A strong, comfortable and reliable pair of wellington boots is essential for every gardener, whatever the time of year. Whether you’re looking for the best wellies for walking, digging or weeding, we’ve tried and tested a range of styles to bring you clear advice on the best wellington boots for you.
Once you’ve ordered your wellies, why not think about storage? We’ve found the most practical, and stylish solutions in our best boot racks roundup, and while you’re at it, see our guide to the best boot scraper and brushes to help keep them mud-free. And if you’re searching for lighter footwear, we’ve also found some of the best garden shoes to wear in the garden.
Buying wellington boots – video
Best wellington boots at a glance:
Women’s
- Best Buy for long walks: Joules Printed Wellies with Back Gusset
- Best Buy for for sustainability: Lakeland Tall Wellington Boots
- Best Buy for summer months: Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots
- Best Buy for wider leg shapes: Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2
Men’s and Unisex
- Best Buy all rounder: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot
- Best Buy men’s heavy-duty: Skellerup Red Band Knee Length
- Best Buy for cold weather: Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined
Our expertise
We tested a range of wellies using them through the season, in the garden for different tasks such as weeding, planting and digging, as well as for walking. Each pair has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to comfort, sole and materials, durability and value for money. Every pair of wellies in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best women’s wellington boots
- Best men’s and unisex wellington boots
- The best of the rest
- How to choose the best wellington boots
- How we tested
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wellington boots below:
Best Buy women’s wellington boots
Joules printed wellies with adjustable back gusset
RRP: £59.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pros:
- Comfortable and light for long walks
- Very easy to take on and off
- Good grip in muddy conditions
- Available in range of colours and patterns
Cons:
- Need socks for warmth
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60% natural rubber and 40% synthetic mix, which makes them lightweight and flexible while offering good support. There’s a removable, shock absorbing insole for extra comfort, and a moulded heel and arch, which holds feet in position. Fully waterproof, they have an elasticated back gusset with popper fastening so you can adjust for comfort and to tuck in trousers, and although they have a ridge rather than a kick spur, they’re easy to get on and off. A ridged sole and block heels means they offer plenty of grip in heavy mud, as well as on loose gravel on slopes. They’re also quick to clean as the ridges aren’t too deep, so the soles don’t clog with mud. Despite not having toecaps, they’re suitable for digging as the heel and sole are strong and sturdy. However, they’re not well insulated so need a thick pair of socks for warmth in cold weather. Scuff-resistant, they come with a one-year warranty and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.
UK sizes: 3-9
Digital market & commerce executive, Angelica Wilson says:
‘I have high arches and struggle with very flat shoes, so I was really pleased these boots support my foot shape and feel comfortable.’
Lakeland tall wellington boots
RRP: £59.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Buy now from Lakeland Footwear (£59.95), Ethical Superstore (£59.95), and Natural Collection (£59.95)
Pros:
- Vegan friendly
- Made from 100% sustainably sourced natural rubber
- Comfortable fit
- Breathable, cotton lining
- Available in 10 colours
Cons:
- Need thick socks for warmth in cold weather
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for sustainability, these wellies are suitable for vegans, are made entirely with FSC certified natural rubber, sourced in Sri Lanka, and have an organic cotton lining. Light and flexible, they’ve an adjustable strap, making them very easy to get on and off and our tester wore the next size up, which allowed plenty of room for warm socks. They have a good arch support, which means they’re comfortable and don’t rub, even on long walks. Block heels make them good for digging, and the toe area is reinforced with extra rubber, offering additional structure and support for lighter gardening jobs. Gripping well in muddy woods and on icy roads, the sole doesn’t clog up with mud, which means they’re quick and easy to rinse clean too. Fully waterproof and scuff-resistant, even after walking through brambles, they come with a one-year warranty.
UK sizes: 4-8
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘These wellies are nice and light, so well suited to long walks with the dog, as well as pottering in the garden.’
- Buy Lakeland Tall Wellington Boots from Lakeland Footwear, Ethical Superstore and Natural Collection
Merry People Bobbi wellington boot
RRP: £84.95
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now from Merry People (£79.95)
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Made with tough, vegan materials
- Light, easy to wear
Cons:
- Does not have protection above the ankle
- Tread not for very muddy conditions
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use, the Bobbi wellington boots are light, tough, and comfortable to wear. Easy to slip on and off, with two straps to help you get your feet in quickly, once slipped on, these boots are warm, thanks to a neoprene lining, and comfortable with good arch support. Made from natural vegan rubber they’re tough, waterproof, and very easy to wipe clean. The Bobbi boot’s tread has good general grip, and there’s a chunky heel to help keep you up and out of the mud but although these boots are great for everyday gardening, they don’t protect your legs from the mud so are not for wearing in very wet or muddy conditions.
Available in a wide range of colours they come with a one-year warranty. We recommend buying your normal shoe size, but rounding down if you’re at a half size.
