A firm favourite in our household, these boots are super-comfortable for walks and everyday adventures. The soles are grippy and protective, while allowing natural foot movement, and the leather uppers are sourced from small-scale farmers with free-roaming cattle. These aren't completely waterproof, so little feet may get wet in deep puddles, but they do protect against wet grass, pavement puddles and rain. Let’s face it – it rains a lot in Britain. Our temperamental climate means that owning a good pair of wellingtons is essential in any season, and their reliable waterproofing make wellies a useful option for gardening, dog walking and working outdoors. The affordably-priced model is relaxed and lightweight, but due to the limited grip and minimal insulation, you’ll struggle in rough terrain. With a trendy tartan lining, these boots are great for the day-to-day dog walk. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Sian Lewis Fortunately, however, it is possible to find wet-weather footwear that combines the reliable waterproofing of a traditional Wellington with the comfort and traction of a walking boot.

With a fun print, these ankle-height wellies are ideal for damp days in the garden, walks in wet grass, travel, and other occasions when full-length wellies seem like overkill. Made from natural rubber, they're a relaxed fit. They also have a soft lining, comfortably cushioned footbed, handy loops for pulling them on, and multidirectional lugs in the sole, for traction on slippery ground. Wellies are just the thing for the mud and endless puddles of a great British winter. But which come out on top when it comes to walking? With their slip-on design and less-than-grippy tread, wellies can rapidly become more of a chore than a pleasure to walk in. The fast-drying 3mm neoprene keeps your feet dry and makes these wellies comfort-rated to temperatures as low as -15°C. The neoprene does take a little getting used to at first, especially when it comes to tugging off the wellies, but we found that rolling the boots down a little helped us to get them off easier. They also wipe clean in a jiffy, with mud and dirt washing straight off.

An all-rubber outer means these boots are completely waterproof, while full-length lacing holds the foot securely for a good fit. The upper is comfortably padded, while underfoot the tread is grippy, with an integrated steel shank for excellent protection. Best suited to wet and muddy walking, they're also good for gardening thanks to the shank. They come up large, so you may need to go down a size.

This high-top winter version of a classic trekking boot combines full-length lacing with a Gore-Tex lining and leather and synthetic upper. The design provides superior fit, grip and all-day comfort compared with a welly - but isn't as high or submersible. They're also more expensive than most, and require more care. But they're a joy to wear, and will be durable and long-lasting. Best for wet-weather walks, rather than wading.

Children's

These full-height, full-grain leather and suede boots offer a lighter feel and a better fit around the foot and ankle than a traditional rubber welly. However, they're pricey, and will need regular care to keep the leather looking and performing at its best. The tread is grippy, cushioned and made from partly recycled rubber. Smart, comfortable and destined for many years of use, they're ideal for walking on wet grass, moorland and forest trails. Children's Shorter than a standard welly, but still tall enough to cope with puddles and mud, these feel less cumbersome than full-length boots, while being warm - making them great for winter walking. The all-rubber foot panel is supportive and tough, and the waterproof neoprene upper is comfortable and flexible. Good grip, on a par with the other wellies. Just bear in mind that the size and volume are larger than average. For longer walks or technical terrain, it's worth choosing a boot that offers a snugger and more adjustable fit than a standard welly. As well as helping you keep your footing, this will reduce the likelihood of rubbing or blisters. These comfy boots from Keen combine the height and waterproofing of a welly with the full-length lacing and protective, grippy outsole of a walking boot. It's a quality boot that delivers cushioning, stability and abrasion resistance, and it's built to last, but this means that it's also the most expensive in this round-up. That said, it's sure to outlast many of the cheaper boots listed here (especially if you follow Aigle's care instructions), so if you're willing to pay up it'll almost certainly save you money in the long term.