Spotting Fake Hunter Boots: 5 Foolproof Methods to Identify Genuine Wellies

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Before they became all the rage among fashionistas, rubber boots or wellies were traditionally worn by fishermen, farmers, soldiers, and other occupations frequently exposed to muddy terrain and wet weather.

The Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots are a classic and iconic footwear option, available at a price range of $150 to $175The Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots are a classic and iconic footwear option, available at a price range of $150 to $175

However, the iconic moment at the 2005 Glastonbury Music Festival when supermodel Kate Moss donned a pair of Hunter rain boots triggered what became known as the “Kate Moss effect.”

Kate Moss’s influential choice gave rise to an unprecedented surge in the popularity of Hunter boots and wellies, elevating them from practical footwear to a coveted fashion statement. She has since been spotted wearing Hunter boots on several occasions.

Kate Moss exuded rock chick vibes at the Glastonbury Festival in 2011, donning a pair of blue snakeskin-print skinny trousers, a green T-shirt, a sleek black leather jacket, and completing the look with Hunter Wellington bootsKate Moss exuded rock chick vibes at the Glastonbury Festival in 2011, donning a pair of blue snakeskin-print skinny trousers, a green T-shirt, a sleek black leather jacket, and completing the look with Hunter Wellington boots (Credit: MMP / Startraksphoto)

This phenomenon marked a significant turning point in the history of these boots, propelling them into the spotlight and solidifying their status as a must-have item.

Jenna Louise Coleman flaunted her fit body wearing black Hunter boots with a black T-shirt and denim shortsJenna Louise Coleman flaunted her fit body wearing black Hunter boots with a black T-shirt and denim shorts at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival on June 27, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby)

Since then, Hunter boots have become the choice of footwear for music festivals. In addition to being trendy, rubber boots protect your feet and legs from mud and rain puddles.

Jenna Louise Coleman shows off her Hunter boots with knee-high red socksJenna Louise Coleman shows off her Hunter boots with knee-high red socks (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby)

Buying Hunter boots from authorized retailers like Nordstrom and Zappos is arguably the simplest way to ensure you get the real thing. Be particularly careful if you plan to buy boots on eBay.

Here are the top five online stores with the best selections of Hunter boots:

  1. Hunter Boots (Official Site): The official Hunter Boots website offers a wide range of Hunter boot styles, colors, and sizes. You can find the latest collections and exclusive releases directly from the brand.
  2. Amazon: Amazon is known for its vast selection of products, including Hunter boots. They offer a variety of styles and sizes, often at competitive prices. Additionally, customer reviews can help you make an informed purchase decision.
  3. Shopbop: Shopbop is a popular online retailer with a curated selection of designer fashion, including Hunter boots. They offer a range of styles, from classic to trendy, allowing you to find the perfect pair to suit your style.
  4. Nordstrom: Nordstrom is a renowned department store that carries a wide range of footwear, including Hunter boots. They offer a diverse selection of styles and sizes, along with excellent customer service and hassle-free returns.
  5. Zappos: Zappos is known for its extensive shoe inventory, and they offer a good selection of Hunter boots as well. With a user-friendly website and a reputation for exceptional customer service, Zappos is a reliable option for purchasing Hunter boots online.

When shopping for Hunter boots, it’s always a good idea to compare prices, check for any ongoing promotions or discounts, and read customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the best deal and the right pair for your needs.

You can buy Hunter boots on clearance at Nordstrom Rack. Check out some of the famous faces who have sported the trend:

Fearne Cotton wearing Hunter boots at the 2014 Glastonbury FestivalFearne Cotton wearing Hunter boots at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival on June 27, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby)

While Hunter boots are most popular at music festivals, some celebrities have also incorporated them into their regular wardrobes.

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Hunter boots while leaving a gymAlessandra Ambrosio wearing Hunter boots while leaving a gym in Los Angeles on March 7, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby)

Because of the popularity of Hunter boots, they have been targeted for counterfeiting.

Celebrities wearing Hunter bootsKate Bosworth and boyfriend Michael Polish at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on April 13, 2012 / Pixie Lott backstage at the Isle of Wight Festival on June 12, 2009 / Hilary Duff dresses down wearing an old jumper, ripped jeans, and Hunter wellies in Los Angeles on November 21, 2013 (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby)

Do a little research and inspection first to ensure you get a genuine pair of Hunters. Here are five things to check before buying:

1. Check the Logo Label

The first thing to check is the label. Original Hunter boots display the Hunter logo on the front of the boots. The logo should have bold, black block letters on a white rectangular label with red borders.

Please verify the Hunter logo label for authenticity and accuracyPlease verify the Hunter logo label for authenticity and accuracy

The print should look clear and readable, with no blurry lines and faded colors. Also, the silver-buckled straps should have a Hunter logo etching.

2. Insoles/Outsoles

Genuine Hunter boots are made of high-quality vulcanized natural rubber. The outsoles are decorated with a zigzag pattern and deep treads for better traction on wet surfaces.

Hunter boots are meticulously crafted using the finest vulcanized natural rubber, ensuring exceptional durability and superior qualityHunter boots are meticulously crafted using the finest vulcanized natural rubber, ensuring exceptional durability and superior quality

The insoles are multilayered and cushioned, with a distinctive orthopedic design for optimal comfort. So, please take a few minutes to try on a pair before buying it.

Try to get a feel of how comfortable the boots are on your feet, and check if they match the description.

