I saw the Mudrunners mentioned in the December issue and asked my local pro to order a pair. I tried on some "normal" Adidas shoes to check against my usual size. The pro warned me that they might feel tight compared to my Footjoys and he was right, so I went up half a size.

Now I have them I can confirm that they are like large work boots with cleats - not stylish, but that doesn't matter if they keep my feet dry. I would describe the fit (wearing medium thick socks) as "snug". This may be due to the quantity of "Thinsulate" inside the boots which will hopefully compact a little with use. I certainly think my feet will stay warm in the Mudrunners.

I'm surprised that the tongue has not been stitched to the sides to prevent water penetration when walking through the rough (looking for my partner's ball obviously). Moreover, even with the stretchy laces pulled tight, there is a gap between the sides of one and a half to two inches - my feet are not particularly broad and I don't have a high instep.

There are three elements to the lace-up system. Normal plastic eyes (easy to use), mixed with several elasticated, flattened tubes (not so easy to use) and the top two fastenings are metal hooks which, in my experience, tend to cut through the laces in no time.

I was drawn to the 2 year waterproof guarantee mentioned in the magazine, but when you check the box, there is a small sticker saying "1 year waterproof guarantee".

I've now worn them for an hour at the range and for two rounds of golf (one after heavy rain). When I finished my feet were dry, warm and without any blisters serious enough to warrant plasters.