Hound Wellington Boots FAQ

We have put togther this FAQ to answer the most popular questions around wellington boots.  If you need to ask us anything else, please get in touch.

How do I wash/clean my wellies?
  1. Brush off any removable dirt from the wellies.
  2. Using a wet cloth start from the top of the boot and work your way down cleaning any mud from the boot
  3. Once the boots are clean, rinse the boots off with warm water
  4. Spray the boots with Hound Boot Spray
  5. Using a Hound Care Sponge rub the spray in to the boots
  6. Leave to dry

See our ‘Hound Wellington Boot Care‘ page for more information.

How should wellies fit?

Like any other footwear!

If you need an insulated boot, then the neoprene does the job of thick welly socks (i.e. keep you warm), so you should not “go up a size” to allow for thick welly socks.

You should opt for the same size as your shoe size. If you are buying a jersey lined welly, then you should opt for your usual shoe size as you’ll be able to pair them with a thin sock for warmer temperatures and a thicker sock in colder temperatures.

Take a look at our ‘Size & Fit‘ page for more information.

How are wellies made?

There are six steps used when making Hound Wellington Boots

Mixing

Our boots are made using 100% natural rubber, which is collected by ‘tapping’ the liquid rubber from rubber trees.  This natural rubber is mixed with a naturally occurring rubber stabiliser to ensure uniformity.

Calendering

This is the process which processes the rubber into a specific thickness and width.  These layers are then ready for the application of the lining – neoprene or jersey cotton.

Preparation

All the components of the boot are cut and prepared for assembly.

Mounting

All the components of the boot are hand mounted onto a ‘last’ which is a mechanical form shaped like a human foot.

Vulcanisation

The assembled boot is cured (baked) which improves the elasticity and strength of the rubber.

Final finish

All boots are tested to ensure that they are 100% waterproof, before labels are applied and they are packaged ready to send to customers.

When were wellies first invented?

Wellington boots made their debut in 1817, having being invented by the First Duke Of Wellington.  The first wellington boots were made from leather rather than rubber.

Why are they called wellington boots?

They were named after their inventor, the First Duke Of Wellington in 1817.  Before this, boots were mainly made from canvas or hessian.

The First Duke Of Wellington wanted a more practical and durable style of footwear so he commissioned a new kind of boot made from leather.

Why are wellies made from rubber?

Rubber is the best choice for making wellington boots as it is strong, durable, flexible and waterproof.

Will wellies Stretch?

You can stretch wellington boots, but it is not recommended.  Always ensure that you buy the correct size to begin with.  Also, please note that repeated wearing of any footwear will make them stretch a little.

Whats the best welly for Fesitvals like Glastonbury?

If you want boots that will keep your feet dry and comfortable whilst making you look good there is a clear choice…Hound Wellingtons!

You’ll be the envy of the Glasto crowd!

Who wears wellies?

Wellies can be worn by anyone who wants dry feet!

They are often used by those who spend time walking in wet and/or muddy conditions, including farmers, walkers and gardeners.

Which wellies are best?

Obviously we are biased in this…but Hound Wellingtons are the best!

Which wellies are best for walking?

The best wellies for walking are ones which are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods, are flexible and are waterproof.

Hound wellington boots fit these criteria perfectly!

Which wellies last the longest?

A good pair of wellington boots will last for many years if used correctly and are well maintained.  Wear and tear is inevitable and the more you wear your wellies, the more wear and tear they will suffer.

Also, using wellies inappropriately will shorten their life span.

We offer a full one year warranty on our wellies as we have so much confidence in their strength and durability.

Are wellies recycleable?

Currently, there are few opportunities for recycling wellies.  The main issue is that the rubber is bonded with a lining making the separation of rubber and other materials difficult.

