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Telegraph
23-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Best wellies for walking in 2025: our top picks for countryside comfort and tougher treks
The best wellies for walking are a different beast from the classic green boots at your local farm shop, such as those featured in our best Wellington boots guide. Designed for longer distances, they should offer ankle support, thermal regulation and enough comfort for extended wear, along with reliable grip on challenging terrain. Expect to pay between £50 to £150 or more for a quality pair, which is more in line with walking boots rather than everyday wellies. Many walking wellies are unisex or available in both men's and women's sizes. We've highlighted who each pair is designed for in the key specifications listed under our reviews. For this guide, we've tested leading options from brands including Le Chameau, Town & Country and Merry People among others, focusing on performance and comfort across varied conditions. Read our verdict below, or see our top five at a glance. The best wellies for walking: At a glance How to choose the best walking wellies Fit and comfort come first. Look for wellies that sit snugly around the foot and calf without being uncomfortably tight. A poor fit can lead to blisters or fatigue on longer walks, as these boots lack the support of walking shoes. Adjustable gussets or straps can help improve fit, especially for people with wider calves. Sole support and grip are key for stability on wet, uneven or muddy ground. A deep-lugged, high-traction sole (like Vibram soles) improves stability. Shock-absorbing midsoles and arch support ease pressure on joints over time. Insulation and lining matter in colder months. Neoprene linings are flexible and warm, while breathable materials like jersey or mesh are better suited for milder days. We've also tested a few options with fleece lining, which are great for spring and autumn. Materials and durability also affect performance. Natural rubber is flexible and long-lasting but heavier; synthetic blends can be lighter but may not last as long. Choose carefully and your walking wellies should last for many seasons. How we test walking wellies We tested these boots across a range of walks, from short country strolls to longer day hikes across varying terrain, over several weeks. We then scored each pair on five key metrics. These included comfort and fit, waterproofing, grip and traction, durability and temperature regulation – all important factors in a pair of walking wellies. Once finished with initial testing, we stored the wellies and regularly revisited them to assess their ease of storage and cleaning as well as their longevity. We've only featured models when fully satisfied that they are as durable as the manufacturer claims. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best walking wellies of 2025 1. Best Buy Wellies for Walking: Le Chameau Vierzonord There are good reasons why Le Chameau is an icon in the welly world. These premium walking wellies come with a jersey lining which offers a silky-smooth feel. They remain a premiere choice for those tackling muddy paths and daily plods across open land. They're lighter than I'd expected, with a soft feel that comes from their natural, hand-crafted rubber. The key to their suitability for walking lies in their supple feel and flexion around foot movement. This is largely thanks to their soft rubber material, while the jersey inner slip enhances comfort during long walks. Even without a Vibram-graded outsole, they had plenty of grip. There's an adjustable calf gusset and buckle that accommodates wider calves while keeping out gravel. This feature is important for walking, as you can adjust the boot to sit tight across the leg and improve its support and flexibility. As you'd expect from a premium boot, water and cold resistance are solid, making this a great walking welly for the UK and its damp, temperate climate. Key specifications 2. Best Value Wellies for Walking: Town & Country Fleece-Lined Burford Wellies An affordable choice for countryside strolls, the Town & Country Burford boot performed surprisingly well in our tests. For £35.99, they offer excellent value for money. The boots are made wholly of rubber so they'll resist puddles and muck any day, but the real jewel in their crown is the fleece lining which adds warmth for cooler outings. My feet did get a little hot during testing in the summer months, but come winter, they'll be a great match for the frosty landscape. The generous mid-calf height delivers sufficient coverage for boggy conditions and you can tighten the calf gusset for a snugger fit. The outsole is not engineered for rugged trekking, but comfort and grip levels are solid. Thanks to a cushioned footbed and flexible neoprene-like composition that moulds gently to your foot, there's also a pleasing level of support on offer. While less plush than some other models we tested, it is adequately padded for casual strolls and dog walks. I used these boots on a variety of walks in a range of conditions and consistently found them to be durable, easy to clean and convenient to look after. They're an impressive entry-level option for people who are looking for solid protection on a budget. Key specifications 3. Best Short Wellies for Walking: Merry People Bobbi Boot The Merry People Bobbi wellies are stylish, comfortable, natural rubber Chelsea-style ankle boots which come in a range of vibrant colours. They're lined with 4mm neoprene for warmth and flexibility, which makes them good short wellies for dog walking or strolls. There's a nicely cushioned insole and built-in arch support, which delivers lasting comfort and the lugged grip sole provides