Sep. 08, 2025
The women's XTRATUF Legacy is comfortable, dependable, and will keep your feet dry even in the roughest of weather. The thick soles offer great foot support and long-lasting comfort, outperforming all of the other models in this metric. Comfort is invaluable in outdoor environments like farms, boats, or home gardens, and the flexible XTRATUF rubber far exceeded our comfort expectations when it came to walking long distances. As the name implies, these boots are tough enough to withstand the onslaught of rugged duties.
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The brown neoprene isn't particularly stylish, but this model offers some fun ocean-inspired prints on the lining in honor of the famous Alaskan Salmon Sisters, who have used these boots heavily on their commercial fishing boats. Many users choose to roll the upper portion of the boots down, in order to show off the fun prints of octopus, salmon, or crabs. The main drawbacks are their hefty price tag, their relative performance on snow and ice, and the squeaky noise they make while walking. But depending on where you live and work, many of these facets won't outweigh their hardworking, technical appeal. For a warmer boot with good traction, check out the Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Mid.
Read the review: XTRATUF Legacy 15"
With all the qualities of a top contender, scoring well in comfort, traction, and style, the Kamik Heidi 2 is easily the top choice if you are on a budget. Coming in at a fraction of the cost compared to the competitive Hunter Original Back Adjustable or XTRATUF 15" Legacy, the Kamik is one of the least expensive yet highly-rated boots in our review. It is both practical and fashionable and outfitted with high-quality tread and recyclable rubber. It scores almost as high as the top-rated models, with strong suits in quality, walkability, and stylish appeal.
The disadvantages of the Heidi 2 are the relative lack of insulation and foot support. Still, it's worthwhile if you're looking for a dependable mild-weather boot with obvious function and flair. The Heidi 2 offers an almost unbeatable deal. You can spend slightly less on the Sloggers Rain and Garden, but you'll give up some comfort, reputable craftsmanship, and potentially some style points — unless you love wild and crazy prints.
Read the review: Kamik Heidi 2 review
The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall is quite an adventurous boot and fully ready for winter conditions. The 5mm Neo-Tech Waterproof Insulation is rated for temperatures down to -58 degrees F! While we didn't experience such extreme conditions, we felt no difference between standing in the snow, in an icy river, or on dry land. Our feet were toasty no matter what. Traction is also a strong quality of this model, offering some of the best across various technical terrain.
While they make putting the boots on extremely quick and easy, the handles in the shaft do detract from the boots' overall weather protection. The flood height of the boot is 11.1 inches, which is significantly shorter than some of the other models we tested. And since it is so specialized, it is basically a winter boot, which doesn't help you much if you're looking for a more traditional, casual slogger. Thus, the versatility of the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall is rather low. That said, if you live somewhere with a long cold and wet season, this could be a dream come true. We also like the Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Mid for its excellent traction and warmth, but found it to be slightly less waterproof than the Bogs boots.
Read the review: Bogs Neo-Classic Tall review
The Bogs Holly Chelsea features a relatively short height in modern matte colors. The stand-out perk of this boot is its ability to pair with virtually any wardrobe and the capacity to withstand the elements. Pulling on without fussing about stuffing your pants into a super tall boot is refreshing. Pairing the ease of use with a wide range of places where these boots shine is a bonus!
The main critique of the Holly Chelsea is its low overall weather protection due to its shorter shaft. Although they aren't the shortest boot in our lineup, they lack a classic height for moderate to severe weather or deep water crossings. Despite less weather protection, they are low maintenance and walkable, on or off the trail. If you're looking for something stylish and functional with a greater capacity off-trail, you might like the Danner Logger 917 GTX boots, which are a bit more capable on rugged terrain than the Holly Chelsea, but they offer less weather protection due to their laces and seams.
Read the review: Bogs Holly Chelsea review
For this review, we began with market research, making a first cut of more than 60 models before further refining our selection to only include the best for side by side testing. We purchased them and commenced testing, paying attention to critical performance standards. We made objective weight and height measurements and compared them to the manufacturer's advertised specs. We measured waterproofness by immersing the boots for hours and examining them for leaks. Finally, we wore them a lot — all day and in many environments, ranging from snow to pavement to river crossings to trail walks with the dogs. Everything we learned is distilled into this comprehensive review, which will surely be an asset in your search for a great pair of women's rainwear.
