Fancy starting the new year in fresh footwear?

Belgian outfit Bekina reckons its latest StepliteS FlexGrip wellies are a must-have for discerning dairy farmers keen to keep their feet both dry and warm.

They are made from the firm’s in-house-developed Neotane polyurethane.

See also: 12 reusable farm gloves on test: Which are best?

This bubble-filled foam apparently makes them light, flexible, insulative and breathable, and should last four times longer than old-school rubber or PVC.

StepliteS features include a ladder-grip sole with strategically positioned studs to discourage mud and dirt from sticking, thermal insulation in temperatures as low as -30C, and resistance to various chemicals.

They also come with a wider leg to improve comfort for boiler suit wearers or those endowed with big calves, washable insoles made from recycled material, and a kick-off spur on the back to help get them off hands-free.

Online prices start at about £70.

Uvex 3 Quatro

Uvex 3 Quatro safety boot © Uvex

For those that prefer lace-up boots to calf-cuddling wellies, Uvex has its new 3 Quatro safety boot – the replacement for its popular Quatro Pro.

These will apparently put a proper spring in the wearer’s step thanks to some “rebound technology” that absorbs impacts across the sole and returns up to 66% of the energy back into the heel, and 59% into the forefoot.

Other claimed highlights include fewer seams, “ergonomic flex zones” and a better tread profile.

There’s also an improved collar fit to prevent ankle twists, and a lightweight composite cap to protect toes.

Expect to pay about £90 – and walk a lot faster…