solid traction on wet pavements or muddy paths. The heel is quite high, which provides a feeling more akin to a walking boot than a welly. For people who often struggle to find wellies that fit them properly, these might be your solution. Partly thanks to their size and their flexible lining, they fitted well right out of the box in our tests and they only softened with wear. They're exceptionally easy to put on, which makes them a convenient choice to keep by the door, perhaps even as gardening shoes. Some users find that neoprene feels too warm in milder weather, especially for those with wide calves or thick socks. What's nice about the flexible lining on these boots is that you can wear normal socks (not welly socks or walking socks) in warmer conditions and they'll still feel comfortable. Key specifications 4. Best Walking Wellies for Durability: Dubarry Galway Are you after something a bit more country-chic? Then the Dubarry Galway Boots may be for you. They blend appealing style with high-performance construction and though not a classic rubber welly, they can be used in exactly the same way. Their waterproof leather upper and GORE-TEX lining create a breathable shield against almost all elements. Although they're expensive, they're also among the better-built wellies we've tested and they could last a lifetime if well looked after. They are slightly tighter fitting than most other wellies, so if you normally go up a size for rubber wellies, I'd recommend sticking to your regular sizing for these and limiting the weight of the sock you wear. Once on, they're supremely comfortable and sturdily support the feet, with the stretchable topline panel enhancing fit and reducing chafing. They're light, meaning walking longer distances in them is a breeze. You can choose between regular and wide calf fittings to suit your legs. The boots are made durable with rivets, high-quality stitching and a multi-compound sole which can stand many miles of use. The brand's heritage is strong and past owners report that its boots stay waterproof even after repeated wet-season wear. If you want to buy one stylish pair of boots for county walking in your lifetime, these would probably be my choice. Key specifications 5. Best Walking Wellies for Dog Walks: XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots These boots were originally crafted for harsh maritime conditions, as the name suggests. They excel in stability and grip, making them great for dog walking (or even for traipsing across wet deck boards or trail edges). The neoprene lining keeps feet warm in damp environments while the lower-height, lightweight rubber and synthetic uppers mean they're easy to put on and feel flexible on the foot. Great for dog walks on slippy pavements, they're the grippiest boots we've tested, with a slip-resistant outsole that performs similarly to the Vibram soles typically used on walking boots. Their low height naturally limits their ankle support compared to taller models and it might not be suitable for the most uneven terrain. Originally designed for arduous work on boats, these boots feel super-comfortable to wear for long periods. The supportive insole and cushioned heel reduce fatigue during extended wear and the flexible neoprene moulds to the shape of the foot over time. As befits a sailing boot, they have excellent long-term resistance to saltwater and wear, good for strolls on the beach. Key specifications 6. Best Men's Walking Wellies for Cold Conditions: Muck Boot Arctic Outpost Although we've experienced multiple heatwaves this summer, temperatures are expected to drop soon. With that in mind, we've tested the Muck Boot Arctic Outpost Wellington boots for men. They are bulkier than some of the other boots on this list and looking at the specification sheet, it's easy to see why. They are fully neoprene lined and feature an additional fleece layer to keep feet warm well below freezing, great for walking during frosty mornings and long strolls in snow-dusted landscapes. There's an impressive 8mm of lining which also offers plush comfort, while the durable rubber uppers resist mud and sludge. The outsole's deep-lug tread under a high-traction rubber compound provides reliable grip on icy trails and packed snow. The boot's heel and toe lugs are specially designed to shed packed build-up of ice and snow. Despite their bulk, these boots are comfortable thanks to the neoprene's flexibility and cushioned footbed and there's a good deal of heel support too. They're a great pick for walkers seeking warmth and secure footing on icy terrain. Key specifications 7. Best Walking Wellies for Longer Hikes: Muck Boot Apex Mid £200 Buy now Price at Muck Boot Company If you're looking for something more akin to a walking boot, these Apex Mid wellies are worth considering. They merge walking shoe-like comfort with rugged rubber resilience and excellent grip. The 5mm neoprene lining offers good flexibility, warmth and padding and the integrated arch support and cushioned EVA midsole feel cushioning on uneven terrain. During my testing, the Apex Mid kept my feet dry even in standing water. There's a front zip and a Velcro strap for added ankle security, but if I had one criticism, it would be that the strap is a little too tough and can dig into the front part of your shin when hiking on rough terrain. A softer rubber or fabric strap might have worked better. A particular highlight of these boots is their moisture-wicking inners, which prevent overheating during more active hikes and increase comforts and provide walking boot-like performance in a welly form. Key specifications
New York Times
21-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
What's the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe for Traveling?
