Having a pair of the best wellies for men isn't just about keeping your feet dry when you're out in wet and muddy conditions. Modern wellies make the most of technology and design deliver fantastic grip, insulation and support. You might call them wellies, gumboots, Wellingtons or something else entirely; however you know them, we've found the best options for all eventualities and at all price points.
You might not think of wellies as the sort of footwear you'd opt for if you're going out walking, however improved sole technology means that some pairs are suitable for more than a stroll around a mucky field, and almost as good as the best hiking boots for extended treks in questionable weather. We've looked at wellies from all the classic brands like Hunter and Barbour, as well as plucky newcomers such as The Original Muck Boot Company; all you need is a pair of the best hiking socks to add padding and warmth.
While you're upgrading your outdoor kit, you might also want to check out our guides to the best walking trousers and the best waterproof jackets too.
The best wellies for men 2021
We think the best wellies for men right now are the Barbour Bede Wellington boots. The base model in the Barbour range, these boots are perfectly functional but come with a few hidden benefits. The vulcanised rubber upper is solid enough to be easy to get on and off, but still flexible enough to be comfortable in wear, and includes an adjuster strap. A thick insole keeps your toes warm even in extended periods standing around. This is attached to the rest of the boot, which means it stays securely in place when pulling the boots on and off, but you can't dry or air it separately. An important design tweak is the addition is a ‘kick spur feature’; a small right-angled projection on the heel that provides a lever to help you get your boots on and off. They're not the cheapest... but they're not the most expensive, either. If you're wanting a pair of boots that'll keep you comfy and dry for years to come, these Barbours are our top pick. Head to our Barbour Bede Wellington boot review for more info.
The best wellies for walking are the Decathlon r900s. These boots boast a reinforced instep shock-absorbing insole unit that's specifically designed for walking, as well a 5mm tread for grip. While Decathlon says that they'll keep you comfy for strolls of up to 20km, be aware that no welly will offer the same level of ankle support you would in proper hiking boots. The r900s are made from a new rubber formula that's designed to be more durable, and boast a high cut that makes them ideal for dense undergrowth and very boggy ground. Although these aren't the cheapest wellies around, they're nice and robust, and don't involve any compromises in the comfort stakes.
If you're looking for a wellington boot that is heaped with function and style, these Le Chameau beauties could be the best wellies for you. Although seemingly expensive, the Vierzonord, available for men and women, are built to last, so expect a robust and durable build straight out of the box. If you work outdoors, they will see you through many years of slogging away in mud and heavy rain, thanks to their durable natural rubber upper and hard-wearing rubber sole. But you don't have to work outdoors to enjoy them – they're also perfect for dog walking and muddy country strolls. The Vierzonord wellies have an adjustable snap-fastening buckle on the side so that you can wear them comfortably over jeans, trousers and leggings. Those with wider calves may appreciate the adjustable fit.
The fast-drying 3mm neoprene keeps your feet dry and makes these wellies comfort rated to temperatures as low as -15°C. The neoprene does take a little getting used to at first, especially when it comes to tugging off the wellies, but we found that rolling the boots down a little helped us to get them off easier. They also wipe clean in a jiffy, with mud and dirt washing straight off. If you're not so fussed on the neoprene option, you could opt for the Le Chameau Vierzon wellington boots, which are jersey-lined and have a lower RRP too.
If you're looking for a pair of wellies you can keep in your car, for wearing on dog walks and for getting out and about in the mud, these Dunlops are the best wellies for you. While they don't match the more expensive wellies in terms of material (the outer material is synthetic, not rubber), they're still fully waterproof and come with a 3cm heel for cushioning on unstable ground. Plus, with wellies for wider calves being quite tricky to come by without a hike in price, these boots really are budget-friendly. If you require a cheap and cheerful pair of wellington boots because you don't want fancy forking out on a pair of Hunters, we heartily recommend these Dunlops.
