A Buyer’s Guide to Premium Wellies

Wellington Boots - The ultimate outdoor essential for tackling rough terrain, muddy festivals or a weekend dog walk in the countryside. If you’re looking for a touch of stylish luxury and comfort from your new wellies, investing in a premium pair to last for years to come is the way to go.

If you’re confused about what different brands offer and how they fit, our guide below provides some advice to help you find the best welly boots for you.

Barbour Wellies

A truly iconic symbol of the British countryside, Barbour wellies are tough, durable and offer lasting comfort. The perfect blend of function and style, Barbour wellies come in a range of designs, including short ankle boots and classic tall boots.

Their renownedBede Wellington Boot is an enduring style in a timeless silhouette that has become a country wardrobe essential. Their welly range also includes rubber mules and ankle boots such as theWomen's Barbour Kingham. These Chelsea boot-inspired wellies are easy to kick on and off and are perfect for walking the dog!

Are Barbour wellies true to size?

Barbour wellies are true to size, and you should choose your regular shoe size. They have a slightly generous internal fit, as Barbour has allowed for wearing thicker socks. Barbour wellies come in whole sizes only.

Hunter Wellington Boots

With their wide range of durable and comfortable boots, Hunter is an international favourite. This British heritage brand is renowned for its iconic HunterOriginal Tall Wellington Boot, which offers a timeless look.

They have established themselves by developing modern styles in a wide range of colours for both urban and country environments, which have become synonymous with fashion-conscious festival-goers. Take a look at theWomen's Original Play Short Wellingtons for a stylish pop of colour or theShort Gloss Boots for a super-glam look.

Are Hunter wellies true to size?

Hunter boot sizing is true to size. The brand recommends that you choose your regular shoe size, as their boots allow for wearing thick socks. Hunter boots are made in whole sizes only. If you are between sizes, the brand recommends opting for the smaller size in their Original boots and Field ranges.

Le Chameau Boots

Le Chameau is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of wellington boots. With an 80-year history, their fine craftsmanship produces extremely high-quality boots of supreme comfort. Designed to perform in all conditions, Le Chameau is made to the highest standards and is a true investment. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty with theLe Chameau Vierzonord Wellington Boots, as favoured by Kate Middleton, or explore their half-height range ofBottillon rubber boots, perfect for the garden.

Do Le Chameau wellies fit true to size?

Le Chameau offers a more refined fit, with some styles, such asthe Chasseur, available in a range of calf fittings. However, they are made in European sizes, which don’t translate perfectly to UK sizes, so we recommend checking the sizing guide on our product pages to ensure the right fit.

If you intend to wear thick socks with your boots, you may prefer to go up a size. If you are between sizes, consider the lining of the boots, as there may be changes over time depending on the type of lining. Neoprene and wool linings will give a little, and leather linings will shape to your foot, whereas jersey linings will stay true to size.

How To Clean Your Wellies

If you’ve invested in some premium quality wellies, you’ll want to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning and care will keep your boots in good condition and prevent issues such as cracking.

Sometimes with high-quality rubber wellington boots, you might see a white powdery ‘bloom’. This is a perfectly normal feature of natural rubber; it’s simply insoluble particles that have risen to the surface. Fortunately, it does not compromise the durability or performance of the boots but may seem a little unsightly.

It is best to clean your premium rubber wellies with nothing more than warm water and a brush or cloth. Wiping down the boots after each use will help prevent the build-up of mud and dirt.

Your boots should be allowed to dry naturally: crumpled newspaper pushed inside them will help but make sure to change it regularly until they’ve dried. Never use direct heat, such as hairdryers or radiators, as this can damage the rubber.

Regular use of a specially formulated silicone wellington boot spray, such as Le Chameau Boot Maintenance Spray, helps to maintain the suppleness of the rubber. Applied to your boots and polished with a soft, dry cloth, the spray will help bring back the natural shine and remove any unsightly white blooms.

We’ve created a detailed a more detailedstep-by-step guide to cleaning your wellies here.