Best wellies for women: waterproof, stylish and comfy boots for walking

Even in the height of the UK summer, there’s always a chance of rain, so a decent pair of wellies are essential for keeping your feet warm and dry.

Thankfully, there are lots of styles to choose from for any budget, whether you’re after some fashionable patterned wellies for trekking through muddy fields at a music festival, a pair of boots that offer both comfort and class on dog walks, or sturdy wellingtons for maximum protection when gardening or on outdoor adventures.

Generally, wellies are made from natural rubber – thought to be the most comfortable and eco-friendly material – or Gore-Tex, which tends to be more expensive but offers good protection. There’s also PVC, a more affordable welly, but it's less supportive and flexible than other materials.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s favourites are from La Chameau, which will set you back about £150 - £250. However, if you only plan to wear your wellies for the occasional walk, you may want something a bit cheaper.

Thankfully, there are plenty of lower-price options that will protect your feet from the elements. For tougher terrain or more regular use, it’s worth investing in a good pair of boots that are waterproof, slip-resistant and durable.

How we chose our recommendations

We know just how important it is to get the right product for you. Especially when it comes to shoes, comfort is key, and there's no point in buying the snazziest wellington boots if they fall apart after the first wear. So, to make life easier, we've done the hard work for you, tracking down the very best wellies, spending hours extensively researching the ones to buy and the ones to avoid. Here's how we whittled our shortlist down to just 12.

Recommendations from real people

The first place we always look for vetted buys is on our forums. Our users give honest, unbiased recommendations and reviews on hundreds of products, so we thoroughly combed through many threads and posts, determining the wellies and brands that have been tried, tested and loved by real wearers.

Honest consumer feedback

We also scoured the internet, leaving no stone unturned to check out authentic reviews from customers who have bought the products themselves. We then evaluated both positive and negative feedback, weighing up the merits and disadvantages of each boot to bring you a balanced, in-depth guide you can trust.

Celebrated best products

Finally, we check to see which products have won industry awards and received recognition from trusted sources and feed this into our analysis too.

Here are the 12 best wellies for women to suit all needs and budgets.

1. Best overall wellies: Muck Hale Wellington Boots

Price: £105 | Buy now from John Lewis

“So, so warm, waterproof, practical! Highly recommend.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user aveggie)

“Another vote for Muck boots. Just got my first pair - easy to get on and off, but snug around the foot. Toasty warm. Good grips. Neoprene tops, so comfy to walk in and light. Very impressed!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Pigletpoglet)

Muck boots are the welly of choice for many hardworking farmers across the country. Their sturdy design and focus on comfort make them a brilliant pick for heavy wear.

These welly boots also have a self-cleaning sole, designed to make sure that mud doesn't stick like it does on your bog-standard boots. Another standout feature is the breathable mesh lining too, making them a boot you can rely on all year round without worrying about sweaty feet in summer.

They may not be the cheapest wellies out there, but we love how strong they are, and their unique style with the neoprene top means they’d look just as good on a muddy dog walk as they would traipsing round a festival field.

Practical and comfy, Muck boots are praised for being highly durable and waterproof in even the wettest of conditions, making them a clear winner for our best overall choice.

Pros

• Self-cleaning sole

• Comfortable to walk in

• Durable

• Stylish design

Cons

• More expensive than some options

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber with a mesh lining

• Colours: Black/pink

2. Best budget wellies: Dunlop Unisex Pricemastor Wellington Boots

Price: From £10.25 | Buy now from Amazon

So you need a good pair of wellies, but you don't want to break the bank. We get it. Although there are no promises these wellies will last years, they're a firm favourite among women for being affordable, easy to get your hands on and totally dog walk-friendly.

Admittedly, they're not the most stylish option out there, but for a basic boot on a budget they do the job. Plus you'll not be too bothered when they inevitably get muddy, as they cost a fraction of the price of some of the top brands.

