Grub’s Shoreline Boots
Over the last decade or so, my footwear loyalties have been pretty settled. I’ve worn Redback boots and Blundstones almost religiously, both brands have been absolutely brilliant. Comfortable, tough, easy to live with, and ideal for day-to-day wear around cars, campsites and dog walks.
But… neither of them are fully waterproof, and that becomes painfully obvious the moment you walk through a muddy field or head out on a dog walk through wet grass that looks innocent enough but is actually plotting against your socks. Great boots, yes — but the British weather is always plotting against you.
Now that it’s getting to early Spring, it’s starting to get a bit too warm for my Grub’s Bearline 8.5 boots, which are superb in colder conditions but verge on overkill once the temperature begins to rise, and suddenly there’s a gap in the boot rack.
Enter the Grub’s Shoreline boots — and honestly, they’ve landed at exactly the right time.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Shorelines look like a wellie that’s been designed by someone who actually goes outside. They’re a mid-height boot with a proper rubber lower section and a neoprene upper, sitting firmly between a traditional wellington and a casual outdoor boot.
They feel solid without being clumsy, practical without being ugly, and clearly designed for people who spend a lot of time hopping in and out of vehicles, trudging across fields, or simply pottering around the garden.
They’re also noticeably lighter and less bulky than the Bearlines, which immediately makes them feel like a better option for warmer months.
Comfort: All-Day, Real-World Comfort
This is where the Shorelines really shine. They’re significantly more comfortable than a standard wellie, and, crucially, more comfortable to drive in than tall rubber boots or heavily insulated winter footwear.
The footbed has decent cushioning, the sole flexes naturally when walking, and the neoprene upper moves with your ankle rather than fighting it. That makes a big difference on longer dog walks, or days where you’re constantly in and out of the car, adjusting kit, opening tailgates and generally faffing.
Compared to Redbacks or Blundstones, they’re not trying to replace a proper leather boot, but for damp conditions, they’re far more forgiving. No stiff leather digging in, no soggy socks, and no slow realisation halfway round the field that you’ve made a terrible footwear choice.
Also, Grub’s have a designed a small but useful lip on the heel which is a godsend when you’re removing them when muddy.
Warmth & Seasonality
The Shorelines sit in a really sweet spot temperature-wise. They’re warm enough for early mornings, damp weather and breezy days, but without the full-on insulation of the Bearline 8.5s.
Right now, as things start warming up, that makes them ideal. You still get protection from cold, wet ground, but your feet don’t feel like they’re being gently slow-cooked. For spring, summer and early autumn use, they make far more sense than a full winter boot.
Waterproofing: Finally, Dry Socks
This is the big win. The rubber lower is properly waterproof and comes up high enough to deal with puddles, wet grass, mud and general British sogginess. Jumping out of a 4x4 into a suspicious-looking puddle is no longer a gamble, and dog walks through dew-soaked fields are no longer an exercise in optimism.
They’re not designed for deep bog-wading, but for normal, everyday outdoor use they do exactly what you want them to do, which is keep your feet dry without fuss.
Grip & Stability
Underfoot, the Shorelines feel stable and confidence-inspiring. The tread, although not as aggressive as my Bearlines, is chunky enough to cope with wet grass, muddy paths and uneven ground, but not so aggressive that it feels awkward on hard surfaces or while driving.
Downsides (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
There are a couple of personal niggles worth mentioning.
Firstly, while they’re ideal for long dog walks, the flexibility of the shoreline doesn’t lend itself to strong ankle support, so be careful on undulating paths. That said, they’re not designed to replace your favourite pair of sturdy walking boots, so ignore that!
Secondly, the pull loop (that bit you slot your finger into help pull the boot on) is stitched on the inside of the boot, which for me renders it pretty useless, especially as I tend to put them on standing up. It’s also on the slim side, so getting a finger in there to pull the boot on can be a bit fiddly. It’s definitely not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing.
After a natter with Grub’s, they say there are two reasons they chose to design them this way.
“The loop is tucked inside so it doesn’t get caught on anything whilst being worn, and it’s made a little difficult to get fingers in so as not to allow too much force to be used to get big feet into little boots. That said, the loop is tested to 10kg, which is a lot of force.”
As I said, It’s not a deal-breaker, just invest in a shoe-horn, it makes the whole process less fidgety and sweary.
Verdict
The Grub’s Shoreline boots have slotted neatly into my footwear lineup as the perfect in-between option. They’re more waterproof than Redbacks or Blundstones, less warm and bulky than the Bearlines, and far more comfortable than most wellies.
For dog walkers, campers, 4x4 owners and anyone who spends time outdoors but still needs to drive, they make a huge amount of sense, especially as the seasons shift.
Essentially then, dry feet, decent comfort, and easy living. Sometimes that’s all you really want from a pair of boots.
Website: https://www.grubswarehouse.com/product-page/shoreline-black
Price: £78.95