Best Fishing Boots and Wellies

A 100% natural-rubber outer over a 3.5mm insulated neoprene lining is the core of the Fortis Elements Field Wellies. A full-length YKK side zip, backed by a waterproof gusset, makes these tall wellies easy to get on and off.

Its double-density outsole has an aggressive tread for cushioning, warmth and grip, while a 2mm airflow mesh inside helps cut moisture build-up. The toe and heel are reinforced, a heel kick helps you lever them off, and sizes run from UK 7 to 12.

Carp anglers on long, cold sessions and muddy walks to the swim will get the most from them. Next to the Preston Hydrotech Wellie Boots they're taller and dearer, and while the Hydrotech's 4mm neoprene is a touch thicker, the Fortis counters with natural rubber and that full-length zip.

To be fair, they're one of the dearer wellies for the bank, and sizes stop at UK 12. For cold, static carp sessions, though, I think they're the best neoprene welly in this line-up.

Built with match anglers in mind, the Preston Hydrotech Wellie Boots are a calf-height welly with a fully waterproof design. The mix is 50% rubber and 40% 4mm neoprene with 2mm Airmesh, plus polyester, and a padded inner lining adds warmth.

A robust neoprene upper gives the ankle a good range of movement, and the strong, reinforced all-terrain sole has moulded tread for grip. It's an easy slip-on boot, quick to pull on at the peg, in UK sizes 7 to 12.

Coarse and match anglers who sit on a box or platform through the colder months are its natural audience. Next to the Fortis Elements Field Wellies it's shorter and cheaper, with slightly thicker neoprene, while the Trakker TechPro Neoprene Boot is the camo choice for carp anglers.

To be fair, the shorter shaft gives less cover in deeper margins. For winter matches and pleasure sessions, though, I think it's a superb, warm welly for the money.

Neoprene inside and out makes the Trakker TechPro Neoprene Boot a warm, camo-topped carp welly. The upper is 60% rubber and 40% neoprene, and the lining is 85% neoprene, so there's plenty of insulation for cold sessions.

Durable waterproof rubber covers the rest of the boot, and the outsole is 100% rubber with a high-grip pattern. A rear pull tag and a removal lug make it easier on and off, and sizes run from UK 8 to 12.

It suits carp anglers on long autumn and winter sessions who like their kit to match. Next to the Preston Hydrotech Wellie Boots it's the carp-styled option, while the Fox Rage Neoprene Camo/Grey Wellies add an adjustable strap and buckle and start at UK 7.

To be fair, it isn't as heavily built as the natural-rubber Fortis Elements. For warm, dry feet on the carp bank, though, I think it's a very sound mid-priced welly.

Grey outside and camo inside, the Fox Rage Neoprene Camo/Grey Wellies are a tall welly with 3mm neoprene insulation and a warm, padded Fox Rage Camo lining. A hard-wearing, flexible rubber outer allows movement, and they're made for cold, wet days.

A waterproof gusset keeps water out at the side, while an adjustable strap and buckle snug the fit around your calf. The soles are synthetic inside and out, and sizes run from UK 7 to 12.

Fox Rage is a predator brand, but these suit any angler who wants a warm welly in a subtle colour. Next to the Trakker TechPro Neoprene Boot they swap camo for grey and add a strap, while the Guru Wellies are lighter, cheaper EVA boots with removable liners.

To be fair, 3mm neoprene is a little thinner than the Fortis Elements' 3.5mm. For cold, wet days on any bank, though, I think they're a well-judged, warm welly.

Light, flexible EVA with thermal properties is the basis of the Guru Wellies, which are made for the cooler months and wet weather on coarse and match venues. Insulated polyester liners lift out, so they're easy to clean and dry between sessions.

A deep-tread anti-slip sole grips wet banks and platforms, and the EVA adds shock absorption and cushioning. An oversized opening suits larger calves, and sizes run from UK 7 to 13, with manufacture in Europe.

For coarse and match anglers who walk to their pegs and sit on a box through autumn and winter, they make a lot of sense. Next to the Fox Rage Neoprene Camo/Grey Wellies they're lighter and cheaper, though rubber is tougher, and next to the Navitas NVTS Lite they're dearer but better built.

To be fair, EVA is less hard-wearing than rubber on stony banks. For light, warm feet on the walk to the peg, though, I think they're the best lightweight welly in this line-up.

The Navitas NVTS Lite Insulated Wellie Boot is a super-light closed-cell EVA welly, at under 350g a boot, with a removable thermal liner for year-round use. It's fully waterproof, doesn't absorb water and floats.

Microscopic closed-cell EVA insulation protects down to -30°C, a rear kick-off plate lets you take each boot off without bending down, and the welt-free build has no unnecessary joins to leak.

Budget-conscious carp anglers, mobile anglers and anyone who wades the margins should take a look. Next to the Guru Wellies it's lighter on the wallet, though the Guru is better built, and next to the Korum Thermalite Sherpa EVA Welly Boot it's cheaper, while the Korum has a built-in Sherpa fleece liner.

To be fair, EVA is less hard-wearing than rubber on rough, stony banks. For a light, warm, waterproof welly on a budget, though, I think it's the best value pick in this line-up.

