Wellies

The history of welly boots

Wellingtons were named for the first Duke of Wellington who had the style of the typical 18th century hessian boot modified to suit his needs. He believed that better footwear would help him in battle. He instructed his boot makers to produce a style which was fashioned from leather and cut to fit closely around the leg. The boot was mid-calf length, had a small heel and was stylish enough to be worn formally.

Wellington was a war hero and so the nobility were keen to wear similar boots and the look became very fashionable. When Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanisation process for rubber, the future of the Wellington boot was assured. Footwear manufacturer Hiram Hutchinson bought the patent to make utilitarian boots and created the waterproof rubber Wellington for farm workers in France. The boots were big hits with agricultural workers and their popularity spread when they proved perfect for soldiers in the World War I trenches. Over one million pairs were produced by the North British Rubber Company (Now Hunter Boot Ltd) at the request of the War Office.

The boots were also manufactured in enormous numbers during World War II and quickly became popular with civilians. By this time, the styles had become roomier and boasted rounded toes. In recent years, wellies have attracted the interest of fashion houses which have produced more colourful versions of the practical boots.

Wellington boots at Equi Supermarket

With the finest designs from Aigle Boots, Ariat, Grubbs Boots, Mark Todd, Stubbs and Woof Wear, the Equi Supermarket range gives you the wellies you need. They are the perfect footwear for wet conditions at the stables and in the countryside. After a century of service, there is still nothing to rival these durable, waterproof boots. The leading equestrian brands have ensured that the latest styles are more comfortable and versatile than ever.

How to choose the best pair of wellies?

The Telegraph has produced a fantastic guide to choosing wellies.