The Ultimate Guide to Wellington Boots
In this buyer’s guide we go over all of the important things to think about when purchasing new wellies such as insulation, gender specific vs unisex models, waterproofing methods, price points, construction materials and more! If you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to send us an email! We would be happy to answer whatever queries you may have.
What are wellington boots?
Wellington boots, also called wellies, welly, gumboots or rain boots are a specific style of rubber boot that covers the foot and lower part of the leg. They have been popular in Britain since they were invented by Lord Wellington but have become very common all over the world as well! They are designed to keep your feet dry in wet or muddy conditions.
What should I look for when purchasing wellies?
When making the decision on which new pair of boots you want, there are many factors that need to be considered!
They include:
- Insulation
- gender specific vs unisex models
- Waterproofing methods (breathability)
- price points
- construction materials
We will go into each one below so that by the end of this guide you will know exactly what kind of boot is perfect for your needs.
Wellington Boots Insulation
Insulated wellies tend to be warmer than their uninsulated counterparts due to higher density foam material used inside the rubber shells. This makes them great for colder temperatures or climates and many people who suffer from cold feet find themselves gravitating towards this type of boot. However, not all insulated boots are made equally! There is a wide range that you need to consider such as: full insulation vs thermal lining, how well the foam insulates and which materials they use for insulation.
Neoprene insulation
Is one of the most common materials used for insulation. It is lightweight, breathable and very warm! If you’re looking for neoprene lined boots try the Le Chameau Vierzonord boots. The downside to this type of material though is that it can reduce overall boot flexibility so if you are looking for something more pliable then consider other types like polar fleece or wool.
Goretex insulation
Goretex is a type of insulation that uses breathable fabric to keep your feet warm. It has the benefit over neoprene in the fact it typically allows for much better flexibility but does not have quite as good insulating properties. Goretex lined boots are well suited to most conditions and usually more expensive
Wellington boots with a Leather lining
If you are looking for something that is both breathable and insulated, then a leather lined boot will be your best bet. They tend to have the same insulation properties as neoprene but with much more flexibility making them perfect for day-to-day wear or being on your feet all day long.
Fleece lined wellington boots
Fleece is one of the most popular materials used for lining boots. It tends to be very soft and warm making it perfect if you live in a colder climate or want something that will keep your feet extra snuggly!
Fleece lining is not as good as neoprene or Gortex at keeping your feet warm and is better suited for temperatures above freezing
Wool lined wellington boots
Wool is another popular lining material used in wellies. Wool has many benefits over fleece including being an extremely breathable, lightweight fabric that will keep your feet feeling cool even when it’s cold out!
Uninsulated Wellington Boots
If you are looking for something a little less warm then consider getting unlined or uninsulated boots. They offer great flexibility with no added bulk so if comfort is one of your biggest concerns then this may just be the right boot for you! Uninsulated boots are available as short boots and also as tall like these Barbour boots, that are very popular.
However they also tend to have lower insulation properties than their insulated counterparts which makes them better suited to mild climates and not as good at keeping your feet warm on colder
Gender specific vs unisex wellington boots
There are many brands that offer unisex wellies which means they can be worn by both men and women. This is great if you want to share your boots with the rest of your family or just don’t like having different types for each gender in your household! However, there are also benefits to buying a pair specifically designed for one specific sex. For example, some manufacturers make larger sizes for men than women so if size is an issue then choosing based on physical characteristics may not be such a bad idea after all!
Often wellies design for women have a more elegant style, which makes them more stylish, but often means that they are slightly narrower, especially around the ankle area. Which can make them more difficult to put on and take off. It also means they are not so well suited to ladies with wide calves. If you do have wide calves, trying going for the unisex models or the men’s boots
What are wellington boots made from (outside material)?
Wellington boots are usually made from either natural rubber or PVC .
Natural rubber wellies are the best choice if you’re looking for something that will last a long time, is more durable and can withstand harsher conditions than PVC. However they do tend to be slightly more expensive but it’s worth spending an extra few pounds up front because in the long run these boots will save you money!
PVC wellies on the other hand are much cheaper than natural rubber models so if your budget is limited then this might just be your best bet. They also have great flexibility which makes them good for day-to-day wear or being on your feet all day at work however they don’t insulate as well so you may feel cold wearing them in colder climates or during winter months!
Are there any disadvantages to wellington boots?
Wellington boots are generally great for keeping your feet dry , however they aren’t always the most stylish of footwear options. If you’re looking to stay warm and dry without sacrificing too much style then wellies might still be a good choice! Another disadvantage is that some brands don’t do as good a job at waterproofing their boots as others so make sure you read reviews before making a final decision on which brand best suits your needs .
What are the best wellington boot brands?
Brands to consider include Hunter boots, Le Chameau, Aigle, Barbour and Joules.
How to care for your new pair of wellies?
The best way to ensure your boots last for years is by caring properly for them. We recommend cleaning after each use with water and a mild detergent and then applying a protective spray (we like the Tarrago Nano Protector) before storage e.g. at night etc… . This will help prevent staining, cracking, scuffing etc… so they always look new!
Are wellington boots stylish?
Many brands offer a great range of colors, textures and styles so there is always something to suit everyone’s taste! So if you can find a pair that suits your style then wearing them may even become something you look forward too rather than dreading in days when it starts raining .
How should Wellington boots fit
Wellies should fit pretty snugly, but not be too tight or uncomfortable. You want to have enough room for thick socks if you plan on wearing them in colder temperatures . If
When you’re buying wellies for children make sure they have a decent amount of growing room and that your child can put them on and take them off easily .
What are the most common problems with wellies?
The biggest problem people encounter is that their boots leak, this usually happens around where your foot bends. It can occur because of improper cleaning or storage. Another thing to consider before you buy a pair is whether they’re waterproof! Some brands advertise themselves as being water resistant rather than waterproof so be sure to read reviews and find out more about what kind of protection each brand offers if you plan on wearing them in colder climates for example .
Is it possible to repair wellington boots?
In most cases the answer is yes, this usually depends on where they have been punctured. If it’s a small hole you can simply repair them with an adhesive such as Shoe Goo or Seam Grip . For larger holes however there are various stitching techniques that may be helpful in repairing your boots depending on what caused the damage to begin with and which technique best suits the type of material being used.
Summary
I hope you found this wellington boots guide helpful and that it helped you figure out which type of boot is best for your needs! If this guide wasn’t enough and you’re still looking to find a pair don’t hesitate to end me an email. I’m always happy to help with any questions regarding our products so feel free to message us anytime !