Few things unite Britons, from farmers to fashion designers, like Wellington boots. Defined by their durability and the fact that they can withstand the UK’s 1,200mm of average annual rainfall, they are the quintessential British shoe.

“It’s more than just practicality now: wellies are a bit of a status symbol,” says Fiona Coe, wellies expert at Coesan independent chain of clothing and country wear stores in Suffolk and Norfolk. This is why so much emphasis has been placed on the fact that the Princess of Wales’ favorite brand is Le Chameau (whose sales increased by 36% once she became known).

As country dwellers and urban workers, we want to find wellies that both look good and feel good, and that can destroy a muddy country field but wouldn’t be out of place on Hampstead Heath. It’s a big challenge. Read below for our full reviews, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:

What are the best Wellington boots in 2024? At a glance

How to Choose the Best Wellington Boots for You

“The strict criteria we impose on country clothing is that it is fit for purpose, durable and aesthetically pleasing,” says Hillary Bacon of Cordings, the traditional country outfitter in Piccadilly, London. She likes the royal-approved Camel boots, but notes that they are a significant expense and are by no means the only option.

Coe favors Barbour (“If you want a good pair at a reasonable price that you know will last, these are the ones to go for”) and the new country clothing heritage brand Holland Cooper, whose sherpa linings Wellingtons are a popular city-country hybrid option.

If you’re looking for Wellingtons for casual use or for children, you may not want to spend more than £50 on a pair. But Bacon says: “I always do a simple calculation: number of times worn divided by price. A good pair of boots will last for years, so if you plan on wearing Wellington boots even once a month, it’s worth it.

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How We Tested the Best Wellington Boots