As we head into festival season, you may have already started to compile your packing checklist.
Experienced festival goers know you can never really rely on the British summertime, so for that inevitable rain, and consequent knee-deep puddles and mud slides, invest in practical footwear over your favourite white trainers.
Keeping your feet dry and warm as you trudge from stage to stage, wellington boots are the footwear reinforcements that you need, so you don’t have to be thinking about soggy socks while listening to your favourite artists.
A few things to look out for. It goes without saying that they should be waterproof. Thick soles and a strong grip are also key.They should also fit well – taking into consideration that you will be donning thick socks.
But they do not need to be boring.
You can have fun with your wellies by opting for brightly coloured options or floral designs that will make the ideal finishing touch to your carefully curated look, rather than an unfortunate addition.
Taking you from your festival fun, to country walks in the park, we have gathered our favourite rain repellers.
Hunter Wellington Boots
A Glastonbury staple, you won’t have to look far at Worthy Farm to spot a pair of these star boots trudging their way through the mud.
Available in a range of colours, patterns and textures including matte and glossy, which in turn affects their price, Hunters have long been a favourite of celebrities, with everyone from Princess Diana, to Kate Moss opting for a pair – and it’s clear to see why. The wellies are hard wearing, quick drying and extremely comfortable.
From £67 | Hunter | Buy it now
Ilse Jacobsen Short Rubberboot
Not all rain boots need to be knee-skimmingly high. Free your stems in these 100 per cent rubber boots from Danish brand Isel Jacobsen.
PVC-free and containing no animal by-products, the boots are lined with a viscose-cotton mix that stops feet from getting sweaty. They come in a range of colours, but we like the black ones best - they go with everything.
If wellies had an "It" boot — this is your girl.
£120 | Ilse Jacobson | Buy it now
Chiara Ferragni Eye Rain Boots
These ones are less about braving a torrential downpour and more about looking adorable while popping out for coffee in a light shower. Also available in grey glitter.
£139 | Farfetch | Buy it now *On sale from £173
See more stylish rain boots from Farfetch here.
Le Chameau Jameson Mid Leather Boot
The Jameson boots combine practicality with style for a timeless set of Wellington boots that will last for years to come. And last they will — they aren't £270 for nothing afterall.
Offered in a tall and mid-height variation, these investment wellies provide an extra strong grip with a new Michelin sole.
The boots are waterproof and unavoidably comfortable. They are also composed of a quality leather that is not only durable but will actually age to look better over time.
£270 | Le Chameau | Buy it now
Burberry Checked Canvas Rain Boots
This clever rain boot from British icon Burberry features a detachable canvas lining and a sturdy sole. For fool proof wet-weather styling, it doesn't get much easier than this.
£175 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now *one sale now, was £250
See all rain boots on Net-A-Porter here.
ASOS Leopard Wellies
ASOS have given the traditional footwear a major update. More is always more, right? The wellies are embellished with a bold leopard print and paired with a translucent sole that has a textured tread for added grip. They are also easy to get on, have a glossy, easy to wipe finish and are sure to transform any plain ensemble.
£18 | ASOS | Buy it now
Women's RHS Muckester II Short Boots
Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, these Wellington boots are embellished with a pretty in pink floral design when folded over at the top that will bring a pop of colour to your outfit. They are available in a mid height with a breathable lining, high-traction sole for that oh-so sought after grip and an innovative neoprene that works to shed dirt.
£80 | The Original Muck Boot Company | Buy it now
Dune Primary Ankle Wellington Boots
For wellies that don't actually look like wellies, enter these Dune ankle-length boots. The star footwear is offered in a sleek style in all black with red detailing around the sole and at the pull tab. They are treated to an easily wiped clean patent finish and grooved sole for comfort and grip.
£55 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Burberry Vintage Check and Rubber Knee-high Rain Boots
Drawing from its 150-year heritage, Burberry’s wellies feature the British house’s heritage check print with a toggle fastening to keep the water out. Staying dry and chic at the same time, these wellies make the perfect addition to any walk in the countryside paired with the label’s signature trench coat. The brand also offers an ankle-length variation in black and green.
£320 | Burberry | Buy it now
Le Chameau Adjustable Wellingtons
Masters in the art of wellies, Le Chameau specialise in all things rain boots — the five star reviews speak for themselves.
The boots are composed of handcrafted rubber and have a snap-fastening buckle that ensures comfortable fit. There is also a shock absorbing grip that makes these a highly versatile shoe for all terrains.
£150 | Le Chameau | Buy it now
Joules French Spot Wellington Boots
Promising to withstand the wettest of weathers, Joules offers rubber boots in a variety of quirky patterns. Our personal favourite are these timeless French spot print wellies that will be sure to inject a touch of fun into your outerwear. They also feature an adjustable popper fastening to ensure that they fit perfectly.
£49.95 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Barbour Waterproof Wellies
Specialising in waterproof outerwear, British label Barbour have learnt a thing or two about staying dry and cosy in their more than 120 years in business – all of which they have channelled into their wellies.
The fully waterproof boots are lined with a stylish tartan print and are adjustable with a strap on the side. Style with their signature Barbour jacket for the full British countryside look.
£48.95 | Philip Morris & Son | Buy it now *Best price
Also avaliable at John Lewis.
Dunlop Wellingtons
Rain boots don’t have to break the bank, just look to this cheap and cheerful pair of Dunlop ones that are sure to do the trick. Simple, practical and complete with a moulded sole with traction grip to stop you slipping in icy weather. They are perfect for a whole host of activities, from fishing, to camping to just not wanting to get rained on.
£11.99 | Sport’s Direct | Buy it now
Hunter Short Wellington Boots
Easy to pack, lightweight and handcrafted — the short variation of Hunter's Wellington boots are just as reliable as the classic silhouette.The waterproof shoes feature a non-slip rubber sole with a matte finish.
£90 | Hunter | Buy it now
ASOS Unisex Translucent Wellies
Never has your sock game become so important with these see-through wellies. The clear design ensures that the boots will not take away from your killer festival outfit but still protect you from the elements with a chunky sole and moulded tread. Need sock inspo? Check out neon green wings logo socks from OFF-WHITE.
£18 | ASOS | Buy it now
Verdict:
Our top pick goes to Hunters as they are an excellent investment option. Incredibly durable, offered in large range of colours and included tall and short varieties.
Our fashion-girl hearts can only belong to the Ilse Jacobsen short rubber boots and the especially festival-fashion option goes to the leopard print boots from ASOS for the sheer fun of wearing something so glam in the rain.
