Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall - Women's Review

The women's Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall is well-made and highly functional. Originally donning from Scotland, these boots pair modern, creative design with functionality. High-quality, natural rubber construction features a matte finish with a soft recycled polyester lining, and each pair is handcrafted — maybe this is why the price is high? The Hunter has ample traction on wet ground, loose gravel trails, snow, and even slippery grass, and the style has a chic aesthetic that continues to trend. We're confident the needs and preferences of most users will be met by this boot that consistently ranks high.

Weather Protection

One of the tallest of the fleet, the Hunter Original, measures 17 inches flood height from the ground to the highest point on the shaft. The waterproof, natural rubber (certified vegan) provides some of the best weather protection in our review, especially with the adjustable circumference. Without seams, the solid molded design leaves little to fail in the soggiest circumstances.

Thanks to a rubber gusset and a buckle, the circumference is expandable for ease in sliding your feet in, and the gusset allows the boot to be cinched closed for a proper fit in any weather. The circumference ranges from 16-19 inches. The shaft height, measured at 17 inches for the pair we tested, grants excellent weather protection, inches more than the trending ankle or mid-height boots we've tested thus far.

Comfort

We wore the Original Back Adjustable Tall around town, in the snow and rain, through creeks and standing water, and around local farmsteads. Wearing them all day caused the tall shaft to rub near the patella tendon at the front of the knees and behind the knees when sitting down, driving, or commuting by bike, which drove one of our testers to find them uncomfortable. However, our testers with longer legs did not find this to be a problem. The rubber is soft and flexible, and since the circumference is adjustable, accommodating different pant styles is manageable.

Our feet were never overly stressed, and while the footbed is on the narrower side of the spectrum, the overall underfoot support is better than standard rain boots and other comparable classic styles. The heel cup is pronounced and caused some lift and friction for one of our reviewers. With proper sizing and sock pairing, the heel lift can be resolved.

We experienced bagginess in the ankle and leg shaft despite the ability to adjust the circumference at the top. The vulcanized natural rubber is soft enough to flex with the feet as you walk, but not quite as flexible around the legs as we would like, which increased some of the discomfort found near the knees with some of the testers.

Weighing in at 4.3 pounds for the pair of size 8 US we tested, these boots aren't the easiest to lug around and pack, but they don't necessarily feel too cumbersome either. In regards to sizing, we think they run a little on the larger side, so it is recommended to size down if you are a half-size or if you prefer wearing thinner socks. Overall, the Hunter is relatively easy to put on and take off (maybe with a bit of help from your hands). The foot box is comparatively smaller than most boots, lending a lean look. We foresee this being a possible fit issue for those with high-volume feet (and perhaps sizing up is actually better). If possible, trying on a pair is best. Lastly, the insoles have been updated over the years and are now made with latex sponge foam and recycled polyester.

Traction

The tread on these boots can be described as a “calendered outsole.” The design consists of long lugs with mini, shallow zig-zags. It provided us confidence in terrain such as snow, wet grass, inclines, and, of course, across dry, flat surfaces. In our river test, however, the traction was rather average when the rocks were slimy.

Overall, we were surprised to feel as confident as we did in these, though keep in mind that our scores are comparative, meaning that each is awarded by considering how the item performs against the rest of the lineup. There are undoubtedly better-tractioned boots than the Hunter Original, but they may not have as high weather protection, style, or comfort.

This model is designed for general wear, so we wouldn't recommend hiking around the trails in them. Although they lean toward an urban appeal with their modern style, they aren't afraid to trudge through mud, farm fields, or streams. Regardless of their relative performance to the other boots, the traction isn't ideal for an extended time in rugged, technical terrain. For average, casual use, however, these boots are highly reliable.

Warmth

With no added insulation and a thin, recycled polyester lining, warmth is this boot's lowest score. It's best to remember, though, that this metric only helps determine how well each contender retains warmth in various settings. The higher the score, the hotter they are, even during summer days.

The thick rubber uppers and raised soles are most comfortable in 40-70° weather (Fahrenheit). It is worth noting that the thicker construction offers durability but does not offer breathability in warmer or more humid conditions. Sock choice can mitigate some issues, as can the addition of fleece insoles and/or fleece liners, for adequate protection in winter weather.

The Hunter did not excel in colder environments with snow. They are not designed to withstand much more than average rainfall in a non-freezing setting. The shaft height helps with cold exposure and provides general insulation. The main culprit for heat loss might be that the foot box is very lean and close to the foot, quickly transferring body heat through conduction. If long-term warmth and thicker insulation are top requirements, we recommend a winter crossover or full winter boot instead.

Style

This model of the Hunter Original tends to come in various matte colors, but always refer to the manufacturer's website for the current season's styles.

Since the shaft is so tall, optimal pant choice will depend on calf size and how much space remains for tucking jeans in. This means they are not as versatile as shorter boots, but the look is quite stylish if you're wearing skinny jeans or leggings. With this style of tall boot, wearing pants over the outside of the boot is not ideal. Still, reviewers have expressed mixed opinions on the overall look, particularly concerning the buckle — some prefer something plainer, and others, something sportier. Being so tall, it is a lot of rubber, and having the rubber fold as you walk isn't the most flattering aspect of this boot, though the molding and subtle heel provide a chic touch.

Fit

Coming in only whole sizes from 5 to 11, we dug through customer comments to gain insight. While the manufacturer states their boots run true to size, many users state they run large. Heeding this advice, we ordered a size down. Our lead tester prefers a snug foot box over that of something wider. Owning a larger amount of thin socks (versus thick), we are satisfied with our decision. We have also tested actual shoe sizes and found them to be relatively uncomfortable barefoot, but snug with the right sock choice. If you want to wear thick socks and are contemplating custom insoles, you might consider sizing up.

Should You Buy the Hunter Original Back Adjustable?

These boots are expensive, with a list price on the higher end of the spectrum. However, the handcrafted and molded construction is very appealing; the brand is known for its trusted quality. We can tout that the value of this pair is high and worth the investment.

What Other Rain Boots Should You Consider?