These boots come up to just above the ankle, and have laces up the front. They have most of the advantages of the Welly, but they stay on better and give a bit more ankle support. Bata lace-up industrial boot . But they keep using them because the Batas hold up well in wet, abrasive caving and they can be used weekend after weekend with almost no maintenance. For many years the combination of rubber sole and leather upper has been hard to beat.
Leather is very tough and light, but it softens greatly when wet.
It has to be dried slowly between trips, and treated with a wax like Snow Seal to prevent cracking. This is a significant amount of work, and it is why cavers who get their boots wet all the time start to lean towards all-rubber boots. But for doing climbs, hauling loads, and walking far, a light to medium weight hiking boot suits many cavers. Heavier boots are of course available, but their support comes at a price both in weight and dollars. One pound is a big difference when it is on your feet.