Korum's Thermalite Sherpa EVA Welly Boot is a light, moulded EVA welly with a Sherpa fleece liner already fitted inside. It's made for coarse and match anglers who fish through the colder months, and the EVA construction is 100% waterproof.

Underfoot there's a durable TPR outsole for grip on muddy banks and wet platforms, and a black fabric cuff with a drawcord closes the top around your leg. Sizes run from UK 7 to 12, and the whole boot is super light to walk in.

Compared with the Navitas NVTS Lite, it costs slightly more and keeps its fleece fixed in place, where the Navitas liner comes out. It's also a far simpler, cheaper way to keep your feet dry than the laced Fortis Trail Boots TFX, which is the one for long walks.

To be fair, an EVA shell will scuff more easily than a rubber welly on thorny banks. For a light, warm welly on winter pegs and river banks, though, I think it's a smart, sensible pick.

Fortis built the Trail Boots TFX as lightweight leather walking boots for carp anglers who cover ground. A premium Nubuck Dakar leather outer sits over a waterproof, breathable membrane, so they're made for harsh, wet conditions on the move.

Inside, a soft Anilina leather lining and an open-cell foam insole help with breathability, while a light PU midsole adds flexibility and shock absorption. A rugged Vibram outsole handles the grip, and sizes run from UK 7 to 12.

Against the Korum Thermalite Sherpa EVA Welly Boot, this is a walking boot rather than a welly, built for distance more than standing in water. Next to the Trakker TechPro Boot, it's dearer and more refined, though the Trakker's Thinsulate lining is the warmer pick for static sessions.

To be fair, it's the dearest boot here. For anglers who walk a long way to fish, though, I think it's the best waterproof walking boot in this line-up.

Warmth is what sets the Trakker TechPro Boot apart, as this laced walking boot for carp anglers pairs a waterproof membrane with a 3M Thinsulate lining. Its 55% leather, 45% Oxford upper is made to stay warm and dry over varied ground.

Reinforced toe and heel caps protect the high-wear areas, a tongue-retaining clip speeds up fitting, and the Full Terrain Sole is a 65% rubber and 35% EVA mix. Sizes run from UK 8 to 12.

Set beside the Fortis Trail Boots TFX, it's a fair bit cheaper and warmer for sitting behind the rods, though the Fortis is the more refined walker. Against the Speero Alcor Boots, it swaps Cordura for leather panels and adds insulation, while the Speero covers smaller sizes.

To be fair, the sizing starts at UK 8, which rules out smaller feet. For a warm, waterproof boot on autumn and winter banks, though, I think it's a very well-made choice.

With a 1000D Cordura upper and a waterproof, breathable Hydroguard membrane, the Speero Alcor Boots are high-cut walking boots for carp anglers who cover rough ground. A moisture-wicking lining inside moves sweat away from your feet.

Support comes from a moulded TPU heel stabiliser and nylon shank, an EVA midsole cushions each step, a rubber toe protector takes the knocks, and the aggressive rubber outsole has multidirectional grip for wet, rough terrain. Sizes run from UK 6 to 12.

Alongside the Trakker TechPro Boot, it's a little dearer and tougher in the fabric, but the Trakker is the warmer boot with its Thinsulate lining. The Ridgemonkey APEarel QuickZip All-Weather Boots are quicker to get on, though they're only waterproof to the ankle.

To be fair, it's built for support more than all-day softness, so it isn't the plushest walker. For stalking and roving on wet, uneven banks, though, I think it's a superb all-terrain boot.

Speed is the whole point of the Ridgemonkey APEarel QuickZip All-Weather Boots. These bivvy boots zip shut with one hand, and with elasticated laces and a low-cut heel you can be in them in seconds when a rod goes.

Waterproofing runs to the ankle, with a fully weatherproof upper above it, and the deep-grooved sole grips in mud without holding on to it. You can wear them open, zipped, or zipped and laced, and sizes run from UK 6.5 to 12.

Beside the Speero Alcor Boots, they're far quicker to get on, though the Speero is the tougher boot for long walks. The Navitas Polar Tec Fleece Boots are cheaper and warmer inside, but the Ridgemonkey's zip and laces give a firmer fit for a walk round the lake.

To be fair, the waterproofing stops at the ankle, so they're not for wading. For night calls and pottering round the swim, though, I think it's the best bivvy boot in this line-up.

Navitas made the Polar Tec Fleece Boots to be pulled on in a hurry, with fleece lining the whole boot, a quick-release Velcro strap across the front and a heel loop at the back for getting them on in the dark.

Their bottom section is waterproof, while the upper is breathable, water resistant and shower resistant. A heavy-duty sole sits under a light, flexible build, and the Velcro strap lets you adjust the fit over thick socks on cold nights.

Next to the Ridgemonkey APEarel QuickZip All-Weather Boots, it's cheaper and warmer inside, but the Ridgemonkey's zip and laces give a firmer fit for walking. It's a different tool from the Navitas NVTS Lite too, which is a full welly for standing in the wet.

To be fair, the upper is only water resistant, so they're not for deep water. For cold nights in the bivvy and quick trips to the rods, though, I think it's a cosy, sensible buy.