A capsule wardrobe, that halcyon thing that promises to alleviate the stress of packing and getting dressed in the morning, if only you can figure it out, is really just fashion algebra. How few garments can you mix and match to equal X, X being the greatest number of combinations? That is why, when you start asking around, what comes back is numerical. Some travelers claim that the 3-3-3 ratio is the best possible equation: Three tops, plus three bottoms, plus three pairs of shoes equals the perfect capsule wardrobe. Others hew to the somewhat more complex 5-4-3-2-1 formula: five tops, plus four bottoms, plus three pairs of shoes, plus two layering pieces, plus one anything else, like pajamas. Sometimes the addition is a little more creative, as when people view shoes as imaginary numbers. Either way, the point is the same. It's the math, baby. Well, and the colors. All such equations are obviously easier when you reduce the variables involved. Indeed, the rule of three may be more applicable to colors. Choose three that can be combined in multiple ways, like navy, cream and black or black, silver and white. Or black and white and pretty much anything else. What sounds good in theory is often very hard in practice, so I asked Stellene Volandes, the editor in chief of Town & Country and editorial director of Elle Decor, how she added it all up. This is a woman who manages to do both Milan and Paris fashion weeks with only a carry-on, an L.L. Bean boat bag and a zippered tote. 'I roll my clothes tightly in the carry-on — generally three blazers, three pairs of black pants, a few blouses, a few black shells, sometimes a dress,' she said. 'Shoes — no more than three pairs — go in the tote, as do travel-size beauty products.' After all, you can always restock when you're away. And remember: The travel outfit counts, so do not waste it wearing a sweatsuit you will never wear again. One colleague suggests wearing a pantsuit on the plane because you automatically have two more variables to play with. The trousers can be worn on their own, the jacket can become a blazer on its own, and together they can be a smart look for dinner. Then, Ms. Volandes continued, be tough with yourself. 'The key is that you have to be OK with sometimes not having multiple options, and you have to be OK repeating,' she said. 'As a rule, I don't pack anything I will wear only once on a trip.' This may seem like a 'duh!' point, but we are so conditioned by social media to think that every day should bring a cute new outfit that the idea of re-wearing can seem almost subversive. And don't forget: Unless you are traveling with a group, most people you meet on holiday will see you only once anyway and will have no idea you are repeating a look. This point is both liberating and more sustainable — and may even carry over into your nonholiday life. Besides, you can always have fun with accessories: jewelry, scarves, sparkly flip-flops. The numbers should be seen more as guidelines than actual dictums. One pair of pants (linen, silk, jeans) and one pair of shorts, combined with a variety of tops, can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. If you love changing bottoms, though, a perfect white tee works with almost anything. Just make sure to include one long-sleeve shirt and one jacket. These days, weather may be the most unknown variable of all. Your Style Questions, Answered Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa will answer a reader's fashion-related question, which you can send to her anytime via email or X. Questions are edited and condensed.
