Though many of us grew up with a pair of rainboots in the coat closet for those spring days when the puddles needed stomping, many of us are unaware of the rich history of rain boots. While the many pairs of yellow and black rain boots that lined our elementary school classrooms might have made for frustrations when it was time to go outside, we forget there was a time when rain boots simply did not exist.

Rain boots were originally created less than 200 years ago, in early 19th century England. Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington, wore Hessian boots, which were tall, tasseled boots for men, brought to England by the Hessians. The popular Duke instructed his favorite shoe maker to modify the boots a bit, removing the fancy trim and making them a bit more form-fitting; the boots became known as Wellingtons or "Wellies" and became the fashion rage among well-to-do English men. In 1853, after learning of the creation of rubber, Hiram Hutchinson introduced the first rubber Wellington boots to farmers in France. The rubber boots were an instant success, saving field workers from coming home each day with wet and muddy feet.

Today, Wellington boots have impacted the style of rain boots around the world. Rain boots are now waterproof and made from either rubber or other man-made equivalents. Gore-tex, one of the latest materials used for rain boots, is completely waterproof.

While Wellingtons are usually knee-high, rubber rain boots are also available low cut, just above the ankle; or high cut, all the way up to the thigh. Wellington rain boots were originally made in simple black rubber, but today they are popular in a variety of colors, with solid green, solid yellow, and black with red or green soles being the most popular. Multi-colored rain boots especially kids rubber boots and those with designs, patterns, or polka-dots can now be found in every color of the rainbow.

Though the name implies use only in inclement weather, rain boots are useful for more than a rainy day. Snow, mud, and chemical waste all require rain boots for protection, dryness, and warmth. Many rain boots are made with inner liners of flannel or other warm materials for use in cold weather like a pair of snow boots. Gone are the lines of yellow and black rain boots in elementary school classrooms. Today, every child in class may have a completely different look, thanks to fashion variety combined with the traditional style of rain boots.

Riding boots are boots which have been designed specifically for use in horseback riding. There are a number of different styles of riding boot, customized for various equestrian sports, and riding boots are also sometimes used by motorcyclists, since many of the features designed for horseback riding are also useful on a motorcycle. Riding supply shops generally carry an array of riding boots for their customers, and these boots can also be ordered through supplier catalogs.

Several issues are of concern when designing boots for horseback riding. The first is safety. Horse riding boots are designed in such a way that they cannot slip through or catch on the stirrup, and they must also be sturdy enough to support the rider's leg while preventing it from being pinched in the stirrup leathers or injured in a collision with a fence, tree, or other obstacle. Riding boots also provide support to the rider's ankle, ensuring that he or she can hold a firm seat, and the toes are typically reinforced.

Most riding boots look very similar to conventional boots, until one examines the heel and sole more closely. The sole tends to be smooth, so that it slides easily in the stirrup iron, and the heel is tall and broad to provide support and create a wedge so that the foot cannot slide through the stirrup iron. The top of the boot may also be cut to allow greater flexibility around the knee, especially in the case of boots designed for jumping, where the rider adopts a half-crouched stance.

Field and dress boots are both high, typically reaching almost to the knee. Field boots lace or zip, allowing more flexibility around the ankle so that the rider can easily change position in the saddle, to move into a jump or hunt seat. Dress boots are stiffer, and designed for riding on the flat only. Paddock boots, also called Jodphur boots, are more casual equestrian boots which reach only to the ankle, and they are less common in competition. Western boots are very similar to dress boots, except with a more pronounced heel, and slightly different aesthetics.

When selecting riding boots, it is critical to try them on, and ideally to bring in the stirrups you use to make sure that the boots are a good fit. Equestrians should try bending through a series of moves in riding boots, to ensure that they have enough flexibility, and they should take note of any discomfort. If riding boots pinch or feel awkward in the store, they may become painful during a riding session. Riding boots should also feel snug and supportive, rather than loose, as loose boots can interfere with commands to the horse or with security in the saddle.

Good snow boots can be an expensive winter item, and with the way kids feet grow, planning ahead is essential. Where you live will determine the type of snow boots your kids need. From fur-lined to waterproof, kids' snow boots are an essential part of preparing for winter.

Decide ahead of time what type of snow boots your child needs. If your winter climate is more of a mix of rain and snow, consider how waterproof boots are before buying for warmth.

Check your child's shoe size carefully and buy one size larger than they normally wear. This allows for multiple layers of socks and may get you two seasons instead of one.

Look for early- or late-season sales. Many websites offer overstocks throughout the year of last year's colors or leftover sizes. Check these kinds of resources regularly.