If you don't need full-leg protection, these ankle-length boots from The Original Muck Boot Company come highly recommended. We've tested out the women's version and were hugely impressed. The thing that stands out most is the comfort – the insole provides ample cushioning for hours of wear, while the lace-up top section adds adjustable support around the ankles. This lace up section makes them easier to get on and off than your average wellington boot, too. The rubber lower section is fully waterproof – you can submerge these in puddles without worry of damp feet – while the leather upper provides natural water-resistance when walking through long wet grass, for instance. For full calf protection you'll need to invest in a taller boot, but for more casual wear and especially for those who need a bit more stability and support, the Duck Lace-up short boots are a top buy.
For a classic welly that will serve you well when mucking about in deep mud most days, we recommend our number one choice's taller counterpart: the Original Tall Wellington Boot from Hunter. They're a great all-round welly, but most importantly the full calf coverage will you keep your feet, ankle and calves dry no matter how much it rains, or how deep a puddle of mud you stand in. You'll have the rugged durability that comes with the Hunter name and promises to keep your feet warm and dry in deep mud or rainfall.
The Muck Boot Apex is a welly boot for people who don't like wellies. More akin to a traditional hiking boot, the Apex melds high-performance welly-esque rubber and 5mm neoprene with a mid-ankle boot design, resulting in a close-fitting, highly flexible waterproof boot. There's plenty of breathability built in to combat the inevitable internal clagginess, as well as a antimicrobial footbed insert to beat the pong.
The outsole is designed for use on loose and soft ground, making these perfect for high-performance activities in soggy conditions, as well as ingenious 'stealth' wellies for those times when the dress code isn't obvious. That front lock-down waterproof zipper and screen collar help to keep the boot securely on the foot, as well as prevent debris from sneaking in and ruining your day. Overall, these are the perfect welly for active folk that want to go anywhere, do anything – without worrying about their feet getting damp.
Call us fickle, but we're especially keen on these boots' bright orange (Blaze Orange, to give it its official name) liner, which is revealed when the tops of the boots are rolled down. It's designed to ensure high visibility for those working in areas such as forests, but in a world dominated by olive-green wellies, we're all for a splash of colour. However, don't make the mistake of thinking these boots prioritise style over substance – they're packed with features which make life that little bit easier, but which so many other boots lack. Examples include the generously-sized, reflective pull tab for easy removal, quadruple rubber heel reinforcement and a steel shank for structural support.
Stormwells Fur-Lined Welly Boots are the best Wellingtons for men looking to stay warm and dry in snowy, icy conditions. While they do look a bit like waders, which isn't our favourite look, the tie top fastening will keep out snow and rain, while the faux fur lining keeps your toes warm and toasty in colder conditions. The Hi-Grip sole helps keep you upright and moving in icy conditions, making these the perfect choice for extreme weather wellies. These are a bargain option, which means they probably won't last as well as other pricier boots on our list, but if warmth is your priority, they're a great pick.
The MuckBoot Outscape Short boot sits somewhere between a traditional rain boot and a trainer, and is an excellent choice for occasions where you need a bit of extra protection, but a full Wellington is overkill. We think it's especially good for gardeners or warm weather rambles where you need something cooler. There's a neoprene lining with a robust pull tab to help you get these on and off, a comfy trainer-style sole unit with a memory foam footbed. The section that sits over your foot arch sits low, so we recommend sizing up. Head to our MuckBoot Outscape Short boot review to find out more.
If you are a construction worker, or do other manual labour on a regular basis, finding wellies that are ideal for work can be pretty tricky. These boots from Buckler are the best wellies for men – or women – who work outside or in garages, where something tougher than standard wellies is required. These boots come with steel toe caps and are heat, oil and slip resistant, which means they can be worn in a variety of working environments. The colour may not be your top choice for weekend wear, but they certainly stand out. What's more, they come with detachable insoles for easy cleaning. If your biggest concern when choosing wellies is protecting your feet from harm, these are the ideal choice for you.
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The MuckBoot Outscape Short boot sits somewhere between a traditional rain boot and a trainer, and is an excellent choice for occasions where you need a bit of extra protection, but a full Wellington is overkill. We think it's especially good for gardeners or warm weather rambles where you need something cooler. There's a neoprene lining with a robust pull tab to help you get these on and off, a comfy trainer-style sole unit with a memory foam footbed. The section that sits over your foot arch sits low, so we recommend sizing up. Head to our MuckBoot Outscape Short boot review to find out more.