However, wellington boots can definitely be upcycled.  Some ideas for upcycling include:

Make some clogs

Provided that the sole and the front of the wellies are in good condition you can turn them into garden clogs.  Simply use a pen to draw the shape of the clog you would like and then trim away the excess rubber using a sharp pair of scissors.

Plant pots

Fill the boots with soil and plant in them!  You may need to put a few holes in the wellies for drainage.

Make a vase

Give the wellies a really good clean, inside and out.  Fill them with water and place your flowers in – makes for a great talking point!

The internet is a great place for finding creative uses for old wellies – if you google ‘welly upcycling’ you will find some amazing things you ca do with your old wellies.

Are wellies bigger than shoes?

Generally, yes.  They are physically bigger as the have sides which encompass the calves, which shoes do not.

When buying wellies though, they are sized so that you can buy your standard size – the welly is designed to fit your normal size with a little extra for fitting over trousers/jeans and thick socks.

Take a look at our ‘Size & Fit‘ page for more information.

Why do wellies split/crack?

Wellies may split or crack if they are exposed to prolonged heat or cold.

Correct storage and maintenance of wellies is essential to prolong their life span.

Why do wellies hurt my feet?

You may be wearing the wrong size.

Sometimes, and this applies to all footwear, the wellingtons need to ‘break in’ – this means that over repeated wearings they will stretch a little to conform with the shape of your foot.

Why are wellies called Gumboots?

This is because of the sap or ‘gum’ which is obtained from the rubber tree used to make wellington boots.

Why do you store wellies upside down?

Storing wellies upside down prevents water from entering them and making the interior lining damp.  This keeps them dry ready for the next time you use them.

Why should I buy neoprene wellies?

You should buy neoprene lined wellies if you need boots which will be used in the colder months.  Neoprene acts as an insulator so helps keep your feet warm.

What wellies do farmers wear?

Farmers need hard wearing boots that are comfortable enough to wear for prolonged periods.  They do not scrimp on wellies, so will buy a boot that is better quality, rather than a £5 pair from the market.

We believe that Hound boots are ideal for farmers.

What wellies should I buy?

It entirely depends on your particular circumstances.  If you want boots for the warmer months of the year, a jersey cotton lined pair would be better than neoprene lined which are designed to keep your feet warm during the colder months of the year.

If you need boots which you can adjust select a pair with a gusset and adjustable strap as these will give more fitting flexibility.

If you want boots you can get on and off quickly, a zipped pair would be ideal.

Otherwise a ‘classic’ fit with no external adornments would be suitable.

Can wellies go in the washing machine or tumble dryer?

We would not recommend putting wellington boots in a washing machine or a tumble dryer as they could suffer damage.

For information on boot care and cleaning, visit our Hound Wellington Boot Care page.

Can wellies be used in the snow?

Absolutely!

Hound boots with neoprene linings love snow!  They will keep your feet warm and dry and they have soles with deep lugs for extra traction, so perfect for Winter.

Can wellies be resoled?

No, wellington boots cannot be resoled.

When should I wear wellies?

You can wear wellingtons anytime you need to keep your feet clean and dry – walking, mucking out the horses, splashing about in puddles  – it’s up to you!

Which wellies fit a wide calf?

If you have a wide calf, then Hound boots with an adjustable calf would be ideal.  They have a gusset with a strap so that you can get the right fit for you.

Whats the benefit of a zipped welly?

The advantage of zipped wellington boots is that the zip allows for a larger opening.

This makes it quicker and easier to get boots on and off.

Can I wear my wellies without socks?

We would not recommend it.

The waterproofing that wellies provide means that any moisture created by the foot is not expelled through evaporation via a breathable surface and will make the interior of the welly damp.  You do not want damp feet as this will cause health problems.

Is it wellys or wellies?

It’s usually ‘wellies’.

Which are the best wellies for dog walking?

For dog walking, you need a boot that is comfortable for prolonged use and offers protection against moisture and mud.

We would heartily recommend a brand of welly named after the genus canisHound of course!