Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James Street London, to modify this 18th century boot. They designed a new boot in soft calfskin leather, removed the trim and made the cut closer around the leg. The Iron Duke didn't know what he'd started - the boot was dubbed the ‘wellington' and the name has stuck ever since. By the end of the war in 1945, the Wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wet weather wear. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.
Wellington boots, almost always simply called rubber boots or gum-boots, are popular in Canada and the northern US states, particularly in springtime when melting snows leave wet and muddy ground. Young people can be seen wearing them to school or university and taking them to summer camps.
While green Wellingtons are popular in Britain, red-soled black rubber boots are often seen in the US, in addition to Canadian styles. In rural and coastal Alaska, XtraTuf boots are popular. Wellingtons specifically made for cold weather, lined with warm insulating material, are especially popular practical footwear for Canadian winters. This same style of lined boot is also popular among those who work in or near the ocean, as one can wade in and out of shallow, but cold ocean water, while staying dry and warm.
A popular picture taken of the first Duke Of Wellington in front of the GOMA in Glasgow. I wonder if this is why he always has a rubber pylon on his head?!
