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 I now have Start-rite Mud Busters and they're fab, especially for this time of year as they're fleece lined." (Brand recommendation from Mumsnet user librarylover53) The combination of assured quality whilst remaining cheaper than some of the other well-known brands made the Crocs a clear winner in our eyes. Why you should trust us 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 periods

Whether your child adores a muddy walk, loves a trip to the beach or quite simply enjoys a spot of good, old fashioned puddle jumping, wellies need to be a firm staple in every little explorer’s wardrobe. But not all wellingtons are created equally and, where one pair will work well until your child outgrows them, others may allow water leakage and are best to be avoided. If we decided to stay indoors every time it rained, it’s likely our children would never see the light of day. We’re far better off getting wrapped up and embracing the British weather, and that means kitting out your youngsters in some appropriate threads. The brand probably most synonymous with the wellington boot is Hunter. A trusted brand, Hunter have been keeping feet dry for nearly 100 years.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. 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. Pros 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.

The oversized handles are a lovely addition too, not only allowing little ones to pull the wellies on and off themselves, but also making carrying them when muddy far easier. They don’t come particularly high up the leg, however, so if you do opt for these wellies it may be a good idea to team with a pair of waterproof trousers on the rainiest of days. OTHER FEATURES: Energy absorbing heel that reduces foot fatigue; anti-static sole that minimises the build-up of electrostatic charges; slip resistant sole

What are the best wellies to buy?

We have had Sainsbury's wellies for four years and never had a problem.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user SquirtleSquad) STEEL 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