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10 best kids’ wellies for rainy days and muddy walks
Keep little feet warm and dry, whatever the weather, with a pair of the best wellies of 2022, as recommended by parents.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated May 26, 2022
If we decided to stay indoors every time it rained, it’s likely our children would never see the light of day. We’re far better off getting wrapped up and embracing the British weather, and that means kitting out your youngsters in some appropriate threads.
Whether your child adores a muddy walk, loves a trip to the beach or quite simply enjoys a spot of good, old fashioned puddle jumping, wellies need to be a firm staple in every little explorer’s wardrobe. But not all wellingtons are created equally and, where one pair will work well until your child outgrows them, others may allow water leakage and are best to be avoided.
So which ones to go for? The best kids' wellies are durable, comfortable, waterproof, and it also helps if they come in a fun colour or pattern that your child will love. There's also cost to factor in – do you want a budget pair that will last a season or a more hardwearing pair from the likes of luxury brands like Hunter and Aigle? Luckily, we've done the hard work for you, selecting the top wellington boots, whatever your budget or style.
How we chose our recommendations
When it came to compiling our list we were mindful of the fact that wellies are needed for an array of different activities. A two-year-old spending the odd 10 minutes splashing in a puddle will have different requirements to an older child going on longer walks or attending forest school. We therefore made it our aim to find a comprehensive list to cover all eventualities.
Wellies tried and tested by our users
Our first port of call for finding the best wellies for kids was our forums. We know that nothing beats a first-hand recommendation from a real parent so we analysed the products our trusted Mumsnet users have tried for their own children and have independently recommended to other mums and dads, shortlisting the brands they loved and discounting the ones that weren't up to scratch.
Bestseller lists and expert recommendations
After we scrutinised these suggestions from Mumsnet users, we then cross-checked them with bestseller lists and kids' fashion expert websites to see the wellies and brands they've vetted.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, we spent an extensive amount of time researching each wellington on our shortlist of the top 10. We combed through honest customer reviews, including verified purchases, to check we were bringing you the best wellies that real people rate. We also evaluated the features and quality of each boot, highlighting the pros and cons of each one to ensure we were bringing you a useful, in-depth guide to help you pick right wellies for your little one.
Here are the best wellies to keep your child warm and dry on even the wettest of walks.
1. Best overall kids' wellies: Crocs Unisex Kids Handle It Rain Boots
Price: From £14.41 | Buy now from Amazon
“Mine wear them a lot and they have never split. In fact, mine have handed them down to a younger sibling.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SpanielPlusToddler)
If the overwhelmingly positive feedback for these wellies on both our forums and online reviews is anything to go by, parents love Croc Rain Boots. The biggest advantage of this unisex pair is that they are made from a Croslite material, making them extremely lightweight whilst also remaining warm and waterproof. This means they are impressively more flexible than heavier rubber or PVC so they are more comfy for little feet.
The oversized handles are a lovely addition too, not only allowing little ones to pull the wellies on and off themselves, but also making carrying them when muddy far easier. They don’t come particularly high up the leg, however, so if you do opt for these wellies it may be a good idea to team with a pair of waterproof trousers on the rainiest of days.
The combination of assured quality, comfort and a very reasonable price tag made these our number one choice, and they’re a bestseller on Amazon too. We also love that they are available in an extensive range of colours, catering to all tastes and even the fussiest of children.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Don’t come very high up the leg
- Many reviewers noted that the sizing came up on the small size so bear this in mind if ordering online
Key specs
- Sizes: 1 UK child to 3 UK
- Colours available: 10
2. Best budget kids’ wellies: TU Unisex Wellies
Price: £9 | Buy now from Argos
“I usually buy them in the TU 25% off sale, always found them to be good. I don't see the point spending a lot on wellies that are going to get filthy, and more than likely grown out fairly quickly. Never had an issue with quality.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Sansaplans)
“We have had Sainsbury's wellies for four years and never had a problem.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user SquirtleSquad)
It’s unlikely that you’ll be walking too far with little legs so if you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective way of keeping feet dry, these are the wellies for you. The chunky gripped soles make them perfect for a muddy walk and they can easily be cleaned with a quick wipe, something busy parents will love.
