The best wellington boots to buy in 2026 - as tested by our experts

A strong, comfortable and reliable pair of wellington boots is essential for every gardener, whatever the time of year. Whether you’re looking for the best wellies for walking, digging or weeding, we’ve tried and tested a range of styles to bring you clear advice on the best wellington boots for you.

Best Buy wellington boots at a glance:

Women's

• Best wellington boots for long walks: Joules Printed Wellies with Back Gusset
• Best wellington boots for everyday use: Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boots
• Best wellington boots for wider leg shapes: Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2

Men's and Unisex

• Best all rounder wellington boots: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot
• Best men’s heavy-duty wellington boots: Skellerup Red Band Knee Length
• Best wellington boots for cold weather: Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined

Jump to reviews:

• Best women's wellington boots
• Best men’s and unisex wellington boots
• The best of the rest

Jump to advice:

• How to choose the best wellington boots
• How to look after your wellington boots
• Parts of a wellington boot
• How we tested

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:

Best Buy women's wellington boots

Joules Printed Wellies with Adjustable Back Gusset

RRP: £59.95

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Country House Outdoor

Pros

• Comfortable and light for long walks
• Very easy to take on and off
• Good grip in muddy conditions
• Available in range of colours and patterns

Cons

• Need socks for warmth

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60 per cent natural rubber and 40 per cent 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.’

Buy the Joules Printed Wellies from Country House Outdoor

Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boots

RRP: £89.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Oliver Bonas

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Made with tough, vegan materials
• Light, easy to wear

Cons

• Does not have protection above the ankle
• Tread not for very muddy conditions

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 they 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

Buy the Merry People Bobbi Boots from Oliver Bonas

Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2

RRP: £90.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Soft, supple and flexible
• Excellent grip
• Good support
• Comfortable

Cons

• Big for size

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 had 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

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

Buy the Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 from Amazon

Best Buy men’s wellington boots and unisex pairs

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots

RRP: £120

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Hunter

Pros

• Adjustable calf
• Foot support
• Good for digging
• Strong and sturdy

Cons

• Block heel unpopular

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

Buy the Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots from Hunter

Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot

RRP: £75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Granite Workwear

Pros

• Helpful kick spur
• Robust and heavy-duty
• Distinct heel and deep tread

Cons

• A bit big around the calves

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

Buy the Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot from Granite Workwear

Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons

RRP: £220

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Le Chameau

Pros

• Exceptionally warm
• Shoe-like fit
• Easy calf adjustment
• Good support

Cons:

• Can be hard to get off

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

Buy the Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons from Le Chameau

The best of the rest

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.

Niwaki Rubber Boots - Unisex

RRP: £69

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Niwaki

Pros

• Steel-toe cap, so useful for heavy-duty jobs
• Washable inside and out

Cons

• Snug fit
• Comparatively expensive

Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber-lined and 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 the Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki

RHS Muckster II Boots

RRP: £99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from The Original Muck Boot Company

Pros

• Easy to get on/off - so perfect for a backdoor boot
• Waterproof but breathable
• Sturdy toe protection
• Lightweight, so not tiring

Cons

• Slightly wide in the foot
• Soles could be sturdier to enable extended digging
• The pale colour may not age as well as a darker shade over time.

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 mean they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean - either sponging off or brushing clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after two months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repel 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 back door, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of a grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.'

Buy the RHS Muckster II Boots from The Original Muck Boot Company

LBC Explorer Ultralight Boots - Unisex

RRP: £54.99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Very lightweight, but built to last
• Removable lining
• Kick spur, so easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Wide fit, no support for calves or arches
• No toe cap reinforcement
• Only available in green and black

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 them 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.'

Buy the LBC Explorer Ultralight Boots from Amazon

Ariat Burford Waterproof Rubber Boots

RRP: £140

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Amazon - women's and men's

Pros

• Very light and bouncy
• Breathable
• Toe protection

Cons

• Rub on the back of heel
• Adjustable calf is more for decoration

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

Buy the Burford Waterproof Rubber Boots from Amazon - women's and men's

Ariat Kelmarsh Rubber Boots

RRP: £100

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from Ariat

Pros

• Very bouncy and comfortable
• Very light
• Easy to get on and off
• Good grip

Cons

• The straps are hard to adjust and close
• The fit is wide around the foot and the ankle
• Colours won't be for everyone
• Expensive for lack of thermal lining

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.’

Buy the Ariat Kelmarsh Rubber Boots from Ariat

Once you’ve ordered your wellies, why not think about storage? We’ve found the most practical, and stylish solutions in our best boot racks roundup, and while you’re at it, see our guide to the best boot scraper and brushes to help keep them mud-free. And if you’re searching for lighter footwear, we’ve also found some of the best garden shoes to wear in the garden.

How to choose the best wellington boots

• Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and fit well. In our descriptions of each pair of wellingtons, we’ve noted if the sizing is particularly large or snug. We’ve also highlighted features that we found improved or impeded the comfort of each pair.
• The material the boots are made from will also affect how they feel when worn. For instance, neoprene may make the boots more flexible, while fleece linings will improve comfort and warmth.
• Every pair will have a slightly different grip and heel size, and some may also have features such as reinforced toes, which are useful for heavy-duty work. In any wellington boot, a good, strong grip is important to keep you steady on your feet in wet, stony, or muddy conditions.

How to look after your wellington boots

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.

Parts of a wellington boot

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, 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.

How we tested wellies

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:

• Comfort. Looked at how easy they were to put on and take off, general size and fit, as well as suitability for a range of gardening jobs and walking.
• Sole and materials. Focused on grip and how well they coped with mud. We also assessed the heels and soles for digging, as well as if they featured toe caps, were warm and finally, if they were easy to clean.
• Durability. Assessed if the boots were sturdy and built to last, as well as if they were waterproof and scuff-resistant.
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.

For more information on our testing process, see How we review

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine , responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This review was last updated in January 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.