Keep yourself dry whatever the weather with the perfect Wellington boots

More than a pair of boots

Wellington boots are an essential in most families, for both parents and children. As well as the kids wanting to find their favourite colour and the adults looking for a design that matches their new coat, there are four other important characteristics to think about.

1. Fit

If you know that you'll be wearing your wellies a lot, it's important to think about ergonomics. It's easy to think Wellington boots are more or less a "one size fits all" type of thing, but there are actually many different forms and sizes!

The essential thing is to find a pair of boots that are comfortable on your feet. And obviously the right size is the key here. Don't put up with a pair that are a bit big simply because they're wellies that you'll only use now and then. If your boots are too big, your feet will slide backwards and forwards and it will be difficult to walk in them. It's also important that the opening and shaft are big enough for your calves, otherwise the boots can get stuck on your legs! Some models can be adjusted for width, which can be useful if you aren't sure about the fit.

2. Size

Do you think it's difficult to find the right size? If so, check the toe of the boot first! It should be high enough that your toes can move up and down freely. There should also be an indentation that leaves space for the heel and a raised area for the instep.

If you're looking for Wellington boots for your child, a good rule of thumb is to add 1.5-2 cm to their shoe size. This gives plenty of space to grow into, and the boots will last for a whole season's growth spurts. The boots should also provide good support for running and play, and should still feel comfortable after being worn for a couple of hours. Thermal boots are often better in this respect. On the other hand, if the boots need to be light and won't be worn very often, you can improve comfort with a pair of insoles that give better shock absorption.

3. Material

Wellington boots are available in all kinds of materials – two common ones are PVC and natural rubber. Natural rubber is the best choice, because it's kindest on the environment. Natural rubber is, obviously, a natural product which makes it better for the body as it doesn't give off any endocrine disruptors. PVC boots are harmful to the environment and create a lot of pollution when they are transformed into waste – they can also contain substances that aren't good for the body.

If you're going to wear your boots in colder weather, you probably want a pair that are lined. If so, choose a wool lining, as this is the most effective at keeping your feet warm!

4. Care

When it comes to caring for your Wellington boots, the main thing is to store them correctly. Make sure they're always in a cool, dark place, and not in direct sunlight. Rubber boots can be bleached by the sun. After you've worn your boots, check that they're clean before you put them away. Often dirt and stones get stuck in the soles, which can affect the grip when you use them the next time.

Wellington boots made from PVC aren't the best environmental choice but they're easy to clean. Often you just need to use a wet cloth and a bit of detergent. If your Wellington boots are made of durable natural rubber, you must make sure you care for them properly. The natural rubber contains essential oils that will evaporate over time.

To avoid unnecessary wear to the outside of the boots, it's best to use a soft cloth or sponge when you wipe them clean. After cleaning them, your boots need to dry. But you mustn't leave them on a radiator, in a drying cabinet or put them in the tumble dryer, as this tends to dry out the rubber. This means the material loses its ability to keep out moisture. Instead, leave your boots to dry on a shoe tray or towel.

There are cleaning products especially made for natural rubber, which is much better for the boots than a general detergent. Most manufacturers of Wellington boots have launched their own treatment products. Some of these are quite expensive. However, there are many other alternatives that are cheaper but just as good.

Because natural rubber contains essential oils, you can easily brush your boots with cooking oil, petroleum oils and other natural oils. This helps prevent the natural rubber from drying out. But remember that you must use natural oils, not synthetic ones, as this can damage more than it helps.