Whether you’re planning a countryside staycation or need a new pair of boots for walking the dog, the best women’s wellies are a footwear staple. Typically made of rubber, wellington boots offer a waterproof option during rainy or snowy days, muddy walks and going to the beach.
A failsafe pair of boots to prevent wet feet and soggy socks, wellies come in short and medium heights for hikes or tall heights to keep you dry right up to your knees (ideal for riverside or waterfall walks). They usually have thick soles to offer grip and durability, and should be easy enough to slip on and off. Though some wellies come with a soft lining (see luxury styles from Barbour or Hunter), others are less insulating, so separate welly socks are also a great buy to keep your feet warm in winter.
I live in Northumberland and work as a communications lead to raise awareness of the region’s protected coast – as such, I’m in wellies most days exploring and working across the landscape. From sandy beaches to rugged shores, grasslands and rocky terrain, I rely on my trusty pairs of Wellington boots day-to-day.
Whether you’re shopping for a practical pick that has you covered for your outdoor lifestyle, or an on-trend option to prop up your festival wardrobe for years to come, I’ve tried and tested women’s wellies from all the best brands.
How I tested
I’ve spent months testing a wide selection of wellies in different styles and boot lengths. With each boot, I followed the strict testing criteria below:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Helen Wilson-Beevers is a writer and editor specialising in beauty, lifestyle and travel. Helen began contributing to The Independent's lifestyle desk in 2018. She became a regular contributor for IndyBest in 2021, covering new launches, product reviews and best buys, from tinted moisturisers to cooling pillows. In addition to her journalism, Helen works as communication lead for the Northumberland Coast National Landscape and spends much of her week in the great outdoors, where she tested the best women’s wellies.
The best wellies for women for 2025 are:
Barbour Abbey wellington boots
Best: Overall women's wellies
Height: Tall
Colours: Classic black, classic navy, olive
Shoe sizes: 3-9
Why we love it
- Robust
- Flexible fit
This smart pair of wellies is available to shop in black, blue and olive shades. We noted how robust the boots are, while also offering a flexible fit for movement. The chunky soles are sturdy and provide a good grip while walking, so we didn’t slip about on mud or ice. There’s chic Barbour branding throughout, from the tartan pattern inside to the logo running up the back. Our feet stayed dry in the rain and during a beach walk with our dog, while we also appreciated how comfy the boots were to wear out and about.
Buy now £69.95, Barbour.com
Regatta women’s Wenlock wellies, dark denim
Best: Budget wellies for women
Height: Tall
Colours: Black, blue, ivy moss, ice grey slate blue, navy blue tile, dark cerise, crayon stripe
Shoe sizes: 3-8
Why we love it
- Full-length coverage
- Deep tread for good grip
The first thing we noticed about these classic wellies is how shiny they are, and that’s down to the rubber’s PVC finish. We found the sole’s deep tread offered a good grip on slippy ground, while the full-length shape kept our legs dry in rain and puddles. Practical and streamlined to wear, they aren’t bulky or heavy. The dark denim shade we tried is a fun colour for pairing with jeans now or with shorts in the summer.
Buy now £16.00, Regatta.com
Fitflop wonderwelly short wellington boots
Best: Women's wellies for comfort
Height: Medium
Colours: All black, midnight navy
Shoe sizes: 3-9
Why we love it
- Supportive fit
- Cushioned heel
As you’d expect from Fitflop, these are extremely comfortable, and feel supportive and springy to walk, thanks to cushioning in the heel, so we’ve reached for these on longer dog walks.
They’re lightweight and easy to slip on and off when getting into the car or house in a rush during wet weather. We did have to wear them with thicker socks on cooler days owing to the gaping at the top, but that does mean there is plenty of room to tuck your trousers into.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon.co.uk
Merry People Bobbi ankle wellington boot
Best: Short women's wellies
Height: Short
Colours: Violet blue, fuchsia pink, midnight blue, golden hour dusk, dark cherry, forest green, sunflower yellow, denim blue, khaki green, sand, rust, chocolate & black, slate grey, mustard yellow & black, oxford blue & tan, beetroot & light pink, black & black
Shoe sizes: 3-9
Why we love it
- Varied colour selection
- Chic Chelsea boot style
There’s a lot to be impressed by with this pair of wellies. First up, is the range of sizes and colours available, including red, yellow, and blue to pink, khaki and rust. Nest is the design – a Chelsea boot style – which has everyday versatility and can be styled with jeans as well as dresses, making them a great alternative if you want something different to the classic designs. But they don’t just look good, they also provide excellent arch support, which we were grateful for after wearing them for a number of hours. And finally, thanks to the front and heel tabs, they are easy to put on and remove. A great all-rounder.
Buy now £89.95, Uk.merrypeople.com
Helly Hansen women’s nordvik 2 rubber boots
Best: Bright wellies for women
Height: Short to mid
Colours: 344 essential y (yellow), 990 black, 597 navy
Shoe sizes : 3-9
Why we love it
- Roomy for ankles and legs
A short to mid-height pair of wellies ideal for throwing on quickly, these waterproof boots lend themselves well to gardening, walking and going out in the rain. We liked the bright yellow shade for adding a bit of sunshine to any outfit, with black and navy blue options available to buy, too. The boots came up to our calves, and were roomy on the ankles and legs, which would appeal if you steer away from a tight fit. We paired them with chunky socks for warmth, and found them equally comfortable without that layer during warmer days.
Buy now £65.00, Hellyhansen.com
Muck boot Arctic sport II tall boots
Best: Women’s wellies for winter weather
Height: Tall
Colours: Black, black pink, black moss, black grey, navy spruce, olive, brown, black plaid print, black navy, magenta digi fade print, wine herringbone print
Shoes sizes: 3-9
Why we love it
- Impressive grip
Muck Boot’s Arctic sport II boots have been designed to withstand extreme temperatures, and they certainly pull out all the stops. The standout feature is the 5mm neoprene inner boot, which, along with a soft fleece lining, makes these boots incredibly warm, even in freezing cold temperatures. We found this really made a difference during wintry days. The close fit also helped retain warmth; the boots fit snugly against the leg, although there’s plenty of give. The secure fit also makes these boots ideal for walking long distances.
We wore them during dog walks, as well as short hikes, and found them as comfortable as hiking boots. Plus, the grip is impressive, so we had no problem in muddy or slippery conditions. These boots may be pretty pricey, but they certainly deliver on performance.
Buy now £150.00, Muckbootcompany.co.uk
Chatham belton lady premium rubber wellington boots
Best: Tall women's wellies
Height : Tall
Colours : Black
Shoe sizes: 3-9
Why we love it
- Classic style
- Soft lining
These classic wellies are available in three colours, including black, which has a glossy finish, which adds extra style and smartness. Of course, it’s not all about looks, so we were glad for the fabric lining, which added softness and comfort. We also appreciated the cleated finish on the sole and heel, providing excellent grip while trudging through muddy or slippery terrain. The tall height also kept our legs dry when we waded through puddles while walking our spaniel in the rain.
The robust design doesn’t feel too heavy, which feels like the perfect combination for a decent pair of good-quality boots.
Buy now £27.60, Chatham.co.uk
What are the best women’s wellies?
Our best overall buy is Barbour’s wellingtons for being smart, practical, and hard-wearing. For an alternative option, we love the unisex Merry People Bobbi boot for its wide range of colours and Chelsea boot style. Finally, Fitflop’s wonder wellies offer comfort and support thanks to their cushioned heel.
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