Wellingtons, wellies, rubber boots, galoshes, mud boots, rain boots, mucking boots, billy boots, or gum-boots. Whatever you call them we want them to be fun. We want them to be Ruby Shoo
Why a Wellington? This is a term that will have people looking blankly if you ask in the States, but in the UK it is the standard name for a waterproof boot made of rubber or PVC.
On a bit of investigating it seems The Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James's Street, London, to modify the 18th century Hessian boot, to make it in soft calfskin leather and to fit more closely around the leg. It was suitably hard-wearing for riding, yet smart enough for informal evening wear. The boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck in English ever since. Wellington's utilitarian new boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero.
Although not many people would be thrilled if we turned up in today's wellies to a dinner party, Ruby Shoo has definitely upped the style stakes with their new offerings. In a choice of their signature spots, stripes or flowers, high or low cut, there is something to brighten up any walk.
