Buying Guide Welly Boot Buying Guide

Finding the best Wellies

Buying wellies was once a simple affair, and as long as they fit your feet and were waterproof, that’s all you needed to know. But today, with the development of technically advanced wellington boots from emerging brands such as Le Chameau, choosing the right welly, is not as easy as it once was. With many British households requiring a pair of wellies for the notorious wet British weather, it is important you find the right pair for your needs. Warmth, grip, fit and so much more now come into consideration and it can be difficult to know which welly is the right welly for your lifestyle.

Jump to Guide Section

• Types of Wellies
• Types of Sole Units
• Best Wellies for Specific Use
• A Guide to the Best Le Chameau Wellies
• Best Wellies for him
• Best Wellies for her
• How should a comfortable welly fit?
• How to keep your feet warm when wearing wellies?
• Why Le Chameau?

Types of wellies

Neoprene Lined

Wellies have a reputation for keeping your feet dry, but not particularly warm. Neoprene is a fabric, that is primarily used in wetsuits, due to its insulation and durability. The micro bubbles in the fabric trap warm air and reduce weight. The introduction of a neoprene lined wellies has resulted in wellies that can keep your feet and legs warm in temperatures as low as -15°C to 0°C. It is also a very comfortable lining option, keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable. The best neoprene wellies on the market today, are the Le Chameau Chasseur Neo and Vierzonord Neoprene Wellington boot. Hands down, neoprene lined wellies are the best thermal wellies for keeping your feet warm.

“Very comfortable wellingtons that fit well and keep my feet cosy and warm even on cold days without adding thicker socks” – Anonymous review on neoprene lined wellies.

Jersey Lined

Looking for summer wellies? Lined with a fabric made from cotton and polyester, jersey lined wellies are ideal for the warmer seasons. It is a lightweight and breathable fabric, that moulds to the wearer, providing a long-lasting comfort and wear. Although not suited for the depths of winter weather (beasts from the east, or often in our cases pests from the west) they will keep your feet warm to temperatures as low as 0°C and cool in temperatures as high as 10°C. Jersey linings are fast drying, so when wearing them in the summer months, they will keep your feet dry inside, wicking moisture away from your feet as the lining absorbs moisture, keeping your feet and legs comfortable and sweaty free!

Leather lined

Renowned for quality and durability, leather lined boots are extremely hard wearing. They are luxuriously lined completely in leather from Italian and French tanneries. The leather lining also provides a superior comfort, for long term wear as it moulds to the wearers foot. Excellent abrasion properties makes a leather lining hard-wearing and easy to wear. It is suitable for all seasons in temperatures from -10°C to 10°C.

Types of Sole Units

Dual-density soles

Dual-density soles are constructed from a firm rubber with a deep tread. They are crack resistant with superior abrasion properties and a softer midsole to add comfort. They are also shock and slip resistant and resistant to oils and natural gases, ideal for intense and technical use e.g. country sports, farming etc.

Single-Density Soles

These sole units are lightweight, durable, and flexible, perfect for walking and gardening. They are cushioned for comfort when wearing.

Shank Reinforcement

Some sole units are accompanied with shank reinforcement. Which is built into the lasting board, not the rubber sole. The reinforcement bridges the arch between the heel and forepart of the sole unit, resulting in a more stable sole and less fatigue for the wearer.

Best Wellies for Specific Use

Finding the Best Wellies for Walking & Dog Walking

Country folks are known for walking, particularly with a four-legged friend. When there are dogs to walk every day in the rain, hail or shine, only comfortable, durable, and dependable wellies will do…a good grip is also advantageous, as know one wants to end up on their backsides covered in mud (we have all been there).

Finding the Best Wellies for Gardening

When spending long periods of time labouring in the garden, comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean wellies are a must. Wellies that are easy to slip off and on are also handy, as you pop in and out the house in the summer months.

Finding the Best Wellies for Farming

Dependability is of the utmost importance for farmers looking for the right welly boot. Resistance to all sorts of chemicals and muck, along with sturdy sole units are required. A comfortable sole unit for long days of wear is also important.

Finding the Best Wellies for Country Sports

When spending long amounts of time outside in the field, warm, comfortable, and dry feet are a must. With a good quality sole unit, and comfortable lining, you can’t go far wrong.

