OTHER FEATURES: Energy absorbing heel that reduces foot fatigue; anti-static sole that minimises the build-up of electrostatic charges; slip resistant sole

You will pay more for this boot but with the promise of durability, the relatively long warranty and the option of passing them on to younger siblings or selling them on afterwards, you may decide it’s worth paying that little bit more. ProsThe brand probably most synonymous with the wellington boot is Hunter. A trusted brand, Hunter have been keeping feet dry for nearly 100 years. We like this basic but classic design, a navy colour with a striking red sole for contrast. TU do have other designs of wellies though if you want something with a splash more colour to brighten up the greyest of rainy days, including Baby Shark, Thomas the Tank Engine and Star Wars editions. Pros

Many reviewers noted that the Hatley wellies were far roomier than other brands so if your little one has wider feet, this brand is a great option. We particularly loved this gorgeous tractor design which gave them an almost vintage look. However if you don’t have a tractor fan, Hatley wellies come covered in everything from dinosaurs to unicorns so all tastes are catered for. PROTECTION: Steel toe cap protects against impact from falling objects and against compression, giving 200 Joules of protection - equivalent to a weight of 1.5 tonnes resting on the toe area and protective steel midsole to objects penetrating from below and piercing your foot, such as nails, glass shards and more. A high level of slip resistance means you won't slip over in muddy/adverse conditions, with an anti-static and fuel oil resistant sole As long as your little one doesn’t spend every day in them, wellies are unlikely to do your child’s feet any harm. They can be a little heavier, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if your toddler is only just learning to walk.

Why you should trust us

Aigle is a popular brand with many of our Mumsnetters for both kids' and adults' wellies. They come quite high up the calf but remain lightweight, making them an ideal option for particularly messy or wet outings. Not only is the material light, but reviewers also noted that it was more flexible than other brands, particularly around the calf. The wellies are also made using natural rubber and there is a lovely range of designs for different age ranges. We loved the striped option for a more sophisticated choice but little ones are bound to love options such as the fun shark design (with added fin!). When it came to compiling our list we were mindful of the fact that wellies are needed for an array of different activities. A two-year-old spending the odd 10 minutes splashing in a puddle will have different requirements to an older child going on longer walks or attending forest school. We therefore made it our aim to find a comprehensive list to cover all eventualities. Wellies tried and tested by our users The rip-tab adjustments makes these boots easy to get on and off and, as they’re designed for the snow, they have good grip on the treads too. Just be aware that they’re not ideal for spring and summer, so a traditional welly will be better during these months. Pros

Snow boots or fleece-lined wellies may also provide a snugger fit and more support. However, if it’s just a romp through a muddy forest or a spot of puddle jumping this probably isn’t something you need to worry about. Should you go up a size in wellies? One of the biggest plus points of Hunter wellies is that they are crafted from natural rubber, and are therefore 100% vegan. The use of natural rubber not only makes them the more ethical choice but it means they are less likely to succumb to wear and tear too. They are expensive, but if accidents do happen, the wellies come with a two-year guarantee for extra peace of mind. The main problem with wellies when it comes to newly toddling toddlers is the fact that they can be very heavy for little feet. Wellies also tend to be roomier and don’t support the ankle like trainers and shoes do. Mine wear them a lot and they have never split. In fact, mine have handed them down to a younger sibling.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SpanielPlusToddler) WATERPROOF UPPERS: The wellington can be submerged to a point just below the knee, ensuring your feet stay dry when working in wet conditions for extended periodsSTEEL TOE CAP: Protects against impact from falling objects and against compression, giving 200 Joules of protection - equivalent to dropping 20kg from a height of 1m or a weight of 1.5 tonnes resting on the toe area Price: Playing in the mud shouldn’t have to cost the earth and with little feet getting bigger everyday it’s worth taking into consideration how much you want to spend. If you’ve got a toddler who is only going to wear them for short periods of time then one of our cheaper recommendations is probably all you need. However, older children who may be wearing them for longer periods of time may require something that’s a little more hardwearing and therefore more expensive. Many of our Mumsnetters chose to pay a little more for a more durable brand and then either passed them down the line to younger children or sold them online after they’d finished with them. I like Hatley wellies for my four-year-old. Some of them are colour changing and they're lovely patterns. Last well too, as does the rest of their rainwear."(Recommended by mumsnet user LBOCS2) There’s nothing worse than having to lug around a heavy pair of wellies if you plan on going between them and regular shoes which is why we loved the clever roll-up design of the Joules boot. Not only does this design make them easier to carry but it means they are also lighter to wear.