We put leading Wellington boot brands through their paces to find out which tick all three boxes – support, substance and style. Copy link. twitter. facebook. whatsapp. Few things unite Britons, from farmers to the fashion set, like Wellington boots. Defined by their durability and the fact they can withstand the UK’s 1,200mm of average yearly rainfall, they’re the quintessential British shoe. As country-dwellers and city workers, we’re interested in finding wellies that look good as well as feel good, and which can hack a sludgy country field but wouldn’t look out of place on Hampstead Heath. That’s a tall order. Read on below for our full reviews, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:.
“The strict criteria we have for countrywear is that they are fit for purpose, durable and look good,” says Hillary Bacon of Cordings, the traditional country outfitters in Piccadilly, London. She likes royal-approved Chameau boots but notes they are a significant outlay and by no means the only option. Coe favours Barbour (“If you want a good pair at a reasonable price, that you know is going to last you, they’re the ones to go for”) and the new heritage country-wear brand Holland Cooper, whose sherpa-lined Wellingtons are a popular urban-country hybrid option.
If you’re looking for Wellingtons for occasional wear, or for kids, you may not want to spend upwards of £50 on a pair. But Bacon says: “I always apply a simple calculation – the number of times worn divided by the price. A good pair of boots will last for years, so if you are intending to wear Wellingtons even once a month it’s worth it.”. Our guides will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.
Hattie Garlick, the Telegraph’s countryside and parenting correspondent, lives in a watery part of Norfolk while Abi and Rebecca have family in the countryside. They stomped along footpaths and through muddy fields with the help of willing family members and canine friends to find the very best wellies for men, women and kids. We rated them for grip, comfort, the quality of the waterproofing and whether they succeeded in keeping feet warm. The results are below. If you spend a lot of time in muddy puddles, you might want to read our guide to the best waterproof jackets too...
£175, Hunter. Best Wellington boots overall, 10/10. We like: the grippy, durable sole. We don’t like: if we’re being critical, they’re a little stiff. Recommended by Abigail Buchanan. My top choice of welly brand has the royal seal of approval. Hunter, which was founded in 1856, holds two royal warrants of appointment to The Queen. The (slightly) cheaper Hunter Originals (£120, Hunter) are still enduringly popular, but my top choice are the technical Balmoral Wellingtons, which are unisex (UK 4-13).
Hunter wellies have the best sole in the business: a super-sturdy lugged Vibram design offers great grip and traction and even stood up to an eight-mile walk on Boxing Day, which is far farther than I’ve managed in other wellies. I tested these on boggy fields and muddy footpaths, but I reckon they could take snow in their stride, too. They’re lined with 3mm neoprene, which you instantly notice in terms of how they feel on the inside (plush) and how warm they keep your feet (very). They even come with 3mm and 5mm neoprene insoles, so you can adjust the fit.
They have a slip-on design with an adjustable buckle on the calf and a handy heel spur to help you take them off, but you could opt for the version with a full-length zip if you need a pair that are even easier. Overall, the boots feel sturdy, warm and surefooted; you can tell they’re built to last. The Hunter Originals, which I also tested, are worth considering. They’re unanimously voted the favourite of Glastonbury-goers, and manage to be hard-wearing, durable and comfortably flexible at the same time.
£150, the Muck Boot Company. Best value Wellington boots, 10/10. We like: these are the Monster Trucks of the welly world. We don’t like: they’re a little heavy. Recommended by Hattie Garlick. My 11-year-old son tested these boots and took the role seriously, clambering up to the top of a wet Welsh hill, wading through shallow streams, traversing bogs, conducting a mud fight, yet these held up to it all. They’re made to be a working boot and it shows.
The grip on the sole is tapered away from the boot, the idea being that mud and small stones don’t get stuck. To my surprise, it actually works. It also extends up the boot’s heel, giving you extra grip and thus confidence on hillsides and craggy landscapes while also acting as a kick-spur (making it easier to heave your boots off when you get home). Rubber reaches almost up the whole length of the boot. The top band is stretchy neoprene that fits snugly to your leg and stops any chilly drafts or puddle splashes seeping in – it also allows you to pull the boots on easily. But the boots are actually fully-lined with 5mm of neoprene, making them thicker, warmer and more comfortable for long walks than standard wellies. A solid, reinforced toe-cap means you can kick balls, climb gates and more without fear. They’re unisex, available in sizes UK 4-13 and two lengths.
