The best wellies for women aren't just about staying dry when it's raining. Your perfect pair will prove to be a practical year-round option whether you're dodging puddles in spring, going for a dog walk or dancing in a muddy field at a festival.
Like the best waterproof jackets, wellies play a key part in any capsule wardrobe, especially with our unpredictable weather. However, before now, wellies have been an item I haven't wanted to spend much money on, preferring to splurge on fancy heels and trainers instead. That is until I took the plunge and added the royal-approved Le Chameau wellies to my wardrobe.
The warm neoprene lining and supportive sole just go to show that the best wellies are really worth investing in. They're a lot more technical than a pair of ballet flats, so deserve careful consideration and a bit more research. Most people might only have one or two pair of wellies in their shoe collection, and a good quality pair can last you years - or even decades if you familiarise yourself with how to clean wellies.
To help you decide, we've tested the very best styles out there. These are the six we genuinely recommend...
The quick list: top 6
No round-up of the best wellies for women would be complete without Kate Middleton's wellies! The perfect mix of practical and stylish, these are lined with neoprene to keep your toes toasty as well as dry, and have a super strong sole that features shock absorbing properties.
A classic pair of black Hunters are a great addition to any wardrobe - especially when it comes to festival season. They’re also perfect for dog walking – chic enough to allow you and your pooch to nip into a dog-friendly café but sturdy enough to cope with muddy fields.
Fitflop's genius soles are like tiny trampolines for your feet, absorbing the shock of unforgiving pavements. Our reviewer raved about them, and if you've ever tried FitFlop trainers we guarantee you'll love these.
These wellies are the ultimate multi-taskers! They've got the stylish look of Chelsea boots with the practicality of wellies, making them perfect for everything from city commutes to countryside adventures. If you don’t want your wellies to look like, well, wellies, these are the ones to choose.
An adjustable buckle gives you a bit more choice when it comes to what to wear underneath your tall wellies. Our reviewer Molly found she could easily tuck joggers or jeans into this versatile style, and they're a really impressive price point. The check print lining is a subtly chic detail - even if nobody else can see it but you!
The shorter height makes these so easy to slip on and off. Our reviewer is a huge fan of these wellies for dog walks. They're stylish enough to wear with your best wide leg jeans, yet practical enough to handle muddy paths and unpredictable weather. And can you believe such a big brand is the most affordable option?
Best wellies for women: tried and tested by our fashion experts
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best wellies for walking
I tested these myself, and to be honest, I didn't think I'd find a pair of wellies that I'd be willing to replace my 15-year-old Hunter favourites with. How wrong I was!
They are undeniably beautiful, which isn't a word I ever thought I'd use about a practical item like wellies. What's more they're super toasty. The bright blue neoprene lining will not only brighten up a grey rainy day, it keeps you impossibly warm.
I have a cocker spaniel who takes some convincing it's time to go home whenever we're out walking, and the first time I wore these was on one of the coldest days of the year. Even with just a thin pair of socks on, they didn't rub in the slightest, and I was toasty warm.
The khaki colour is a winner for me (they're the wellies Kate Middleton wears), and although this royal-approved style doesn't come cheap, I can tell these sturdy wellies will last years.
The only thing I'd flag to anyone considering splashing the cash (pardon the pun!) is that if you have wide calves, shop for the wide calf section of the Le Chameau website, as these are very slim fitting. There's also a jersey-lined version of the Vierzonord if you wear your wellies a lot in the summer months. The neoprene lining could get a little too warm! If the price is a bit prohibitive, the Joules and Hunter options in our list have a similar look.
You can read more in the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Boots review
Best fashion wellies
Hunter, the standout favourite wellington brand, has been worn by many Royals from the late Queen to Princess Diana. More recently, Kate Moss has worn hers to Glastonbury, and they're a key part of Claudia Winkleman's Traitors outfits.
