What to look for
Follow our five tips to finding your perfect pair of wellies
1. Outer material
To decide which material your next pair of boots are made from, you need to ask yourself how much use they’re going to get. Are they going to be your daily footwear and subjected to endless punishment, or will you just dust them off occasionally when needs must?
There are two main choices of outer material
Plastic polymer, polyurethane is perfectly suited to the injection moulding manufacturing process. Boots made from this material are usually cheaper but can be stiff and less reliable when the going gets tough. Natural rubber is primarily used in the production of handcrafted boots. It’s supple and moulds to your feet, while being extremely durable. It’s resistant to both UV light and chemicals.
2. Sole design
A good wellington boot should provide sure footing and traction on any surface. A narrow tread will offer better grip on a hard surface, whereas a wider tread is advantageous in soft, muddy conditions. A boot that combines both will excel on all kinds of terrain.
3. Comfort and support
As A well as grip, the sole can offer o comfort and support – not something you commonly associate with wellies. A reinforced sole that doesn’t over-flex can greatly reduce fatigue and provide extra arch support, while also acting as a shock absorber for enhanced welly bliss.
4. Lining
For many, wearing wellies is something you only think of during the colder, wetter months. A summertime welly problem we’re all familiar with is sweaty feet. This is where considering what lining your wellies have can really make a difference.
There are three main options:
Neoprene lining is a delight when it’s cold but, although soft and squishy underfoot, can be a little too cosy when the temperature rises. Leather lining gives a truly luxurious feel, is surprisingly warm and breathable but, as you’d expect, they come with a higher price tag. Jersey lining is a fantastic alternative; it’s light and comfortable, even on warm days.
5. Fit
Finally, when buying boots think about the size of your calves and your preferred fit. Ideally, you’re looking for a snug fit around your foot, leg and calf, which will provide maximum comfort and ease of movement. However, if your boots are too tight they can be uncomfortable and rub. It’s also worth bearing in mind the different types of clothing you’ll wear throughout the year, such as thicker socks in the winter. Gussets with adjustable straps or full zips allow for improvement, but if you want to ensure a perfect fit opt for a brand with choice.
Joules Printed Wellies
RRP: £49.95 COLOURS: Black botanical, black love bees, black raindrop, dark saddle Fox Terrier, cool grey poppy, laurel botanical, navy dragonfly, navy Whitstable floral, navy pop spot, navy poppy stripe SIZES: 3-8 BUY AT: joules.com Inject fun and colour with these wellies from popular clothing brand Joules. There’s a selection of 10 eye-catching, hand-drawn prints to choose from. Designed to withstand any wet weather, these wellies are handcrafted in hardwearing natural rubber with removable insoles for comfort. Complete with back gusset popper fastening for an enhanced fit. Covered by a one-year guarantee.
Rydale Ripon High Gloss Wellingtons
RRP: £25 COLOURS: Black, damson, olive, navy, ruby SIZES: 3-9 BUY AT: rydale.com For those who like to add a touch of glamour on the yard, these boots come in an array of glorious glossy colours. There is a heel jack for quick and comfortable hands-free removal, plus they are embellished with aesthetic side buckles and an intricate, raised polo pony band around the top of each boot.
Aigle Parcours 2 Vario Wellingtons
RRP: £145 COLOURS: Bronze, brown, kaki, noir SIZES: 4 - 12 BUY AT: aigle.com Your feet will thank you if you choose these wellies. They’re from Aigle’s first anti-fatigue range of boots. Handmade from natural rubber for comfort, strength and flexibility with a unisex design. They combine a walking boot grip with a triple-density, shockabsorbing sole, and feature a waterproof, adjustable gusset to suit any calf width. The polyester lining is antibacterial and quick to dry.
Barbour Jarrow Wellington Boots
RRP: £69.95 COLOURS: Dark olive, evergreen, black SIZES: 3-9 FOR STOCKISTS: barbour.com A classically styled boot made with a durable rubber outer and chunky soles for added grip, these boots are traditional and practical. They’re designed to cope with wet, muddy conditions. A contrasting Barbour tartan gusset and adjustable buckle adds style and comfort.
Le Chameau Vierzon Jersey Lined Boots
RRP: £125 COLOURS: Vert chameau, vert vierzon, noir SIZES: 2.5 - 8 FOR STOCKISTS: lechameau.com/gb These handcrafted premium boots are made from natural rubber for maximum comfort and durability. With a specific women’s range for an improved fit, the Vierzon also features an adjustable waterproof gusset with snap-fastening buckle for added comfort. The reinforced, shockabsorbing, dual-density grip outsole prevents fatigue, resists abrasion and is ideal for all terrain types. They’re also covered by a two-year guarantee.
Ariat Stormstopper
RRP: £119.99 COLOUR: Brown SIZES: 3 - 8.5 FOR STO STOCKISTS: ariat.com This design combines the comfort of Ariat’s country boots with a vulcanised rubber outer to create a versatile boot suitable for a range of outdoor activities. These boots have a gel-cushioned foot bed with Ariat’s advanced torque stability (ATS) technology, which supports and cushions the foot to promote good posture. They come complete with an adjustable gusset for improved fit and are covered by a one-year warranty against manufacturing issues.