Hunter — The Original British Wellington Boot
The North British Rubber Company first produced the Hunter Wellington for British troops in the First World War, and the design has changed remarkably little since. Now made under the Hunter Boot Ltd name, the Original Tall remains one of the most recognisable pieces of British country dress, holders of two Royal Warrants in their history, and the wellington of choice from gardens in Surrey to Glastonbury festival. English Brands stocks the Original Tall in the heritage colourways — Dark Olive, Navy, Black, Red — designed to last for years with minimal care.
What we stock
The Hunter range at English Brands focuses on the Original Tall in heritage colours:
- Hunter Original Tall in Dark Olive — the country classic
- Hunter Original Tall in Navy — refined alternative
- Hunter Original Tall in Black — urban and formal
- Hunter Original Tall in Red — the iconic festival colour
- Unisex sizing across the range
All boots are 100% natural rubber, handcrafted, and constructed from 28 separate pieces.
Why Hunter
The original design, refined for a century — Hunter Wellingtons in their current form date back to the 1950s, with a heritage stretching back to 1856 when the North British Rubber Company was founded. The Original Tall design has been essentially unchanged for decades because it doesn't need to be.
Genuinely handcrafted — each Hunter Original Tall is assembled by hand from 28 separate pieces of natural rubber. The construction is more involved than many premium leather boots.
Royal Warrant heritage — Hunter has previously held two Royal Warrants. The brand sits at the heart of British country and equestrian dress.
Iconic colourways — Hunter's red welly is one of the most recognisable pieces of footwear ever produced. The Dark Olive is the traditional country choice. The brand has resisted the temptation to follow seasonal fashion colours, keeping a small and considered range.
Caring for your Hunter
Natural rubber wellingtons need minimal care:
- Rinse with cold water to remove mud — never use detergent or hot water
- Allow to dry naturally — away from direct heat sources (no radiators, no heaters)
- Apply Hunter Boot Buffer occasionally to restore shine and protect the rubber from UV
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight — UV degrades rubber over time
- Avoid prolonged exposure to oil or petrol-based products, which can soften the rubber
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hunter boots waterproof? Yes. Hunter Original Tall Wellingtons are 100% natural rubber, fully waterproof up to the boot height. They are designed for genuine wet conditions — country walks, gardening, festivals, mud.
Are Hunter Original boots unisex? The Hunter Original Tall is offered in unisex sizing. The Original Ladies Tall has a slightly different leg silhouette and calf width. Both are available at English Brands depending on stock.
How long do Hunter boots last? With proper care and storage out of UV, Hunter Original boots typically last 5-10 years of regular wear. The natural rubber will eventually crack at the flex point with very heavy use, but normal wear in country and casual settings typically gives well over a decade of service.
Can Hunter wellies be polished? Hunter wellies should not be polished with shoe polish or wax. Use the Hunter-branded Boot Buffer or any natural rubber care product to restore the matte or glossy finish without damaging the surface. Avoid silicone-based products.
What's the difference between Original Tall and Original Ladies? The Original Tall is the unisex version with a wider calf circumference. The Original Ladies Tall has a narrower calf cut to fit a typical women's leg shape. Choose the Ladies version if you find the unisex too wide at the calf.