Deputy Fashion Editor Charlie Bell has been a fan of Hunter for years, and she says the Original Tall boots are truly worth the hype.
She says they offer great flexibility and support, and are very comfortable indeed. She tested hers on a long beach walk in Norfolk and reported that the Hunter Original tread pattern and grippy sole kept her sturdy on slippy surfaces. She would, however, recommend sizing up a little and wearing a thick sock in the winter, as they can be cold otherwise.
There are eleven different colours to choose from, as well as a glossy option, which Charlie opted for. She says they're just as sleek as a pair of knee-high boots but with the added bonus of being completely practical too. They wouldn’t look out of place in the city or the countryside and will work from wintry walk to summer festival.
Charlie's verdict? They're the perfect blend of fashion and function.
You can read more in the full Hunter Original Tall wellington boots review
Best wellies for wide calves
With three kids and a dog, woman&home's Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes needed her wellies to be extremely convenient, practical and comfortable. She says she used to favour taller wellies, but more recently has found them to be restrictive in their movement, which isn't ideal when trying to keep up with a young family.
She found the FitFlop Wonderwelly to really love up to its name, thanks to the clever features and technology to keep your feet comfortable, dry and supported all day. The wide style enables you to easily slip them on from standing, and the wide leg allows for thick jogging bottoms or waterproof trousers to be tucked in.
Kerrie said: "As someone with wide calves, I often feel restricted by longer wellies, and these allow so much freedom and comfort." She also noted that the shorter style makes them so much easier to store at home.
Of course the downside of that is you can't go splashing in any really deep puddles, but if you're after more of an everyday style these will work well.
How about this for a feat of engineering: the insole is contoured to work with your foot's natural alignment, plus the heel is filled with impact-absorbing honeycomb cushioning. Finally, 'springboard' ridges at the forefront help put a spring in your step. What more could you ask for?
You can read more in the full FitFlop Wonderwelly review
Best everyday wellies
Freelance Fashion Editor Julie Player is always on the go, so she was the ideal candidate to try these all-rounders.
She says: "over the years I have had tried a variety of brands, from expensive Hunters to cheaper styles with cheerful prints from Joules and Boden, but regardless of price I have always found them uncomfortable to wear."
Until she met the Bobbi boot! Julie thoroughly put these through their paces on holiday in the Peak District, where she walked more than four hours a day on uneven terrain, as well as on a seaside trip in November.
Melbourne-based brand Merry People aim to bridge the gap between city and country life, and you've probably seen these Bobbi boots on social media recently.
The Bobbi boots are easy to pull on and have a roomy toe cap for wide feet. They feature impressive arch support, and they're easy to clean. The Chelsea boots style is very stylish, so few people would notice these are wellies if you wore them with jeans on a rainy day!
You can read more in the full Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boot review
Best adjustable wellies
woman&home's Fashion Writer Molly Smith put these Joules wellies to the test, and as an avid dog walker who has just moved to the countryside, she was looking for some versatile wellies that would stand the test of time.
She tried a pair of chocolate brown wellies, which are very on trend for 2025, but they are also available in black, khaki or navy blue. She commented on how the adjustable detail meant you can get the perfect fit, whatever you're wearing with the wellies. It's a standout feature that makes them ideal for a range of calf sizes.
Molly went for a two hour hike through muddy fields and damp woodland, and she barely noticed them on her feet, they're that lightweight and comfortable.
She also fell in love with the matte finish and heritage checked lining, which adds a subtle, classic touch even if it's something you only see. She points out how impressive the price is compared to competitors too.
You can read more in the full Joules Houghton Adjustable Tall wellies review
Most affordable wellies
Jayne Cherrington-Cook is a daily dog walker, and considers herself to be a bit of a welly pro. She says she's learned from experience that wellies need to fit properly and shouldn't pinch or rub and, just like with the best walking boots, she always makes sure to leave enough space for thick socks in colder weather.