Finding the Best Wellies for Snow and Icy Weather

Grip, warmth, and durability are all attributes required for wellies built to withstand the winter months. A Neoprene lining for unparalleled warmth is recommended.

	Walking/Dog Walking	Gardening	Farming	Country Sports	Snow/Icey Weather
Vierzonord	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Chasseur Cuir	Y			Y
Chasseur Neo	Y			Y	Y
Iris	Y	Y
Giverny	Y	Y	Y
Country Cross	Y	Y	Y
Bottillon		Y

A Guide to the Best Le Chameau Wellies

Neoprene Wellingtons

The Vierzonord Wellington – Men’s and Ladies

• The most popular Le Chameau Wellington
• It is the country all-rounder, perfect for walking, sporting, farming, gardening, and cold weather wear
• 3mm neoprene lining, keeping you warm against temperatures as low as -15°C
• Dual-density cross sole – absorbs shock (Ladies boot)
• Dual-density grip sole – absorbs shock (men’s boot)
• Shank reinforcement board that provides stability and arch support, reducing fatigue when wearing
• Excellent grip on uneven, slippery and muddy surfaces
• Adjustable gusset, where fastening can be adjusted for calf width
• Combination of natural rubber outer and neoprene lining allows easy flex and free foot movement

The Chasseur Neo – Men’s and Ladies

• Ideal for walking, country sports and wintery weather
• 3mm neoprene lining, keeping you warm against temperatures as low as -15°
• Watertight heavy-duty full-length zip with stud fastening these boots are easy to get on and off
• Dual-density cross sole – absorbs shock (Ladies boot)
• Dual-density grip sole – absorbs shock (men’s boot)
• Shank reinforcement board that provides stability and arch support, reducing fatigue when wearing.
• Excellent grip on uneven, slippery, and muddy surfaces
• Aramid fibres used in the natural rubber reinforce the forefoot areas improving tear and abrasion resistance
• Available in different calf sizes for those with wider and narrower calves.

Leather lined Wellies

The Chasseur Cuir – Men’s and Ladies

• Ideal for walking and country sports
• Indestructible leather lining that moulds to the wearer, resulting in maximum comfort
• The leather lining also makes the boot easy to get on
• Watertight heavy-duty full-length zip with stud fastening these boots are easy to get on and off
• Quick-drying leather insoles that cushions the foot and provides insulation
• Dual-density cross sole – absorbs shock (Ladies boot)
• Dual-density grip sole – absorbs shock (men’s boot)
• Shank reinforcement board that provides stability and arch support, reducing fatigue when wearing
• Excellent grip on uneven, slippery, and muddy surfaces
• Aramid fibres used in the natural rubber reinforce the forefoot areas improving tear and abrasion resistance
• Available in different calf sizes for those with wider and narrower calves.

Jersey lined Wellies

The Iris - Ladies

• Ideal for walking, gardening, festivals, and warmer months
• Poly-cotton jersey lining which wicks moisture away keeping feet dry
• A breathable wellington boot, perfect for spring and summer
• Lightest welly in the Le Chameau collection, ideal for walking and long wear
• Single-density lightweight sole
• Made from Chamolux rubber the boot is 100% waterproof and supple

The Giverny - Ladies

• Ideal for walking, gardening, and farmers
• Poly-cotton jersey lining which wicks moisture away keeping feet dry
• A breathable wellington boot, perfect for spring and summer
• Moulds to the foot resulting in a comfortable and bespoke fit
• Dual-density grip sole supports and cushions your feet
• Reduces fatigue and tired feet for long days of wear
• Abrasion-resistant outsole keeps you steady on uneven and muddy terrain
• Made from Chamolux rubber the boot is 100% waterproof and supple

The Country Cross - Men’s

• Ideal for walking, gardening, and farmers
• Poly-cotton jersey lining which wicks moisture away keeping feet dry
• A breathable wellington boot, perfect for spring and summer
• Moulds to the foot resulting in a comfortable and bespoke fit
• Dual-density grip sole supports and cushions your feet
• Reduces fatigue and tired feet for long days of wear
• Abrasion-resistant outsole keeps you steady on uneven and muddy terrain
• Made from Chamolux rubber the boot is 100% waterproof and supple

