Chic gumboots you should buy

Whether you’re preparing outfits for Splendour in the Grass, or just sick of the vile squelch of damp socks in this unceasing rain, it’s time to invest in a good pair of gumboots. 

Whether you’re preparing outfits for Splendour in the Grass, or just sick of the vile squelch of damp socks in this unceasing rain, it’s time to invest in a good pair of gumboots. 

We will not be caught slipping in ill considered sandals, nor will we mourn the loss of another battered pair of converse. Instead we will rely on the gumboot to carry us through festival season, and this bout of torrential weather. 

Whilst we have Bottega Veneta ‘Puddle Boot’ aspirations, some of us are condemned to a Rubi Shoes budget. Scroll on for our best picks for gumboots. 

Hunter Wellington Boots

The definitive gumboot. Hunter Wellies have been a coveted wardrobe staple since Kate Moss was papped slodging through the mud at Glastonbury 2005, arm-in-arm with The Libertines’ frontman Pete Doherty. Hot. They’ve been sported by the likes of Angelina Jolie, and Princess Diana.

The perfect boot to tone down an outfit that runs the risk of trying too hard, look to Alexa Chung’s slinky silver jumpsuit for inspiration.

Plasticana Hemp Wellingtons

Founded in 1998 by environmental “poet” André Ravochol. Plasticana’s wellies are made from a fully-recyclable and natural rubber derived from hemp. FYI, hemp is better than trees at sucking carbon from the atmosphere and is one of the fastest CO2-to-biomass conversion tools available.

The boots themselves are gorgeous. They come in one colour, a builders-brew brown. The speckled look is courtesy of the hemp itself, which give the boots a unique, earthy texture. Perfect for Taurus season.

Merry People gumboots

Before ‘the vibe shift’, and the onslaught of TikTok trends that seemed to cycle at a 24 hour rate — goblin mode, balletcore, feral girl, clowncore, etc, etc — there were murmurs of a twee revival. It never really came into fruition, but we still yearn for it.

Merry People gumboots align with the twee aesthetic. They come in Wes Anderson shades of orange, mustard, green, and blue. Perfect for traipsing around aimlessly, thrashing the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack.

Blundstone’s

Since the Blundstone operation kicked off in Tasmania in 1870, the boots have been adopted by farmers and the monasteries of bohemian art kids alike. Blunnies are a tried and true classic. The 500 model, with its chunky rubber soles, and Chelsea silhouette, go with virtually everything. They’ve since released a rain-friendly version, the Blundstone Thermal. 

Ganni waterproof recycled rubber city boot

For a daintier take on the Chelsea boot, look to Ganni’s city boot. Crafted with 50% recycled scraps, the entire boot is made of rubber. Scandi cool girls like Matilda Djerf, and Bella Hadid have both co-signed the boot. 

Dryshod NOSHO Gusset XT

These are insane but bear with us. Realtree camouflage print has been having a moment for a while now. The print, photo-realistic leaves and twigs, was designed specifically for hunters. It’s since been co-opted by streetwear devotees: with brands like Praying and Carhartt all offering their take on the print. These Dryshod cold-conditions hunting boots were worn by Kanye West to Virgil Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton show. If that doesn’t convince you, nothing will.