There are many names for different types of boots. You’ve got overshoes, rubber boots, snow boots, boots, wellington boots, wellington boots, rubber boots, and probably other names I can’t even remember. So you might be wondering, “are wellington boots the same as rain boots?” Let’s find out by learning a little more about wellies!

For the most part, yes, wellies are the same as rain boots. But to be more picky, while all rain boots can basically be considered rain boots, not all rain boots are wellies. Wellington boots are always made of rubber, but rain boots are not necessarily like that. While it could be argued that rubber boots are the only ones that are truly waterproof, there are still plenty of boots marketed as rain boots that aren’t made of the material.

Many rain boots can be made from synthetic materials that are treated to be waterproof. Even canvas boots treated with a protective coating can do a good job of protecting your feet from wet and cold weather. But they certainly aren’t wellies.

So what are wellington boots?

Wellies is basically a nickname for a particular type of rubber boot that originated in Great Britain. Originally, they were known as Wellingtons, which is a brand of boots made by a British company called Hunter Wellington. They were probably the first manufacturers of what we call wellingtons today, which is why both Wellingtons and Wellies refer to these types of boots, and is generally the name used regardless of the company that actually makes them. While Hunter Wellington is still around and makes great boots, many companies, like J Crew or even Jimmy Choo, make the same style today.

While this style of boot has long been in style in rainy England, wellington boots are a huge hit everywhere today thanks to some fashion trends that made boots more stylish and beautiful. You don’t have to make do with a pair of black or army green boots. Today, you can buy wellies in all sorts of trendy colors and even prints.

I think some of the patterned designs on these boots make them particularly cute. My favorites are plaids and floral prints, especially when bright colors are used. They are ideal for rainy spring days if you want to spend them splashing in the puddles. What could be more fun? Especially when you don’t have to worry about your feet getting wet.