She's a convert to the Barbour Mallow Chelsea wellington boots. Barbour knows a thing or two about the great outdoors, and this modern take on Chelsea boots combines sleek style with serious weather protection. The chunky sole provides excellent grip, while the lightweight rubber construction means you won't feel weighed down, even on steep hills.
Although they won't handle ankle-deep puddles, they've protected Jayne through the glorious Great British weather, from muddy dog walks to snowy school runs and wet weekend errands. She notes that with knee high pairs, wearing jeans can be uncomfortable, but the Barbour Mallow will work with all your denim.
Surprisingly for a big name brand, they're the most affordable option on our list, plus they're incredibly low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Hurrah!
You can read more in the full Barbour Mallow Chelsea wellington boots review
How we tested the best wellies
Between six members of the woman&home team, we tested a variety of the very best wellies available on the virtual high street.
And when I say tested, I mean tested. Long dog walks in the countryside, trips to the seaside in the winter, muddy festivals, long hikes, freezing cold conditions: we've done them all so you don't have to. We certainly haven't shied away from the muddiest terrain!
As with bras and trainers, we've put a lot of thought into how we test wellies so you can get the best overview when weighing up a wellie purchase.
We considered the following factors:
- Comfort & fit - how comfortable are they on long walks? Do they rub anywhere or make your feet ache? Do they offer arch support?
- Style - how they look is just as important as how they feel. Wellies should excite you, not just feel like a practical piece you have to wear!
- Care & cleaning - to some, muddy wellies is something of a medal, but if you like to keep yours looking pristine you want them to be as easy as possible to clean. Can you give them a quick hose down at the end of a walk, or do you have to dismantle them to get them looking as good as new?
- Longevity - some styles have been in our testers' wardrobe for months, some years. They've all lasted well to date, but will of course update our finding should they begin to wear out.
We've also spent time thinking about features that matter to a wide variety of people. From tricky wide calves to having young kids who love splashing in puddles, everyone will want something different from their wellies.
How to choose the best wellies
Unlike trainers or bras, the majority of people only own one or two pairs of wellies. Which makes investing in a new pair an even bigger decision. Here are a few things to weigh up when reading all of our reviews:
- Price: how much do you want to spend? How often will you wear them? If you can afford to invest in the high priced options on our list, you won't be disappointed with the quality. But you want to make sure you wear them enough to justify the splurge!
- Size: most websites have a size guide and it's well worth taking the time to study it. Think about the time of year you'll be wearing your wellies most, the outfits you want to wear them with, and what socks you'd choose to wear underneath. Blisters are so often the product of poor fit. If you’ve got wide feet, squeezing them into standard wellies can feel like medieval torture. Unfortunately, many wellies only come in a standard width, so unless you shop at a specialist welly brand, the other option is to try out men’s boots as these are often slightly wider than those designed for the female foot.
- Colour: are you after a statement colour pop boot that will cheer up rainy days? Or perhaps classic black and khaki fit your style personality and wardrobe better.
FAQs
What boots to wear if you have big calves?
Finding wellington boots for larger calves can be a frustrating experience. Traditional styles often pinch and squeeze, leaving calves uncomfortable and restricted. This isn't just an aesthetic issue; it can impact mobility.
“Everyone has a different shaped leg, foot and ankle,” says Nina from Jileon, a family-run brand that creates wellingtons for people with wider calves. “It would be boring if we were all the same but the one thing we all want is a boot that is comfortable and allows the freedom to get on with activities unhindered.”
“We always advise people to measure themselves with clothing they plan to wear - jeans, welly socks etc - and also without so they can see which boots would work best for both options."
The key for finding the best wellies for larger calves is to look for those wellies that have an adjustable gusset on the calf. Alternatively, choose a specialist brand who offer extra wide boots. Jileon, for example, have extra wide boots that expand up to 57cm. Some brands like Hunter and Le Chameau also offer wider versions of their popular styles.
