Wellies, galoshes, gumboots, rain boots… regardless of what you call them, they tend to be an essential footwear choice for most of us at some point during the year. Even though the rainy season may be ending for some of us, don’t throw those wellies in storage just yet! Check out these reasons why you should keep your wellies on hand all year round.
1. Gardening
When you’re tending to your garden, you want a shoe that is both comfortable and water/mud-proof for when you are watering the plants and traipsing through the soil. We love this short, slip-on option that provides the comfort of a sneaker and is easy to pull on anytime you want to head out to the garden. And they won’t get ruined if you accidentally leave them outside because they were covered in mud.
2. The in-between seasons
Also referred to as “mud season.” The period between winter’s end and spring’s start when snow is melting and rain comes down can make trails, lawns, and unpaved areas a muddy mess. Having waterproof boots on hand can keep your feet dry while also giving them a break from the heavy winter boots you may have been sporting.
“Rainboots are perfect for the in-between seasons when it’s sloppy out but not cold or snowy enough for full-on snow boots.” – Sara Wesche, HiB Grand Rapids, MI
3. Un-forecasted rain storms
We may have come a long way regarding being able to forecast the weather, but just when we think we have it figured out, Mother Nature throws in a random rainstorm to remind us that you can’t always predict the weather. Having easy access to rain boots can ensure that you can handle any wet weather that may pop up.
4. Water Play with the Kids
Regardless of whether you’re hiking to a stream, playing in the creek near your house, or running through the sprinklers, a good pair of rainboots can prevent having to cut the fun short due to uncomfortable, wet feet. Choosing a mid-height boot with a water-dispersing outsole, such as these boots from Joules for mom and these for the kids, provides a non-slip grip for any wet adventure your kiddos may find themselves in.
5. Yard Exploration
Whether you head out for some early outdoor playtime with the kids when the grass is still covered in dew or you want to run down to the mailbox without having to lace-up your shoes, rain boots are the perfect go-to footwear. They take seconds to slip on and ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry.
“I always keep a pair of rain boots by the back door for whenever my boys want to run out first thing in the morning to search for bugs and chase butterflies. They are also great when they catch sight of a cool animal and insist on heading outside as quickly as possible.” – Becca Hosley, HiB Kitsap County
6. Camping
After a long day of outdoor adventure, relaxing at your campsite is a must. Slipping on a comfortable pair of wellies gives your feet a break from your hiking boots, and makes going in and out of your tent a cinch. It also ensures that you are ready for any wet conditions that come your way, from an unplanned rainstorm to muddy puddles around the campground water spigot. Plus, your kids might even keep their shoes on if they’re as cute as these!
7. Fishing
Whether you’re relaxing on the shore with your fishing pole and a book or tromping in the water while fly-fishing, Wellies are essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable! Check out these cute tall boots that bring a little style to your fishing game.
“Wearing rain boots while fishing is a great way to get in the water, keep your feet dry, and bring some fashion to the fishing scene. I love wearing them while fly-fishing in the local rivers too!” – Liz Schultz, HiB Wyoming
8. Running quick errands
We’ve all had to quickly run out to pick up a missing dinner ingredient from the grocery store. Or maybe you just want to fuel up the car the night before an outdoor adventure. Either way, slipping on a pair of wellies is fast and easy for those times when you just need to run out for a quick errand.
How do you wear your wellies? Share in the comments below!