Our comprehensive testing was divided into five key metrics:Brooke was on skis before she could walk, in a climbing harness before she could read, and in a kayak before she could drive. She has a master's degree in science journalism and is a former Team USA whitewater kayaker. When she isn't writing or reporting on climate and river conservation issues, you can find her romping around the mountains of Lake Tahoe, testing gear and shoes for Outdoor Gear Lab.
Sara holds a writing degree and has tested and written about gear, such as trail running shoes, hiking shorts, and umbrellas in various capacities. An avid trail runner and climber, she often travels and has lived in places such as Yosemite National Park. Her more creative writing also encompasses experiences within the outdoors, adding to her overall experience as one of our testers. Currently based in and around the mountains of Colorado, Sara's own need for rain boots is a must.
Briana is an avid cyclist and mountain athlete. She has spent over a decade extensively reviewing, testing, and writing about outdoor gear, with a focus on footwear and backpacking essentials. Like Sara, her life is spent traveling, exploring, and experiencing the outdoors, which is critical to finding the limits of gear for everyday use.
The ideal rain boot is the one that is the most functional for the environment in which you spend your time. Right out of the box, the look and size often leave the biggest impressions. However, overall quality and application are the final words when selecting shoes. Thankfully, brands tend to be mindful of making technical and comfortable boots that are still aesthetically pleasing, which is to say, wearable in public.
These competitors' designs range from simplistic to rugged, with shaft heights varying from just above the ankle to just below the knee. All consist of a multitude of materials, from vulcanized rubber to neoprene, which yield a range of flexibility and warmth. Depending on where you're going and what you're doing, we believe there is a boot for every scenario. Practicality and performance, however, remain the most important aspects for us.
While price does not influence performance or technical scoring, we all consider the relationship between affordability and overall quality. The Danner Logger 917 GTX and Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall are currently the most expensive pairs in our test group. That said, the Arctic Sport contributes great value when considering longevity due to quality craftsmanship. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Sloggers Rain and Garden is one of the cheapest in our lineup. Despite the alluring price, their all-day comfort is severely lacking, which currently ranks them near the bottom of our performance list. Similarly, the Asgard Chelsea Ankle might be the cheapest rain boot you'll find on the market, but it failed every weatherproof test we put it through. However, the Kamik Heidi 2 is the perfect example of a place where high value doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. How each boot performs across all the metrics we've established helps determine the practical worth of their cost and, thus, their overall value.
This metric holds the most weight for obvious reasons. Inevitably, the tallest rain boots provide the best overall protection. Scores, unfortunately, shrink as shaft height decreases. Even with the aid of an umbrella, the taller the shaft, the more protection there is from sideways rain, deep waterways, or puddle splashes. Throw on a pair of waterproof pants or gaiters over ankle-high boots, however, and you're all the more ready for anything. But who wants to do that all the time? In and of themselves, the boots in our review are critiqued on the ability to keep all the undesirables from soaking your lower legs. Slush, mud, snow, or icy river water — there are notable differences in how each boot protects the wearer, but thus far, only two of the models have leaked on us in unintended places (like where the sole meets the upper boot).
Through rain and snow, river wading, and lab-like testing, the Hunter Original Adjustable Tall stands out in this metric thanks to its 17-inch height and the adjustable circumference of the boot opening. With a circumferential range of 16-19 inches, the shaft is easily adapted to personal calf sizes for the best comfort, mitigating rain from entering from above. The 15-inch shaft height of the XTRATUF Legacy also offers great weather protection. Neither model has handles or shaft cutouts, resulting in flood heights that are much harder to breach.
For this metric, we consider any cutouts, zippers, and lacing in the boot design, such as the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall, which have rectangles cut as handles for easy carrying. Because of the cutouts, the flood height is lower than the overall height of the shaft, which impacts overall water and weatherproofing. While these handles aid their score for mobility and ease of putting them on, this weather metric takes priority (it is, after all, the fundamental principle of a rain boot).
