Feel that? The temperature is dropping, making the idea of walks in the Great Outdoors not the most appealing of prospects.
But if you’re still hoping to get some good old fashioned fresh air throughout the winter or want to spend your time off exploring the best of the British countryside, you’ll need appropriate footwear as a matter of urgency. Walking wellies are all the motivation you need to be ready for action.
While may reserve our playful printed designs for festival season, when it comes to wellies that you can actually walk in, it requires a model complete with performance features.
These waterproof shoes need to be able to shield us from whatever the weather will throw at us without leaving us with soggy socks, but most importantly of all, they must be comfortable. You will need to be able to spend hours and elevated mileages adventuring in the boots, without reaching for the Compead, and this takes a very particular construction.
While the taller Wellington boots will allow you to wade through puddles with ease, when it comes to hikeable footwear, the Chelsea boot-esque styles are far kinder to the feet. This is because they won’t rub, hug or confine your legs, not to mention being far easier to take on and off.
Whether you’re exploring forests or fells, you need a tracked sole to keep you on solid ground no matter the terrain, while entirely water, wind and snowproof exteriors are a given to remain in stylish comfort no matter what.
Pay close attention for the likes of wide ankles, curvatures in the heel, and cushioned insoles. Remember to size up if you’re planning on wearing thick, fluffy socks.
Shop the best wellies for walking below
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Best festival wellies for men 2022: From Crocs, Hunter, Bottega and more
Best wellies for women to keep you comfy on wet and muddy walks
Best walking socks for comfort and protection when hiking
Best walking shoes for women: Comfortable trainers for hikes or long strolls
Best women’s boots for winter: chunky stompers, ankle and knee-high options
Merry People Bobbi Red Wellington Boot
These are some of the most comfortable wellies on the market, while also being some of the most stylish. The pop of red will be a statement addition to your winter-ready ensemble but in the neutral hues of black, grey and blue, they’re almost indistinguishable from traditional fashion styles.
While not immediately obvious, they’re made for exploration with their natural rubber exterior, neoprene lining and entirely waterproof construction. For added comfort, there’s arch support and the interior is flexible to adapt to your movements. The boots are vegan too.
Buy now £79.95, Merry People
Stutterheim Chelsea Winterwalker Black/White
Leave it to Scandi label Stutterheim to bring fashion-forward designs to weatherproof essentials. The Swedish rain experts know a thing or two about shielding from the elements and has brought this speciality to a timeless Chelsea boot-inspired silhouette that you’ll find yourself slipping on well into the warmer months. The Wellington alternatives have a fleece lining and thermo inner soles to keep your tootsies snug, white the entirely natural rubber exterior will keep them dry. The tracked sole comes in different colourways; white, grey, green and black.
Buy now £179.30, Atterley
Hunter Boots Women’s Original Chelsea Boots
The festival fashion footwear of choice, Hunter counts the likes of Kate Moss, Rita Ora and even Meghan Markle among its celebrity fan base. The shorter Chelsea boots are a great choice for comfortable shoes when you’re out and about.
They come in an array of colourways across the spectrum of neutral (black, blue, grey) and vibrant (yellow, red, pink). The fit has been improved for greater care to the feet with a wider ankle, more curve at the heel and elevated support for the Achilles tendon. The exterior is waterproof and elasticated for ease in slipping on/off.
Buy now £105.00, Hunter Boots
Fitflop WONDERWELLY Short Wellington Boots
The WONDERWELLY has entered the chat and brings with it a specialised construction with all-day comfort in mind. Fitflop has created this boot with technologically advanced features and using biomechanical science to optimise fit.
So, you’ll find the shoe with a hollowed-out heel, shock-absorbing honeycomb cushioning and springboard ridges to give you bounce with every step. Opt also for the shearling insoles for the winter months that can be removed when festival season returns.
Buy now £75.00, Fitflop
Mountain Warehouse Womens Lined Wellies
When it comes to finding kit for your climbing, hiking or walking needs, Mountain Warehouse has you covered. This boot comes as part of the retailer’s own brand collection and while they keep it minimal in terms of aesthetics, it is packed with performance features and an attractive faux fur trim.
The rubber shoes are designed in such a way as to remain durable no matter what you throw at them, while also maintaining the waterproof nature. Inside, you’ll find a foam insert for cushioning, fleece lining for warmth and moulded footbeds to keep you on your feet for longer.
Buy now £74.99, Mountain Warehouse
Ariat Burford Waterproof Rubber Boot
Ariat first caught our eye for the brand’s range of cowboy boots but the label isn’t lacking in its offering of more practical footwear too. For those looking for longer wellies, the American footwear brand has brought its signature equestrian aesthetic to rain-ready footwear - namely the leather touches. Not all style over substance by any means, see also the EVA midsole to absorb impact, the specialised ATP Pro technology to provide stability and the durable fabric choices.
Buy now £130.00, Ariat
Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Boot Rouge
To take you from The Chelsea Flower Show to the British countryside, it is clear to see why Le Chameau is a popular brand with the farm set. These are some of the most hard-wearing shoes you’ll ever own, all without sacrificing comfort.
Wellies come in an array of colourways and the signature flexible Chamolux rubber that is waterproof and encourages movement. Stay cool, calm and collected with the jersey lining, chosen for its quick-drying properties and breathability to make them transitional from the wet weather to the heart of summer. Most of all, they’re lightweight.
Buy now £100.00, Le Chameau
Muck Boots Men's Derwent Ii Rain Boot
The brand of choice for green-fingered enthusiasts, the Muck Boots shoes are known and loved for work and pottering in the Great Outdoors. Whether it’s wet, muddy or messy work, keep these rain boots on hand and they won’t stand in your way. The reliable shoes are created to withstand any and all weather conditions and are comfortable to wear throughout.
Buy now £68.48, Amazon
Sorel Women's Explorer Carnival Waterproof Winter Boots
While these shoes may not strictly be defined as Wellington boots, we chose them for having many of the same properties as their rubber-coated counterparts with the added bonus of a stylish touch. Sorel has leaned on hiking details to craft these shoes with its lace-up and ring closures. The exterior is water-resistant and there’s a lovely, soft faux fur trim to boot.
Buy now £45.93, Amazon
Moshulu Ladies faux-fur lined short wellies
For shoes that will put a smile on your face every single time that you slip them on, look to Moshulu and its seletion of blue and red designs with a subtle but sweet floral touch. The wellies are created with a super soft faux fur lining that will be much appreciated by your toes in the depths of winter, and remain waterproof with the rubber upper.
Buy now £42.00, Moshulu