Pros

• Affordable price point

• Great tread

• Ideal basic option

Cons

• No adjustable calf strap

• Simple design

• Unisex sizing - bear this in mind when deciding which size to go for

Key specs

• Size range: 4-12

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Green; white and green

3. Best classic wellies: Barbour Bede Wellington Boots

Price: £44.20 | Buy now from Country Attire

Looking for a classic yet sturdy welly that won’t cost the earth? While they're certainly not a budget option, at under £50, they're noticeably cheaper than some of their high-end competitors.

The Barbour Bede Wellington Boots are made from vulcanised rubber, which makes them very hard-wearing, and they come with a durable, non-slip sole to give you extra support when walking over tough terrain.

They also have a ‘kick spur’ at the back to help you get the boots off easily, which is especially handy if they are covered in mud. We love that the inside of the boots are lined with Barbour’s signature tartan too, giving them a classic look that most will enjoy.

Pros

• Classic country look

• Long-lasting

• ‘Kick spur’ for easy removal

Cons

• Side strap is just decorative

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Black; olive; navy

4. Best ankle boots: Joules Women's Wellibob Wellington Boots

Price: From £22.73 | Buy now from Amazon

“I bought some Joules wellies recently, so far completely waterproof and comfortable.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user 36weekswithno2)

“I have Joules wellies, they are waterproof and comfy.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user SpeedofaSloth)

Have you ever wished you had a pair of wellies which just slipped on like your favourite ankle boots? Wish no more because Joules has the answer.

Available in a range of beautiful patterns, these Wellibobs finish just above your ankles, which means you can tuck in your favourite jeans and you won't topple over when yanking them on or off.

This short style isn’t the best choice for any hardcore puddle jumping, but if you’re looking for something to protect you from light downpours then these welly boots work a treat.

Pros

• Range of colours and patterns to choose from

• Ankle height is perfect for wearing with jeans

Cons

• Short style won’t protect you in really wet or muddy conditions

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: 11 different patterns and colours available

5. Best wellies for lasting for years: Aigle Parcours 2 ISO Wellington Boots

Price: From £145.19 | Buy now from Amazon

“So worth the money. You will never look back.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user fivedogstofeed)

“Aigle Parcours here too. Neoprene lined, so comfortable even if walking miles and last years!” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user MrsMaryBOOface)

Another long-standing Mumsnet user favourite, Aigle Parcours boots get a lot of glowing reviews on our forums. They're designed to be worn for long stretches of time, so they're perfect if you spend many hours a week trekking across fields with your dog.

They're oh-so-stylish and can be adjusted at the calf for a tighter fit if required, ideal for finding the right level of comfort.

While they may be pricey, think of them as an investment piece as, if our Mumsnetters' praises are anything to go by, they last for years and years.

Pros

• Anti-fatigue design

• Stylish, country aesthetic

• Adjustable fit on the calf

• Durable

Cons

• Some reviews mention having to size up

• Pricey

Key specs

• Size range: 3.5-13.5

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Brown; green; bronze

6. Best wellies for wide calves: Jileon Extra Wide Calf Wellies for Women

Price: £64.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“I can recommend Jileon wellies - they do all sorts. I have the ankle ones and love them!” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Ifonlyiweretaller)

Wellies suitable for wider calves can be hard to get your hands on, particularly if you're after something pretty and long-lasting.

Enter Jileon, an affordable and fun brand specialising in wellington boots for the wider calf. With plenty of patterns available, from plain black to a multi-coloured polka dot pair, you're bound to find something to complement your wardrobe.

You can also purchase the Jileon wellies in half-height styles too.

Pros

• Extra wide fit

• Five fun designs available

Cons

• Pricey

Key specs

• Size range: 4-11 extra wide

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Green; black; purple; polka dot

7. Best wellies for walkers: Toggi Canyon Long Country Boots

Price: From £149.99| Buy now from Amazon

If you're after waterproof boots, but wellies aren't really your thing, look no further than the Toggi Canyon Long Country Boots.

