I know there are probably many of you petites out there wondering if the the Hunter Welly is a good fit. How do I know? Because I've been wondering the same thing for years. I finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase a pair. They're kind of ugly, but kind of cute all at the same time. They've always been much more prominently seen in the UK as they have been manufactured there since the 1800s (international manufacturing only began in 2007). Originally meant for the trenches in World War II and then for fisherman, it caught on in the fashion world when Kate Moss wore them in 2005 at the Glastonbury festival. To this day, many stores have a hard time keeping them on their shelves (trust me, I know, I've been trying for a few years now).
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| Photo Credit: Glamour.com |
The original color is green, but I went with navy. Something a little bit different from the original, but also not too out there if I wanted to wear them on the commute to work.
Fit and comfort: 1/2 size large. I read a hundreds of reviews on this boot, and I couldn't figure out if they were a full size too big or half a size too big. These boots only come in full sizes. I purchased both a size 5 and size 6. I am a true size 6. I first tried on the size 5, and it was definitely too small. I was wearing a a pair of sports socks at the time since that's probably what I'd be wearing with them. I then tried on the size 6. It was a little bit too big, but I inserted a pair of thick insoles for comfort and warmth and then they were perfect. Even though these boots have an orthopedic cushioned foot bed, they don't have a whole lot of support, so insoles are probably a good idea if you need something to help support your arch. They have anti-bacterial fabric lining to help prevent against odor. Good rubber traction, so these are great for slippery winter days as well.
Circumference, measured on the inside of a size 6: 14". The circumference isn't too bad. Keep in mind, my calves are about 12.5" at their widest point. A little room around the calf in these boots aren't a bad idea and don't look bad either. There is no zipper, so you need the room to be able to slip them on and off.
There is an adjustable buckle, but it's really of no use:
I'm wearing them with short socks here, but I would probably be wearing them with knee high socks to help close the gap a little bit. But even against my bare leg, the gap isn't terrible.
They also have this cute label in the inside to put your name, which I guess was useful back in the day when all the soldiers had the same boot and they were all the same color:
Height of Shaft, measured at the back of boot, but not including the small .5" heel: 15". I read a lot of reviews, and many petites that have these boots complained that they were too high. When they sat down it would cut them in the back of their thighs or knees. Here they are on me:
As you can see, the don't come close to hitting the back of my thigh. When I sit on my bed which is much lower than this chair, then I do feel them but it's not bothersome (and how often do I sit on something that low?). Keep in mind that I am 5'1, but my inseam is almost a full 31". If your inseam is much shorter, the height of the shaft might be too tall for you.
Quality: Seem to be made really well. No gaps in the seams and very sturdy. I am confident these will hold up for years to come.
The also now come in a wide range of colors and textures, including croc and gloss, and in a variety of styles include a short boot, wide calf, lace-up and wedge. Cost for a pair of Originals is $125.
My friend bought a pair of Hunters years ago and she complained how sweaty her feet got when she wore them. I think it's a good to wear a pair of breathable socks given that no air is going to be getting to your feet with these boots otherwise. I splurged on a pair of Hunter socks ($25/pair):
I haven't decided if I want to keep these yet. I do, but I'm not completely sure that my budget is going to allow it. Plus, I think I want the Black Gloss boot instead. =/
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