The Bottillon - Ladies

• Ideal for gardening, socialising outdoors and slipping on and off
• Poly-cotton jersey lining which wicks moisture away keeping feet dry
• A breathable wellington boot, perfect for spring and summer
• Extremely lightweight, comfortable, and stylish
• Dual-density grip sole supports and cushions your feet
• Reduces fatigue and tired feet for long days of wear
• Abrasion-resistant outsole keeps you steady on uneven and muddy terrain
• Made from Chamolux rubber the boot is 100% waterproof and supple

Best Wellies for him

The Le Chameau Vierzonord, is the most popular wellington boot. This is probably due to its all-rounder nature. With its grip, neoprene lining for warmth, and comfort, it is a welly boot that is suitable for most, if not all activities. Those who need to wear their wellies in the summer, may find the Vierzonord a little too warm, with its insulating lining. The Leather lined Chasseur Cuir is also a great welly boot for those looking for the top of the range, with it's luxurious leather lining, comfort and durability, these boots are a great investment.

“5-star wellies that can't be beaten” – Brian Warren review of the Vierzonord Wellington Boot.

The best selling Vierzonord offers supreme insulation against temperatures as low as -15°c

Best Wellies for her

Once again, the Le Chameau Vierzonord is the top of the list for the best ladies welly, due to the fact it can be worn for all activities and all year round. However, the fun and colourful Iris has recently been growing in popularity as alternative option for the warmer months with its comfortable jersey lining and unique look. The Chasseur Cuir also makes our list, as these boots are built to last and mould to your feet for ultimate comfort.

“I've worn these wellingtons for years and love them. They are light, warm, so comfortable and a good fit on a narrow leg...no flapping! Having always bought green I thought I'd go for the dark brown this time. I live in peat country, so these are ideal as don't look dirty all the time!” – Kythe Mackenzie review of the ladies Vierzonord Wellington Boot.

The Ladies Chasseur Cuir is a luxuriously leather lined wellington which offers an almost tailor made comfort all day long

How should a comfortable welly fit?

Finding a comfortable welly depends on the shape and size of your boot and how you prefer to wear your wellies. There are always things to consider per each specific welly when trying to find your size, although all Le Chameau wellies are manufactured accurate to size.

1. The lining - A neoprene lining due to its stretchy nature will give a little over time. Leather will give slightly, and will mould to your feet with wear. Jersey will remain true to size

2. Socks - If you prefer to wear thicker socks you may want to go up a size or half size

3. Personal preference - Some people prefer a roomier fit and others prefer their footwear snug, we suggest you size accordingly

Calf sizes

The Chasseur styles come in different calf sizes for wider and narrower calves, whilst the Vierzonord boot has an adjustable gusset.

How to measure your calf size

1. Sit on a chair without anything on your foot or leg, keep your knee bent at a 90-degree angle and your foot flat on the floor.
2. Measure the round widest point of your calf with a measuring tape keeping your foot flat on the floor
3. Add 2cm to this measurement to account for trousers and socks.

How to keep your feet warm when wearing wellies

Many people know what it’s like to have cold toes in your wellies. Keeping your feet warm is easier with styles like the Vierzonord and Chasseur Neo wellington boots, which have a 3mm Neoprene lining that will keep your feet warm even in temperatures as low as -15C. There are ways to keep your feet warm if your wellies do not have an insulated lining by adding a thick pair of socks, just be aware to size accordingly to accommodate thick socks.

Quality is also important

When finding your perfect pair of wellies, it is also important to consider the quality of the wellies you are buying. When it comes to comfort, fit, durability and wear, quality in the manufacturing process is key. Wellies first and foremost should be waterproof, but nowadays wellies should be waterproof, warm, dry with a good grip.

Why Le Chameau?

Superior Quality Rubber

Sourced from Vietnam, the rubber used in Le Chameau welly boots is sourced from a very highly regarded plantation, with several factors determining quality including season (spring is best), climate purity and tree quality. The liquid latex which is tapped from the rubber trees is graded from A to D and Le Chameau only used Grade A rubber. A combination of the best rubber on the market and their traditionally skilled workforce ensures a welly boot that is hard to rival in terms of quality. Find out more on how Le Chameau wellies are expertly made to be the best wellies on the market here.