3. Weight and Texture

One of the best ways to tell a fake from a genuine is by feeling the product in your hands. Because they’re made of vulcanized rubber, Hunter boots can feel pretty heavy.

An original pair of Hunter boots will weigh about 4 pounds, while imitations weigh a lot less because they’re made of cheap rubber. Cheap rubber can also feel rough, while high-grade natural rubber is much smoother.

4. Colors and Styles

Hunter’s original tall boots usually have ten classic colors, but there are seasonal styles that add more colorways to the mix.

Visit the brand’s website to check and compare the styles to ensure you’re getting the real deal. The color or gloss should look even (without any breaks) on all sides.

Hunter's seasonal boots have expanded their color range, offering a diverse selection of vibrant and stylish options to choose fromHunter’s seasonal boots have expanded their color range, offering a diverse selection of vibrant and stylish options to choose from

Counterfeiters often try to imitate the most popular colors but aren’t able to copy the exact shade. Note that imitations are usually two or three shades brighter or lighter than the original ones.

5. Trusted Online Stores

When buying Hunter boots online, purchasing from trusted online retailers is always recommended. While other smaller sites may offer a lower price, established retailers guarantee that their products are genuine.

A couple more reminders:

  • White powdery marks occasionally appear on used Hunter rubber footwear. This happens when insoluble particles begin to rise on the surface. While this may surprise you, it is actually a mark of high-quality natural rubber, and you should, therefore, not be worried. With Hunter’s boot buffer and boot shine, a pristine finish can easily be restored.
  • Genuine Hunter boots can be pretty pricey. The original tall boots are around $175, and the other special styles (i.e., shearling-lined boots) can be up to $270. The fake ones, on the other hand, can be extremely cheap.
  • Hunter boots are quite large (especially the tall styles). If you will not be wearing them with thick socks, it is advisable to order one size smaller for a proper fit.

Questions Regarding Hunter

Are authentic Hunter boots made in China?

Established as North British Rubber Company in 1856, the company is still headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company was founded by American entrepreneurs Spencer Thomas Parmelee and Henry Lee Norris. They arrived in Scotland with a patent from self-taught American chemist Charles Goodyear to make rubberized outer shoes and boots.

After going bankrupt in 2006 due to high manufacturing and fuel costs, two years later, the restructured company closed down its factory in Dumfries, a market town and former royal burgh within the Dumfries and Galloway council area of Scotland.

A statement from the company said: “Hunter is extremely proud of its Scottish heritage and the brand will continue to be designed in Scotland where it is proposed that the new head office will house a specialist product development team.

“While this move heralds an exciting time for the brand, the long-term strategy means manufacturing is unlikely to continue in Scotland.

Hunter boots, also known as Hunter Wellington boots or simply "Wellies," are a type of rubber rain boots that have gained popularity for their durability, functionality, and iconic designHunter boots, also known as Hunter Wellington boots or simply “Wellies,” are a type of rubber rain boots that have gained popularity for their durability, functionality, and iconic design (Credit: Melissamn / Shutterstock)

“Hunter management has looked at every possible option to maintain a production facility in Scotland, however, it is not economically viable to continue with the existing manufacturing function in Dumfries.

“Staff in Dumfries are to be offered the opportunity to relocate with the business to Edinburgh, some in alternative roles, and the management hope that as many as possible will be able to fill the jobs created there.

“Dumfries has been at the heart of the brand for many, many years and the many people who have worked across all aspects of the business during Hunter’s long association with the town have been extremely valued.

“It is with great sadness that this decision has been made but, under this new proposal, the brand’s Scottish heritage will continue to be honored and celebrated as Hunter prepares to enter a new phase returning to its original home in Edinburgh.”

Following the closure of its plant in Scotland, the company outsourced production to Asia in 2008. Its famous rain boots are now made by suppliers in China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, and Vietnam.

Can I wear Hunter boots in the snow?

While primarily known for wellies and rainwear not designed for extremely cold temperatures, Hunter also offers a range of insulated snow boots and winter boots for tackling the coldest winter climates.

Hunter’s insulated and water-resistance snow boots are engineered to withstand extreme temperaturesHunter’s insulated and water-resistance snow boots are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures

Are Hunter boots guaranteed for life?

No, they are not guaranteed for life. However, authentic Hunter boots are covered by a twenty-four (24) month warranty. You must provide proof of purchase (receipt) from an authorized stockist.

Do Hunter boots run big or small?

It’s usually recommended to go a half size down, but reading the Hunter boot fit guide to ensure you order the right size is well worth your time.

Are Hunter boots vegan?

Yes, Hunter boots offer a range of vegan options. The majority of their iconic and best-selling boots are vegan as they are made using natural rubber.

Additionally, the company has introduced a Vegan Edit collection, which features eco-friendly Wellington boots that are entirely free from animal materials and animal by-products in their manufacturing process. These vegan alternatives cater to individuals who prefer to choose products that align with their ethical values.

Is Hunter an American brand?

Hunter Boots and Hunter Engineering are two separate entities with different focuses.

Hunter Boots is a British company known for its iconic rubber wellington boots. They specialize in designing and manufacturing footwear, particularly waterproof boots. Hunter Boots has a strong presence in the fashion industry and offers a variety of stylish and functional boots for various purposes.

On the other hand, Hunter Engineering is an American company that specializes in automotive service equipment. They are known for their innovative solutions in the automotive industry, particularly in the field of wheel alignment systems, tire changers, brake lathes, and other related equipment. Hunter Engineering focuses on providing advanced tools and technologies to automotive professionals to enhance vehicle performance and maintenance.