Lidl's £16.99 boots rival high-end pairs at £77 and £110
Lidl's £16.99 boots rival high-end pairs at £77 and £110

Lidl is adding a new pair of boots to its footwear range this weekend, priced at £16.99 and designed to mirror the look of high-end alternatives costing £77 and £110.

The ESMARA Men's Grey Water Repellent Thermal Boots will be available in all Lidl stores across the UK from Sunday, October 4. The supermarket operates more than 1,000 locations nationwide.

Design and Features

The boots feature thermal technology intended to trap body heat and protect against extreme cold, keeping feet warm, dry and shielded in freezing conditions. Each shoe has a neutral grey finish with green, orange, brown, white and black accents, making them versatile for various outfits. The treaded sole offers added grip for everyday surfaces.

Key features include water repellency, a comfortable and sturdy build, soft warm textile lining, a removable insole, and a treaded TPR sole. Sizes range from 7.5 to 11.5. The boots are available for in-store collection only, with no home delivery option. Shoppers can check stock levels via the online store finder.

Comparison with Premium Alternatives

The Lidl boots are seen as a budget alternative to the Men's Renford Breathable Waterproof Walking Boots at Decathlon, currently reduced to £70 from £100. The design closely resembles the supermarket version, though the Decathlon pair is available online only and comes in three colours.

The product description states: "The Renford Mens boots from Regatta offer style, protection and durability for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. Synthetic leather uppers with ISOTEX membranes provide breathable waterproofing, while TECFOAM insocks offer cushioned support. Duogrip outsoles ensure reliable multi-directional traction, and XLT midsoles absorb impact. Reinforced mudguards enhance durability, making these boots a functional yet fashionable choice for all-weather conditions."

For a more premium option, Columbia's Men's Expeditionist™ Shield II Waterproof Winter Boots are priced at £110. They feature a more technical design and are available in several colour combinations. The website notes: "When temperatures drop stay warm and comfortable with 200g insulation and reflective dot technology lining. Waterproof breathable construction keeps feet dry whilst the traction outsole provides grip even in wet weather conditions. The classic styling and rugged utility make these boots as comfortable for daily commutes as weekends in the country. Inspired by NASA space blankets, our Omni-Heat™ thermal-reflective technology has been keeping outdoor explorers warm for years. In 2024, our Omni-Heat™ Infinity was even tested on the Moon! But it’s still the same tech we use to keep you comfortable here on earth."