Handmade from real leather instead of rubber, they're waterproof and look just like a normal pair of boots so they win on the style front too. In fact, you could easily throw on a pair of these with jeans for a day out and they’d work just as well as on a casual, rainy dog walk.

Plus, the sole is lightweight and flexible, meaning you'll be comfortable wearing these boots day-in, day-out through the rainy months.

Pros

• Waterproof without being wellies

• PU cushioned insole

• Comfortable to wear all day

Cons

• Some people found the calf too narrow

• Expensive

Key specs

• Size range: 4-9

• Material: Leather

• Colours: Chocolate; brown; black

8. Best wellies for festivals: Original Hunter Women's Wellington Boots

Price: From £71.44 | Buy now from Amazon

“I'm on my second pair of hunters and love them. The rubber is so soft and comfortable. I can walk miles in mine with no issue.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Girlintheframe)

Deemed the perfect festival footwear, Hunter boots are the cool cousin of more hardy and practical wellington boots. Synonymous with the likes of Glastonbury, Latitude and Bestival, these are the boots to go for if a classic, fashionable look is at the top of your wish list. They’re not all style without substance though, and users report that they are comfy, even when worn for hours.

They will keep your feet dry, comfy and warm (and looking really chic). But, a word of warning from some reviewers, it's wise not to expect a new pair of Hunters to last as long as your trusty pair from the 90s.

Pros

• Stylish enough to take you from country to city

• Fit true to size

Cons

• Some reviews question the durability of the boots

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Navy; red; green; yellow; black

9. Best luxury wellies: Le Chameau Vierzon Jersey Lined Wellington Boots

Price: £149.95 | Buy now from Country Attire

“Le Chameau are the best I've had. Very expensive I know, but so are Hunter I think for something much inferior. Le Chameau are comfortable and warm. Try some on in a shop though, as some styles are a tight fit. If you wear wellies a lot, they are well worth the money.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user muckandnettles)

They might be a little on the steep side, but you get what you pay for with these high-end Le Chameau Jersey Lined Wellington Boots.

With a cosy three millimetre neoprene lining to keep your toes warm, as well as a sturdy Vibram sole, these wellies are loved by Mumsnetters for being exceptionally long-lasting and surprisingly comfy.

We love the sleek, classic style too; think high-end country chic, but pleasingly they have comfort credentials that make them worthy of the price tag too.

Pros

• Comfortable to walk in

• Keep your feet warm

• Classic look

Cons

• Investment price tag

Key specs

• Size range: 2.5-8

• Material: Rubber with a jersey lining

• Colours: Green; blue; grey

10. Best wellies for style: Boden Bamburgh Wellington Boots

Price: £60 | Buy now from Boden

Boden’s Bamburgh Wellington Boots are the solution for those of you wanting to stay dry during dog walks or trips out to the shop while still looking oh-so-chic.

Boden is a classic Mumsnet favourite, thanks to gorgeous designs and clever features, so it’s no surprise that these boots are as practical as they are pretty. We particularly like the  generous elastic side panel to make pulling them on and off easy.

We love Boden’s quirky approach to design too, with a contrasting stripe panel adding colour and fun to these practical boots. They’d look great paired with jeans or leggings for a walk, but we think they’re almost too nice to reserve for the most casual of days.

Be warned though - their height means they won’t protect your shins from splashes of mud or water.

Pros

• Stylish design

• Easy pull-on style

Cons

• Low style isn’t suitable for some outdoor activities

Key specs

• Size range: 3-8

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Navy and khaki

11. Best wellies for vegans: Rockfish Women's Wellies

Price: From £84.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“I'm really pleased with my Rockfish wellies. They don't do prints but they have lasted well.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user ThomasHardyPerennial)

These wellies are a firm favourite on the style front for one main reason: they're suitable for vegans as the glue used to hold all the pieces together contains no animal ingredients.

