Best wellies for walking in 2025: Tested from mountains and bogs to beaches and pubs

The Dunlop Snugboots really do live up to their name. By far the most ergonomic of the wellies on test, they immediately mold to your feet, making them feel supported and - well - loved, from the first insertion. They’re designed with movement in mind, so perform incredibly well for walking, and their waterproofing is second to none.

They have chunky soles for excellent grip, and because of the form-fitting interior, they don’t slop about at all on the feet, making them feel more like walking boots than wellies.

They’re also breathable while staying warm, and due to the wide calf fit, are easy to get on and off without your socks being left behind. 

They are the chunkiest boots of the lot, however, weighing in at over 800g each. You’ll be anchored down in a hurricane, no doubt. They also look incredibly industrial, so don’t win points on style for the most part (but you’re guaranteed a ruggedness which doesn't come with some of the more fashionable brands).

The other thing to say about the Snugboots is that they’re slightly shorter than the rest of the wellies on test, but unless you’re planning to romp through fast-flowing rivers on the daily, then it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

The cheapest pair on test, these Warm PVC wellies from Decathlon offer surprising levels of comfort and warmth, as well as having excellent grip.

They come in two sizes rolled into one (I’m wearing the 37/38) which might be a problem if you’re bang-on either size. However, at a solid size 4.5, these fit me well, if a little snugly around the calves when wearing my merino socks. Without any adjustability - the boots are rubber the whole way, rather than being cut with neoprene - this could pose a problem for larger-calved people. 

In terms of walking, however, the snug fit actually makes them pretty comfortable, without much in the way of heel lift. There's good ankle flexibility too, but like some of the other pairs on test, this is double edged sword: they're comfortable over short distances but lacking the foot support you'll need for longer hikes.

These boots will suit anyone with narrow or average feet; if you have unnaturally wide clompers, you may be off with the Dunlop Blizzards (below). On the plus side, the lining is toasty in cold weather, and they’re flexible enough not to restrict blood flow - the worst thing for your feet when it’s chilly out. 

For a budget welly which isn’t just a big rubber sheath for your feet and lower legs, these are pretty great: soft, warm, comfy enough over distances under 5km, and they seem pretty robust so far, not letting in any water.

They’re also a decent length; not too long to impede knee movement, but tall enough to conquer the majority of muddy puddles. And sure, sludge-brown isn’t anyone’s first choice of colour, but at under £25, we’re not going to complain.

Think of the Dunlop Blizzard as more of an outdoor slipper. They’re a mid-calf level boot with a supremely comfortable fleece lining, foam footbed and soft drawstring close.

However, what the Blizzards have in comfort, they lack in structure; the outer layer is floppy and bendable, with the most flex of any boot on test by a long way.

This is a double-edged sword, as for shorter distances, the Blizzards seem very comfortable due to their supreme ankle flexibility. However, over the 3-4km mark, your feet will be asking for a little more in the way of support, with the boots beginning to feel a little sloppy - which could lead to foot pain or blisters over time. 

As one of the less expensive boots though, they represent good value in the walking welly category. Additionally, because of their flex, they fold down well for traveling with, and are one of the lighter boots on test.

Dunlop is also a solid brand in terms of quality, so these should have plenty of life in them for years, and the fleece lining hasn’t compacted too much over time, so should stay toasty for a while.

Available in some slightly more exciting colours than your bog-standard green, the Lakeland Active Rydal offers a comfortable - if slightly wide - fit. More importantly however, after putting the Rydal through some arduous dog-walking, this boot stays tough, durable and completely waterproof.

Features include a handy kick-rim and material tag for taking them on and off, a steel shank (footplate) for rigidity, and a waterproof neoprene upper. The soles have deep lugs but still maintain an element of responsiveness to the ground underfoot which some of the other boots on test lacked.

In terms of comfort, these score pretty highly, with a bouncy sole, flexible upper to accommodate a wide range of calf sizes, and optional removable insoles.

However, even for someone with wide feet, they do have a slightly sloppier fit than some others in the test, so undertaking miles upon miles of walking per week without your ankle being held in place properly might have blistery consequences, depending on the size of your instep.

Buying a separate pair of more structured insoles would solve any heel-lift issues over longer periods of time, but for walks less than 5km or so, the Rydals stand up to the task well.

Check out the men's version here.