The Herald Scotland
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Colin Keane weaves magic on first Sandown ride
However, Keane got the 5-2 second favourite out and motoring just in time to hit the line just in front of Clive Cox's Hold A Dream, with a photo required to determine the short head verdict in the Listed event. By a NOSTRIL! 👃 Town And Country gets up to pinch the BetMGM Scurry Stakes on the line 🥇 #ITVRacing | @ctkjockey | @HenrydeBromhead — ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 14, 2025 The win extends the six-time Irish champion's stellar week since being appointed Juddmonte's retained rider and as he is set to be a more regular sight on British soil, it was a fine way to get accustomed to Esher. Keane told Racing TV: 'She was keen and Billy Lee told me she could be but I didn't think she would be that bad and she ended up bringing me into a couple of pockets. 'To be fair to her she only got out in the last half furlong and she has done well to win. I think over here when she gets used to proper sprinting it will suit her and the quicker they go the better as she will relax and we'll see the best of her. 'I would have thought she could go on to run well in Group company.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idyllic home in a highly 'sought-after' Glasgow area selling for £100k
An idyllic home in a "sought-after" area of Glasgow near a popular city loch is looking for offers over £99,999. The "stylish" home, which is located in Hogganfield on the northeastern edge of the city, is also close to Robroyston Retail Park and Parkhead. If you're on the lookout for a property with great access to the city centre and the East End as well as the countryside, this may be the one for you. Living Room (Image: Zoopla) Introducing the idyllic Glasgowhome on Zoopla, the estate agents over at Town & Country said it contains private garden grounds, parking, as well as access to the "ever-popular" Hogganfield Loch. Living Room from other angle (Image: Zoopla) Discussing the property, the agents said: "Entered via a bright and welcoming porch, the property opens into a generous lounge, flooded with natural light and offering ample space for both relaxing and dining. Kitchen (Image: Zoopla) "The fully fitted kitchen is thoughtfully designed with a range of wall and floor units and enjoys views over the garden. Bedroom (Image: Zoopla) "A stylish spiral staircase leads to the upper level, where a well-proportioned double bedroom features built-in wardrobes and neutral décor. Bathroom (Image: Zoopla) "Completing the accommodation is a three-piece bathroom suite, including a bath with an overhead shower, a wash hand basin, and a WC." View of Glasgow from Hogganfield (Image: Zoopla) 'Seldom available' two-bedroom terraced home in Glasgow selling for £110k Modern Glasgow flat that is in 'excellent' condition throughout selling for £80k See inside this Glasgow doer-upper at 'prime' West End postcode selling for £89k Externally, the home has a private garden, making it perfect for those who like to lounge around in the spring and summer months. It is also "ideally located" for quick and easy access to local amenities as well as the city centre and other areas like the East End. The nearby loch received particular praise, with the agents adding: "The property is ideally located just moments from the picturesque Hogganfield Loch and Park, a local beauty spot offering scenic walking trails, cycle routes, and abundant wildlife, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and dog walkers alike."
RTÉ News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
First Instinct battles to victory at Cork
William Haggas was on the scoresheet at Cork as First Instinct toughed it out to land the Listed-class Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes over five and a half furlongs. Chris Hayes was hard at work for much of the race but the 4-1 chance responded well to pressure and hit the front a furlong out before holding off the late challenge of 33-1 shot Town And Country by a head, with fellow outsider Songhai in third and firm favourite Babouche only fourth. A winner at Nottingham and Haydock as a two-year-old last term, First Instinct stepped up on a recent staying-on third behind Electric Storm at Bath over the minimum trip. Hayes said: "I love when Mr Haggas sends horses to Ireland as we have a great strike-rate together and there are never any complications. He was bullish with this filly and thought she had a good chance. "She jumped so fast coming out of the gates that I nearly came off but she got into her stride really quick. I was able to use Seamie (Heffernan, on Grande Marques) as my lead horse and had no worries. Billy (Lee, on Town And Country) was coming quick but I was pulling out more. "I spoke to Tom (Marquand) and he thought the drier ground would suit. Tom said she was fresh for her last run in Bath but she was good as gold today and was very professional. "I'd be happy at today's distance and if ever she comes back here again, I'd like to ride her." Jack Davison is eyeing a trip to Royal Ascot with Oh Cecelia (5-1) following a convincing victory in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden, which earned her a €50,000 Goffs bonus. The daughter of Starspangledbanner built on a close second at the Curragh by pulling nicely clear under James Ryan to beat odds-on favourite Rogue Legend by a length and a half. The trainer said: "That was super and she is a good filly. "I ran her the first day (of the season) on heavy ground, where she was just touched off and performed so well just on ability. She is a fast filly who wants today's fast ground to show her speed and gears. "I thought she won cosily enough at the line and would benefit from a stronger pace. "We have two runs now and I would love to have a filly for Royal Ascot. She wants fast ground, she is fast and is improving, so we will consider the Queen Mary Stakes." City Of Memphis (8-13 favourite) made a big impression when powering home for Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee in the Annual Membership Available Maiden on her racecourse debut. A €370,000 purchase in May last year, the three-year-old did not reach the track as a juvenile but started to make up for lost time with a comfortable success at 8-13. Twomey said: "We bought her off Katie Walsh at the breeze-ups last year and just waited with her. We haven't looked much but she has plenty of ability and everything she does, she does with ease. "We were confident coming here that she would run a good race and I'm delighted she has won. "When you go to the breeze-up sale, you pay your money and take your chance, but we've been lucky with Alan (O'Flynn, owner). He asked me to buy him fillies in the past few years and we got Purple Lily the first year and now this one, so he has two nice fillies. "We'll take her home now and aim to go up the grades, hoping to get black type."