UK sizes: 3-10
- Buy Bobbi wellington boots from Merry People
Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now from Country Attire and Le Chameau
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Jersey lined to wick away moisture
- Supportive sole and heel
- Easy to clean
- Available in seven colours
Cons:
- Need thick socks for warmth
- No toe cap reinforcement
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for summer months, Le Chameau’s Iris women’s wellington boots are made from 80% natural Chamolux rubber, sourced from a mature rubber plantation in Vietnam. The additional 20% is synthetic rubber to improve durability. Light and flexible, they’re a great fit, despite not having an adjustable strap, and offer plenty of support. They’re lined with jersey cotton, which prevents slipping or rubbing and wicks moisture away from feet, keeping them dry and making them ideal for hot weather. However, our tester needed to wear thick socks for warmth on colder days. They grip well in muddy conditions and the heel feels solid and balanced, although there isn’t reinforced toe protection. Available in seven colours, they’re 100% waterproof, scuff resistant and easy-to-clean. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
UK sizes: 3-8
Picture editor, Sarah Edwards says:
‘My feet never felt wet or moist thanks to a jersey lining.’
- Buy Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots from Country Attire and Le Chameau
Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2
RRP: £90.00
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now from Country Attire and Aigle
Pros:
- Soft, supple and flexible
- Excellent grip
- Good support
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Big for size
These rubber wellington boots are handmade and easy to get on and off. They feel soft and supple and have a handy quick dry lining. They were comfortable to wear with generous room around the calves and feet and have a firm grip underfoot. There is a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wider leg shapes.
Sizes: UK 2-8
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘Really easy to get on and off and great for tucking in your jeans so they stay clean and dry too.’
Read the full Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 review.
- Buy Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 from Country Attire and Aigle
Best Buy men’s wellington boots and unisex pairs
Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots
RRP: £135
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pros:
- Adjustable calf
- Foot support
- Good for digging
- Strong and sturdy
Cons:
- Block heel unpopular
Hunter’s original rubber wellington boots offer a comfortable and flexible fit and are easy to get on and off. The boots don’t rub, making them ideal wellington boots for walking or digging in. There’s a good grip and a range of colours for both men and women. A two-year guarantee is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy as an all-rounder choice.
Sizes: UK 3-12
Gardening editor, Emma Crawforth says:
‘Hefty price tag but they’re sturdy, supportive and stylish.’
- Buy Hunter Original tall wellington boots from House of Fraser and Outdoor Gear
Read the full Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review.
Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot
RRP: £75
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now for £63.36 from Granite Workwear
Pros:
- Helpful kick spur
- Robust and heavy duty
- Distinct heel and deep tread
Cons:
- Bit big around the calves
Skellerup’s thick rubber wellington boots are cotton-lined and feature a kick spur so are easy to get on and off, although they are little big for size. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable while the reinforced toe ensures sturdiness. There’s a good grip, so the boots are ideal for muddy conditions and warmer weather. A one-year warranty is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for men’s heavy duty wellington boots.
Sizes: UK 4-14
Deputy editor, Kevin Smith says:
‘They are wide around the calf (so good for those with bigger calves) but a little gappy around the ankle.’
Read the full Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot review.
- Buy the Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot from Granite Workwear
Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons
RRP: £200
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Exceptionally warm
- Shoe like fit
- Easy calf adjustment
- Good support
Cons:
- Can be hard to get off
Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, these wellington boots by Le Chameau are very warm and have an adjustable calf for a better fit. Although easy to slip on, the pair can be harder to get off. They have a comfortable fit with a shoe like feel, although they may be snug for wider feet. There’s a wide range of sizes and colours and they are available for men and women. There’s a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for cold weather.
Sizes: UK 2.5-15
Senior reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘Good fit and the lining of these boots keep feet warm and dry.’
- Buy Le Chameau Vierzonord neoprene lined wellington boots from Outdoor and Country
Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons review.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Niwaki Rubber boots – Unisex
RRP: £119
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pros:
- Steel toe cap, so useful for heavy duty jobs
- Washable inside and out
Cons:
- Snug fit
- Need socks for warmth
- Comparatively expensive
Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber lined so don’t need thick socks to keep feet warm, which is just as well as they’re a snug fit. The chunky soles grip well in muddy conditions and stony slopes, and given the substantial heel, work well when using garden spades and forks. They also feature steel toe caps, which means they’re good for other practical gardening and DIY jobs, but are still light enough for walking. There’s a soft rubber hood at the top of the boot, which is designed to make them watertight, but had a tendency to flop down on test – though this could be to do with calf size rather than design. We also like that they’re easy to wash, both inside and out, but you must remove the insoles first. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 5.5-10.5
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘I love the look of these boots, and they’re also a practical option if you want a sturdy pair that’s ideal for all sorts of gardening jobs.’
- Buy Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki
RHS Muckster II Boots
RRP: £120
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Pros:
- Easy to get on/off – so perfect for a backdoor boot
- Waterproof but breathable
- Sturdy toe protection
- Lightweight so not tiring
Cons:
- Slightly wide in the foot
- Soles could be sturdier to enable extended digging
- The pale colour, which may not age as well as a darker shade over time.
