What are Wellington Boots?
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Military history literature typically focuses on the general history of armed conflict, including tactics, weapons, victories and defeats and major players. What’s not often mentioned, though, is the transformative role changing military uniform styles played in not only attracting young men to join the ranks and impress the ladies, but the impact they had on the world of fashion.
Before the fashion trends of camouflage, utility jackets, and , there was the Wellington boot. Let’s march down the road of how Wellington boots came to be and how, to this day, are a staple of fashion and functionality.
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The History of Wellington Boots
Before we dive into the question of “what are Wellington boots,” it’s important to first look at the history of their evolution, dating all the way back to 18th century Europe.
There were few more deserving of comfortable footwear than soldiers during the French and Napoleonic Wars dating from -. Much of Europe was involved in the conflicts in some capacity. Soldiers stationed in hot climates needed lighter, breathable linen clothing, a luxury the current woolen britches didn’t allow. The current riding boots, known as “Hessians” became difficult to wear with the new, tight linen trousers designed to help keep soldiers from overheating while also looking good, because believe it or not, the military needed to make joining the cause as attractive as possible for young men enlist.
A british nobleman by the name of Arthur Wellesley (later known as the First Duke of Wellington) asked his shoe maker to construct a pair of comfortable riding boots that would accommodate the new pant style. The Hessian boots were cut shorter and the tassels were removed, resulting in a better fit.
Meanwhile, Wellesley gained popularity from his success in battles in the early 19th century as a military hero for defeating Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. Before this victory, Wellsley was already being hailed as a fashion icon. His popularity grew throughout the war and Europe took notice of his unique boots and thus a major fashion trend, the Wellington boot, was born.
The popularity of Wellington boots took a nosedive following the Duke of Wellington’s death in and the ankle boot took precedence, with Wellingtons typically only worn by senior military officers. Wellingtons would again gain popularity during World War I as part of a solution to fighting trench foot and remain effortlessly cool into the 21st century, utilized as an everyday essential outdoor boot.
Following World War I, Wellington boots were introduced to civilian life as practical footwear used on farms and gardens. Today, the use of Wellington boots (also known as “Wellies”) has transcended through time to be a versatile footwear for outdoor use, while also playing an important role in the safety of industrial workers.
You can find Wellington boots reinforced with features like steel toes, or made of all rubber for use in industries dealing with chemicals or muddy conditions. With durable non-slip soles, rubber wellies are the ideal boot for fishing boat crews, too.
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Wellie, What Are You Waiting For?
Throughout history, military trends have seeped their way into civilian life and wooed us with their freedom of expression. Time and time again, Wellies make their appearance at music festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, the Glastonbury festival, and on the runway in spring and autumn fashion shows. When they’re not out livin’ it up, Wellington boots are getting down and dirty in chemical laboratories, heavy industrial settings, and on fishing boats.
There is no shortage of ways to style this versatile boot and you can walk your walk with the confidence of knowing that your Wellies will keep up with your exciting life. It’s no wonder that Wellington boots have remained a fashion staple for everyday wear across the world for literal centuries.
History of the Wellington Boot:
Wellies were named after the Duke of Wellington, who had them created in the 18th century, by asking his shoemaker to modify another type of military boot called the Hessian boot. They were considered hard-wearing for battle and still comfortable enough for the evening. The boot was called the “Wellington” and has been known that way ever since!
The boots were considered quite fashionable, and patriotic British men were eager to show respect to Wellington, a war hero.
During World War II, the boots were in even more demand, and were required footwear for soldiers. The North British Rubber Company (now called Hunter Boot, and the maker of some of the most popular Wellies) was commissioned to make the boots for soldiers.
Wellies Today:
Nowadays, wellies are popular with both the fashion-conscious and the farming communities. You can find more understated green wellies, or pairs with stripes, flowers or even animal prints!
Wellies are easy to find in many other countries now, including Australia and New Zealand (where they’re mostly called “gummies”) and the US and Canada (where they’re just called rain boots).
In South Africa, there is even a type of dance involving wellies called the gumboot dance. (Watch the video below.)
Do you have a pair of wellies but no place to wear them? Pack them in your suitcase and join us for a trek through the Lake District.
Keeping your feet warm and dry, Wellington boots are ideal for the typically British winter weather. In a country where there’s an average 33.7 inches of rain every year, with 133 days out of 365 experiencing rain or snow, Wellingtons are pretty much essential.
They’ve been around for more than 200 years, having been invented by the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, in . Although today’s boots are made of rubber, the first Wellingtons were a type of leather boot. Rather than being everyday wear for everyone, they were the privilege of the British aristocracy in the beginning.
First Wellington boots
Born in , the Duke of Wellington was a British soldier and a leading political figure in the 19th century. He won victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in , became a military hero and later served twice as Prime Minister, first from to and again in .
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As the former British ambassador to France and the governor of Mysore and Seringapatam in India, Wellesley was a wealthy man, who was appointed a duke in . He had his own shoemaker, Hoby, of St James’s Street, London, as was usual for the upper classes in the 19th century.
The fashionable boot of the day for men was the hessian boot, which had been around since the 18th century. First worn by German soldiers as military riding boots, the style became popular in England during the Regency period (which began in ), when they were made of polished leather and had decorative tassels.
Knee-high and with a semi-pointed toe and low heel, they were initially standard footwear for light cavalrymen but became popular among civilians too. However, Wellesley wanted a more practical and durable style of footwear, so he asked his shoemaker, Hoby, to design a new boot, based on the hessian example.
