With spring well and truly on the way, you know just how unpredictable the weather can be. April showers? More like April to July showers! When it comes to unexpected showers, you will make use of a pair of wellington boots regularly!
No longer do wellies have to be plain (which they can be if you want them to be) but with splashes of patterns and colours, they can add some extra interest to a rain-friendly outfit. It’s always better to prepare ahead so get yourself a pair of wellies now before the weather takes a turn for the worse.
If you have zero idea where to start when it comes to shopping for wellies, you’re in luck. This handy guide will tell you all about how to choose a style for you as well as how to make wellies fit better and more comfortable.
How to choose a style of wellies for you
Thinking about when you’ll actually be wearing them, you need to get the most use out of them. When it comes to different styles of wellies, there are a few to consider. From knee-high styles to mid-calf versions, you might want to try on a few pairs before deciding on your dream pair. Take a look below to read about the different styles we have to offer.
Classic fit wellies - Whilst they are classic in fit and style, they’re anything but ordinary. With glossy brights and country patterns for the ladies, you can really show off your personality and style with your wellies. Our glossy Ripon wellies are designed to look classy and stylish so don’t think they’re just for hanging around in the mud. These require regular cleaning because it gives them that extra shine. For the men, you can go for navy gloss or matte khaki for classic fit wellies. We recommend the glossy pair for more relaxed country living and a matte pair for when you need a more practical, every day pair.
Neoprene lined wellies - For an even more practical pair, neoprene lined wellies are ideal for countryside living, including farm work. The thicker sole and firmer tread mean you can walk around on uneven terrain much better with the extra support of the wellies. Our men’s boots are oil and slip resistant so you don’t have to worry about staining them when outdoors.
Mid calf wellies - For a stylish everyday version that’s still practical, our mid-calf women’s wellies are perfect for hopping around town on rainy days. This style has an extra cushioned sole so you will be able to walk around town all day in these before even noticing you’ve got them on your feet! Tuck in your skinny jeans for the perfect shopping look on spring days. The outer sole is still grippy so you’ll be just fine walking across cobbles and pavestones but we wouldn’t recommend wearing this style on countryside hikes.
How to make your wellies fit better
There are a few ways to make sure your wellies fit better. We know that they can be a little awkward to wear to begin with, due to the rubber material and the oversized fit. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our top tips to make sure that your wellies become one of the most comfortable boots that you own!
Make sure they’re snug but not tight - You want them to fit your feet properly but you don’t want them to feel uncomfortable. If you’ll be wearing much thicker socks than usual, you might need to size up at least a half size. This will make them snugger around the foot area but less so around your calves. To wear with regular socks, your normal size should be fine. You’ll still have some room if you want to wear thicker socks or tuck in your trousers.
Break them in a little - By wearing them around the house, you’ll be able to get a feel for them without wearing them outside for long periods of time. Wear them for thirty to sixty minutes a few times and just walk around the house in them (or do housework if you’re really bored!). To begin with, wear a thick pair of socks so you can stretch the rubber slightly. This will make them much more comfortable when you’re ready to wear them out of the house.
Purchase boot socks if you’ll wear them often - Investing in a pair of wellies is all well and good but your sock choice can be just as important. Boot socks are designed to wear with boots of any kind, meaning they have sufficient padding around the balls of your feet and your heels. They’re naturally thicker so they’ll not only be super comfortable, they’ll keep your feet extra warm too!
Add in extra insoles if needed - Because wellies aren’t particularly comfortable on their own, thicker socks and insoles give you that extra comfort. You will need them if you have specific foot issues but even without, an extra pair just gives you a layer of comfiness! They will allow your feet to have more support and grip when walking around.
Adjust the buckles - Whilst they need to be snug around your feet and ankles, you’ll also want them to be fitted around your calves. Tightening the buckles around your calves means that they will be secure to your legs and have very little chance of slipping off. You can always tuck in your jeans, jodhpurs or trousers to make them extra snug too. Again, you want them to be fitted to your calves but not too tight. Adjust the buckle until you find the right fit for you!
Whilst wellies can be uncomfortable to wear, getting the fit right is the most important part. It’s all about making sure they’re fitted but not too tight or they will be too uncomfortable to walk in. Too loose and you’ll be clenching your feet for hours during long countryside walks. It will take some getting used to wearing them so always wear them at home a handful of times before wearing them out of the house so you can get a feel for them on your feet. This means they’ll feel even more comfortable when wearing them outside!