As we approach the end of winter and daydream about the lighter evening skies and sunnier mornings ahead, the time also comes to update our transitional wardrobes.
Yet while we may be waving hello to daylight savings and goodbye to sub-zero temperatures, one thing that our humble island can always be relied upon for is rain.
This makes mastering the curation of an end-of-winter, beginning of autumn and forward-facing spring wardrobe no simple task. Inevitably, there will be days when you’ll struggle to encounter a friend or colleague who doesn’t state – “I just don’t know how to dress at the moment!”
Brisk mornings require significant bundling, but more humid and rainy afternoons call for lightweight waterproofs, which indeed makes dressing for a day out feel like a thankless task.
However, there exists a particular pair of boots which remains integral to any wardrobe belonging to those who dwell in the UK. You guessed it, we’re talking about a good old-fashioned pair of wellies.
So beloved is this staple British pair of footwear for the mid-winter, autumn and early spring that St Andrews University invented an entire ball around the stylish kickers. The welly ball, which is held annually in support of the Charlie Waller Trust, requires attendees to wear a pair of Wellington boots with their black-tie ensembles.
Likewise, the unofficial uniform of the iconic Glastonbury festival – whether the year sees torrential rain or sunny dry spells – is a pair of gloriously fashionable Hunter wellies.
Indeed, while Hunter and Muck Boots are classic, beloved manufacturers, luxury brands including Chanel, Dior and Balenciaga have been known to hop on the rubber boot trend – though we wouldn’t recommend the latter for muddy walks in the countryside.
An underrated and frankly underappreciated companion to the humble welly boot is the correct pair of socks. Nobody wants dirt and debris finding its way inside their wellies mid-walk, and pairing your stylish boots with a practical pair of socks will help them to do their job well(ington) and proper, while preventing rubbing on your precious feet.
Keep scrolling for an edit of the best welly boot socks on the market for warm and protected feet during perennial British showers.
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Alpaca Country Socks
With over 1,000 verified reviews, it’s safe to say that these independently manufactured socks crafted from 75 per cent alpaca wool will keep your tootsies warm and protected no matter the weather. Featuring an extra cushioned sole and heel for maximum comfort during all your outdoor adventures, these beautiful turn-down socks are offered in a rainbow’s worth of joy-sparking colours.
Buy now £29.99, Etsy
Barbour Fleece Wellington Socks
A classic pair of Wellington socks will rather resemble a Christmas stocking, and for good reason. This pair of fleecy welly socks from Barbour will keep your feet snug without restricting circulation, ensuring your autumnal walks are easy and breezy yet wonderfully warm. Crafted from 100 per cent polyester fleece, these welly socks are as easy to slip on as they are to take off and throw in the wash.
Buy now £25.95, Outdoor and Country
Hunter Recycled Cardigan Tall Boot Socks with Knitted Fold Down Cuff
For those who prioritise the aesthetic value of their Wellington boots, a cuffed welly sock provides the most fashion-forward approach to comfort and warmth during the colder months. This pair from the Wellington icons over at Hunter is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and features a delightful cable-knit fold-down cuff which boasts the brand’s eye-catching logo.
Buy now £34.95, Outdoor and Country
Heat Holders - Mens & Womens 2.3 Tog Original Thermal Socks
A unisex option crafted from highly insulating materials for those with particularly cold feet, Heat Holders’ 2.3 tog thermal socks are a brilliant welly boot liner. Available in a variety of colours to suit your personal style, the brand also offers knee-high options for taller wellies.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Bold Initial Festival Welly Socks
With Glastonbury 2024 on the horizon, those who have already managed to secure their tickets might just be in the market for a spanking new pair of boots for the notoriously muddy festival. For weekend-long comfort and style, look no further than these customisable welly socks designed specifically for Glasto Go-ers.
Buy now £13.60, Etsy
Wandle Thick British Wool Socks
This stylish set of thick, woollen socks is handcrafted to order and double up as a brilliant pair of at-home bed socks during chilly mid-winter mornings. Due to the shorter nature, we’d recommend wearing these with ankle-length wellies.
Buy now £13.59, Etsy
Polar Thermal Welly Socks
A value-for-money alternative to fleece liners from high-end brands, Polar has come to the rescue with these insulated welly socks. With a variety of colours and hues available, there’s plenty of choice for the whole family.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
