There is only one brand that dominates the world of “wellies”. A brand that has become synonymous with rain boots. A brand that after 150 years, only continues to increase in popularity. That brand is Hunter. The British based company was not always about making fashionable rain gear – they started out making rubber boots for soldiers in the army. These purely functional boots eventually became fashionable when they were seen gracing the feet of some high profile women – Princess Diana and Kate Moss to name a few. Thanks to their practicality, classic design and impeccable quality, Hunter boots continue to soar in popularity across the world.
I love Hunter boots for both function and fashion. They’re comfortable, easy to wear and affordably priced. They’re also my number 1 solution for all-weather footwear. These waterproof boots work just as well in the snow as they do the rain. I bought my first pair of Hunter boots about 4 years ago and am still wearing them today. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy these boots for years to come – so the question is, what style should you buy? Hunter is famous for their Original boot – a design that has remained unchanged over the past 50+ years. To keep up with current trends, they’ve introduced new colors, finishes and a few new styles featuring modifications to the Original boot. I’m breaking down some of the decisions you’ll have to make when purchasing a pair of Hunter boots and giving you my best advice on how to choose. So here it is – A Guide to Buying Hunter Boots.
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ORIGINAL versus REFINED
Due to its popularity, it’s likely you’ve seen the Original Hunter boot or know what it looks like. The Refined style is similar to the Original Hunter boot, with some slight modifications (improvements in my opinion.) The Original style is shorter (about 3″) and bulkier. The Refined boot takes the classic style and tailors it to create a taller and more polished silhouette. One that is slimmer, sleeker and more chic – its sure to be flattering on anyone. The curve of the toe is also reduced for a less rounded look. It’s important to note this style also runs more narrow than the Original style. Good news tho, they also offer a ‘wide-calf’ version of the refined boot (all styles linked below!)
ORIGINAL
REFINED
REFINED WIDE CALF
GLOSSY versus MATTE
Both Original and Refined styles come in a gloss or matte finish and both are equally attractive. For me, the difference is in the maintenance. The first pair of Hunters I purchased were glossy. To my surprise that beautiful glossy finish deteriorated fairly quickly and my shiny new boots became dull within a matter of weeks. I personally prefer the more understated matte look and find them easier to care for.
GLOSSY
MATTE
TALL versus SHORT
Both the Original and Refined boots come in tall and short styles. I own both and think they each have their advantages. SimI find that the tall boots are more flattering and easy to style. They also come in handy if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. On the flips side, the shorter style is easier to put on and take off. The lighter and more compact design also makes them more portable and easier to carry around or travel with. It all depends on what you want them for.
SIZE UP versus SIZE DOWN
Hunter boots are made in whole sizes only. If you buy the Original style and are in between sizes, size down (they run a little big). If you buy the Refined style (my preference) I suggest purchasing your normal size or size up if you’re in between. These are a more narrow style and I find the larger size to fit more comfortably. It’s always nice to have a little extra wiggle room and the option to line them with thick cozy socks. You’ll want that extra warmth when you’re wearing them in the snow! I’m a size 7.5 and ordered the 8 in the Refined style (photographed below.) If you’re a whole size however, I would stick to it.
I hope my Guide To Buying Hunter Boots will help in the decision making process. Keep scrolling for photos of the HUNTER REFINED TALL BOOT in DARK OLIVE GLOSS.
I love those short hunters!! I need a pair! I agree, the matte are the way to go. :-*
xx, Taylor | http://www.thestyledpress.com
I don’t know why I never realized there were short hunter boots?! Love them and love the matte!!
xo Megan | pinebarrenbeauty.com
Do the hunter boots have removable insoles? If you have custom orthotics should you size up?
Hi Julie!
Yes, the sole is removable! I would order your normal size (in the regular style) if you plan on adding custom orthotics! If you order the refined style, order up! Hope that helps 🙂
I just purchased the original in matte. Did you spray a protective spray before your first wear? If so, which did you use?
Hi! Yes definitely spray the protective spray before your first wear. I use the spray that I have linked in this post by Hunter!
This post has been so helpful, thank you! Have you tried the “tour” boot? If so, any suggestions on sizing?
Hi! I’m so happy I was able to help. I’ve actually never tried on the tour boot but would love to try them sometime. I’ll report back 🙂
Hey! I wonder if you might be able to help with regards to the Original Refined Wellington Boots (I’m looking at these: https://www.hunterboots.com/intl/en/womens-tall-wellingtons/womens-original-refined-gloss-wellington-boots/blue/1980)?