We like this basic but classic design, a navy colour with a striking red sole for contrast. TU do have other designs of wellies though if you want something with a splash more colour to brighten up the greyest of rainy days, including Baby Shark, Thomas the Tank Engine and Star Wars editions.
Pros
- Classic and fun designs available
- Sturdy soles
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Maybe a little heavier on the feet
- May not be as durable as more pricey options
Key specs
- Sizes: Infant 1 - Infant 13
- Colours available: Eight other designs available
3. Best for durability: Hunter Unisex Kids First Classic Wellington Boots
Price: From £33.24 | Buy now from Amazon
“We have always bought our kids Hunters. They’re great and last until they grow out of them. If they grow out of them before they’re done you can sell them on too. My kids wear wellies to trek round fields so they got proper wear rather than just to splash in the odd puddle on the way to the shop. Mine have been going strong for 10 years too!” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user Norightorwronganswer)
The brand probably most synonymous with the wellington boot is Hunter. A trusted brand, Hunter have been keeping feet dry for nearly 100 years.
One of the biggest plus points of Hunter wellies is that they are crafted from natural rubber, and are therefore 100% vegan. The use of natural rubber not only makes them the more ethical choice but it means they are less likely to succumb to wear and tear too. They are expensive, but if accidents do happen, the wellies come with a two-year guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Many reviewers also recommended Hunter wellies as the best boot for children with slimmer feet, as they offer a narrow fit option for more comfort.
You will pay more for this boot but with the promise of durability, the relatively long warranty and the option of passing them on to younger siblings or selling them on afterwards, you may decide it’s worth paying that little bit more.
Pros
- A more ethical choice
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive than other wellies
Key specs
- Sizes: 4 UK child to 2 UK
- Colours available: Seven
4. Best lightweight kids’ wellies: Aigle Lolly Pop Unisex Kids Work Wellingtons
Price: From £15.74 | Buy now from Amazon
“Aigle are brilliant. Light and soft and don't leak.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LesLavandes)
“Aigle are great.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user sherbetlemony)
Aigle is a popular brand with many of our Mumsnetters for both kids' and adults' wellies. They come quite high up the calf but remain lightweight, making them an ideal option for particularly messy or wet outings. Not only is the material light, but reviewers also noted that it was more flexible than other brands, particularly around the calf.
They come with a removable insole which you can take out if you want your child to wear extra thick socks, and it also means you may be able to get a few months extra wear out of them. The wellies also come with a reflective strip for making little ones more visible on winter evenings, a feature parents will appreciate.
We rate the wide range of colours they are available in too, and the stylish design typical of this French brand. However, a few reviewers commented that the rubber did begin to crack after a while, but Mumsnet users overwhelmingly found Aigle to be a high-quality choice.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible around the calves
- Huge variety of colours available
Cons
- May not be a hardwearing as other brands
Key specs
- Sizes: UK 1 child to UK 5
- Colours available: 16
5. Best kids’ wellies for wider feet: Hatley Rain Boot
Price: From £8.14 | Buy now from Amazon
“We've had some fab Hatley ones, lovely bright patterns. They're not the cheapest though, about £20, but really good quality.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user ryder and the pups)
"I like Hatley wellies for my four-year-old. Some of them are colour changing and they're lovely patterns. Last well too, as does the rest of their rainwear." (Recommended by mumsnet user LBOCS2)
Many reviewers noted that the Hatley wellies were far roomier than other brands so if your little one has wider feet, this brand is a great option. We particularly loved this gorgeous tractor design which gave them an almost vintage look. However if you don’t have a tractor fan, Hatley wellies come covered in everything from dinosaurs to unicorns so all tastes are catered for.
If you’re planning a trip to the beach, these wellies also have a slip-resistant sole for clambering on the rocks and some selected designs even have an added drawstring at the top of the boot, making them perfect for jumping the waves while protecting feet as much as possible. The Hatley wellies come with a handy removable insole too, making them a doddle to dry afterwards.
