Natural rubber wellies (rainy days, greener ways)
It rains in England. Especially if you live in the northwest! A good pair of wellies is good if you’re a keen walker or dog-walker.
For outdoor work, it’s better to buy safety work boots, designed to avoid slips on watery or oily surfaces.
But for everyone else, it’s likely going to be a pair of wellies!
Most wellington boots are made from polyester (plastic) and cheap ones are also prone to having soles that could slip. Invest in a good pair with nice warm lining to last years, and they should last years.
Why choose natural rubber wellies?
Natural rubber is made from latex, a milky substance that is tapped from trees, without cutting them down. This is opposed to most wellies that are made from plastic (oil). Natural rubber wellies also bend and flex, so you won’t have the top of the wellies digging into your legs like hard plastic, after long walks.
A good pair of quality rubber wellies should last you years. Always dry naturally upside down, and keep away from heat like radiators.
How to choose a good pair of wellies
Some people prefer ankle wellies, others prefer full-height for deep puddles and muddy fields. Also ensure they are easy to pull on and off.
As good wellies are sold online, measure your feet in a shoe shop to avoid the hassle of returns. If you can’t find half-sizes, order a size larger and wear with thicker socks.
Try your boots on in the house on arrival and walk around in them for a while, to avoid nulling the guarantee if you have to send them back.
Also be sure to think about grip (if climbing mountains, you’re better off with quality hiking boots). But a well-designed wellie should be able to cope with wet pavements.
Also examine how they are lined. If you are out in cold weather, you want a nice thick cosy lining, to avoid freezing feet.
Where to recycle old wellies
Even the best pair of wellies will eventually reach the end of its useful life.
Although natural rubber is biodegradable, the lining is likely not. So if damaged, just take to a textile bank. The mixed materials will be recycled, and made into other items like insulation.
Merry People (no sales, but good wellies)
Merry People is an Aussie brand with a UK store. They never have sales, as they prefer to offer good value all-year around. So you won’t find boots for a fiver, but then you won’t find inflated prices either.
It offers tall wellies, ankle wellies and wellies for children.
Little Green Radicals offers nice waterproof 90% rubber boots (blended with 10% synthetic rubber) for children, with cosy linings. In several colourful styles.
Not for children under 36 months due to long cords on drawstring bag.
Reima (children’s rain boots from Finland)
Reima (Finland) makes children’s rain boots, with designs to support normal growth of a child’s feet. Happy Little Soles is the UK supplier.