In addition to handles, we always pay attention to other design features that could compromise waterproofing, like nylon gussets, tongues, elastic, or seams at the edges of neoprene uppers. The Asgard Chelsea Ankle has an elastic material on the sides of each boot, which aids in mobility. Unfortunately, when submerged in water, the elastic immediately soaked through, getting our feet wet within seconds of water immersion. Thus, we can only say the flood height of these boots is up to the bottom of the elastic, making it a mere 2.5 inches tall. Conversely, the Bogs SweetPea II Chelsea and Merry People Bobbi have waterproofed gussets that maintain a flood height as tall as the shaft.
However, remember that this ranking only helps us visualize the extent of weather protection for each pair and, thus, does not necessarily imply a lack of day-to-day function and wearable quality. Essentially, the shorter the flood height, the greater the risk of wet feet.
Once we slip on a pair of rain boots, we expect enough support and comfort to wear them for extended periods of time. This is our second most important metric. We consider how each model fits, feels, and whether or not it is easy to carry, pack for travel, put on, and take off. Each pair varies in construction, foot support, and pressure points, so we've created a focused assessment surrounding the good ol' tried and true: did we ever forget we were wearing them? If we found ourselves thinking about them often, we noted why.
Many of the boots we tested are quite comfortable. Soft, flexible rubber typically means a smoother shaft flex with your leg as you walk, which is a must with taller models. While specifics of how each one performed vary slightly from one another, we've averaged all the smaller nit-picks together to determine their overall rank in comfort. For example, the Kamik Heidi 2 is fairly true to size and fits nicely around low-volume feet. The same can be said about the Hunter Original Back Adjustable, except that the fit is a little trickier to nail, and some testers felt the rubber was too stiff around their legs. They are both reasonably easy to take on and off, and we found them sufficiently comfortable for all-day wear. However, with the workaholic XTRATUF Legacy, comfort is brought to a whole new level as these boots are designed to provide substantial all-day comfort and arch support.
Stiff and inflexible rubber results in hot spots, pressure against the shin when walking, and sometimes the sensation of bagginess around the shin and calf, making boots feel unwieldy. Those with stiff construction fail to provide the highest standard of comfort, and, as a result, we often ended our test days with tired, achy, or aggravated feet. The Sloggers Rain and Garden boot gave our lead tester blisters on her heel after thirty minutes of walking around town but were lightweight and okay to stand around in. The Danner Logger 917 GTX low-top boots are made with very stiff leather, which works decently well for the foot box but is less forgiving around the ankles. This shaft doesn't flex very well, causing the edges to dig into the legs when walking. That said, we expect the leather to soften with time. In contrast, boots with too much space and flexibility can feel baggy or cumbersome with each step. The Hunter Original Back Adjustable has ample space about the ankle, offering nearly too much movement in the lengthy material.
With brands often offering whole shoe sizes only, it's difficult to customize a proper fit of the footbed and, thus, true comfort. Sadly, heel slippage is often expected with rain boots, but there are ways to mitigate this with sock thickness. Another thing we consider in this metric is whether or not a boot requires wearing socks taller than the shaft. Commonly, the mouth of the shaft is abrasive against bare skin. The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall is a slight exception due to the softer neoprene, but tall socks are still recommended. Same with the Bogs Holly Chelsea. Overall comfort is aided, too, with the Neo-Classic and Holly Chelsea due to its use of rebound-cushioned insoles and lighter relative weight. The wide-mouthed XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots have ample space around the lower shin and ankle, evading the shin-irritating issue altogether. No matter what, when going uphill or up a set of stairs, it's good to pay attention to the flexibility of the shaft and how much the heels lift, which can create troublesome blisters.
Whether working or playing outside, traction is high on the list of essential qualities a rain boot should have, almost as important as the waterproofing itself. This metric often competes with comfort and style, but there's little point in a completely weatherproof product if you're slipping around and using your hands to steady yourself wherever you go.
All the boots that did well in this metric have a substantial tread design and enough flexibility in the soles for effective purchase across various surfaces. For the Sloggers Rain and Garden, traction is actually the pair's best attribute (besides style). However, each pair has nuances, such as the Heidi 2 and SweetPea II Chelsea's thinner soles. This offers ample sensitivity, a plus in our book, though this can lead to discomfort on surfaces with gravel and sharp rocks. The Muck Boot Chore Mid and Bogs Neo-Classic Tall provide decent traction but have a denser sole and a lack of flexible sensitivity, diminishing the ability to navigate uneven terrain as effectively as the top competitors.