What are the most comfortable wellies?
Comfort is subjective, and the "most comfortable" wellies for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Just like when you’re shopping for your most comfortable trainers, comfort really depends on what feels good for you – and each welly boot has different things to offer.
“Short wellington boots, or ankle wellies, have become increasingly popular, not least because they are just so easy to throw on, making them more convenient, less cumbersome and more versatile on the fashion front,” says Celebrity stylist Miranda Holder.
“They pair well with everything from dresses and skirts to trousers, shorts and jeans, and are far easier to carry with you than their bulkier full-length counterparts.”
Most shorter wellies also come with the same technical benefits of the taller versions, making them a great choice for dog walks, commuting or a stroll in the country. For a leg-lengthening effect with shorter wellies, Miranda suggests choosing styles that end below your calf's widest point.
“If they do, you will end up highlighting this part and your legs will look heavier than they actually are,” she says. “There is a very simple way to get around this, and that is to layer the boots over a chunky sock or even a leg warmer, adjusted to the most flattering height.”
Ultimately, the best way to find the most comfortable wellies for you is to try them on and see how they feel.
Are expensive wellies worth it?
Celebrities sporting flashy Hunters and Barbours might leave you wondering if a pricier pair is worth it. The answer, according to Miranda, hinges on your "wear it out" factor.
“I would simply consider how frequently you’ll be wearing them and calculate the cost per wear,” she says.
“If you are likely to wear them regularly and go for long walks in them, then the improved construction, support, durability - and not to mention style - of a more expensive pair will be worth it. If on the other hand they are something you intend to throw on once in a blue moon, then save your money for a piece that will provide more value in your collection.”
Our experts agree that Le Chameau will fare well on long walks. personal stylist and welly lover Lindsay Edwards cites the brand as a good choice and says “their quality and craftsmanship is second to none.”
Celebrity stylist Miranda Holder says if you do a lot of walking then it is probably a good idea to invest in those boots at the higher end of the price scale. “If you are likely to wear them regularly and go for long walks in them, then the improved construction, support, durability - and not to mention style - of a more expensive pair will be worth it.”
What wellies do the royals wear?
Wellington boots have a rich royal heritage - they were named initially after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington in the early 1800s.
Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Zara Tindall and Princess Beatrice all love Le Chameau, while the late Queen and Princess Diana were both known to wear upmarket British brand Hunter.
What wellies do celebrities wear?
Wellies are not just practical footwear anymore; they're a genuine fashion statement. Ever since Kate Moss rocked her Hunters with denim cut-offs at Glastonbury, wellies have become an unexpected style icon. And it's no wonder – as Miranda points out: “In today's fashion landscape, there's a pair to suit everyone's style.
"Designers have really gone to town, elevating the boots to dizzying sartorial heights by producing them in every colour of the rainbow, all sorts of shapes, heights and every finish you can think of" says Miranda.
Claudia Winkleman is also a big fan of Hunters, and Victoria Beckham loves Le Chameau.
Our experts:
Miranda Holder is an acclaimed fashion stylist and expert who studied fashion at Central Saint Martin’s and whose portfolio proudly showcases a variety of high-profile names in entertainment, from number-one girl band Little Mix to Boy George and Hollywood actress Vanessa Williams. Miranda is also a regular media commentator and TV fashion expert on QVC, and lecturer at London College of Fashion.
Lindsay Edwards is a personal stylist based in Bedfordshire. She provides a variety of fun and enlightening services, supporting women who want to discover the colour, style and fit of clothes which truly suit them.
Nina is part of the small family-run business, Jileon, who create wellies to fit wider calves and feet. They have sold just over 200,000 wellies to date in the UK and also sell their products over in the USA. They hope that they can continue to help those people with non-boring legs find comfortable wellies that can take them anywhere. With their wellies, no puddle is too big. No rainy day is too rainy. Mud? Yes, please!
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