These half-height boots are easy to slip on and off, thanks to moulded heels and flexible neoprene boot cuffs at the top, which can be rolled down for ease of access but are high enough to tuck-in for trousers. Lined and warm, even in cold weather, they’re reasonably true to size, and good for wider feet, so if you’ve narrow feet, you may want thicker socks. Sturdy and lightweight, they have a padded insole with some arch support, which makes them comfortable for a long day in the garden. They also have a band of reinforcement over the tips of the toes, for protection during lighter jobs. However, they’re not cushioned enough for prolonged digging, or distance walking, where you’d also want firmer ankle support, and shallow treads means they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean – either sponging off or brushed clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after 2 months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repels water. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-9
Former Editor, Lucy Hall says:
‘They are a good second boot for me – as they’re easy to keep by the backdoor, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.’
- Buy Muck Boot RHS Muckster 11 boots from John Lewis
LBC Explorer ultralight boots – unisex
RRP: £59.99
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Pros:
- Very lightweight, but built to last
- Removable lining
- Kick spur, so easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- Wide fit, no support for calves or arches
- No toe cap reinforcement
- Only available in green and black
These short-style wellington boots from Leon Boot Company are surprisingly light. A great option if practicality is at the top of your wish list, they feature deep, thick soles that grip well, even in muddy conditions, a kick spur on the back to help remove the boots, and a removable liner. Made from a solid piece of rubber, they’re also completely waterproof, durable and simple to wash as there’s nowhere for mud to collect. A loose-fit design, it’s easy to put them on and take off, however, this generous sizing means they don’t support the calf, and as the heel is relatively low and the sole flat, people with high arches might find them uncomfortable. They also don’t have toe protection and aren’t breathable, which means feet can get hot and sweaty. They come with a one-year warranty for the boot, but the internal sock has no warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-14
Senior content creator, Miranda Janatka says:
‘They definitely deliver on their promise – surprisingly lightweight and yet still feel strong, solid, and flexible.’
- Buy Explorer ultralight boots from Amazon
Ariat Burford Waterproof Rubber Boot
RRP: £140
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Very light and bouncy
- Breathable
- Toe protection
Cons:
- Rub on back of heel
- Adjustable calf more for decoration
This pair of long wellington boots are light and springy to wear and ideal for walking. Made from a combination of rubber and leather, the pair offer good grip and support although they can rub on the back of the heel for some wearers. There’s a choice of three colours available and they are guaranteed for one year.
Sizes: UK 3-8
- Buy the Burford waterproof rubber boots from Ariat
Ariat Kelmarsh rubber boot
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Pros:
- Very bouncy and comfortable
- Very light
- Easy to get on and off
- Good grip
Cons:
- The straps are hard to adjust and close
- The fit is wide around the foot and the ankle
- Colours won’t be for everyone
- Expensive for lack of thermal lining
The new Kelmarsh rubber boot from Ariat come up a bit big and are quite wide in the foot and ankle, which, together with a slight but effective bump on heel, means they’re very easy to take on and off. There’s also an adjustable strap at the back, but it’s quite awkward to use and needs both hands to close the clip fastening. Lightweight and bouncy – thanks to a cushioned, shock absorbing sole – these boots are comfortable for walking and prolonged use. Strong and sturdy, they also grip well, and the soles don’t clog up with dirt as they push mud out to the edges as you walk. Fully waterproof, scuff-resistant, and warm, thanks to a jersey lining, they don’t feature toe protection. Disappointingly, there’s a choice of just two colours – blue or grey – as well as a large logo on the back, which might not appeal to everyone. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-8.5
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘These are bouncy and light and very comfortable even after a day in the garden, and are great for walking the dog too.’
- Buy the Kelmarsh Rubber Boot from Ariat
How to choose the best wellington boots
- Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and fit well. In our descriptions of each pair of wellingtons, we’ve noted if the sizing is particularly large or snug. We’ve also highlighted features that we found improved or impeded the comfort of each pair.
- The material the boots are made from will also affect how they feel to wear. For instance, neoprene may make the boots more flexible, while fleece linings will improve comfort and warmth.
- Every pair will have a slightly different grip and heel size and some may also have features such as reinforced toes, which are useful for heavy duty work. In any wellington boot, a good, strong grip is important to keep you steady on your feet in wet, stony, or muddy conditions.
How we tested wellies
We tested a range of women’s and men’s wellington boots for several months over the winter and into spring. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
- Comfort. Looked at how easy they were to put on and take off, general size and fit, as well as suitability for a range of gardening jobs and walking.
- Sole and materials. Focused on grip and how well they coped with mud. We also assessed the heels and soles for digging, as well as if they featured toe caps, were warm and finally, if they were easy to clean.
- Durability. Assessed if the boots were sturdy and built to last, as well as if there were waterproof and scuff resistant.
- Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.
For more information on our testing process see How we Review.
This review was last updated in August 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
from BBC Gardeners World Magazine https://ift.tt/Ii4wj1x
