Wellington boots are great all year round. We wear them for dog walks, out for weekend trips to summer festivals and snowy days in the winter. They’re our second best friend on a dog walk, and keep our feet dry in the rain.
They’re also a killer addition to an outfit. Wear wellies with a dress and long socks in a field while having a picnic. Wear them over cosy leggings and an oversized jumper on a winter walk. Probably one of the most versatile footwear going, and a staple for every wardrobe. But, do you know how to care for your wellies from January to December?
This wellington boot care guide will explore all aspects of wellington maintenance, including cleaning, upkeep, storage, and protection. We'll provide you with expert advice on how to keep your boots in top condition and extend their lifespan. While also giving you our list of the very best wellies on the market.
Tips for caring for your wellies in summer
During the summer months, store your wellies in either a wellington boot bag, or away in the wardrobe (or porch if it’s shaded enough). Although, the best place to keep them away from sun damage is definitely our first option – the wellington bag! Then, just grab and go when you’re heading out. Alternatively, if you have lots of wellies in your collection, you may want to invest in a wellington boot rack for storage all year round.
Don’t leave them out in direct sunlight. Wellies, often made of rubber or PVC, may bend or deform as a result of the sun's scorching rays. This may cause the boots to fracture or break.
Can you leave wellington boots outside?
Yes, but it doesn’t mean you always should. If your boots are left outside, they’re open the nature's elements. Creepy crawlies, direct sunlight, and the potential of a downpour could have some negative effects. Say, if it were to rain, your wellies would likely be waterproof, but do you want them housing a small swimming pool for spiders? Unlikely. We’d suggest you bring them in.
Why do my wellies keep splitting?
Wellies splitting is not good – you spend all that time looking for the perfect pair to rock at Glastonbury and then you get home and they split? This is what we’re here to prevent. Wellington boots should last years.
If your wellies have split, it could be down to a few reasons:
- They’ve been left in the sun or near a direct heat source: We’ve covered this. We don’t do that. Don’t leave your wellies to dry near a heater or fire.
- They haven’t been cleaning or treating them regularly enough: We don’t mean to sound like your parents, but cleaning, treating, and maintaining your wellies will give them the best chance against splitting.
- They’ve been left folded: Try not to store wellies folded. They need to be in their upright position, keeping their shape.
How to clean and maintain rubber wellington boots
Follow our below step-by-step instructions to clean and maintain the quality of your wellies.
Give ‘em a good brush
Once you’ve got back from your muddy dog walk or finally home from a long weekend away and those boots are in need of a good clean, you’ll need to get any dried mud and debris off. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove any dirt that comes off easily.
Time for soap
Either fill a washbowl with soapy water or any pre-made wellington boot cleaner/treatment now. Use a cloth to gently lift any tougher mud that has made itself at home on your booties. You may need to repeat this process a few times before all the debris is removed.
Rinse and dry
It’s that easy. Now all you have to do is rinse your wellies with clean water and dry them with another clean cloth. By doing this you’ll massively extend the lifespan of your wellies.
Wellington care tips
No harsh vibes
Don’t use any harsh chemicals when it comes to cleaning your boots. They’re robust but not unbreakable. Treat them well, and they’ll keep you dry and walking through puddles for years.
Take off with care
When you get in and need to take your boots off, do it carefully. If you force one foot onto the other to release the heel, it will work but the likelihood of cracks and potential damage will increase. Use a shoe horn or get stuck in with your hands to remove them
Best classic wellington boots
It’s undeniable, Barbour, Hunter, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein are some of the best footwear brands going. Here at TOWER, we only offer the most stylish, and high-quality footwear. And, we wouldn’t sell something we wouldn’t wear ourselves. If you’re looking for a new pair of wellingtons or boots, we recommend looking at the Hunter Footwear and the Barbour Footwear collections today.
The Classic Hunter Wellington Boot
The Hunter Original is a classic silhouette that was initially released in 1956. These calf-high Wellington boots are suitable for muddy rural hikes or wet city days. They are made by hand from 28 different components and have a rubber outsole with the traditional pattern.
Shop: Classic Hunter Wellington Boot
Best alternative wellies
Right – here’s where you need to be if you’re looking for wellies for a festival. Below are two of our absolute favourite alternative wellingtons for this festival season…
Calvin Klein: The white chunky rainboot
These chunky combat rainboots have a rubber bottom and a top made of faux leather. They offer outstanding comfort and support and completely conform to the contour of your foot. They’re ankle boots, so lend themselves well to warmer weather.
Shop: Calvin Klein Chunky Combat Boots
Tommy Hilfiger: The black rainboot with metal detail
Tommy Hilfiger's water-repellent bootie features a finely moulded outsole for even more grip than normal, complementing the iconic oval toe box necessary for comfort on rainy days or frolicking at a festival.
Shop: Tommy Hilfiger Black Rain Boot
Find your feet with TOWER
Here at TOWER, we know how important self-expression and self-confidence is. From the moment you get dressed and decide what shoes to wear, it can have a knock-on effect on the day. Our footwear provides a base—a foundation for ourselves. Make sure your day starts right, with the best footwear going.
We’re committed to providing the best footwear on the market. We have a bunch of tips, advice, and inspiration for footwear do’s and don’ts and care guides. For all this and more, check out the TOWER Blog today.