{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

Short wellies and rain boots: perfect for popping out in a downpour


  • Horse & Hound is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Learn more
  • These days wellington boots come in a range of shapes and styles, from adjustable wellies to insulated wellies, wellies with a complete neoprene shaft or Chelsea boot-style wellies. Just as with riding boots or country boots, you can choose wellies in a selection of heights, from the traditional tall, to mid-height or summery short. The best short wellington boots for ladies offer a great opportunity for keeping your feet dry while offering a bit more style than you might get with most traditional workmanlike wellies.

    Short wellies are usually lighter in weight and (unless insulated) not so warm as they don’t hug the calf. This makes them a great option in the summer, whether you’re heading out to walk the dog or popping to the shops and need to avoid the puddles in the car park. Short boots are also a great option if you’ve got a wider or shorter calf as the top usually finishes not far above the ankle. Many find that short wellies offer a greater freedom of movement and more comfort – particularly if they’re not a regular wellington boot wearer.

    Best short wellington boots for ladies

    Rockfish Three-Quarter Short Wellington Boots

    Rockfish Three-Quarter Short Wellington Boots

    Colours: Navy, black, green or grape
    Sizes: UK 3–8
    RRP: £84.99

    Perfect for casual wear and ideal for the British weather, these boots are easy to put on and kick off. They are made of natural rubber and are manufactured in a clean air emission facility.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport II short wellington boots

    The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport II Mid Boots

    Colours: Black
    Sizes: UK 3–8
    RRP: £145

    If you’re looking for some short wellies for the winter, these muck boots are a great option as they have a 5mm insulating neoprene inner boot, plus a cosy fleece lining, while the stretch-fit top keep the boots snug to your legs, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.

    They have a supportive midsole and a grippy outsole, making them an ideal option if you’re heading out on a walk or to the yard. The boots also feature a pull tab to help you get them on and off, and benefit from odour control and moisture management technology. We tested the longer version of these Arctic Sport II boots and recommend sizing up if you usually take a half size.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or johnlewis.com

    Joules Molly Mid Height Wellies

    Joules Molly Mid Height Wellies

    Colours: Wide range of prints
    Sizes: UK 3–8
    RRP: £54.95

    Available in a wide range of prints, these wellies are a colourful option for even the greyest of days. They feature a stylish side buckle and have water-dispersing soles for a better grip. Covered by a one-year guarantee.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

    Le Chameau Iris Bottillon Jersey-Lined Boots

    Le Chameau Iris Bottillon Jersey-Lined Boots

    Colours: Bleu fonce, jaune, lila, noir, rose, rouge or vert fonce
    Sizes: EU 36–42
    RRP: £100

    We’ve reviewed the tall version of these Iris wellies, and while they’re not as hardy as other Le Chameau styles, they’re a fab option for the summer, whether you’re a keen gardener or heading to a festival. They’re very flexible, so could easily be popped into a backpack for rainy emergencies, too.

    They have a moisture-wicking poly-cotton jersey lining that helps to keep feet dry and comfortable when worn in warmer weather, too.

    In the UK? View now at lechameau.com, outdoorandcountry.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

    Ariat Kelmarsh Mid Rubber Boots

    Ariat Kelmarsh Mid Rubber Boots

    Colours: Navy, maroon or grey print
    Sizes: UK 3–8½
    RRP: £100

    These smart yet practical wellies are a great option if you’re going to be spending time on your feet.  have an adjustable side closure and an easy-off heal-kick feature. With its array of colourful country shades, the Kelmarsh will ensure you’re dry and looking top-notch during your day-to-day chores and outdoor pursuits.

    We reviewed the tall version of these boots – read the full Ariat Kelmarsh wellies review.

    In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or outdoorandcountry.co.uk

    Barbour Banbury Wellington Boots

    Barbour Banbury Wellington Boots

    Colours: Navy or olive
    Sizes: UK 3–9
    RRP: £59.95

    Barbour describe these mid-cut wellies as versatile enough for any outdoor activity. They’re made from durable rubber set atop a custom Barbour outsole with a tartan-pattern tread, and certainly look the part if you’re after a short country boot.

    In the UK? View now amazon.co.uk or jonesbootmaker.com

    Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots

    Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots

    Colours: 19 options
    Sizes: UK 3–10
    RRP: £84.95

    These everyday wellies blend fashion and function. Made with natural rubber and a neoprene lining, they’ll your feet dry and warm in below-freezing temperatures. They also have in-built arch support and removable innersoles to cater for orthotics.

    In the UK? View now at merrypeople.com

    Dunlop Dee Half-Height short wellington boots

    Dunlop Dee Half-Height Wellies

    Colours: Black or green
    Sizes: UK 4–12
    RRP: £15.99

    These short wellies are a great option if you’re on a budget. They’re still 100% waterproof but have less technical features than other boots we’ve listed.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Fitflop Short Wonderwelly

    Fitflop Short Wonderwelly

    Colours: Black or navy
    Sizes: UK 3–9
    RRP: £90 

    These boots have a biomechanically engineered sole that is designed to evenly distribute bodyweight and absorb the impact of every step. They also feature high-rebound micro ‘springboards’ in the forefoot to help put a spring in your step.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or fitflop.com

    Hunter Original Short Wellies

    Hunter Original Short Wellies

    Colours: Black, navy, hunter green, red or olive
    Sizes: UK 3–8
    RRP: £125

    Based on the iconic design of the Original Tall Hunters, this short welly is handcrafted from 28 parts. They have a waterproof finish and a textile lining for all-day comfort, plus an adjustable strap for a stylish look. Also available with insulation.

    In the UK? View now at johnlewis.com, amazon.co.uk, hunterboots.co.uk or legendfootwear.co.uk

    Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 short wellington boots

    Helly Hansen Nordvik 2 Rubber Boots

    Colours: Black or green
    Sizes: EU 35–41
    RRP: £15.99 

    Rubber boots have been at the core of Helly Hansen’s business since 1877. These lower cut, lighter-weight boots effortlessly combine style, and comfort, while also featuring a flat, and siped outsole for good traction.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or hellyhansen.com


    You might also like:


    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.

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout HOYS, Maryland, Pau, London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...