Best Wellies

[Stichintimesavesstapling]

I need new wellies! Probably a few pairs. Please recommend brands for:

1/ Pair for the school run, that can survive a trek through a muddy field. Had muck boots which have been good but I find they lose tread very easily

2/ A pair for wet commutes, so probably shorter wellies and a bit 'nicer' or even look like normal boots.

Crucially both pairs need to be waterproof, warm and durable, which you'd think would be a given but I've found out to my cost how many brands leak!

I have my eye on these Rainwell from Joules which don’t look like wellies - might be a good option for your commuting pair?

1. Aigle are brilliant but not cheap - I wear mine for dog walking and they have survived really well so far. The calf is adjustable which is good for my skinny calves.

1 & 2) A dog walker I know who spends most of her life outdoors swears by Lemigo which are a lot cheaper

Aigle no question. Seen me through years of dog walking. Bombproof.

Dunlop

I’ve had my le Chameau neoprene chasseur wellies for seven years, in which time I’ve worked in agriculture and worn them everyday plus for dog walking. They are still in absolutely great condition and very comfortable.

I’ve had the Fairfax and Favor explorer boots for the same amount of time and are still in excellent condition. They look a bit nicer and are waterproof too. Both the more expensive end but daily wear on farms and they are still comfortable and in remarkably good conditions. I have the newer shirt boudicca boots for daily wear which are waterproof too.

Aigle for me too . Have 2 pairs, one 10 years old. Both comfortable and sturdy and I think v attractive too. Made in France.

Another vote for aigle - I've had mine at least 5 years

I and DH have had Angle wellies for about four years. Cost us £120 each pair but they are very comfy and warm in winter. If I bothered to clean them, they would probably look nearly new. Wear them all winter daily and the treads are still very good.

Ilse Jacobsen. I’ve had 4 pairs in various colours/designs and they have been through many long wet walks and muddy Glastonbury’s . The long, laced ones are my favourite design https://www.ilsejacobsen.com/collections/rainboots?p=3

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm swayed by the aigle ones but typically gravitated towards the most expensive ones!
Do the aigle ones have good grippy soles? I need to walk up a path that gets very slippy and muddy in the depths of winter and my current muck boots are awful, no tread at all.

Seriously grippy! Mine are mostly used in muddy forests off road on dog walks, can’t fault them. I didn’t go for the neoprene lining, husband has these and a lot of the time too hot, the regular lining can be worn longer through the year and better to up the sock game on really cold days!

These are mine! www.wellywarehouse.co.uk/aigle-parcours-vario-2-green

I have the short Aigle “juliette” boots for my commute and they are fab. Found them cheaper on Amazon, and added a pair of fluffy sheepskin liners for added coziness. DH is v rude about them but he doesn’t splash through puddles to get to work!

It's these I like (although thinking now they channel a gestapo vibe!?) But maybe sheepskin liners and other boots are better? Where do you get the liners from @QueenOfWeeds?

www.aigle.com/uk/en/p/aiglentine%C2%AE-fur-8882_noir.html

My Aigle wellingtons have a sole that’s like a walking boot, lots of grip and flexibility.
They cost me £115 about 18 years ago, they’re still going strong.

I just got the liners on Amazon @Stichintimesavesstapling , but I think you can get much nicer ones from proper sheepskin/wool companies. They’re only insoles, not the welly sock type liners, but they make such a difference.

@Stichintimesavesstapling those look good 👍👍

Merry People do really nice short boots that are great for commuting

Aigle neoprene lined. Warm, waterproof and have a proper boot sole. My only gripe is that they're not quite as good on ankle support as my walking boots (but they're better for walking through peat bog).

@PeanutJellyAndButter do you have a pair? I keep getting targeted ads but would like to be able to try them first. Not sure how comfy they would be?

I bought some Fitflop wellies like this in the sale over the summer. www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/wonderwelly-short-wellington-boots-p-AH6#227

I've got big problems with my Achilles, so they're much more comfortable for me to walk in than my usual boots.

Too early to say how durable they are, but the grip seems good.

Fitflop also sell sheepskin liners, but I've not tried these. www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/wonderwelly-luxe-shearling-insoles-1-pair-p-FT1?referrer=searchBar#477

@QueenOfWeeds yes, they are comfortable and waterproof. I think they look quite cute too, but obviously they are still wellington boots

I came on here to say how much I love my aigle ones...so I'm pleasantly surprised to see so many others also feel the same.
I ordered so many different styles from cheap to expensive to try and find the right fit and aigle were definitely the best I came across. Can't help on the low boots though....

I love my le chameau wellies. I’ve had them for about 8 years, worn regularly and they’re in great condition still. They fit like a proper boot, no flapping around like cheaper wellies and they keep my feet warm.
Very very comfortable, sturdy soles with good treads.