In tattered galoshes, they spoil the waterproofing (5)

I believe the answer is:

holes

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'in tattered galoshes' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for holes that I've seen before include "Apertures" , "Empty spaces" , "Cavities" , "Scrapes" , "Openings" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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