Although very reasonably priced, the price does seem to jump a little when you’re not buying in the infant sizes so be mindful of this if you’re buying for older children
Pros
- Wider than other wellies for larger feet
- Fantastic array of designs
Cons
- A little more expensive if you’re buying for older children
Key specs
- Sizes: UK 3 child to UK 2
- Colours available: Over 20
6. Best kids’ wellies for keeping warm: Start-rite Puddle Waterproof Wellies
Price: £24.99 | Buy now from Start-rite
"I now have Start-rite Mud Busters and they're fab, especially for this time of year as they're fleece lined." (Brand recommendation from Mumsnet user librarylover53)
"I like the Start-rite ones." (Brand vetted by Mumsnet user FourPlasticRings)
We love the Start-rite Puddle welly boots for their thick fleece collar, helping to keep legs warm. The drawstring feature is also a standout that keeps little ones nice and snug and reduces the chance of water leakage on even the rainiest of days. The added collar and the fact that they are a snugger fit around the calves may also mean they offer a little more support to those who need it.
We particularly liked the heel piece which allows little ones to kick the wellies off themselves after a muddy walk. They also come in different patterns, including florals, dinosaurs and even slime monsters, if the Jaws look isn't for you.
Pros
- Will keep legs a little warmer
- Heel piece for hands free removal
- Fun patterns for kids
Cons
- A little trickier to clean and dry
Key specs
- Sizes: Small 4 to Large 2
- Colours available: Six
7. Best kids’ wellies for fun designs: John Lewis & Partners Children's Surfing Dinosaurs Wellington Boots
Price: From £12 | Buy now from John Lewis
“Both my boys have had their wellies bought from John Lewis and we've never had a problem with them. Well-worn in muddy puddles too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Morsmordre)
Much like the TU wellies, the John Lewis boots are a fail-safe option for shorter walks and a spot of puddle jumping.
Whether it’s unicorns or astronauts the designs in this range are particularly vivid and fun, making them a great choice if your little one requires a little bit of bribery when it comes to trying out new footwear.
Despite the reasonable price tag these wellies have a chunky sole with excellent grip and a fabric lining to improve breathability. They also come with a tab so that little ones can pull wellies on and off themselves.
Pros
- Fun and bright designs
- Good value for money
Cons
- Could be a little heavier to wear
Key specs
- Sizes: Jnr 4 to UK 2
- Colours available: Six
8. Best wellies for older children: Muddy Puddles Waterproof Wellies
Price: From £18.50 | Buy now from Amazon
“Muddy Puddles are fantastic quality.” (Brand recommendation from Mumsnet user paradyning)
If you’re after a classic design or you have an older child who’s outgrown unicorns and tractors, these simple but robust boots are ideal.
Not only are they pretty smart to look at, but they also come quite high up the calf, meaning more of the leg can be kept dry without having to add waterproof trousers.
Muddy Puddles boots manage to combine both lightweight and durable features and are extremely easy to clean, which will be great news busy mums and dads.
Pros
- Classic no-nonsense design perfect for older children
- Easy to clean
- Go up to an adult UK size 6
Cons
- Perhaps not as warm as lined wellies
Key specs
- Sizes: 3 UK child to UK 6
- Colours available: Three
9. Best kids’ wellies for comfort: Joules Roll Up Wellies
Price: From £14.96 | Buy now from Amazon
“The Joules Roll Up Wellies are good.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user OpEd)
There’s nothing worse than having to lug around a heavy pair of wellies if you plan on going between them and regular shoes which is why we loved the clever roll-up design of the Joules boot. Not only does this design make them easier to carry but it means they are also lighter to wear.
The wellies are also made using natural rubber and there is a lovely range of designs for different age ranges. We loved the striped option for a more sophisticated choice but little ones are bound to love options such as the fun shark design (with added fin!).
The outsole has a clever design so the tread pushes water out (think like a car tyre), allowing the foot to remain in contact with ground and giving a better grip.
The online reviews are extremely positive and shoppers were confident in their durability. However, it’s still reassuring to know that the wellies have a one-year warranty if they do get damaged. There does seem to be a little bit of price variation depending on style and size of the welly boot so do be mindful of this before adding them to your basket.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Excellent grip
- Array of different styles and sizes
Cons
- Some designs appear pricier than others
- Size choice means they're more for older children than toddlers
Key specs
- Sizes: 8 UK child to 13 UK
- Available in 11 different colours/designs
10. Best kids’ wellies for toddlers: Quechua Children's Waterproof Snow Boots
Price: £24.99 | Buy now from Decathlon
"Consider a warmer snow boot instead. Decathlon do a fab fleecy, waterproof one in toddler sizes when their ski stock comes in. Better for walking in because they support the foot." (Top tip and brand recommendation from Mumsnet user TheMandalorian)
The main problem with wellies when it comes to newly toddling toddlers is the fact that they can be very heavy for little feet. Wellies also tend to be roomier and don’t support the ankle like trainers and shoes do.
