The 1st Duke of Wellington might be surprised to discover that 200 years or so after his victory at the Battle of Waterloo, one of his most enduring legacies would be his footwear – ‘Wellingtons’, the practical calfskin leather boots made by his shoemaker, became so fashionable they were worn as evening wear during the early 1800s. These days, the search for wellingtons produces over 20,ooo results on Amazon, so it’s hardly surprising that when the wet weather arrives, a boot scraper is a convenient accessory to have outside the back door.
While doormats are ideal for removing everyday grit and dust, a boot scraper comes into its own when you’ve got to deal with muddy boots. We’ve chosen a variety of options in a range of styles and materials. So, whether you’re after an antique boot scraper or contemporary combination of boot brush and scraper, there’s something to suit all budgets and tastes.
Need to replace your wellingtons? We’ve tested seven of the best wellingtons for the winter ahead. If you’re looking for a new pair of gloves our test of ten of the best gardening gloves should set you off in the right direction, and we’ve also put together a round up of ten of the best boot racks for wellies and outdoor shoes to keep your hallway neat and tidy.
What is a boot scraper and what’s it used for?
A boot scraper is a device used for cleaning outdoor gardening shoes, boots and wellies of mud and other debris. An early version of the doormat, boot scrapers sit outside the front or back door to your home and you use them before entering and treading mud through the house.
Boot scrapers tend to be made from metal (usually cast iron) and allow you to knock thick muck off your footwear before you head inside or clean your boots fully in preparation for your next outing.
There are a range of styles, many of which incorporate a boot brush, the bristles of which are particularly useful for tackling dried-on dirt.
10 of the best boot scrapers
1
Dibor Robust Cast Iron Outdoor Boot Shoe Scraper
Dibor Robust Cast Iron Outdoor Boot Shoe Scraper
This hard wearing cast iron shoe scraper made by Dibor should make a durable, weather-resistant dirt-tackling tool. The prong helps it sit stably in the ground and the ornate bird design gives it a rustic, antique look.
Price: £19.95
Buy Shoe Scraper with Birds at Scotts of Stow
2
Fallen Fruits Small Hedgehog Boot Brush
Fallen Fruits Small Hedgehog Boot Brush
This charming shoe brush makes a great gardening gift idea and is a softer choice for buffing up garden boots. The boot brush is shaped like a hedgehog with the bristles, which tackle dried on muck forming the creature’s spikes.
Price: £17.14
Buy Fallen Fruits Small Hedgehog Boot Brush at Amazon
3
Boot Scraper And Brush Set
Boot Scraper And Brush Set
Hand-forged by English craftsmen from steel his combined boot scraper and brush set incorporates a handy boot rack too, so can get your best wellington boots cleaned up and ready for their next outing before hanging them on the rack.
Price: £99
Buy Boot Scraper And Brush Set at Not on the High Street
4
Country Garden Iron Boot Brush and Scraper
Country Garden Iron Boot Brush and Scraper
This boot brush and scraper combo features environmentally friendly coco fibre bristles, strong enough to dig out even stubborn dirt from the tightest nooks and crannies. The traditional fleur de lys pattern also makes it an attractive addition to your doorstep.
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Price: £25
Buy Gardener’s Cast Iron Boot Scraper With Brush at Etsy
5
Boot Tray and Scraper
Boot Tray and Scraper
This boot scraper tray is made from wood with tough bristles to help banish mud, grass and grit from your shoes before you enter the house. There are rubber tracks on the wooden underside of the tray to help keep it in place, making it a sturdy alternative to your usual doormat.
Price: £25
Buy Boot Tray and Scraper at Wayfair
6
Crissay Boot Scraper
Crissay Boot Scraper
This metal boot scraper is designed and made in Britain from solid steel. It features a long handle to help keep you stable, a scraper and two pads of bristles so it’s can access the muck on every side of your shoes. A matching boot rack is also available to purchase separately.
Price: £52.99
Buy Crissay Boot Scraper at Wayfair
7
Boot Scraper (Arch)
Boot Scraper (Arch)
This metal boot scraper arch from Primrose is a durable option for getting off thick mud or snow after a mucky day outdoors. Constructed from steel, the scraper sits firmly in the ground and has a powder coating for additional durability.
Price: £29.99
Buy Boot Scraper (Arch) at Primrose
8
Cast Iron Hedgehog Boot Brush Shoe Scraper
Cast Iron Hedgehog Boot Brush Shoe Scraper
This wildlife themed boot brush is made from cast iron, so it should be hard-wearing and long lasting. The pad of thick bristles will clean mud and debris from your shoes and its heavy construction will help to keep it stable while you clean. The hedgehog design also means it could double as an unusual garden ornament.
Price: £14.99
Buy Cast Iron Hedgehog Boot Brush Shoe Scraper at Garden Selections
9
Boot Scraper
Boot Scraper
This moulded PVC mat is ideal for tackling dirty boots from every angle. The spokes on the base dig out grime from underneath while four horizontal lines of teeth tackle the inner and outer sides of your muddy wellingtons and shoes.
Price: 34.99
Buy Boot Scraper at Wayfair
10
Dibor Metal Door Mat Boot Scraper
Dibor Metal Door Mat Boot Scraper
This ornate metal boot scraper is designed to sit alongside a doormat and help you clear caked-on mud from your best gardening shoes or boots. Made from cast iron this large scraper should be weather resistant and durable for long term use.
Price: £26.95
Buy Dibor Metal Door Mat Boot Scraper at Amazon
This Product Guide was last updated in February 2021 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.