A little look into the reason for creation and all things functional...

Monday 6 December 2010

Wellington Boots

Oh dear, looks like I’ve neglected my blog for a few days. I think I’ll blame it on the snow, after all Britain officially goes in to shut down and panic mode at the site of a kids cut out snowflake.
But if the pain in the arse snow has taught me anything it’s that sensible footwear is snow joke. In the past few days I have slipped over in the snow at least 10 times and then tried to incorporate it into some sort of dance movement. And unfortunatley it seems I’m the only one. The residance of Epsom have got the slipping and sliding under control. From the coffin dodgers to Rugrats; everyone is looking after number one, upping the sensible footwear anti and putting on a pair of Wellington boots.
Hessain Boot
Although now a days you can probably buy a pair of wellies from Wilkos, back in 1817 they were a little more limited edition. They were first created when the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, ordered his shoe maker to modify the Hessian boot into something more comfortable and practical for the men of Britain. The shoemaker created a boot made of leather, which was hard wearing, comfortable, lighter and waterproof. It was named after the Duke of Wellington, and became very popular with war heroes and the more average Joe male public. 
First Duke of Wellington

The Wellington boot evolved quickly and was soon made of rubber and once fashion got a hold of them; plastic. Although the use of plastic is great for us Asda Smart Price ‘cheapos’, it was not so good for the Wellington’s street cred. The rubber shoes became unattractive to the eye and less resistant to wear and tear; naughty little sweat shop workers. 
Today, the boots are available in rubber and plastic, depending on how much pocket money you get. They are popular with the ‘get stuck in’ farmers and ‘I’ve got nothing better to do with my life’ gardeners.
And now the welly has been taken over by the celebs. The world famous Hunter boots have become a winter and summer festival fashion essential. Celebrities such assuper model Kate Moss and 'that girl who used to act’ Mary Kate Olsen wearing them.


Kate Moss

And if idolising celebrities style isn’t your thing than take it from the Wellington wearer himself. Paddington Bear never leaves the house without them; of course he is a fictional character and I’m therefore lying, but who cares. Match you boots with a personalised suit case, a blue duffel coat and a fancy hat and you are rolling with the big bears!


Paddington Bear

Get the funky footwear here www.funky-wellington-boots.co.uk