The amazing Wellington boot

The humble Wellington boot. Where would we be without it?

Certainly there would be lots of big puddles not being jumped in and muddy country footpaths not being walked down if it weren’t for the wellie. Perhaps this is a bit extreme, but it’s fair to say that the welly boot IS wet weather footwear and without it, we’d be forced to keep our feet boringly dry!
Once the preserve of those who worked the land or enjoyed it in the rain, the boot has become more popular in recent years thanks to the emergence of fashion wellies for festivals, glamping (posh camping) and simply being seen in around town.
Traditional and long-established brands, like Hunter wellies, are also getting in on the act; with pretty, feminine designs which are miles away from their signature green.
The origin of the boot is, as many would suspect, fairly upmarket and began with a change in gentlemen’s fashion in the early 1800s. As trousers, rather than breeches, gained popularity, there was a need to find new, trouser-suitable footwear. Previous boots were too big and heavy to fit under a trouser leg.
The first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, commissioned his boot maker to modify the current style. It created a close cut, calfskin boot which was hard wearing yet comfortable. It was named in the Duke’s honour and the name stuck.
The boot proved a success, with many gentlemen wishing to emulate the duke, who was a war hero. In the following years the boot’s length would change, from ankle to calf-length and back again.
It wasn’t until 1852 that the first steps were made towards manufacturing rubber wellies. Hiram Hutchinson bought the Goodyear (as in tyres) vulcanisation process patent, enabling him produce 100 per cent waterproof boots for farmers in France.
The requirement for footwear suitable for the conditions of WWI’s trenches created a dramatic boost in welly production. Apparently, over one million pairs were made to meet the British Army’s demands.
By the mid-20th century, the boot had become popular with people of all ages, accepted as the only choice in wet weather footwear. By this time, the boot had developed the softened, rounded toe and thicker sole than we recognise today. Many industries began to use them, with the insertion of steel toe caps.
Yet it wasn’t until recently that Wellington boots were considered a fashionable addition to the wardrobe or even worn on a daily basis, whether or not it was raining.
The rule book has been thrown out, people can wear their wellies with pride, whenever they like, safe in the knowledge that even if there are no puddles to jump in, at least their feet will be comfortable!