Let’s face it – it rains a lot in Britain. Our temperamental climate means that a good pair of boots is essential in any season. And while your hiking boots might be labelled waterproof, they won’t keep you dry like a good pair of wellingtons.
There’s a lot of styles to choose from. however. As well as simple rubber boots (as frequently spotted at festivals), there are sturdy models designed for outdoor workers, which have thick linings and reinforced toes, plus options for wear in freezing temperatures and for long days outside that are designed to keep your feet toasty warm as well as dry.
And as with any outdoor gear, it’s worth investing in a well-made pair: cheap wellies often start to come apart and let water in at the seams after a winter’s worth of use, while a good quality pair can last for decades. Here’s our guide to choosing the right boots for you – plus our pick of six of the best, with options to suit every budget.
How to buy the right wellington boots for you
What wellington boots do I need?
If you just need a pair of boots to keep by the back door, for the odd foray into the garden, then a simple pair of rubber wellingtons with cotton lining will do you fine. You’ll find both short and tall wellies on the market: short designs give you more flexibility for jobs such as gardening, and are the better bet for anyone with wide calves. Tall models are good for rougher terrain, as you’re less likely to get wet if you stumble into a deep puddle or have to wade across a steam.
Standard wellingtons are ideal for festivals and warmer weather, but they don’t offer much warmth. If you want waterproof boots for working outside or for wear on freezing winter days, pick something heavy-duty and insulated.
And remember that the thick rubber used to waterproof wellingtons means your feet will eventually get hot and sweaty, which can lead to uncomfortable rubbing. If you’re planning on trekking across long distances, waterproof hiking boots might be a better bet.
What features should I look for?
Obviously, wellington boots should be waterproof: this is a non-issue with regular all-rubber wellies, but you may also come across rain boots with a material upper, which aren’t always fully waterproof. Grip is important too, if you’re going to be marching through mud: look for thick, sturdy seams and chunky, grippy soles with deep lugs.
If you’re working outside all day then pick neoprene- or fleece-lined wellingtons, which are warmer (albeit more expensive) than cotton-lined wellies. Or consider safety wellingtons, with reinforced toes to keep your feet safe – perfect for construction sites, or if you work with animals.
How do I get the right fit?
As with hiking boots, the ideal fit for wellies should give you plenty of room to wiggle your toes, with no tightness anywhere, especially around the heels. Wear a pair of thick socks when trying on wellington boots: you may find you need to go a half size larger than usual. If your socks are slipping, try special wellie socks, which are longer than usual.
Some models of wellington have straps at the top of the boot, allowing you to adjust the calf width for the perfect fit. There are also wider designs, especially for those with wide calves.
READ NEXT: Best tents
The best wellington boots to buy in 2018
1. Hunter Original Tall wellingtons for men and women: Best all-rounders
Price:£95 | Buy now from Hunter Boots
Hunters are a classic for a reason. These tall, elegant wellingtons are comfortable and extremely durable – invest in one pair and they’ll last you a lifetime, which makes their steep price easy to swallow. In recent years they’ve become a bit of a fashion statement too, with myriad colours and pastel, matt and even glittery incarnations now on the market, making them as popular at festivals as they are on farms. The only caveat is that Hunters are very comfortable for narrow and regular feet: if you have wide feet you may want to look for a roomier model.
Key specs – Material: Rubber with lacquer finish; Reinforced toes: No; Colours available: 15; Designed for low temperatures: No
2. Seasalt Deck wellingtons for women: Best wellies for gardening
Price:£35 | Buy now from Seasalt
These extremely cute short wellies from Cornish coastal brand Seasalt offer great quality for a very decent price. Their mid-calf cut and generous width make them perfect for wider calves, and with plenty of room to move they’re brilliant for gardening or for work outdoors in warmer weather. Thick, springy insoles make them a joy to wear, while the deep rubber soles, designed with slippy boat decks in mind, give great grip even in a downpour. We also like the cheerful umbrella print, which is guaranteed to cheer up the stormiest day.
Key specs – Material: Natural rubber and rubber mix; Reinforced toes: No; Colours available: 3; Designed for low temperatures: No
3. Rockfish Groundhog wellingtons for men and women: Best wellies for cold weather
Price:£110 | Buy now from Rockfish
The no-nonsense Groundhog is far more technical than your average wellie boot. These handsome, handmade work boots sport a 5mm neoprene lining, giving the same warmth to your legs and feet as a winter wetsuit would. Outside, there’s a thick yet flexible rubber overlay which is resistant to horse urine (for what that’s worth). The big rubber soles are comfortable and bouncy, yet tough enough to take on challenging environments. There’s comfort as well as performance here, too - the contoured insoles make the Groundhog a good choice if you find that walking in cheap flat wellingtons tends to hurt your feet.
Key specs – Material: Rubber and neoprene; Reinforced toes: Yes; Colours available: 2; Designed for low temperatures: Yes
4. Bogs Rancher Steel-Toe wellingtons for men: Best wellies for working outdoors
Price:£130 | Buy now from Amazon
The Rancher is expensive, but it’s a serious bit of kit – indeed, it could almost be called a work boot rather than a wellie. A steel toe protects your piggies from harm, while the warm, deliciously soft inner bootie will keep you from freezing even at temperatures as low as -40°C. There’s DuraFresh technology in the lining to fight odours too – and it all comes in a sleek black package that looks extremely smart and minimalistic. Just be aware that the sizes run a little small, so you may want to go a size above your usual.
Key specs – Material: Rubber; Reinforced toes: Yes - steel; Colours available: 1; Designed for low temperatures: Yes
5. Peter Storm trim wellingtons for men and women: Best wellies for festivals
Price: Women’s £22, Men’s £25 | Buy now from Millets
Peter Storm’s cheap and cheerful rubber boots are lightweight and cotton lined, so they don’t heat your feet up too much – making them ideal for festivals and summer camping trips and festivals. The women’s wellies are similar to the men’s, but shorter and differently coloured. You might not be able to use and abuse these boots in tough situations, but for casual warm-weather use they’re the perfect wellies.
Key specs – Material: Rubber; Reinforced toes: No; Colours available: Black and white for women, Grey for men; Designed for low temperatures: No
6. Cotton Traders ankle wellington boots for men and women: Best wellies for city living
Price:£28 | Buy now from Cotton Traders
If you don’t anticipate romping through wet marshlands, and just want to keep your feet dry as you travel from A to B, then ankle wellies are a lot less restrictive than tall wellingtons. They’re easier to pull on and off, too, and these boots also sport elasticated gussets at the ankles that give them a smart, Chelsea boot appeal. They’re perfect for odd jobs in the garden, for walking the dog or for keeping in the boot of the car in case the heavens open. And not only are they perfect for anyone who thinks they hate wellies – they’re very affordable too.
Key specs – Material: Rubber; Reinforced toes: No; Colours available: 2; Designed for low temperatures: No