Choose boots that have a removable liner if you are looking for extended season wear. These kinds of boots can double as spring rain boots when the liner is removed. You can throw liners in the wash for easy cleaning.

Select boots that come just below the midcalf and are wider at the top. This allows for tucking in snow pants and helps keep feet dry.

Find boots that slip on easily and fasten with Velcro. Be sure your child can get boots on and off independently while at school. Simpler is better.

Test the bottom of kids rubber boots for proper traction. Boot soles should be made of thick, durable rubber to keep kids safe in icy conditions and to help them climb sledding hills.

Rubber boots are most commonly worn in rain and snow, though they are also standard for certain professions and hobbies such as fishing. Rubber boots come in all types from plain and utilitarian to fashionable additions to your wardrobe. Rubber boots need to be taken care of and maintained properly like any other foot wear. Proper care extends the life of the boot as well as maintaining an attractive appearance.

When you learned how to wash your rubber boots other kinds of boots like riding boots, rain boots or snow boots can be washed in the same way.

1 Wash boots with warm water and mild liquid dish soap when they become dirty. Mild soaps will not break down the silicone coating on the boots. Use a soft sponge or cloth, not abrasive scrubbers or brushes.

?2 Allow the boots to air dry at room temperature. Avoid speeding up the process with heat as this will make the rubber break down.

?3 Store the boots, when not in use, standing up out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. They can be stored in a cold room, such as a mudroom or garden shed, over the winter with no damage.

?4 Apply a silicone rubber conditioner monthly during regular use and before storing for the season. Silicone conditioners are available from shoe stores and some hardware stores.

?5 Spray the conditioner onto a lint-free cloth and apply to the boot. Buff away any excess with a second, clean cloth.

Colorful, funky rubber rain boots are one of this year's hottest fashion trends. They are definitely the most FUN way to keep your feet warm and dry in yucky weather, and they make excellent gifts, too. How can you not smile when you see someone walking around in one of those adorable women's rain boot fashions?

If you want to add a little whimsy to your life (or to the life of a lucky lady), buy a rubber women's rain boot. Here are five issues to think about while you shop.

SIZING: If you're shopping online, sizing issues can be challenging. The best advice here is to be aware of the various brands' sizing quirks. For example, Chooka rain boot sizes run large, while Western Chief Rain boot sizes tend to be wide, and they don't come in half sizes.

DURABILITY: As functional as women's rain boots can be, the more popular, ultra-cute ones aren't really meant for yard work! Don't abuse your boots. If you treat them well, they can last for a long time. If you have any heavy work to do outside, it's better to buy some waterproof work boots.

TREAD: Rain can make walking surfaces slippery! It's important to make sure that your women's rain boot has good tread, to prevent you from falling into a puddle... or worse! TIP: for even better support, you can insert a pair of insoles. You won't believe how much more comfortable this can be!

INSULATION: When you put a women's rain boot in the snow, it does not automatically become a winter boot. You'd be surprised how many people try this, only to be unpleasantly surprised when their feet get really cold. Think about it, though; these boots are designed to keep your feet dry in the rain, but not necessarily the snow. You might be OK if you wore some serious wool socks with your rain boots, but then you might run into sizing issues. All things considered, it's much smarter to wear regular snow boots in very cold temperatures.

COMFORT: Let's face it, rubber rain boots are made of... you guessed it, rubber. Rubber isn't always the most comfortable material for clothing, but it's great for waterproofing. I've found that most worthwhile boots will involve a "breaking in" period where you have to deal with a little bit of discomfort while the material conforms to the shape of your body. After that, you and your now-comfortable boots will become nearly inseparable.

Women's rain boot fashions can express that free, artistic side of yourself and might even help you to strike up fun conversations with people. They can also make you feel like a kid again! Whatever your reason for considering rubber rain boots, you're sure to find the best pair available if you keep these tips in mind.

The Wellington boot, also known as galoshes, rubber-boots, wellies, topboots, gumboots, or rainboots are a type of boot based upon leather Hessian boots. It was worn and popularised by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. This novel "Wellington" boot then became a fashionable style emulated by the British aristocracy in the early 19th century. The boot thus became known, in British English, by its proponent: Wellington.

Wellington boots are waterproof and are most often made from PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) a halogenated polymer. PVC boots are usually worn when walking on wet or muddy ground, or to protect the wearer from heavy showers. They are generally just below knee-high. The "Wellington" in contemporary society is a very common and necessary safety or hygiene shoe for vastly diverse industrial settings: for heavy industry with an integrated reinforced toe; protection from mud and grime in mines, chemical spills in chemical plants to highest standard hygiene requirements from food processing plants, operating theatres and state-of-the-art dust-free clean rooms for electronics manufacture