were just a tenth of the price of the high-end boots and, when all is said and done, they do much the same job. Are they as comfortable? No. Will they last as long? Probably not. Do they smell strongly of rubber? Yes they do. But will they keep your feet dry in a downpour? They will, of course, and as a result we have no option but to give them a high mark. There's not much more we can think of to say about them, to be honest.
Verdict: They do the job at the lowest price.
Star rating: *****

Dunnes Stores Wellingtons €17.99
Like all the boots, these do one job and they do it well. These are a no-frills item. They seem sturdy enough, and the heavily treaded black sole will keep you secure in all sorts of muddy circumstances. The tread may be hard to clean after you've spent a day wandering through a cattle market. Ultimately, it comes down to price. These are not a fashion statement, so are only really competing against the boots from Woodies. And they are €5 dearer, so don't stand a chance.
Verdict: Grand but dearer.
Star rating: **