Whilst short-term wear won’t do any long-term damage, there’s nothing worse than a little one who keeps tripping over their own feet. That’s why many of our Mumsnetters preferred using snow boots as opposed to traditional wellies. The Decathlon Snow Boot is an excellent option as not only are they well-lined, they also do half sizes to make sure you have an extra snug fit and therefore better support around the ankle.
The inner shoe of the snow boot is 100% waterproof and the lining makes them much warmer than wellies.
The rip-tab adjustments makes these boots easy to get on and off and, as they’re designed for the snow, they have good grip on the treads too. Just be aware that they’re not ideal for spring and summer, so a traditional welly will be better during these months.
Pros
- Offer more support round the ankle
- Warmer than wellies
- Half sizes available
Cons
- Much trickier to clean after a muddy walk
- More for winter
- Less fun design than some wellies
Key specs
- Sizes: UK Infant 6 ½ to UK 5
- Colours available: One, only available in grey
How to choose the best kids’ wellies
Before you hit 'add to basket', these are a few things you may wish to consider when selecting a quality pair of wellies for your child.
- Price: Playing in the mud shouldn’t have to cost the earth and with little feet getting bigger everyday it’s worth taking into consideration how much you want to spend. If you’ve got a toddler who is only going to wear them for short periods of time then one of our cheaper recommendations is probably all you need. However, older children who may be wearing them for longer periods of time may require something that’s a little more hardwearing and therefore more expensive. Many of our Mumsnetters chose to pay a little more for a more durable brand and then either passed them down the line to younger children or sold them online after they’d finished with them.
- Lining: If you want something a little warmer or with more support it’s worth investing in wellies that are lined. Some have removable lining which can be taken out during warmer weather or to allow you to get a little more wear out of them.
- Style: If your kids are wading through rock pools or are likely to get extremely muddy, a pair of longer wellies are probably better. However, these may be a little more cumbersome for smaller legs and feet. For toddlers who are just learning to walk, shorter wellies may be more fit for purpose. Snow boots are another option, especially for smaller feet. Not only are they warmer than wellies but as they’re heavily lined they offer more support around the ankle. The downside is that they are trickier to clean than traditional wellies.
- Material: Most wellies are made from rubber or PVC. Rubber tends to cost more but it will mould to your child’s feet and legs through time and as it’s a more malleable material it may offer more comfort. Neoprene is a synthetic form of rubber, think wetsuit material. It is more lightweight than traditional rubber and can often be warmer. Some of our featured brands such as Aigle and Hunter have introduced wellies made from natural rubber which, whilst more expensive, is a more ethical choice of material.
- Additional features: Some of our featured wellies come with handles so if you have a particularly independent welly wearer they can get them on and off themselves. They also make it easier to carry them if you’re changing between wellies and regular shoes on a day out. Another additional feature that's handy is a drawstring closing. This is not only useful for those with narrower legs, but it also means kids are less likely to get water coming in over the top of wellies.
Are wellies good for kids’ feet?
As long as your little one doesn’t spend every day in them, wellies are unlikely to do your child’s feet any harm. They can be a little heavier, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if your toddler is only just learning to walk.
If you’re worried about fit, look for wellies that come in half sizes and have narrow fit options.
Snow boots or fleece-lined wellies may also provide a snugger fit and more support. However, if it’s just a romp through a muddy forest or a spot of puddle jumping this probably isn’t something you need to worry about.
Should you go up a size in wellies?
Even if you plan on giving your puddle jumper a thick pair of socks to wear, experts agree that you don’t need to buy a size up in wellies as they tend to follow the same sizing guides as other footwear. If you are worried about a too snug fit, consider adding an insole which can be removed when wearing thick socks.
What are the best wellies to buy?
A name that came up over and over again with glowing reviews were the Crocs Unisex Kids Handle It Rain Boots. Our Mumsnetters loved how lightweight they were and reported no leaking or complaints of cold feet.
The combination of assured quality whilst remaining cheaper than some of the other well-known brands made the Crocs a clear winner in our eyes.
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