If you’re heading to a British festival this summer, make sure you take the right footwear. Thousands of people moving from stage to stage means fields turn muddy quickly, even if the weather is sunny. So ditch the trainers (unless you’re prepared to spend ages cleaning them afterwards), and opt for a pair of practical wellies.
Most brands have cottoned on to festival footwear by now, launching wellies in a range of colours, patterns and styles. So whether you’re after a glittery Chelsea boot-style set or want to keep it simple with a traditional-looking pair you can use after festival season ends, you shouldn’t need to look far to find what you’re after.
We tested wellies through muddy woods and fields to find pairs that are comfortable, stylish and resilient – so even the most hardcore festival goer won’t be disappointed.
1. Hunter Women’s Original Tour Wellington Boots: £90, Hunter Boots
Hunter is a go-to brand for festival goers, or in fact anyone after a pair of wellies, and you’ll certainly see them dotted around festival fields and campsites this summer. Its original rubber pair is waterproof, comfortable and sturdy, making them the ideal festival companion. Easy to pull on and off, the latest version also has a foldable leg section, meaning the top section of the boot can fold down and wrap around the base of the shoe, saving space in your bag when packing. There’s a range of colours to pick from and they’ll last you for years.
2. Joules Molly Printed Mid-Height Wellies: £39.95, Joules
Joules has a range of patterned wellies that will stand up to harsh festival conditions. Our favourite is this green leaf design for something a little different but not too OTT. They’re mid-height and stretch to fit around your foot and calves, making them a good option if you’re an in-between size. They’re waterproof too and our feet weren’t sore after wearing them for a couple of hours on a walk.
3. Le Chameau Women’s Giverny Jersey Boot: £100, Le Chameau
Le Chameau has been producing boots for over 90 years so it’s a reliable brand to buy from. These tall rubber boots are super easy to walk in and don’t rub against your shins. The sole is thick too, making them comfy to wear and the grip is strong. We thought they were ideal for walking long distances so would suit bigger festivals well. Available in four colours, there’s a pair to suit any festival outfit.
4. Asos Game Chelsea Wellies: £20, Asos
Love glitter? Then opt for this sparkly pair from Asos. They’ll add some fun to your festival outfit, while the Chelsea boot cut keeps them on trend. The stretchy, elasticated fabric on each side makes them easy to slip on in a hurry and the glossy finish means they are easy to wipe clean too. But while we think they’re great, you might want to take a back-up pair if the forecast looks extra wet. Covering only your ankle, they might not survive thick, sinking mud but considering the price, they’re the ideal party pair.
5. Barbour Biker Wellington Boots: £74.95, Barbour
For something a little different try these rubber biker boots. Straying from the traditional wellies that you might expect from Barbour, these branded boots with tartan lining will add some style to your outfit. The wide foot opening means they’re easy to get on and off and will suit those with larger calves. They also have a high midsole, meaning your foot is well supported and they’re comfy to wear over longer periods of time. Available in navy too.
6. Bogs Amanda Slip On Boots: £70, Bogs Footwear
For day festivals, where mud won’t get too built up, these cute and comfortable waterproof boots are worth considering. They’re a snug fit (so go up a size when buying) and they’re a little trickier than some we tested to get on and off, but they are well cushioned and don’t rub against your ankles. Also available in black, these are easy to pack, lightweight and ideal if you’re not keen on longer-length wellies.
7. George Leopard Print Wellington Boots: £12, Asda
If you like bold prints then this leopard print pair may well be the ones for you. At such a reasonable price, they’re great if you’re not looking to spend much and only need a pair that will last you the festival. Sitting at calf level, they have good grip, are reasonably comfortable and fend off the rain well. Go up a size to be sure they’ll fit – adding a pair of socks means you’ll need the extra space.
8. Muck Boot Company Arctic Adventure: £100, Muck Boot Company
This company focuses on creating comfortable wellies, which we think are hard to find. But the fleece lining, neoprene stretchy top section and foam insole make this pair the comfiest on our list. They’re also waterproof and sturdy, making them a good choice for any longer festivals. This pair claim to keep feet insulated at -30°C too, we couldn’t test this but we did think our feet stayed warm and cosy, so you won’t need to pair them with super thick socks. Coming in a variety of brighter colours, there are also mid-height versions available, as well as some patterned designs.
9. Ilse Jacobsen Wellies: £80.49, Zalando
Scandi brand Ilse Jacobsen has created a fun pair of lace up wellies (although the laces are just for show) that are great for festivals. Coming in three colours, these are mid-height rubber boots that have a wide foot opening for easy wear. They feel sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about losing a boot to the mud and they don’t rub against your leg as you walk. We think they’ll last you years too.
10. Lemon Jelly Harper Wellington Boots: £109, La Redoute
If you’re more concerned about style, Portuguese brand Lemon Jelly has a great range of wellington boots to pick from. We love this fun design that will get you noticed - the glittery pink rubber outer with a zigzag pattern centre make for a playful creation. It’s a Chelsea boot style that slips on and off easily and shouldn’t give you too much hassle when wearing them for a full day. If you don’t fancy this jazzy design, there are plenty of plain pairs available too.
The Verdict: Festival wellies for women
Hunter wellies are a good investment and will last you for years, so they’re our Best Buy. But if you’re after something a little different, try the Asos Chelsea wellies, while the Muck Boot Company has created the comfiest pair we tested.
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