Choosing the height
Tall boots are the standard choice for muddy banks, fields and campsites, and protect your trousers from long wet grass. Mid-calf and ankle boots are lighter and easier to walk in but let water in sooner. No welly replaces waders if you need to stand in water deeper than your shins.
Material and warmth
- Natural rubber: flexible, comfortable and supple in the cold. May develop a harmless white bloom.
- PVC: cheaper and lighter, but stiffer in cold weather and more prone to cracking at the flex point.
- Neoprene: lined or neoprene-shafted boots are much warmer and suit cold mornings standing still by the water.
Rubber on its own does not insulate much. Wool or thermal socks and a thermal insole help more than you might expect.
Fit and comfort
- Try boots with the socks you will use.
- Check there is room to wiggle your toes and that they do not hit the front walking downhill.
- Check the calf on tall boots, especially if you tuck in trousers.
- A defined heel and deep tread give better grip on muddy slopes; a softer sole grips better on wet stone.
Common mistakes
- Buying a snug fit. Tight wellies restrict circulation, which makes cold feet worse, and are hard to pull off.
- Drying them by the fire. Heat dries out and cracks rubber and PVC.
- Expecting wellies to work like waders. Water over the top soaks your socks and stays there.
- Ignoring the sole. A smooth or worn sole is slippery on wet grass, rocks and boat decks.
Care
After a day on a muddy bank, hose or rinse the boots before the mud dries, paying attention to the tread and the seam where the sole meets the upper.
Rinse mud off, let boots dry at room temperature away from radiators and sun, and store them upright. A boot bag keeps the car and tackle bag clean. For natural rubber, a conditioner keeps the surface in good order. Read the wellington boots guide for more, and pair your boots with a jacket from men’s waterproof jackets.
Common questions
Are wellies or waders better for fishing?
Wellies are fine on the bank and in shallow margins. If you need to step into water above your shins, you need waders; never wade deeper than the boot height.
How do I stop my feet getting cold in wellies?
Wear wool or thermal socks, make sure the boots are not tight, and consider a neoprene lined boot or thermal insole. Standing still on cold ground is when feet chill fastest.
Can wellies be repaired?
Small cuts in rubber can sometimes be patched with a rubber repair kit, but cracks at the flex point usually mean the boot is worn out.