In autumn and winter especially, we all know it's chilly, wet, and muddy outside and that little bit of extra insulation could help keep you healthy, comfortable, and dry. To make sure your feet aren't the first to suffer, we've recommended some of the best thermal wellies to browse. There are plenty of types of wellies to choose from, too. The perfect boot for you will depend on how and why you’ll be wearing it. Do you need a short pair of slip-on wellies for taking out the bins? A warm, comfy pair that’ll protect your legs when walking the dog in the woods? Or a stylish, weatherproof, fully adjustable pair of wellies that are equally at home striding around the city and hiking up and down muddy hills? If you’re simply after a pair of wellies to keep your feet dry and mud-free, there’s really no need to spend hundred of pounds on a pair of designer boots. Teflon coated: This invisible shield will provide that extra protection for your wellington boot and help improve temperature resistance as a result. Gore-Tex is a patented lining that’s 100% waterproof and completely breathable. It’s ingenious: the membrane stops water from getting through from the outside, but does allow water vapour (eg sweat) out the other way. As well as keeping your feet dry, this also ensures comfort by cutting down on clamminess and chafing. Fab stuff.

The best wellington boots are not just for getting you home from mud-soaked festivals. A great pair of wellies will keep your feet warm and dry in the garden, look great for trips to the shops, and even provide support and protection when you’re out for a hike. Forget the foot-shredding wellies you once forked out a fortune for at Glastonbury. The best wellington boots are made to wear for hours and last for years.

Leather makes for durable and hard-wearing boots. Manufacturers often treat leather with a protective coating to ensure it stays soft and waterproof for years. It’s warm, breathable, flexible and luxurious, but you’re looking at a higher price tag. Anything longer than an ankle boot will need to feel comfortable on your calves. Look for a snug fit that doesn’t wobble around while you walk, but which isn’t so tight that you can’t move comfortably. Look out for wellies with an adjustable strap on the calf, so you can change the width of the wellies depending on your own calf size. A couple of our recommended wellies have adjustable straps and flexible gussets to help you get the perfect fit. Also look for zips to help you get long wellies on and off.

Neoprene is an insulating lining material for winter wellies. It’s soft, superbly waterproof, and very warm. A bit too warm for summer wellies, in fact. And it can get pricey. Fleece is a budget (and less waterproof) alternative to neoprene.

For more information on fit as well as the different materials available, see the extended buyer’s guide below our roundup. Thermal wellies perform the same job as your usual wellington boots, but with extra features that make them stand out as a winter necessity, you didn't know you needed. Elastic, dimensionally stable, tear-resistant, non-slip outsole, 100% waterproof, easy to clean, very comfortable