So I measured my feet and found my right foot 1CM shorter than my left (the larger one measures 25.3CM). According to the Hunter site, I should just purchase UK 6 since they state their insole at 25.4CM. But if I were to size up to UK 7, it’ll be 26.3CM, so I was wondering if this might be too big (especially for the right) or if you think this is perfect?
Hi! I would Say that if you’re getting the Refined Style to size up to the 7. They fit a bit more snug and more narrow so I think the 7 in these would be the best choice!
Quick question, if I were to get the refined short rain boot, is there an insole that Hunter makes that I can purchase? On their website I only see insoles for the ‘classic’.
Thanks!
Hi! So sorry for the late reply. The insoles fit ALL Hunter boots. I verified this with a Hunter Boot representative 🙂 Thanks for following along!
For the Chelsea boot do you want to size up or down? I normally wear a 7.5 or 8 depending on the shoe.
I’ve never bought or tried on the Chelsea boot…I’m sorry!
I just got a pair of the tall, glossy black. I am a 7 & they fit fine in the foot & lower leg. However, they a very tight in the calf. There’s no way I could get them on over jeans or with the Hunter socks. I never thought I had big calves! Do they come in a wide width? Should I try to size up yo an 8?
Did you buy the Refined style or the Original? If you bought the Refined I would say definitely SIZE UP! If you bought the Originals your normal size should be fine. I have large calves too and the one size up refined style works perfect for me. I hope that helps and that you find a pair to fit you well!
Hi, question! I bought the redefined tall hunter boots and they seem to fit snug around the calf. I love the style though. Are they suppose to be really tight? Or is there another version of the boot with an adjustable back? I saw the redefined back strap boot, is that adjustable?
Refined*
Hi! So unfortunately the refined back strap is not adjustable. It is a tiny bit wider in circumference than the normal refined boot (about 1/4 inch)…so that may help! I also recommend sizing up one size if you go with the refined style….to give you a little extra room. I have big calves. My normal size is 7-7.5 and I ordered the 8. I hope that helps!
Hi. I normally wear a size 8 in rural king rubber boots ( generic). Would a size 7 for me in hunter boots. Tia
I’m planning on wearing my new Hunters for a long session of gardening and because it has been very hot recently I’m going to wear them with bare feet. Anybody had any experience of wearing them without socks and if so is it good or bad?
Maybe by now you will have worn your boots with bare feet and know the answer – but if not then don’t do it! My sister wore them for a couple of hours in the heat and it took her close to 20 minutes to get both boots off and her facial expressions showed the agony she was in. I know it is a bit of a pantomime joke to see somebody struggling to get boots off but this was no joke and even when I was the one doing the pulling she was grimacing terribly with cramp in the calf muscles. I think this answers your question.
Hi,I Love my tall hunter wellies and will wearing everytime 😊🥰 i own shiny and matte. Shiny in Black, ocean-blue, Navy. Matte in Navy and Black. I must have the red shiny, Theo are soo cute.
Hi, I have a question. . .I am usually a size 9 to 9.5 depending on the brand. My left foot is a half size smaller than my right foot. I bought the Refined Wellington HUNTER boots in size 10 U.S. (size 42 in Europe . . .I live in Germany). Without socks they come off my feet without much effort meaning I don’t even need to use my hands. Where I live is cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Even with thick socks my heal pops up some when I walk. I’m not sure if I should return them and try a 9 or keep the 10. It’s expensive to ship them back. My heels are very thin and my second toe is the longest. This is usually a problem because I need a more snug shoe because my heel pops out, but I usually can’t buy snug shoes because my toes are too long and won’t fit in the top of the shoe if they fit too snug. I have plenty of room in these shoes though, but I’m really not sure if they need to be more snug or not since they come off so easily without socks. However, if they are too small then my long toe will be squashed and bent. Can anybody give me some advice on what to do?? Anyone with HUNTER experience in sizes?? Thank you!
can men wear the refined tall boot and I bought my self a pair in a size 9 as I have wide feet and I normally wear a a size 8 will the size 9 fit me
can men wear the refined tall boot and I bought my self a pair in a size 9 as I have wide feet and I normally wear a a size 8