Your practical guide to buying wellies for the whole family

A historic staple of the British aristocracy and middle classes in the early 19^th century, Wellington boots are now worn by anybody – anywhere.

Whether you’re dancing in the rain or trudging through mud on a fun family walk, you need a durable pair of rubber boots that’ll stand up to the unpredictable elements of Mother Nature. Why ruin a perfectly clean pair of shoes when you have a waterproof alternative more suited to the great outdoors?

If you’re looking to find out where to buy wellies, how to clean them or even how to choose the perfect pair, keep reading our practical guide to discover why wellies are an indispensable piece of your outdoor wardrobe.

What are wellies? A British icon, that’s what!

They are a national icon, a symbol of ruggedness, designed to be all-purpose and all-terrain, and ideal for wet, muddy or snowy conditions.

It’s hard to imagine what contemporary outdoor life would be like without wellies. The modern rubber and polyurethane wellies we know and love today were once popularised by the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley.

Their once class-orientated use has since been abolished and they have become the necessary safety footwear standard throughout a broad range of industries. From a guard against chemical spills to protection from mud and grime; wellies really are designed for a multitude of conditions.

Despite their industrious use today, wellies were once used heavily throughout the First World War and World War Two. Transitioning from their use among patriotic British gentlemen, a total of 1,185,036 pairs were produced for the British Army in the First World War. This boost in production ensured soldiers possessed footwear suitable for the flooded and muddy conditions of Europe’s battlefields.

Although circumstances have changed over the past 200 years, wellies haven’t really changed at all!

What are the best wellies for the job?

Before you buy a pair of wellies, it’s helpful to consider what you’re going to use them for.

Do you want to make a stylish, yet functional, statement at Glastonbury? Or maybe you want to give your kids the perfect excuse to get wet and muddy on a rainy day. Regardless of your intentions, there’s a style of wellies suitable for every occasion.

• The everyday wellie– if you want to go on the occasional countryside walk, have a splash about in the rain, or even tend to the garden every once in a while, a classic style is the choice for you
• The work wellie– if you work in agriculture or with industrial chemicals, you should ensure you have a durable pair of wellies that guarantee high levels of all-round protection for the task at hand. To check if a pair of wellies adhere to safety standards, take a look at our guide to footwear safety codes
• The statement wellie– wanting to look your best? No matter the festival or field you’re in, look for iconic brands, designs and colours to suit your personal style. From leopard print minnie wellingtons to floral long boots, we have something for everyone.

What size wellies should you buy?

There’s nothing worse than having cramped, cold or dirty feet – we know that from experience! That’s why, here at Wynsors, we want to make sure your wellies fit you to a ‘T’. Wellies tend to fit true to regular UK shoe sizes, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding the right pair.

How should wellies fit?

Wellies should feel snug but comfortable around your calves and should also have enough room in the front and back of the boot for your toes and ankle to move.

Do wellies come up big?

Wellies follow the usual footwear sizing guidelines, so you should buy your normal size when picking up a pair. For help with sizing, take a look at our size charts, or head over to our kids measuring guide for help in finding your child’s shoe size.

Should I size up in wellies?

If you plan to wear very thick socks with your wellies during those cold winter months, we recommend you size up, otherwise stick to your usual sizing for the most comfortable wear.

How to clean wellies

Nothing is worse than forgetting to deal with your wellies after a day-time festival excursion or a muddy dog walk through a trodden field. We’d recommend cleaning your wellies properly after each use by following some of our top tips:

1. 1. If the exterior is dirty, ensure you use warm water and a cloth to remove any surface mud or dirt – don’t worry about any stubborn mud just yet!
   2. Next, soak a clean cloth in a soapy solution (containing one teaspoon of washing up liquid and one litre of water). Rub the boot in a circular motion to remove any stubborn areas
   3. Use a soft-bristled brush soaked in the soapy solution to remove any mud or dirt still stuck in the sole
   4. Finish wiping the exterior with a clean cloth to get rid of any lasting soap suds

If you need to remove any odours from the interior of your wellies, you could:

1. 1. Create a cleaning solution using a small amount of washing up liquid
   2. Dampen a cloth using the solution and begin to rub the inside of the wellies before wiping away the remaining solution with another damp cloth

We recommend you leave your wellies to air-dry – this process can be accelerated using old newspapers scrunched up inside, but this time, to absorb any excess moisture.