As most people know, wellies are a slang term for the Wellington boot. These days the name refers to rubber boots, also known as gumboots, muckboots or rainboots.

The original boots were leather and made famous by the first Duke of Wellington – these became popular and fashionable amongst the British aristocrats in the 19th century. In the 1850’s Hiram Hutchinson began production in France of boots made of rubber.

Wellington boot production was dramatically boosted when world war 1 started creating a requirement for footwear suitable for the conditions in Europe’s flooded trenches.

Modern wellington boots are now generally made from rubber and ideal for any occupation or hobby that involves paddling about in mud, water or any other unmentionable. Most ‘wellies’ are just under knee height although half length and now even wellington-shoes are available.

For many years these handy boots were green, black or blue – now, in the 21st century the ranges have been extended massively to include funky or designer wellies. These new funky boots are available in a massive range of colours and patterns and feature a multitude of different prints or pictures.

There are white wellies for people who work in food processing plants, hospitals and operating theatres whereas trades such as builders or factory workers prefer black boots with integral steel toe caps.

Fashion changes and different people have different views – some regard the traditional Hunter boots as the thing to wear whereas other look for the bright colours of Joules, Tayberry, Wedge Wellies and my favourite, Fred’s.

Click here to check out the latest colours and styles available at great prices.

 

 Mail this post