Barnard Castle country clothing boutique Fox & Field are extending their range of footwear this spring

IT might still feel like Wellingtons weather, but most of us already have a few items in our sights to update our spring wardrobes. Countrywear specialist Fox & Field, in Barnard Castle, have plenty to tempt and are stocking a new range of footwear this spring.

“We are well-known for our range of country boots and Wellingtons, but now we also have a range of shoes, from ballet pumps to deck shoes,” says owner Donna Dobson. “I have gone for a more classic collection rather than high fashion and chosen shoes from Cocorose London, Orca Bay and SeaSalt. Corcorose are fantastic – they look lovely but are hugely comfortable, with double cushion insoles and concealed wedge heels – but my go-to shoes at the moment are my Orca Bay Sicily loafers in Blossom.”

Other spring offerings from Fox & field include jewellery from Big Metal London, a funky collection of reversible jackets and gilets from Toggi and fun print shirts from Claudio Lugli, while later in the year the offering will include boots from Buggati and Hush Puppies.

But there are still plenty of April showers on the way, so for those loath to leave the Wellies behind just yet, Fox & Field stock a good range of Aigle and Le Chameau. Particularly popular at the moment are the Aigle Parcours 2 ISO (£180), which are hugely comfortable for walking in while protecting feet from the most extreme cold with their 4.5mm thick neoprene lining.

“Neoprene-lined wellingtons have grown in popularity as word has spread about the fantastic insulating properties of the fabric,” says Donna. “It’s the same material that is used to make wetsuits, and traps bubbles of warm air inside, keeping your feet and legs warm even when you're standing or sitting still for long periods of time in the cold. If you prefer a more luxury feel, you could try the women’s Aigle Aiglentine wellies, which are lined with faux fur.”

Leather country boots from Toggi, Cabotswood & Mark Todd also fly out of the Fox & Field door, the most coveted style at the moment being Toggi’s Morella (£180). This features a classic square toe and stack heel, is hand-made in full grain leather with a leather lining, and has a full-length rear zip with fashionable tassel zip-pull.

Donna’s customers are predominantly dog walkers and horse riders, so she always advises them to go for boots that are sturdy, reliable, hard-wearing and comfortable.

Donna herself lives the same kind of lifestyle, but that’s not to say that she doesn’t enjoy glamming up for a night on the town. “I love it when something special is on the cards and I can ditch my boots and glam up,” she says. “I love high heels and my favourites at the moment are my Hobbs navy suede Ingrid peep-toes. If money were no object I would love a pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies in patent leather!”

Fox & Field, 20 Market Place, Barnard Castle DL12 8NB. http://foxandfieldcountry.co.uk