Adjustable wellies make the wet weather easier if your calves are wider – or narrower – than average, making them a great alternative to short wellington boots. A pair of the best wellies for wide calves can be absolute lifesavers for equestrians and others who spend time outdoors throughout the year, whatever the weather. They’re also a great option for a yard boot alternative, and are really handy for walking the dog or venturing out with friends in wetter weather, too.
Everyone has worn a pair of cheap wellies at some point in their life – they leave your feet sweaty, probably rubbed and offered very little support. But with the fantastic technology available to us, this needn’t be the case – and a quality pair of wellies can be a great investment.
Best wellies for wide calves: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall wide wellies: Le Chameau Chasseur
Best value wide wellies: Rockfish Everyday Adjustable
Warmest wellies for wide calves: Caldene Westfield
Most comfy wellies for wide calves: Aigle Parcours 2 Vario
How to spot the best wellies for wide calves
Like standard wellies, the best wellies for wide calves should be waterproof, warm, supportive and moisture wicking and they’ll usually have some sort of adjustable feature. Be sure that they have a gusset that changes the shape, rather than just a buckle, which is often just for style. The method of adjustment should be secure and easy to use – there’s nothing more annoying than setting your boots to the perfect snug width, to find that the clip comes loose soon after and your boots are gaping. Most adjustable wellies have the gusset on the side, but a few have it at the rear – wherever it is, make sure it’s within easy reach for adjustment.
The next thing you can check is the material. Most of the wellies in this list are made of natural rubber, which is waterproof, flexible and comfortable, while a large number of styles benefit from highly insulating neoprene linings. Avoid cheap wellies made of PVC plastic.
All technical wellies will have a moisture-wicking lining of some sort that help to draw away sweat, which keeps your feet dry and prevents smelly feet. If you’re wearing wellies for any long period of time, you’ll want them to be comfortable and supportive, so look out for designs with good grip, shock-absorbing soles and moulded footbeds.
If you’re buying online, check the sizing guide before you buy. Most wellies are true to size in the foot, but check if there is a maximum calf measurement. The best way to measure is to sit on a chair with your knee at 90° and foot flat on the floor. Measure the widest point of your calf and add on a couple of centimetres to account for some long socks.
Best adjustable wellies for wide calves
Le Chameau Chasseur Leather Lined Adjustable Boots
Fit: Ladies’ or men’s
Colours: Iconic green
Sizes: UK 2½–8, with four width options (ladies’), UK 6–15, with eight width options (men’s)
RRP: £380
If you’ve got rather wide calves but want a seriously good wellington boot, these are your best bet. They have a full-length waterproof zip that makes them easy to get on and off, plus an adjustable strap for fastening. They have reinforced fronts for extra protection against abrasion, a leather lining with leather insole and shock-absorbing, insulating, all-terrain outsole sole with reinforced shank for better arch support. Take it from us, they’re a seriously technical boot.
They have many similar features to the Le Chameau Vierzonord, which is also adjustable but doesn’t offer different widths from the outset. Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord review – we awarded it H&H Approved status.
In the UK? View ladies’ now at lechameau.com or outdoorandcountry.co.uk
In the US? View men’s now at lechameau.com or outdoorandcountry.co.uk
Aigle Parcours 2 Vario
Fit: Unisex
Colours: Bronze, brun, noir or kaki
Sizes: UK 3–13
RRP: £176
Vario means these are part of Aigle’s adjustable range. These boots have a tri-density rubber sole and shock-absorbing cushion, allowing you to walk further without getting tired. They have a shock-absorbing, abrasion-resistant outsole that provides stability, as well as a waterproof, adjustable gusset and a quick-drying lining that can be cleaned with a sponge.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, outdoorandcountry.co.uk, naylors.com or decathlon.co.uk
Hunter Balmoral Adjustable Neoprene-lined Wellington Boots
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: Dark olive or navy/peppercorn
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: £185
The sole of these boots offers enhanced shock-absorption, while the multi-directional cleats (protrusions of the sole) are designed for grip and mud-release. Handcrafted from a soft rubber compound for comfort and durability, these 3mm neoprene-lined boots are supplied with removable 3mm and 5mm moulded insoles to customise the fit. The adjustable gusset and buckle at the side also allows you to adjust the fit.
In the UK? View now at hunterboots.com, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
Caldene Westfield Neoprene-lined Adjustable Wellington Boots
Fit: Unisex
Colours: Chocolate or green
Sizes: UK 3–12
RRP: £99
These boots have a sturdy and durable sole with a steel shank that ensures years of support. They have a textured matte finish, come in a unisex fit, and the adjustable side gusset allows you to create the perfect fit for wider calves.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Rockfish Everyday Side-Adjustable Wellingtons
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: 17 options
Sizes: UK 3–8
RRP: £99.99
These wellies are made from 100% natural rubber and are available in a really wide range of colours. They are waterproof to the top of the boots and are resistant to horse urine, so won’t perish from mucking out. They are designed with a deep gusset and adjustable strap, which means they accommodate most calf sizes.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Joules Field Wellies With Adjustable Back Gusset
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: French navy or black
Sizes: UK 3–8
RRP: £59.95
This classic pair of wellies have water-dispersing soles for better grip. They feature an adjustable gusset at the rear with a popper fastening making them suitable for a wide range of calf sizes. They are also covered by Joules’ one-year welly guarantee.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
You might also like:
Short wellies and rain boots: perfect for popping out in a downpour
Wellington boots you can rely on this winter
Best wellies for men: for walking, yard work and casual wear
6 of the warmest waterproof neoprene wellies
How to clean your wellies (and make them smell good too)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