The Danner Logger 917 is notable for its Vibram outsoles, which increase their all-terrain versatility. Similarly, the Bogs Holly Chelsea offers impressive traction for trail walks and loose terrain. In contrast, the Western Chief Printed Tall hosts a sole that feels fairly flimsy while walking around on rocky ground. This boot is best suited for the flattest and least technical surfaces. It suffers on the ice, snow, and wet rocks, but then again, such situations might call for different footwear altogether (like winter boots for cold weather). The same could also be said about the Asgard Chelsea Ankle, which align with how most fashion lifestyle boots tend to fare. However, if you seek a boot to get you from your house to your car to the office building, any of the boots with average traction scores are undoubtedly adequate enough. This is why this metric conflicts in priority with comfort, as it really does depend on where you'll be walking.
This metric holds a fair amount of weight when determining overall scores but not nearly as much as the preceding categories due to the nature of differing consumer locations and variable needs for warmth. If you live in a warm, humid climate, you probably don't want to pay much heed to this metric. On the other hand, this may be a factor to consider if you live in a cool, damp climate or one that gets downright cold.
Each boot is ranked according to how well it retained heat during general indoor use, across the snow, or on a casual rainy day. The warmest boots performed the best in the snow and the worst during hotter days with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The leading examples are all three Muck brand boots (the Muck Boot Originals Pull On Mid, Chore Mid, and Arctic Sport II), the Merry People Bobbi, and the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall. All these boots have added insulation for temperatures near or below freezing, but there is definitely variance. In the sun and dry conditions, these pairs are often too warm.
Most of our fleet have a more traditional amount of insulation, which is little to none. This means that boots like the XTRATUF 15" Legacy, Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall, and Kamik Heidi 2 fail to hold in heat in the snow or an icy river. On the other hand, this also means these boots function quite nicely in places with continuous mild weather (or until you're ready to switch out for your winter boots). They're more likely to prevent your feet from overheating and sweating. If you're only looking for a pair to wear fun, thick socks with for spring and fall showers, we prefer models that have versatility across a range of temperatures instead of boots that might dominate one end of the spectrum.
A notable mention is the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot with its Xpresscool lining, which helps ventilate your feet while maintaining warmth. During our river test, we could barely feel the cold while standing for several minutes. We also found that such breathable lining helps mitigate sweat build-up when temperatures rise. Another notable mention is the Danner Logger with its leather and added Gore-Tex lining. These quality materials are inherently warmer than rubber, but the lining construction also allows for better airflow to prevent the feet from overheating.
Style is one of the most subjective categories for ranking. We base each score on its out-of-the-box appeal, the versatility of being both fashionable and practical, and any cultivated opinions over time. In the end, we went with our gut reactions and the input of our peers. While being as objective as possible, this metric will inevitably remain a subjective reflection on our behalf.
The Hunter Original Adjustable and the Kamik Olivia have slim profiles with added buckles, finger loops, and other molded accents. The Olivia looks the most like a traditional horseback riding boot. The Hunter is sleek and tall, with several color options available. These pairs are modern, classy, popular, and somewhat neutral.
The other tall or mid-calf models are remarkably varied. The Kamik Heidi 2 stands out with its bright color options and glossy finish, whereas the XTRATUF Legacy has a technical style built for the rough-and-tough outdoors, with the fun flair of the inner printed liner. The Sloggers Rain and Garden Boot and Western Chief Printed are the most eccentric of the bunch, with endless yet fun pattern designs. Patterns might mean that there are fewer chances of matching a variety of outfits, however.
Chelsea-style boots pair well with just about anything, which adds major style points to Bogs Holly Chelsea and Bogs SweetPea II Chelsea. This design also offers versatility across the seasons and is only truly compromised in deep winter conditions such as deep snow and severe cold temperatures.
The Danner Logger is notable for its trendy leather appeal and clean lines (not to mention how well-made and luxurious it is). Similarly, the Merry People Bobbi is notable for its fun color block combos and neoprene accent.
