The Best Wellington Boot
1. Honeywell Servus PVC Chemical-Resistant Steel Toe Men’s Work Books
2. Dunlop DURAPRO Boots
3. Irish Setter Leather Wellington Boots For Men
4. LaCrosse Men’s Grange Hunting Boot
5. Carhartt Waterproof Steel Toe Leather Wellington Boots For Men
6. Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellington Boots For Women
7. Huntshield Men’s Neoprene Muck Boot
8. Wolverine Work / Wellington Boots For Men
9. KEEN Utility Dallas Wellington Steel Toe Work Boots For Men
10. Timberland PRO Men’s Helix Wellington Boots
Wellington Boots Buying Guide And FAQ
Now that we’ve considered some of the best wellington boots on the market, we thought it might be useful for you to see some of the key considerations that went into our scoring.
If you’ve shopped for wellington boots in the past, you’ll know it’s not always as straightforward as buying a regular pair of shoes, so we hope this might help you out!
Features To Look For In Best Wellington Boots
Calf Size And Fit - When shopping for the best wellington boots, it’s not always as simple as entering your shoe size and getting a pair of boots, you can be pretty confident you’ll fit. As wellies go up the calf, you’ll need to also give some thought to your leg sizes as anyone who’s particularly slim, muscular, or wider may struggle with standard sizing. If you do have larger calves, you might want to keep an eye out for adjustable wellies, and either a zipper or other way of undoing the shoe down the leg as a pull-on style might be too snug.
Use - Wellies were originally designed to wear in the wet and muddy countryside, which is probably why they’re so popular with Brits! These days, however, wellington boots are a staple at festivals as well as becoming practical footwear for all-season weather and a wide variety of uses. The reason you’re buying wellies should factor into which type will be best. For example, the wellington boots you pop on for building a snowman won’t need to be as comfortable as the boots you wear to a festival (time on your feet), which won’t need to be as waterproof (or fashionable) as the boots you wear fishing. Think about the main reason you’re likely to wear your wellington boots and what key features are most important.
Comfort - As with any shoe, comfort is key! Being sure to get the right fit in the shoe and calf will be a big part of this, but you’ll also want to think about the materials the boot is made from, whether any areas might rub or wear down after a while, etc. Remember, even the best wellington boots will need to be worn in to avoid painful feet, and we recommend starting this by walking around your home, then wearing them out for short walks. Don’t go straight for that super long dog walk before you’ve worn in your shoes!
Traction - Usually worn in wet, muddy, or even snowy conditions, you’ll often find that the times you reach for your wellington boots are when the ground might not be as grip-friendly as usual. Because of this, you’re going to want to ensure any pair of wellies you pick up offers plenty of traction to avoid you slipping and sliding to your office. Look out for the thickness of the tread and check out other customer reviews for a good idea of how much traction wellington boots for men or women will offer.
Style - As much as the best wellington boots should really be function-first, the style of the boot will matter to most in terms of looking good, particularly if you’re wearing them to a festival or concert. That said, there are practical considerations for style as well. Short or even ankle-length leather wellington boots might be fine for a quick nip outside in the snow but won’t keep you particularly warm. In contrast, thigh-high options may well be great at waterproofing your legs but will definitely be overkill for most wearers! Go back to your ‘use’ answer and think about whether the style of wellington boot you’re choosing is best for the activities you’re planning.
Wellington Boots FAQ
Q: What are Wellington boots?
A: Wellington boots (or rubber/gumboots) were made famous by the Duke of Wellington in the UK in the 1800s. Still, variations of a waterproof, durable, and high-traction boot have been staples of many cultures for centuries, particularly in armies. They’re usually worn for outdoor activities on wet or muddy ground and/or in rainy or snowy conditions where traction is reduced. They’re designed to keep your feet warm and dry in a range of weather and feature a waterproof outer layer to achieve this.
Q: What size wellington boots do I need?
A: Wellington boots usually come in the same sizes as regular shoes, with a suggestion to go a size up if you intend to wear them in cold weather so you can add a nice pair of thick socks comfortably. Although many wellington boots are branded as ‘unisex’ if you’re shopping for wellington boots for men, you might need to give some consideration to the fact that men tend to have slightly wider feet than women with a different position of the Achilles tendons.
When trying on a pair of wellington boots, allow around a thumb’s width between your big toe and the end of the boot and be sure you can wiggle your toes comfortably. You should also check your heel can move around a quarter-inch to prevent blisters.
Q: What are the best wellies for walking?
A: If you’re just heading out for a walk, you might find that a comfortable pair of low-rise leather wellington boots are perfectly suitable for the job. Alternatively, Hunter wellington boots are hugely popular for a good reason, so you might want to check out one of their designs! In our buying guide above, we’ve considered the best wellington boots for walking as well as a range of other activities to help you find a pair that suits you.
Q: How do you wear jeans with wellies?
A: Simply put, tuck them in! This goes for any style of trouser with wellington boots. If you don’t tuck your trousers inside the boot, then you’re wasting the waterproofing benefits of wearing the wellies and may as well wear a regular pair of shoes.
Q: Do you wear socks with wellies?
For the most comfortable wellington boot experience, we highly recommend a decent pair of socks! Not only will they help keep your feet that little bit warmer if you’re wearing your boots in cold conditions, but they’ll also help minimize any rubbing by providing a soft barrier between your feet and the boot.
