Do your wellies rub or feel too tight? Here are some top tips for making wellies comfortable.

Wellies are a great choice for anyone spending a lot of time outside, especially with the weather we have here in the UK.

However, Wellies aren’t always the most comfortable footwear – here are some tips to make wellies comfortable and help keep your feet warm and dry.

1. Size Up If You Plan To Wear Thick Socks

Wellies are often worn in winter, which can mean extra socks to keep your toes toasty.

If this is the case, it’s best to size up for the most comfortable Wellie experience, especially if you plan to wear wellie socks or slipper socks which are quite thick

However, if it’s worth noting some brands do come up on the big side (for example, Hunters) so it’s worth doing some research before purchasing.

2. Opt For Ankle Wellies If You Have Wide Calves

I have two pairs of Joules Wellies that I love, but can only just get over my calves as fairly normally proportioned size 14 gal.

And I struggle to get them off by myself after a long walk.

If you find normal Wellies are too tight on your calves you could opt for mid-calf or even ankle wellies.

Perfect for dog walking these should still keep your feet dry without being uncomfortable to on the calves or difficult to get on and off.

3. Make Wellies Comfortable: Wear Them In

Brand-new Wellies can feel a little stiff the first few times you wear them.

Eventually, they should start to mould to your feet and feel more comfortable. Try wearing them for short periods to begin with, while you do this.

You could also try bending them a few times before wearing them.

It’s worth noting that Wellies are not designed for wearing for extended periods and waterproof hiking boots might be a better and more comfortable choice in some situations.

4. Invest In Insoles

While very practical, Wellies don’t always offer the best support, so you might want to add some arch support insoles if your wellies are uncomfortable or a little too big.

If you want some extra warmth, you can even buy insoles made from lambswool to ensure every single one of your toes remains toasty in the winter months.

Those suffering from foot condition plantar fasciitis can opt for heel supports rather than full insoles.

5. Could Your Wellies Be Too Big?

Wellies that are too big can cause issues such as rubbing, blisters and cold feet. This can also cause damage to the wellie boot itself.

While plasters are a temporary solution to sore spots until your Wellies are worn in, if the rubbing continues you may need to invest in some thick boot socks to help alleviate the problem.

Wellies that are too large allow more airflow around the feet meaning they could be making your feet cold. The best solution for this is either thick socks or investing in some insoles.

Why Do My Socks Come Off In My Wellies?

Another thing that could be making your wellies uncomfortable is your socks slipping down inside while wearing them, and there a few ways you can correct this.

Firstly, it could simply be that your wellies are too big and there is too much friction between your sock and Wellington boot.

This friction is stronger than the friction between your sock and your foot and can mean your sock comes off any time you wear wellies.

Try opting for a smaller pair of boots or socks with a good elastic around the ankle.

If new wellies aren’t an option, you could buy some fleece welly socks which you wear over normal socks and will stop your wellies being quite so loose. I love these from Joules.

Socks that stop mid-calf are most likely to come down in wellies as they have nothing to grip on too. Try knee-high socks or ankle socks with good elastic instead.

Tips For Choosing The Right Size Wellies

The most comfortable wellies are going to be a pair that fit well.

Avoid Ordering Online

If you want to ensure a good, comfortable fit for your wellies, then shopping in-store, rather than online is the best option.

You can try on a range of sizes and brands and easily determine which ones are right for you without the hassle of needing to send them back if they don’t fit.

Take Thick Socks With You

Always take thick socks with you if that’s what you’d usually wear with Wellies so you can see exactly how they’ll feel.

Children’s Wellies

Children’s Wellies do tend to come up quite large, so you usually don’t need to size up.

Many parents report Wellies still fitting in the size below, even when kids have moved on to the next size up in their other shoes.

Opt For Lined Wellies

Finally, if you don’t like adding layers of socks to keep warm, fully-lined Wellies might be a better and more comfortable option for you.

Neoprene Wellies are designed to keep your feet both warm and dry, even at sub-zero temperatures.