Wellies – you don’t think you need them, until, well, you really do. And so whether it’s that sudden unexpected snow blitz in April or a drenched festival over the summer it pays to have some prepared just in case.
Which isn’t to say that it’s all necessary-but-not-particularly-chic when it comes to the world of wellies. Hunter, the kings of Wellington boots has been doing a lot in recent years to help you stay stylish in the rain. They have splashed colour and added streetwear branding on their centuries-old rubber duck shoes.
They’ll never be a permanent fixture in your shoe rotation, granted, but it’s savvy to have a good-looking and durable pair to call upon when every other boot style you own is rained off.
The Key Considerations for Buying
Wellies are first and foremost functional, then fashionable. They’re meant to keep your feet warm and dry, a cause significantly aided by having a neoprene lining at least 3mm thick behind the outer layer (if it’s positively arctic outside aim for 5mm).
Chances are you’ll also be stomping around quite a fair bit in your wellies when the time comes, whether that be walking the dog or trundling around the festival site. Vibram soles offer the best traction for heavy walkers.
Fitting wise, you don’t want to buy wellies that are too snug as your feet will expand during long, hot walks which may create rubbing on the side. Height-wise, they should rise no taller than the top of your calf and sit just below your knee – any higher and you’re in Catwoman on the cover of Country Life territory. You will need to allow 2cm to fit normal trousers around your calf. Look for a side strap to tighten or loosen.
We can now look at how to style these. You’ll need a good raincoat obviously. Down below, jeans and chinos are your best bet, always tucked inside the boot, never hanging loose on the outside which just defeats the point of the wellies’ weatherproofing. Wide-legged trousers are not for you, even if they look fabulous.
The World’s Best Wellies Brands
Hunter
Hunter has been producing rubber boots since 1856. Slicker branding is a key part of their stylish reinvention. As has a re-mixing of the traditional silhouette to include the moc toe Chelsea boot, as stylish a welly as you’re likely to get.
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ASOS
ASOS wellies will help you make a style statement at the festival. The silver boots, which look like they belonged on the feet moon miners, stand out.
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Barbour
Barbour is synonymous with the great British countryside, so much so that you only have to roll the name off your tongue and people assume you’re from the Three Counties. Barbour’s full outfit includes a waxed coat and a pair of crisp chinos. Traditional styles with classic touches, such as leather trims and cotton or tartan linings.
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Tretorn
Sweden has a natural beauty that is unmatched. Sweden is also quite humid. Tretorn is a Swedish outerwear and sneaker brand that has come up with some very useful waterproof rubber booties. These boots are easy to put on and come with a footbed made of environmentally friendly materials that is an alternative to petroleum.
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Paul Smith
Paul Smith is the godfather of modern British fashion. He has built a global empire by reinterpreting British classics and adding a touch of frivolity. These Paul Smith wellies are designed in the classic Paul Smith mould, with a colourful striped strap on the side and a winking drawing inside.
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SWIMS
SWIMS originally started off with just a single product, the galosh, a rubber boot used to slip on over your nice work shoes so they don’t get muddy. Since then it has taken the galosh’s practical nature and used it throughout a whole range of lifestyle products which includes its Chelsea-style rain boot with non-chafing technology on the inside, and vulcanized rubber on the outer.
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Sorel
The wellie has remained a classic English style. In the depths of North America though and at Canadian boots brand Sorel (now owned by massive American outerwear company Columbia) it’s all about the snow boot. These boots are made to last in the most extreme conditions. They feature top-grade materials such as tough nubuck leather, sherpa linings and sherpa linings.
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Dr. Martens
Wintergrip boots from British bootmaker Dr. Martens are a great option for anyone looking to find waterproof boots outside of the Wellington category. Offering the collection up in some of its most classic and stylish styles, the leather is water resistant so it won’t stain from the wet weather while the chunky sole features a sturdy grip to keep you up on two feet.
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Novesta
Slovakian footwear company Novesta is quickly building a reputation as one of the best sneaker brands you’ve never heard of. Alongside its minimal trainers, it also does a range of colourful rubber Chelsea boots, perfect for a dash of colour to your wet weather ‘fit and as a rainy day alternative to the wellie.
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Joules
For those country types who aren’t so bothered about the Barbour branding, there’s British high street brand Joules, who has a solid range of wellies featuring the traditional long length ones, down to mid-height and dinky ankle boots below.
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Aigle
Aigle, a master rubber craftsman who has been making some of the finest wellingtons since 1853, is well known to those who take their wellies very seriously. The shock-absorbing cushion will have you bouncing around the field like a trotting pony in the dressage, while the lugged sole will make sure you don’t slip up.
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Musto
Jeremy Musto is the founder of this clothing brand. Originally, it was a seafaring outfitter before branching out into equestrian equipment and hunting gear. The waterproof boots were designed with heavy-duty sailing in mind. Many of them are outfitted with the latest textile innovations, and worn by pros in some the largest ocean races in the seven seas.
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