Wellington Boots are back in the news this week with the anniversary of one of Europe’s greatest conflicts between two of its greatest military minds at the Battle of Waterloo, and the victor is forever remembered for one particular piece of footwear, and it wasn’t Napoleon.

The Wellington boot we have all come to use and love, all year round in this country’s ever changeable weather actually started life as a leather cavalry boot. It became a fashion item when dandies such as Beau Brummell worn them, but it wasn’t until the mid-nineteenth century when the first rubber boot was introduced. This cheaper alternative material made the wellington boot more accessible to the masses but it was still largely a piece of military attire. In fact over 1.1 million pairs were supplied to the British Army during World War One to help cope with the muddy and water filled trenches.

Over time the design of the boot was modified to be roomier, with a thick sole and more rounded toe. By the end of the Second World War it had become a popular item for everyone to use as wet weather wear. Today they are used worldwide and are known by some unusual names. In the UK we tend to refer them as ‘wellies’, but in Australia they can be known as ‘gumbies’ or ‘Blucher boots’; in Ireland ‘waterboots’ or topboots’ and in Canada ‘billy boots’ can be used.

The town of Taihape in New Zealand even proclaims itself as “The Gumboot capital of the World” and even has Gumboot Day where various throwing competitions are held, although I’m sure something similar occurs at various fetes I’ve attended over the years here in the UK.

The main reason for adding a pair of wellingtons to your wardrobe at the moment is if you are going to attending one of the many music festivals that take place over the summer. With the British summer you can almost be guaranteed to be facing slippery mud and puddles at some point.

Here at Outdoor Look we offer a great range so that you can stay dry and look good at the same time, and with our competitive prices you don’t have to spend a fortune to look cool, whilst staying dry. Don’t be fooled by weather forecasts, even a heavy morning dew or a light summer shower can soon turn a field to something resembling one big mudpie, so be prepared.