Plus, they're handmade and have an adjustable strap to fit lots of different calf sizes. We love the range of colours they come in too, from hot pink to letterbox red to a more classic green, and you can even choose between a matte and gloss finish to really put your own style stamp on them.

Pros

• Wide range of colours in tonal shades

• Vegan-friendly

Cons

• Some people found the boots were loose on their ankles

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Green; purple; blue; brown, plus more and different finishes

12. Best wellies for a supportive fit: FitFlop WonderWelly Tall Rain Boot

Price: £63 | Buy now from Amazon

FitFlop designed their WonderWelly boots to be incredibly comfortable and perfect for long walks or all day wear.

The boots have a contoured sole and absorbent foot bed, creating a super comfortable fit that reviewers love. Some happy customers even claim these boots to be ‘the most comfortable I’ve ever owned’.

While many reviews mention how watertight these boots are, a couple did have issues with leaks appearing on the seams after a few months’ wear, something to bear in mind if you’re wanting a boot that will stand the test of time.

Pros

• Comfortable contoured sole

• Fit true to size

Cons

• Not as long-lasting as some other boots

Key specs

• Size range: 3-9

• Material: Rubber

• Colours: Black; navy

What to look for in the best walking wellies

Here are a few questions to ask yourself in your quest for the best wellies.

• Do they have an adjustable side strap? An adjustable gusset or side strap will make it easier to find the perfect fit for your feet.

• How much do they cost? Are you looking for a bargain pair of wellies just for light wear? Or do you want to invest in a quality pair that will last you for years? If you want your wellies to stand up to lots of wear and tear and to last for a good few years, you might want to consider a more premium pair.

• What are they made of? Wellies made of natural rubber will last longer and should give a more comfortable fit. PVC styles are more affordable but may not last as long.

• How durable is the sole? Some wellies are made with a reinforced sole, meaning they’ll stand up to everyday wear and tear better.

Are wellington boots sustainable?

Whether your wellies are sustainable is affected by the materials they’re made of (for example, natural rubber is a more sustainable choice) and how well they’re made. Choosing a high-quality pair of wellington boots that last a long time is more sustainable than repeat buying a cheaper pair every time they break.

Should I get wellies a size bigger?

Although the sizing can vary from brand to brand, wellies do tend to be the same size as normal shoes (if a little roomier) so you should buy your usual size. If you plan to wear lots of socks to keep your feet warm, however, you may want to purchase one size bigger.

Another thing to consider is whether the wellies will fit your legs properly. Some materials will be more flexible than others, such as natural rubber, but it’s worth checking your calf size.

If you’re worried they may be too tight or you want a better fit, look for a pair with adjustable gussets or tightening straps. There are also wider wellies available for larger calf sizes.

How long should wellies last?

How long wellies last will vary depending on how often you wear them and what material they’re made from. Wellies that are used daily for muddy dog walks or for regular gardening may only last up to a year, although some boots have been known to last as many as five or more.

Gore-Tex is a tough, weather-resistant material that is longer-lasting than PVC. PVC wellies are more affordable but aren’t as flexible, so they may rip or fall apart more easily. Natural rubber is more durable, though it will deteriorate over time. Washing your boots regularly can help them last longer too.

Why do wellington boots split?

Wellington boots can split because of poor construction or incorrect care. If your wellies have split it could be due to a fault in the construction, in which case it’s worth checking whether your boots came with a warranty. Or sometimes rubber can split when it’s exposed to extreme temperatures.

What are the best women’s wellies?

We think the Muck Boots Hale Wellington Boots are the best women’s wellies. Lightweight yet protective, they also come with a self-cleaning sole so that mud doesn’t stick easily. The boots also come in a variety of colours and patterns and can be bought at a relatively reasonable price compared to more high-end options.

What are the best wellies for walkers?

Toggi Canyon Long Country Boots are an excellent choice for walkers thanks to their sturdy construction and lightweight, comfortable sole. Their breathable design means feet stay cool and don’t swell up on long walks.

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