Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review: this celebrity favourite is well worth the hype

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a pair of wellies and Hunter’s Original Tall Wellington boots are some of the most coveted out there.

I’ve been a fan of the Hunter Original Tall wellies for years - proof that they have some serious longevity. And I’m not the only fan. Mastering the art of being both practical and stylish, these waterproof wonders have been spotted on heaps of celebrities from Kate Moss at Glastonbury festival to the late Princess Diana at Balmoral. More recently, Claudia Winkleman has been donning a pair on the latest series of The Traitors, so if you want to copy Claudia Winkleman’s cosy style, a pair of Hunters may be the answer.

From muddy dog walks to summer festivals, the best wellies are a capsule wardrobe essential and these Hunter boots certainly live up to the hype. If you’re considering adding a pair of waterproof boots to your outfit rotation, here’s everything you need to know.

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots: Comfort & support

I tested these Hunter wellies on a long beach walk in Norfolk and on some muddy footpaths and can confirm they are incredibly comfortable, offering good flexibility and support.

They have an easy pull-on style and I had no issues getting them on. I wore my normal size - a UK size four - and found there was plenty of room for welly socks but the brand does recommend sizing up if you want to wear extra thick socks or have wider calves. The size range is pretty inclusive, from a UK 3 - 9. Immediately comfortable, I had no issues with rubbing so there’s no need to worry about having to wear these in.

Made from 100% natural rubber with a soft polyester lining, it goes without saying that these wellies are fully waterproof. Featuring the Hunter Original tread pattern, they have a grippy sole which kept me pretty sturdy on slippy surfaces. As with most Wellington Boots, they can feel a little cold so I would advise wearing a cosy sock with them in the winter.

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots: Style

The Hunter Original Tall wellies come in eleven different colours, from canary yellow to a sleek navy. There are also four glossy shades and I decided to go for the black glossy finish. I absolutely love this style as they look 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 so they’re ideal for that post-walk pub lunch when you want to feel a little more put-together.

If you’re after an extremely versatile pair, I would recommend keeping it simple and going for the black. Guaranteed to never go out of style, wear with the best jeans for your body type or a boho-inspired dress come festival season.

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots: Cleaning & care

Hunter wellies are built to last so you’ll want to take good care of them. Hunter offer a Boot Care Kit which includes a rubber buffer, a boot shine sponge and a branded cleaning cloth to help restore the boots’ natural shine.

I cleaned my Hunter Originals after every use so they don’t sit in mud and dirt for long periods. I normally just use a soft brush and a damp cloth or a hosepipe for something a bit more vigorous and less elbow-grease on my end.

Hunter recommends applying rubber conditioner to the boots every few weeks to prevent the rubber from cracking and dry rotting. Let them dry naturally before storing away in a temperature-controlled room - don’t leave them outside.

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots: Verdict

Since its introduction in 1956, Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots have been enduringly popular and show no signs of slowing down. Priced at £120 (£125 for the glossy) they are an investment piece that truly delivers when it comes to cost per wear. Although I would still wear the best walking shoes on an adventurous hike, these wellies can withstand a long walk without compromising on comfort. Stylish enough for a rainy city commute and durable for a muddy countryside walk, they’ve got fashion and function covered. Long-lasting, chic, and all-weather proof, I would definitely recommend adding these to your boot rotation.

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