Whether you're out on a short ramble, in the garden, or exploring the nearby countryside, it's important to wrap up warm and even consider something like thermal wellies.
In autumn and winter especially, we all know it's chilly, wet, and muddy outside and that little bit of extra insulation could help keep you healthy, comfortable, and dry. To make sure your feet aren't the first to suffer, we've recommended some of the best thermal wellies to browse.
Thermal wellies perform the same job as your usual wellington boots, but with extra features that make them stand out as a winter necessity, you didn't know you needed.
We've listed the best features to look out for and our pick of some great thermal wellies that are sure to keep the frostbite at bay.
Best features to look for in thermal wellies
Tread for secure grip: While this won’t affect the thermal parameters of your boot, it is a must when buying wellies so you can tackle all weathers and terrains. The wet ground underfoot and a weak tread will have you slipping and sliding over wet or frozen ground. Stay upright by looking out for good grip and a well-defined tread.
Thick lining: Wellies are often lined with a material to provide some comfort, but if you're looking for warmth, buy boots with faux fur, wool, or fleece lining. It'll keep your feet well insulated and prevent the cold from creeping in.
Teflon coated: This invisible shield will provide that extra protection for your wellington boot and help improve temperature resistance as a result.
Neoprene lining: Often used in scuba diving, this synthetic rubber is fantastically weather resistant. While your traditional rubber wellies will provide flexibility, resistance, and strength, a welly with neoprene is stronger, waterproof, and more resilient against icy temperatures as they’re designed to keep your own heat from escaping. It can make your wellies more expensive but are definitely worth the investment for resistance and longevity.
8 of the best thermal wellies
Thermal wellies for winter
1 of 8MuckBoots Women’s Artic Weekend Boots
With rubber sole and neoprene calf material, these boots will keep your feet nice and snug on muddy walks. The rubber outsole provides light gripping, whilst the contoured molded midsole will give your feet and arches all the comfort they need.Colours: Available in maroon, pink, purple, and black.Sizing: UK women's sizes 3-9Review: "Well fitting with a neoprene top which makes them super comfortable - no hard tops biting into your legs as with standard wellies. Have been perfect for squelching through the Cornish mud this week and easy to clean."
2 of 8Dunlop Unisex Blizzard Wellington Boots
These unisex wellies will keep your feet dry and warm thanks to the synthetic fur lining and 100 per cent waterproof PVC material with a drawstring top. Even on the wettest of walks, you won't need to worry about water, mud, or grit being kicked into your boot. They also have a thick sole and tread for tackling slippery ground.Colours: Available in black and green.Sizing: UK sizes 4-11Review: "Living in a rural, agricultural area, I live in my wellies almost year round… They're a comfortable fit, less loose around the calves, warm-lined throughout and feel much more like wearing comfortable boots while also being practical for walking through streams and they are completely waterproof."
3 of 8Lakeland Active Women's Rydal Neoprene Insulated Rubber Wellington Boots
100 per cent waterproof and breathable, the shin and calf of these wellies are covered in insulating neoprene for warmth, comfort, and flexibility whilst the rubber sole is steel-reinforced for protection. With high traction too, these wellies are a fantastic choice for tough or winter walks.Colours: Available in black, plum, and moss green.Sizing: Women's sizes 3-8Review: "these are the first neoprene boots I have owned, I find them so much better than normal rubber ones a lot warmer, more comfortable, and easier to clean than my walking boots, which makes a difference when walking the dog through the woods."
4 of 8Women's Balmoral Adjustable 3mm Neoprene Wellington Boots
Designed with performance against the elements in mind, these wellies from Hunter have a sturdy Vibram® sole that's shock-absorbent, has excellent grip and mud-release to help prevent mud from clogging your traction. It has a 3mm neoprene lining for insulation and comes with a two-year guarantee, perfect if you're a little worried about the price.Colours: Available in dark olive, navy, and dark slate.Sizing: Sizes UK women's 3-9Review: "I'm a big fan of the hunter brand and have had a few pairs over the years, these were the perfect fit for my calves, would recommend to anyone!"
5 of 8Thermal Lightweight EVA Wellies Wellingtons Boots
If you're looking for some thermal boots to keep your feet warm in the garden or on dog walks, these knee-high boots will keep your feet and legs dry from plant and high grass condensation. They don't have as much grip as others on our list, but they're extremely light and well-shaped for comfort, are of lower cost, and have a thermal lining.Colours: Available in green.Sizing: Men's 7.5-12 Review: "Excellent lightweight thermal wellies. I've bought these for my children for years but this is the first pair I've bought for myself."They are light, comfortable and warm and although they're just new, I think they will be quite hard-wearing. One point to note is that the calf/top of the boots is VERY wide, to me this is a positive but for anyone looking to put trousers over the boots, I think this may be an issue."
6 of 8BROGINI Women’s Keswick Warm Neoprene Wellington Boot
These super-comfy wellies are made from durable high-grade rubber with a heat-retaining neoprene calf for comfort, insulation, and flexibility. It also features a deep-tread, non-slip, waterproof, rubber sole to help you keep your footing and keep your feet dry.Colours: Available in black.Sizing: UK women's 4-9
7 of 8Women's Harper Cosy Ankle Wellies Navy Floral
These short, faux fur-lined boots are ideal for pottering about in the garden, heading to a festival, or going on short walks where you might encounter puddles. Featuring vulcanised natural rubber, these wellies provide complete weather protection and are not only comfortable, but look cute too!Colours: Available in navy floral, thyme leaf green, and navy.Sizing: UK women's 4-8
8 of 8Cotswold Women’s Kemble Wellington Boot
With chunky, rubber, waterproof galosh with non-slip sole, these knee-length wellies are perfect for cold weather and keeping your feet and lower-leg warm. They've been lined and padded with microfiber faux sheering for warmth with five flexible wide-calf fit adjustments for the perfect fit.Colours: Available in black.Sizing: Sizes 3-6.5
How to measure to find your perfect fit
Before choosing your wellies, make sure to take your measurements first to ensure your boots will fit just right - especially important if you're choosing unisex or men's wellies. Use your usual shoe sizing as a measurement for your feet, and use a measuring tape around the widest point of your calf to find the best fit for you. You might find a wide-fit wellington boot is best for you or one with adjustable straps will be more comfortable.
It's also worth considering the height of your wellies based on how you're going to use them. Short, ankle wellies would be good for walks and gardening, while taller wellies may be better suited to muddy trails, dog walking, and fishing.
Muckier activities require more protection for keeping your feet and legs clean and dry!