Hunter Boot Ltd
Hunter Boot Limited, better known as Hunter Boots, is a British footwear company famous for its rubber Wellington boots. It was founded in 1856 in Edinburgh as the North British Rubber Company by Henry Lee Norris and Spencer Parmelee. The business started by making rubber boots and later other rubber products, growing quickly and even supplying boots for the world wars.
The most iconic product is the Original Green Wellington, first launched in 1955. Over time, production moved from Scotland to other places, including China. Hunter’s products now include Wellington boots, other footwear, bags, socks and accessories.
The company changed hands several times. It became part of Uniroyal in 1966 and earned Royal Warrants in 1976 and 1986. It later came under Gates and then Tomkins. In 2004, a management-led buyout created Hunter Boots as an independent company.
Hunter faced financial difficulties in 2006 and entered administration. A private group rescued the business, and the company moved its headquarters to Edinburgh in 2008. It opened flagship stores in London (2014) and Tokyo (2016) and pursued fashion collaborations, including a Limited edition with Jimmy Choo in 2009.
In 2012 a new investor, Searchlight Capital, took control. Alasdhair Willis became Creative Director in 2013, and Hunter Original and Hunter Field lines were launched. The brand expanded its global presence, including partnerships with fashion and lifestyle brands.
In June 2023, Hunter Boots went into administration with debts around £113 million, citing weaker demand, the pandemic, supply issues and inflation. It later sought creditor protection in Canada.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:50 (CET).