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We compare the Aigle Parcours, Benyl and Miss Juliette Boots
The rubber experts- and there’s over 200 of them- at Aigle have over 160 years worth of experience in the design and craftsmanship of natural and vulcanised rubber wellington boots. These rubber craftsmen can hand make up to 4,000 boots per day, but don’t be mislead- to this day, each boot is handmade using over 60 unique techniques and goes through a meticulous quality control process to ensure they are fully waterproof. But how does all of this hard work measure up? We delved into our Aigle collection to take an up close and personal look at the most popular boots to find our favourites.
Aigle Miss Juliette
The first thing you notice when you pick up a pair of these Aigle boots is how supple the rubber is, the concentration of natural rubber is so high that the boots have a luxurious, almost buttery texture. The softness of the rubber makes for an incredibly flexible leg, although there is some reinforcement at the back of the leg for added support. Although more generous in size than other wellington boot makers, the Miss Juliette boots cannot be adjusted to fit individual calf widths, so those with a wider calf may be disappointed if trying to wear them with a thicker sock. Unlike other Aigle boots, these have a slimmer sole and narrower grip, but feature a more prominent heel which is both fashionable and functional. The foot bed is soft and cushioned, and the toe has been reinforced for extra protection; these boots don’t compete with the high comfort levels of the Benyl or Parcours, but are certainly soft and supportive enough for general wear. In terms of their design, the Miss Juliette boots are incredibly stylish, so much so that you’d be forgiven for not recognising them as wellingtons at first glance! The marine/rouge options we tried feature a neat leather tag to the back, giving them a subtle equestrian look.
Best for: day to day wear, light walking, someone looking for luxury, fashion wellington boots.
Aigle Parcours 2 Iso
The Ailge Parcours 2 Iso boots are one the brand’s most popular styles, and after trying them on, it’s easy to see why. A cushioned sole and full neoprene lining make these boots a dream to wear. The rubber is still as supple as the Miss Juliette boots, but the neoprene and reinforced leg means they feel more robust around the calf. The neoprene doesn’t just offer automatic comfort, but is incredibly insulating, and as soon as you pull on an Aigle Parcours you can instantly feel the warmth. A neoprene lining is ideal for anyone after a heavy-duty waterproof boot, and the triple density sole means these boots are ideal for taking on tougher terrains. Added comfort is found in the overall construction of the boot, as the Aigle Parcours feature a reinforced toe and added ankle support. These Aigle boots are perfect for those with wider calves, as they can be adjusted at the side- easily accommodating overalls or thicker trousers. The design of the Parcours may not be as slim and stylish as the Miss Juliette, but they still have a quintessentially country charm to them, and they’re unbeatable on practicality and durability.
Best for: agricultural or outdoor working, rougher walking, someone looking for a heavy-duty neoprene boot.
Aigle Benyl
The Aigle Benyl boots are available in two width fittings, medium and XL, so if you’re after a boot with a wider fit that you can pull on and go without making adjustments, then these are a great option for you. The rubber is impressively supple and features a reinforced leg support to the back of the boot. Similar to the Aigle Parcours, the Benyl boots feature a supportive heel and ankle as well as a bumper toe, making them an ideal practical boot for outdoor sports. Originally designed as a hunting boot, the Benyl boot is fully lined with a fast drying polyamide, so you’re well protected if you get caught in the rain. The triple density sole has deep cleats for the easy release of mud or mulch, so you can tackle rougher landscapes in the Benyl than the Miss Julliette for example. The foot bed is cushioned and flexible, but if you’re in need of a work boot with a high level of comfort, we would recommend the Parcours, which you could easily wear for working. The Benyl is lighter in weight than the Parcours, so ideal for wearing in the warmer months. However, if you need a fully waterproof and insulated boot, the Benyl is available in an Iso option, so once the shooting season is over, you can easily transfer these boots to winter walking.
Best for: Hunting, medium-heavy duty walking, someone looking for a lightweight and waterproof hunting boot.
Our favourites: Aigle Parcours Iso 2
Our HQ testers, Hannah and Maisie loved these boots, as they felt they were the most robust and comfortable.
If you’re going to invest in some good quality wellington boots, you have to be sure they’re going to last a long time and that you’ll be comfy in them all day- I love how stylish the Miss Juliette are, but it’s the Parcours everytime for a comfy country look! -Maisie
I have a wider calf so being able to adjust the Parcours was ideal. The neoprene lining was so comfy and warm as soon as you put them on and they feel really secure around your feet, almost like a walking boot. – Hannah
You can view our entire Aigle wellington boot range here.