The wide XTRATUF Ankle Boot is also a bit more nostalgic of the classic Converse with its white midsole and, therefore, is more vintage and urban. The Muck models all utilize neoprene and rugged-looking cuts of rubber but still try to incorporate style notes like color, laces, or patterns, which is a nice touch to detract from their otherwise workhorse aesthetic. The Bogs Neo-Classic is fairly basic but can be considered aesthetic due to the way it is cut and how the lines between the rubber and neoprene are designed. Lastly, the style of the Bogs Sweetpea II Chelsea is admirably simple yet highly versatile. The earthier tones give off a more organic impression, and they also fit well in urban environments due to their more low-profile and incognito nature.
It's a delicate balance between style and function; occasionally, boots have prioritized fashion the most. Thankfully, our current testing group offers a fair balance between the two modes, with only a few that might subjectively be deemed as catering strictly toward function, particularly in working environments.
Fit is something we can never expect to be perfect with rain boots because they commonly lack half sizes and are typically designed as a single seamless construction to mitigate any water entry. The fit will also vary depending on sock preferences, from those who prefer a snug foot box and a thin sock to those who want to step in barefoot for garden chores to those who prefer a roomy foot box and a thick sock for colder weather. More often than not, boots will run too large or too small, which means you'll want to read up on the sizing charts most companies provide. Even then, weigh in with your own intuition, as manufacturers may suggest something you have no preference for, such as “those who are half-sizes, size up,” when you are one to prefer a snug foot box and thin socks instead. With such variability, fit is not a metric we score on its own, but it does play a heavy role in comfort. Trial and error will be inevitable.
A couple of the models we tested provided an excellent fit for us, and it is no surprise that they are also top scorers in comfort, such as the Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall, Kamik Heidi 2, XTRATUF 15" Legacy, and Bogs Neo-Classic Tall. Those that happened to not fit as well include the XTRATUF Ankle Boots, which run rather large and wide (but maybe this is exactly what you need!), and the Asgard Chelsea Ankle, which felt tight in the toe box. Not nearly as bad, but still a notable fit concern, are both the Bogs SweetPea II Chelsea, Bogs Holly Chelsea, and Merry People Bobbi with relatively narrow footbeds. Over time, however, the footbeds have broken in a bit, which is a plus for those who don't have particularly narrow feet. But, we feel that the Bobbi is far more constricting than the SweetPea or Holly Chelsea and less comfortable for long-term wear. The Muck Chore Classic, with its neoprene bootie, runs rather small in our opinion, so fit is also more snug than we would like; and since we've tested three different Muck models now, we can say that we prefer sizing up if we are a half-size because of how snug the neoprene can feel.
Men's and Unisex
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wellington boots below:
RRP: £59.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Country House Outdoor
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Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60% natural rubber and 40% synthetic mix, which makes them lightweight and flexible while offering good support. There’s a removable, shock absorbing insole for extra comfort, and a moulded heel and arch, which holds feet in position. Fully waterproof, they have an elasticated back gusset with popper fastening so you can adjust for comfort and to tuck in trousers, and although they have a ridge rather than a kick spur, they’re easy to get on and off. A ridged sole and block heels means they offer plenty of grip in heavy mud, as well as on loose gravel on slopes. They’re also quick to clean as the ridges aren’t too deep, so the soles don’t clog with mud. Despite not having toecaps, they’re suitable for digging as the heel and sole are strong and sturdy. However, they’re not well insulated so need a thick pair of socks for warmth in cold weather. Scuff-resistant, they come with a one-year warranty and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.
UK sizes: 3-9
Digital market & commerce executive, Angelica Wilson says:
‘I have high arches and struggle with very flat shoes, so I was really pleased these boots support my foot shape and feel comfortable.’
RRP: £45.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Lakeland Footwear
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Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for sustainability, these wellies are suitable for vegans, are made entirely with FSC certified natural rubber, sourced in Sri Lanka, and have an organic cotton lining. Light and flexible, they’ve an adjustable strap, making them very easy to get on and off and our tester wore the next size up, which allowed plenty of room for warm socks. They have a good arch support, which means they’re comfortable and don’t rub, even on long walks. Block heels make them good for digging, and the toe area is reinforced with extra rubber, offering additional structure and support for lighter gardening jobs. Gripping well in muddy woods and on icy roads, the sole doesn’t clog up with mud, which means they’re quick and easy to rinse clean too. Fully waterproof and scuff-resistant, even after walking through brambles, they come with a one-year warranty.
UK sizes: 4-8
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
'These wellies are nice and light, so well suited to long walks with the dog, as well as pottering in the garden.'
