The best wellington boots can be absolute lifesavers for equestrians and others who spend time outdoors throughout the year, whatever the weather. They’re a great option for a yard boot alternative, but are also really handy for walking the dog or venturing out with friends in wetter weather.
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. Although they’re not a substitute for riding boots, having a pair of wellies to wear on the yard when you’re not in the saddle should mean your winter riding boots should last longer, too.
Keep reading to find out how to choose the best pair of wellies for you, or skip straight to our pick of the best wellington boots.
How to spot the best wellington boots
The best wellington boots are waterproof, warm, supportive and moisture wicking. The first thing you can check is the material. Cheap wellies are often made of PVC plastic – it’s waterproof and affordable, but lacks support and durability. Most of the wellies in this list are made of natural rubber, which is waterproof, flexible and comfortable. Neoprene is valued for it’s protection against the cold and wet – some wellies have a neoprene shaft (we’ve rounded these up separately), while a large number of styles benefit from highly insulating neoprene linings. Gore-Tex is another material to keep an eye out for – it’s often used as a waterproof lining in wellies and country boots. It’s expensive, but it certainly does the job well.
All technical wellies will have a moisture-wicking lining that help to draw away moisture, which keeps your feet dry from sweat and prevents odour. If you’re wearing wellies at the yard, 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, so it’s almost more important that you know your calf measurement as this can be harder to guess. 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. If you have wide calves and/or shorter legs, there are plenty of adjustable options, some made specifically for wider calves and others for different leg lengths.
Best wellington boots on the market
Rockfish Walkabout neoprene-lined wellingtons
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Evergreen, black or navy | Sizes: UK 5–9 | RRP: £114.99 | Review: 9/10, H&H Approved |
These Rockfish wellies are fitted with a 4mm neoprene lining throughout, which will keep your feet warm on winter days. These particular Rockfish boots are based on hiking boot technology, ensuring a snug fit, while the sole is designed to provide extra grip on rugged terrain. They also feature an insole that is engineered to provide comfort all day. Also available in men’s sizes.
Read H&H’s independent Rockfish Walkabout wellies review.
View now at viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Le Chameau Vierzonord neoprene-lined ladies’ wellingtons
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Vert Chameau, marron fonce or vert Vierzon | Sizes: UK 2.5–8 | RRP: £190 | Review: 9/10 |
These hand-crafted boots from Le Chameau are described as perfect for winter. The abrasion-resistant outsole gives you shoe-like comfort while offering sure-footed traction on uneven, slippery, muddy or soft terrain. They are lined with 3mm neoprene and have an adjustable, waterproof gusset. The dual-density sole absorbs shock and has a shank reinforcement that delivers stability and arch support to help reduce fatigue. The combination of natural rubber and neoprene allows the wellington boot to flex easily, mirroring any foot movement. They are also available in men’s sizes.
Read H&H’s independent Le Chameau Vierzonord wellies review.
View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com, philipmorrisdirect.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Ariat Burford Insulated wellies
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Olive green | Sizes: UK 3–8.5 | RRP: £155 | Review: 9/10 |
These stylish wellies are created with waterproof, vulcanised rubber and a shock-absorbing EVA midsole for added all-day foot comfort. They use Ariat’s ATS Pro footbed technology for heightened performance, have a moisture-wicking layer and defend against odour. The 3.5mm neoprene lining will keep your feet warm in the winter, while the leather strap closure and trimmed top add a bit of style. They also feature an easy-off ‘heel kick’ feature and Duratread outsole. Half sizes and men’s sizes also available.
Read H&H’s independent Ariat Burford wellies review.
View now at ariat.com, next.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or philipmorrisdirect.co.uk
The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport II Tall boots
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Black, grey, hot pink, spruce or navy | Sizes: UK 3–9 | RRP: £140 | Review: 8/10 |
These boots from The Original Muck Boot Company are designed for those who are outdoors in the coldest conditions. They have a cosy fleece lining and a 5mm neoprene inner boot for added warmth, and the stretch-fit top-line binding keeps the boots snug to your legs to keep cold air out and warm air in. They also have a moulded midsole that offers support and the rugged outsole helps grip.
Read H&H’s independent Muck Boot Arctic Sport II review.
View now at rideawaystore.com, millets.co.uk or cotswoldoutdoor.com
Aigle Parcours 2 Vario
Fit: Unisex | Colours: Bronze, brun, noir or kaki | Sizes: UK 3–13 | RRP: £176 |
These Aigle 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.
View now at amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Hunter Balmoral adjustable neoprene-lined wellington boots
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Dark olive or navy/peppercorn | Sizes: UK 3–9 | RRP: £160 |
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.
View now at hunterboots.com, amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Solognac 520 women’s tall wellies
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Brown | Sizes: UK 3–7 | RRP: £59.99 |
Suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, these hardwearing and comfortable boots have a 4mm foam insole for comfort, while the reinforced back holds the ankle in place when walking. The side gusset makes them easy to put on and take off.
View now at decathlon.co.uk
Grub’s Rainline boots
Fit: Unisex | Colours: Black, aubergine, navy or heather | Sizes: UK 3–8 | RRP: £84.95 |
These Grubs rubber boots are described as lightweight and easy to clean. They have a moisture-wicking and odour-preventing lining, and a soft underfoot cushioning that aims to give an athletic shoe feel. The insulating lining offers comfort between -20 and +30°C without sweat and heat build up. The sole offers excellent grip and shock absorption, while the tread is designed to work with the action of the foot. The waterproof neoprene stretch panel in the shaft provides a great fit around the calf.
View now at amazon.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.
View now at joules.com or amazon.co.uk
Alan Paine Arxus Primo Nord LW Zip boots
Fit: Unisex | Colours: Olive | Sizes: UK 4.5–12.5 | RRP: £275 |
These insulated Alan Paine boots combine high-tech performance and functionality with traditional design. They have a 5mm insulating neoprene lining with a 2mm ‘air cell’ lining that keeps you warm in cold weather and cooler in warm weather, and a felt-lined insole for increased insulation against the cold ground. The waterproof, ripstop shaft is light and has a high resistance to thorns and brambles. The half-length rear zip and locking strap offer a comfortable fit.
View now at philipmorrisdirect.co.uk
Bekina Litefield
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Green | Sizes: UK 3–9 | RRP: £65.95 |
Lightweight, long-lasting Neotane wellie boot. Thermo-insulating properties that remain cool in summer and warm in winter. Slip resistant. Kick off spurs. Soft toe. Ideal footwear for any outdoor activity.
View now at viovet.co.uk
Ruud’s riding wellies
Fit: Ladies’ | Colours: Black, forest green, midnight blue or burgundy | Sizes: UK 3–10 | RRP: £140 |
Handcrafted with 100% natural rubber and lined with 4mm neoprene, these Rudd’s wellies have a stirrup-friendly outsole tread, which unlike other high street fashion boots, make them safe for riding. These wellies come with a 12-month non-split guarantee.
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