With the change in the weather over the last couple of days, with the wind direction changing and temperatures getting a little milder, all the snow is changing to rain and the childhood joys of jumping in puddles comes to the fore and what could be better for this great endeavour than a new pair of Wellington Boots.

Originally designed by the Duke of Wellington as a leather cavalry boot, based on the Hessian boot the design has changed over the years. Considered fashionable dandies such as Beau Brummell wore them. However in the mid 1850s the first rubber boots were developed as a cheaper alternative material to leather and this made them more accessible to the masses. In fact 1,185,036 pairs of rubber boots were supplied to the British Army during World War I to cope with the muddy and water filled trenches.

By the end of World War II, the Wellington had become popular amongst men, women and children for wet weather wear. The boot had changed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with rationing in effect, labourers began to use them as their preferred daily workwear.

Today they are used worldwide and have some unusual names, whereas here in the UK we usually refer them as “Wellies”, here are some names for them from other countries:

Australia – gum boots, gumbies, Blucher Boot

Ireland – waterboots, topboots

Canada – rain boots, billy boots

USA – Ranch Wellingtons

New Zealand – gumboots

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.

Well, personally I think they should remain on the feet but each to there own, but why not check out what is available on the website and see what suits you best, who knows what the British weather will bring us next.