RRP: £89.95
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Merry People
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Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use, the Bobbi wellington boots are light, tough, and comfortable to wear. Easy to slip on and off, with two straps to help you get your feet in quickly, once slipped on, these boots are warm, thanks to a neoprene lining, and comfortable with good arch support. Made from natural vegan rubber they're tough, waterproof, and very easy to wipe clean. The Bobbi boot’s tread has good general grip, and there's a chunky heel to help keep you up and out of the mud but although these boots are great for everyday gardening, they don’t protect your legs from the mud so are not for wearing in very wet or muddy conditions.
Available in a wide range of colours they come with a one-year warranty. We recommend buying your normal shoe size, but rounding down if you’re at a half size.
UK sizes: 3-10
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Le Chameau
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Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for summer months, Le Chameau’s Iris women’s wellington boots are made from 80% natural Chamolux rubber, sourced from a mature rubber plantation in Vietnam. The additional 20% is synthetic rubber to improve durability. Light and flexible, they’re a great fit, despite not having an adjustable strap, and offer plenty of support. They’re lined with jersey cotton, which prevents slipping or rubbing and wicks moisture away from feet, keeping them dry and making them ideal for hot weather. However, our tester needed to wear thick socks for warmth on colder days. They grip well in muddy conditions and the heel feels solid and balanced, although there isn’t reinforced toe protection. Available in seven colours, they’re 100% waterproof, scuff resistant and easy-to-clean. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
UK sizes: 3-8
Picture editor, Sarah Edwards says:
‘My feet never felt wet or moist thanks to a jersey lining.’
RRP: £90.00
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Aigle
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These rubber wellington boots are handmade and easy to get on and off. They feel soft and supple and have a handy quick dry lining. They were comfortable to wear with generous room around the calves and feet and have a firm grip underfoot. There is a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wider leg shapes.
Sizes: UK 2-8
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit womens rubber wellington boots.
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘Really easy to get on and off and great for tucking in your jeans so they stay clean and dry too.’
Read the full Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 review.
RRP: £120
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Hunter
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Hunter’s original rubber wellington boots offer a comfortable and flexible fit and are easy to get on and off. The boots don’t rub, making them ideal wellington boots for walking or digging in. There’s a good grip and a range of colours for both men and women. A two-year guarantee is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy as an all-rounder choice.
Sizes: UK 3-12
Gardening editor, Emma Crawforth says:
‘Hefty price tag but they’re sturdy, supportive and stylish.’
Read the full Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review.
RRP: £75
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Granite Workwear
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Skellerup’s thick rubber wellington boots are cotton-lined and feature a kick spur so are easy to get on and off, although they are little big for size. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable while the reinforced toe ensures sturdiness. There’s a good grip, so the boots are ideal for muddy conditions and warmer weather. A one-year warranty is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for men’s heavy duty wellington boots.
Sizes: UK 4-14
Deputy editor, Kevin Smith says:
‘They are wide around the calf (so good for those with bigger calves) but a little gappy around the ankle.’
Read the full Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot review.
RRP: £220
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Le Chameau
Cons:
Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, these wellington boots by Le Chameau are very warm and have an adjustable calf for a better fit. Although easy to slip on, the pair can be harder to get off. They have a comfortable fit with a shoe like feel, although they may be snug for wider feet. There’s a wide range of sizes and colours and they are available for men and women. There’s a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for cold weather.
Sizes: UK 2.5-15
Senior reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘Good fit and the lining of these boots keep feet warm and dry.’
Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons review.
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
RRP: £69
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Niwaki
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Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber lined so don’t need thick socks to keep feet warm, which is just as well as they’re a snug fit. The chunky soles grip well in muddy conditions and stony slopes, and given the substantial heel, work well when using garden spades and forks. They also feature steel toe caps, which means they’re good for other practical gardening and DIY jobs, but are still light enough for walking. There’s a soft rubber hood at the top of the boot, which is designed to make them watertight, but had a tendency to flop down on test - though this could be to do with calf size rather than design. We also like that they’re easy to wash, both inside and out, but you must remove the insoles first. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 5.5-10.5
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘I love the look of these boots, and they’re also a practical option if you want a sturdy pair that’s ideal for all sorts of gardening jobs.’
