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 best 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 in a guide to the best neoprene wellies), 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 the best 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’ or men’s
Colours: Evergreen, black or navy
Sizes: UK 5–13
RRP: £114.99
H&H Rating: 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.
These boots took me by surprise. I found them to be sturdy, comfortable boots that are ideal for the yard. My favourite thing about them was how easy they are to put on and take off – now that I have such a large selection of wellies to choose from every day, I find myself opting for these more often than not because of this. Read my independent Rockfish Walkabout wellies review.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene-Lined Wellingtons
Fit: Ladies’ or men’s
Colours: Vert Chameau, marron fonce or vert Vierzon
Sizes: UK 2½–8
RRP: £200
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
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.
These boots are ideal for someone who wears wellies day in, day out. I prefer a sturdier leg personally, but aside from this they are a fantastic pair of wellies that will see you through many a wet and cold winter. Read my independent Le Chameau Vierzonord wellies review.
In the UK? View ladies’ sizes now at amazon.co.uk, lechameau.com, naylors.com, philipmorrisdirect.co.uk, outdoorandcountry.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View men’s sizes now at amazon.co.uk, lechameau.com, naylors.com or philipmorrisdirect.co.uk
Ariat Burford Insulated Wellies
Fit: Ladies’ or men’s
Colours: Olive green
Sizes: UK 3–12
RRP: From £200
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
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 available so you can get a really good fit.
I tested these boots and think they are perfect for looking the part, while staying comfortable on a country walk. They’re on the smart for the yard, but they’ve stood up to the job – and the fact that Ariat do half sizes is a winner for me. Read my independent Ariat Burford Wellies review.
In the UK? View ladies’ sizes now at amazon.co.uk, ariat.com, naylors.com, philipmorrisdirect.co.uk or outdoorandcountry.co.uk
In the UK? View men’s sizes now at amazon.co.uk, ariat.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: £145
H&H Rating: 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.
When I tested these boots, I found them to be warm and comfortable – I would recommend these to my friends at the yard or those with dogs if they were after a neoprene-style boot for the winter. Read H&H’s independent Muck Boot Arctic Sport II review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, johnlewis.com, gooutdoors.co.uk, millets.co.uk, cotswoldoutdoor.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Ariat Kelmarsh Boots
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: Grey or navy
Sizes: UK 3–8½
RRP: £110
H&H Rating: 8/10
These smart yet practical wellies have an adjustable closure at the back, and an easy-off heal-kick feature. They are made of a fortified rubber that protects your feet and keeps you dry, have a four-layer stabilising footbed that offers support and a removable cushion for additional comfort. Like all Ariat boots, these wellies are available in half sizes.
We found these wellies to be comfortable and supportive with a really good fit and easy adjustment at the rear. They have a slightly more modern look than some other wellies in this guide, but we think they look smart – and they’re available as short wellies, too. Read my independent Ariat Kelmarsh boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, ariat.com, naylors.com, philipmorrisdirect.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
Aigle Parcours 2 Boots
Colours: Kaki or brun
Sizes: EU 36–50
RRP: £150
Designed for people who are outside all day every day, these boots are made to last. The shock-absorbing sole, which is inspired by a mountain goat hood, provides grip on slippery and soft ground by repelling soil and pebbles, while ensuring comfort and delaying fatigue.
Each handmade pair is tested to ensure they’re totally waterproof, and feature a quick-dry lining to ensure your feet don’t get sweaty.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, decathlon.co.uk, aigle.com or blacks.co.uk
Hunter Balmoral Adjustable Neoprene-lined Wellington Boots
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: Dark olive or navy/peppercorn
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: £225
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 ladies’ sizes now at hunterboots.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com, johnlewis.com or outdoorandcountry.co.uk
In the US? View men’s sizes now at hunterboots.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.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 100% 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 amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
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.
In the UK? 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.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com 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 joules.com
Bekina Litefield
Fit: Ladies’
Colours: Green
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: £65.95
These lightweight, long-lasting Neotane wellies benefit from thermo-insulating properties that help your feet remain cool in summer and warm in winter. They are slip resistant, and feature kick-off spurs and a soft toe.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
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