Hunter is probably the best known brand of Wellington boot produced in the UK and it’s a firm favourite of farmers and celebrities alike. Hunter Wellies have gained reputation as the premium quality brand in the Wellington boot market.

The company was founded by two Americans in the 1850s and was originally called the North British Rubber Company. Production of their boots started in Edinburgh along with other rubber goods such as golf balls, hot water bottles and flooring. As the world entered the dark days of World War I, demand for wellington boots increased dramatically as the Army looked for something robust and durable to protect the feet of the troops engaged in trench warfare in very poor conditions. Factories worked around the clock to churn out over a million pairs of boots bought by the Army in the years from 1914 to 1918. After the war, civilians began to appreciate the benefits of a pair of waterproof boots and they grew in popularity, especially with farm workers and labourers.

Due to the increased demand, Hunter moved production to a new facility in Dumfries, in the south of Scotland. They also introduced their iconic green welly boot, which although a best seller now, was slow to take off in popularity. Hunter secured the prestigious Royal Warrant after being asked to supply several pairs of boots to Prince Philip and also to Queen Elizabeth II. The company changed hands several times over the second half of the 20th century and went into liquidation in 2006 due to cash flow problems. A group of private buyers was found to resurrect the company. Changes were made though and the boots are now made exclusively in China, with no Scottish manufacturing at all. Boots are now not just black and green; they are available in a range of shades including pink, red and bright yellow and in a variety of styles to suit legs of all shapes and sizes.

Diversification has ensured the company has prospered into the 21st century and they now produce not only boots but a range of accessories such as umbrellas, gloves, scarves and care products. One of the most successful products introduced has been the Hunter fleece welly socks. These socks are available in a rainbow selection of colours and are designed especially for Hunter wellies and fit perfectly inside the boots. They help keep your feet cosy as they are made of micro fleece and mean the wearer can personalise their own boots with their choice of fleece welly socks. The socks fold over the top of the boots, meaning the Hunter logo is still visible. As well as the range of plain colours, more striking designs in leopard print or stripes are available to appeal to the most fashion conscious welly wearer. Hunter fleece welly socks have become an essential must have for festival goers as well as for serious outdoor workers needing a robust pair of socks to fit perfectly inside their boots and keep their feet warm, dry and clean.