Quencha MH500 walking boots.

 May 19th 2026.

We have been in North Wales for 2 weeks and just like the rest of the UK the weather has been unusually cold and wet for May. Must be that Global Warming Nonsense to blame as it seems to get the blame for everything that happens on the planet.

I bought these boots approximately 2.5 years ago because I was looking for an inexpensive pair to use on day hikes. I wasn't looking for the best boots or value for money, I just wanted an inexpensive comfy waterproof boot. I was probably asking too much.

As our daughter lives quite close to Decathlon Bolton we called in prior to visiting her. It was my first time in a Decathlon store. I was impressed with what they had on offer and the "hassle free" shopping experience. 

I measured my feet on the in house machine which was size 7.5 and I cannot remember the width now. I tried a few pairs of boots on and settled for these Quencha MH500. I paid £70.

The first outing was very wet and very muddy and I didn't expect to have dry feet as I have never had a lightweight pair of boots that didn't let water in quite quickly. When I changed boots at the car it was a great surprise to find my feet still dry. 

Two years plus later and that is still what is happening here in Wet Wales. I still have dry feet at the end of the day. They are probably the most waterproof boots I've ever had.

They are not perfect but for the price you cannot go wrong with them. I think they are now even less money at £60 and some good offers on small or extra large sizes.

First day out.

Take a quick tour of the boots today.

Tongue and rear of boots still in near perfect condition

Side walls and stitching in perfect condition

A few scuffs on the toe protector but nothing coming apart.

Good depth of rubber on the sole

Very slight wear on the rh side of the heel back tread but tread still very good.

Very slight chipping of the front rubber tread. Expected wear for the time used.

Very strong lace hooks.

Difficult to see on the image but there is very slight wear on the heel cup front edge.

Back of the heel cup shows no sign of wear.

The boots are very comfortable and took no breaking in. The laces show no signs of wear and hold grip excellently. However I personally find them a couple of inches short.But they are quality laces.

The top lace hooks, although they are very strong I find a little small and sometimes a bit of a faff when the lace comes off the hook when initially lacing them up. I have never had a lace come off the hook when out hiking.

The lining and heel sock is very comfy and is 100% polyester. I thought this might cause sweaty feet but they haven't.

The outer sole is 50% EVA and 50% NBR. That's Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. The sole cleats are 5mm.

The uppers are 70% Polyamide and 30% Split leather.

The mid sole is flexible Eva.

The tongue is sewn in on both sides.

The waterproof inner is PFC free and the specification says they are guaranteed to be waterproof for 6hrs protection in damp environments. Like I said earlier I have been out in the wet for more than 6hrs and still had dry feet.

Weight of my size 8 is 460 grams each.

What don't I like. 

Well not a lot really. I think the sides of the heel cuff could be padded out a bit more. The top lace hooks are too small in my opinion and I would have liked the top of the tongue to have slightly more cushioning.

I also changed the boot insole after the first outing as it was rather thin. I now use a foam insole which has done me well over the two years.

Would I buy another pair?

Absolutely, and that is what I am going to do soon after I have had a good look at the latest release which is slightly different from my boot. I will review the differences when or if I buy them.

The grip is excellent in the wet. The price is good. The materials quality is good. They are so comfy especially having changed the insole. The toe protector is worthy of boots twice the price.