The resulting boot was made of calfskin leather, without the trim that was a feature of the hessian boot. It fitted more closely around the leg and stopped at the calf, rather than the knee. It also had a lower heel of around one inch.
Debuting in , it was still suitable for riding but was also worn as evening wear. It was named the Wellington boot in the duke’s honour.
Wellingtons boom
The new Wellington boot was an instant hit among British gentlemen, partly because of its practical and aesthetically pleasing design, but also because Wellesley was a war hero and other men were keen to emulate his style.
In , after Charles Goodyear had invented the vulcanisation process for natural rubber to manufacture tyres, American industrialist Hiram Hutchinson bought the patent to manufacture rubber footwear. He moved to France and established his company, À l’Aigle. This meant “to the eagle” and honoured his home country of the United States.
In the mid-19th century, around 95% of the working class population in France worked in the fields, where it was often cold and damp. The traditional footwear was wooden clogs, which offered little in the way protection from the weather.
Hutchinson’s move to manufacture rubber Wellington boots in France was therefore an astute one, as the affordable boots were a massive success among the agricultural community. For the first time, they became a practical item of footwear for the masses, rather than a fashion item for the upper classes.
In Britain, Wellington boots remained the main fashion item for gentlemen until the s, when ankle boots began to take over as the most popular menswear.
Wartime production
With the advent of World War I in , the British government urgently required footwear for the ground troops, who were enduring the muddy and flooded trenches of Europe. The War Office commissioned the North British Rubber Company to manufacture a waterproof boot suitable for the harsh conditions.
As a version of the Wellington boot, the resulting rubber trench boot was ideal. The mills ran 24 hours a day to produce 1.8 million pairs for the duration of the war, meeting the British Army’s needs.
The North British Rubber Company later became Hunter Boot Ltd and at the outbreak of World War II in , the company was again commissioned to manufacture rubber boots for the troops.
In the Netherlands, the British Armed Forces were often living in flooded conditions, where Wellingtons and rubber thigh-high boots were needed in vast quantities. Hunter Boot Ltd also supplied rubber ground sheets.
Wellington boots became popular among civilians, including men, women and children, for practical everyday wear in wet weather. They had developed from the snug-fitting design of the early 19th century into the shape that we know today – a far roomier boot, with a rounded toe and thicker sole.
Nicknamed “wellies” and “gumboots”, they became the favoured footwear of labourers too. Wartime rationing had led to a shortage of workwear for men, so Wellington boots were a good option.
Post-war
Following World War II, “wellies” had become a staple part of British culture and were worn by people from all social backgrounds. They were relatively cheap to purchase, as they could be manufactured at a low cost, so they truly became boots for the masses.
Being totally waterproof, the boots have become protective footwear in many types of industry, with the steel toe-capped Wellington being produced to adhere to modern health and safety regulations, protecting the wearer from puncture and crush injuries.
Hunter Boot Ltd has continued to manufacture Wellington boots in many modern designs. Its headquarters are in Edinburgh, Scotland and it also has offices in London, Düsseldorf and New York. It first introduced green Wellington boots in and over the years, they became synonymous with country life.
After Lady Diana Spencer was pictured wearing a pair of green Wellingtons at Balmoral in , while courting Prince Charles, sales rocketed as women all over Britain wanted to emulate her casual yet smart style.
Global popularity
Wellington boots are also popular in Australia, where they are often known as “gumbies” – a shortened form of gumboots. In America and Canada, the popular name for them is goloshes. Wellingtons with a furry lining are particularly popular for Canada’s freezing cold winters.
They are also worn by dock workers and fishing crews, while white rubber boots are the preferred footwear of workers on shrimping boats in the US. In North America, a version similar to the original design, based on hessian boots, has been marketed as ranch Wellingtons.
While Wellington boots are popular workwear all over the world, they are also loved by children. Manufactured in many different colours (even pink sparkly ones!), they conjure up an image of fun and laughter as children jump in puddles!
???? The Benefits of Neoprene Wellington Boots: 1. Superior Insulation: Neoprene is an excellent insulator, perfect for keeping your feet warm during colder months. Unlike basic PVC wellingtons, neoprene boots trap warmth and insulate against the cold, ensuring your feet remain cosy even in freezing temperatures. 2. Exceptional Comfort: Neoprene wellingtons are designed with comfort in mind. The material is soft and flexible, which means it moulds to the shape of your foot. This flexibility provides a snug fit without compromising on comfort, making them ideal for long walks or standing for extended periods. 3. Waterproof Protection: One of the main features of any wellington boot is its ability to keep water out. Neoprene boots excel here, offering complete waterproof protection. Whether you’re wading through puddles or walking in the rain, your feet will stay dry and protected. 4. Durability: Neoprene is known for its strength and durability. These boots can withstand rough terrain, harsh weather, and repeated use without showing wear and tear. This makes them a reliable choice for anyone who needs sturdy footwear for work or leisure. 5. Versatility: Neoprene wellingtons are suitable for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re building, fishing, farming, or simply walking the dog, these boots provide the necessary support and protection. 6. Easy Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining neoprene wellingtons is straightforward. A simple wipe down will often suffice to keep them looking new, and since they’re resistant to moisture, they dry quickly and are less likely to develop unpleasant odours. Check out the Rock Fall RF290 Silt.
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