Buy Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki
RRP: £120
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from The Original Muck Boot Company
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These half-height boots are easy to slip on and off, thanks to moulded heels and flexible neoprene boot cuffs at the top, which can be rolled down for ease of access but are high enough to tuck-in for trousers. Lined and warm, even in cold weather, they’re reasonably true to size, and good for wider feet, so if you’ve narrow feet, you may want thicker socks. Sturdy and lightweight, they have a padded insole with some arch support, which makes them comfortable for a long day in the garden. They also have a band of reinforcement over the tips of the toes, for protection during lighter jobs. However, they’re not cushioned enough for prolonged digging, or distance walking, where you’d also want firmer ankle support, and shallow treads means they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean - either sponging off or brushed clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after 2 months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repels water. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-9
Former Editor, Lucy Hall says:
‘They are a good second boot for me - as they’re easy to keep by the backdoor, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.'
RRP: £59.99
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from Amazon
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Cons:
These short-style wellington boots from Leon Boot Company are surprisingly light. A great option if practicality is at the top of your wish list, they feature deep, thick soles that grip well, even in muddy conditions, a kick spur on the back to help remove the boots, and a removable liner. Made from a solid piece of rubber, they’re also completely waterproof, durable and simple to wash as there’s nowhere for mud to collect. A loose-fit design, it’s easy to put them on and take off, however, this generous sizing means they don’t support the calf, and as the heel is relatively low and the sole flat, people with high arches might find them uncomfortable. They also don’t have toe protection and aren’t breathable, which means feet can get hot and sweaty. They come with a one-year warranty for the boot, but the internal sock has no warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-14
Senior content creator, Miranda Janatka says:
'They definitely deliver on their promise - surprisingly lightweight and yet still feel strong, solid, and flexible.'
RRP: £140
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from Ariat
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Cons:
This pair of long wellington boots are light and springy to wear and ideal for walking. Made from a combination of rubber and leather, the pair offer good grip and support although they can rub on the back of the heel for some wearers. There’s a choice of three colours available and they are guaranteed for one year.
Sizes: UK 3-8
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Ariat
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Pros:
Cons:
The new Kelmarsh rubber boot from Ariat come up a bit big and are quite wide in the foot and ankle, which, together with a slight but effective bump on heel, means they’re very easy to take on and off. There’s also an adjustable strap at the back, but it's quite awkward to use and needs both hands to close the clip fastening. Lightweight and bouncy - thanks to a cushioned, shock absorbing sole - these boots are comfortable for walking and prolonged use. Strong and sturdy, they also grip well, and the soles don’t clog up with dirt as they push mud out to the edges as you walk. Fully waterproof, scuff-resistant, and warm, thanks to a jersey lining, they don’t feature toe protection. Disappointingly, there’s a choice of just two colours - blue or grey - as well as a large logo on the back, which might not appeal to everyone. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-8.5
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘These are bouncy and light and very comfortable even after a day in the garden, and are great for walking the dog too.’
Always clean your boots regularly, preferably after every use, but especially when they’re very muddy. Wash them with cold soapy water, make sure they’re dry, then store them out of direct sunlight, somewhere cool and dry. Don’t leave them near a radiator or fire to dry, or store them outside in a cold shed or garage, as this can cause shrinking, splitting and cracking. With rubber boots, consider investing in a silicone spray or boot buffer, which will help to prevent the rubber degrading
Excess heat or sunlight can cause blooming on rubber wellies – when a white powdery finish forms on the surface of the boots. It should come off by wiping a wet cloth downwards across the rubber, but if it doesn’t shift, then try a rubber buffer spray.
Lining: can increase warmth and comfort. Cotton, quick-dry jersey, neoprene or leather are the most common.
Calf adjustment: a built-in adjustable strap at calf level helps boots fit a range of leg sizes.
Material: predominantly natural rubber but can also be PVC or leather and suede.
Kick spur: an extra spur of rubber on the back is a useful aid for getting the boot off.
Heel: gives extra grip but also helps support the arch of the foot for added comfort and to relieve strain on the back.
Sole: a deep grip or cleats will help boots to stay anchored on slippery surfaces and in mud.
We tested a range of women's and men's wellington boots for several months over the winter and into spring. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
For more information on our testing process see How we Review.
This review was last updated in April . We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
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