We loved this tall version of the women’s-only Wonderwelly in our winter test last year. Somewhat annoyingly FitFlop have withdrawn it for the spring but you can still buy the short version (£45) on FitFlop’s website and the tall version is still available on other platforms including Amazon.

FitFlop call it ‘the world’s comfiest welly’, with biomechanical engineering, contoured sole, springboard forefoot and impact-cushioning heel. In effect, it’s a welly that genuinely feels like a walking boot – and at a reasonable price. And it’s adjustable via a strap at the rear calf, making it easy to get good, close fit.

It’s not lined, so it isn’t as toasty in winter as others in our roundup (but means it’s more versatile in the warmer months), plus the flat outsole isn’t as grippy as that of the Dunlops and Muck Boots in our test.

But it really is comfy on the go, and superb at handling sloppy farm gates and churned-up woodland. We’ve had a pair for three years and they’ve never let us down.

Tall, stylish and incredibly form-fitting, the Women's Arctic Sport II Tall from Muck Boots are everything you’d want in a walking welly - provided you’re over 5ft 2in, with slim-ish calves.

As the name suggests, they’re the tallest boot of the bunch, offering complete waterproof protection right up to the knee. They also seem to repel both water and dirt, making them look brand new even after a few weeks of constant wear. 

Performance wise, these were up there with the best in test. Doing a section of the West Highland Way in pouring rain was no problem for their neoprene waterproofing, and they were incredibly comfortable, with a good amount of foot support.

They’re also warm while remaining relatively breathable, and seem to be well-made, offering lots of flex at the ankle when needed, but bouncing back into shape with ease. 

The MuckBoots are one of the more expensive wellies on test, but the quality seems to be high enough to warrant the price, especially when you discover that they’re also suitable Sunday pub lunch attire: complete the look with a waxed green jacket, ruddy cheeks and a tweed hat.

However, if you’re a hobbit with melons for calves, either the unisex version of the Arctics, or a different brand, such as the Dunlop SnugBoot, will be a better bet for you.

Definitely on the fashionable, rather than practical end of the spectrum here, these Barbour wellies are good for short dog walks, festivals and instagrammable Sunday pub lunches.

The tartan lining is a particular highlight: this pair of boots wouldn’t look out of place in a posh lifestyle magazine, next to a couple of mucky spaniels and an appropriately weathered vintage sideboard.

If you’re after a classically shaped welly of decent quality for a price less eye-watering than some of its rival brands in the market, then the Barbour Bedes could be a good bet for you.

But if you’re looking for something that’ll keep your tootsies warm in winter, or stand up to long, more intense walking, then you’re better off with a different brand. 

Check out the men's version here.

A remarkably-priced basic welly from retailer Decathlon, the Glenarm is durable enough for woodland and farmland walks, where its rugged outsole offers decent traction.

It’s not awfully sophisticated though; the opening is floppy which can make it tricky to get your feet in if you’re in a hurry (or the dark) and also means it doesn’t feel quite as supportive round the calf as the others in our test.

There’s also no adjustment. But the footbed is comfy enough, and for shorter muddy walks on squelchy days, it’s a reliable friend. It’s just had a price hike from £20 to £25, but that’s still a bargain for what you’re getting.

Usually heavily discounted (£50 at present), the Mucker represents a great blend of quality build at a decent price. The entire upper section is made of neoprene rather than rubber, so it’s fabulously warm and flexible, but still has enough rigidity to make sliding your feet in and out easy.

Grip is good and there’s a pronounced heel brake to give you confidence going downhill on mud and wet grass.

The neoprene can get a bit soggy after heavy rain and needs a fair bit of drying out, and the calf cuff isn’t adjustable, but otherwise the Mucker is a great buy.

It even gives the similar but more prestigious Muck Boot Arctic Sport II a run for its money. (We also love the name. Alright, Mucker?)  

Find the women's version here.

Wellies for walking (not just gardening) were a revelation for me – specifically neoprene-lined ones with deep tread and a much closer fit than the flappy buckets I remember.

Le Chameau are at the top end of this market; they were the first to use neoprene in wellies, and to add calf adjustment and a proprietary vulcanised natural rubber which they say is softer and more durable than rivals.

I’ve used them for many walks through autumn, winter and spring – both for simple walks with the dogs and five-miles-plus walks through field and forest by self or with family.

Tall, imperious, butter-soft, with day-long grip and comfort – if you’re a welly walking convert you can buy cheap and buy twice, or bite the bullet and go first class. In this case, I very much recommend the latter.