British festival season is many things: brilliant music, warm cider, questionable weather. What it is not, unfortunately, is predictable. Whether you are heading to Glastonbury, Green Man, or a boutique weekender in a Somerset field, Hunter remains the gold standard for keeping your feet dry and your outfit sharp. Right now, several of the brand's most-loved pieces are on sale at Secret Sales, which means there has never been a better moment to kit yourself out properly. Here are the eight Hunter essentials worth adding to your festival wardrobe before the season gets going.
Why Hunter Is Still the Festival Boot of Choice
Hunter has been making rubber boots in Britain since 1856. The brand earned its iconic status partly because royalty wore them at Balmoral, but mostly because they actually work. The vulcanised natural rubber construction is fully waterproof, the fit is reliable across the range, and the tall silhouette keeps mud out even when a field has turned properly boggy. Beyond the classic welly, Hunter has expanded into bags, socks, and packable outerwear, turning it into a proper head-to-toe festival brand.
The 8 Hunter Pieces to Shop Now
1. Hunter Original Tall Boot
The one that started it all. The Original Tall is 100% waterproof, hand-crafted from 28 individual pieces of natural rubber, and available in a range of festival-friendly colours. The adjustable fit buckle at the back makes it easier to pull on over thick socks. This is the piece you build your whole look around.
2. Hunter Original Short Boot
If the tall boot feels like too much commitment for a day festival or a boutique event with mostly dry weather forecast, the Short Boot is a smart compromise. Ankle height, fully waterproof, and easier to pack in a festival holdall. It pairs well with wide-leg jeans or a midi skirt.
3. Hunter Original Chelsea Boot
For a more polished, street-ready look, the rubber Chelsea gives you the same waterproofing as the classic welly in a sleeker silhouette. The elastic gussets make them quick to pull on when a sudden shower rolls in across the campsite.
4. Hunter Original Insulated Short Boot
British summer evenings can drop to single figures, especially in Wales or Scotland. The insulated version of the Short Boot adds a warm lining without sacrificing the waterproof shell, which makes it the sensible choice if you are camping across a full weekend.
5. Hunter Festival Bag
A waterproof bag matters just as much as waterproof footwear. Hunter's rubberised tote is wipe-clean, roomy enough for a rain mac and a change of socks, and sturdy enough to handle being shoved under a stage barrier. Available in several colourways to match your boots.
6. Hunter Original Cord Adjustable Bag
For hands-free festival days, the drawstring cord bag keeps essentials secure while you are dancing. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and clips easily onto a belt loop or tent hook. A practical addition at a modest price point.
7. Hunter Original Welly Socks (Tall)
Good welly socks are genuinely transformative. Hunter's cushioned, moisture-wicking versions are designed specifically for the Original Tall boot, with an over-the-knee fold-down cuff that stops them slipping inside the boot. Blisters are a festival problem that is entirely preventable.
8. Hunter Lightweight Packable Jacket
A waterproof layer that actually fits in your bag. Hunter's packable jacket compresses down to almost nothing, which means it earns its place even when the forecast looks optimistic. When it inevitably starts drizzling during the headline act, you will be very glad it is there.
How to Style Hunter Boots at a Festival
The beauty of Hunter footwear is that it works across a range of outfits without looking like an afterthought. A few combinations that hold up well in practice:
Classic festival: Original Tall boots in olive or khaki, cut-off denim shorts, and an oversized band tee.
Bohemian: Original Short boot in black, a floral midi dress with a chunky belt, and the Hunter tote bag.
Practical weekend warrior: Insulated Short boot, wide-leg cargo trousers, the packable jacket, and the cord bag for hands-free convenience.
Smart casual: Chelsea boot, straight-leg jeans, a linen shirt, and a lightweight layer for the evenings.
The key is treating the boots as the anchor of the outfit rather than an apology for the weather. When the footwear is this considered, the rest falls into place.
Getting the Right Fit
Hunter boots are designed to be worn with thick socks, so if you are between sizes, size up rather than down. The Original Tall boot also comes in a Refined version with a narrower calf fit, which is worth considering if standard Hunter boots have ever felt too loose around the leg. Most styles run true to UK sizing.
FAQs
Are Hunter boots actually worth the money for festivals?
Yes. Hunter boots are fully waterproof, durable enough to last many festival seasons, and comfortable enough for long days on your feet. When bought on sale at Secret Sales, the price-per-wear becomes very reasonable indeed.
What size Hunter boots should I buy?
Hunter recommends sizing up if you plan to wear thick or cushioned socks, which is advisable for festival use. If you are between sizes, go up by one. The Refined range offers a narrower fit for those who find standard Hunter boots too wide at the calf.
Can Hunter boots be worn in hot weather?
Rubber boots can feel warm in direct sun. Hunter's Short Boot and Chelsea styles are better suited to warmer days as they cover less of the leg. Pairing any Hunter boot with moisture-wicking welly socks also helps manage heat considerably.
How do I clean Hunter boots after a muddy festival?
Rinse off mud with cold water as soon as possible. For scuff marks and bloom (the white haze that can appear on rubber), Hunter produces a specialist boot buffer and shine spray. Avoid hot water or leaving boots in direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat can degrade the rubber over time.
