Whether you’re heading to a festival like Glastonbury, are planning countryside walks this summer or need a new pair of boots for walking the dog, the best 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, as well as for other outdoor activities.
A failsafe pair of boots to prevent wet feet, wellies come in short, medium, and tall heights, keeping you dry right up to your knees. They usually have thick soles to offer grip and durability, and should be easy enough to slip on and off.
Some wellies come with a soft lining, though separate welly socks are also a great buy to keep your feet warm in winter.
If you’re shopping for a practical pick, or an on-trend option, or favour a particular boot brand, we’ve got the low down on the best women’s wellies to buy.
How we tested
We spent months testing a wide selection of wellies in different styles and boot lengths. Our reviewer put them through their paces on sunny, wet, snowy, and muddy days, as well as at the beach and while dog walking. Keep reading for the best women’s wellies to suit all budgets and preferences.
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.
The best wellies for women for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Barbour Abbey wellington boots, black: £69, Barbour.com
- Best budget buy – Regatta women’s Wenlock wellies, dark denim: £16, Regatta.com
- Best bright wellies– Helly Hansen women’s nordvik 2 rubber boots, yellow: £65, Hellyhansen.com
- Best for comfort – Fitflop wonderwelly short wellington boots: £44, Amazon.co.uk
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Barbour Abbey wellington boots
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
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
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
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
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 £63.00, Hellyhansen.com
Muck boot Arctic sport II tall boots
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
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 £69.00, Chatham.co.uk
The verdict: Wellies for women
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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