In this article, we delve into the world of Hunter boot aficionados to explore how some of the most influential men in entertainment and royalty have incorporated these stalwart boots into their wardrobes.
From muddy festival fields to manicured palace grounds, Hunter boots have proven their versatility and enduring appeal.
Let’s examine how these style icons wear their Hunters, and what this choice reveals about their approach to fashion and lifestyle.
1. Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, embodies the quintessential British aristocrat’s approach to outdoor wear. In December 2016, whilst visiting then-girlfriend Meghan Markle in Toronto, Prince Harry was spotted sporting a pair of green Hunter boots.
More recently, during a visit to Morocco with the Duchess of Sussex in February 2019, Prince Harry once again turned to his trusty black Hunter boots.
The prince’s consistent reliance on Hunter boots for both personal and official engagements underscores their status as a wardrobe essential for those who move effortlessly between formal duties and leisure activities.
It’s worth noting that Prince Harry’s patronage of Hunter boots continues a long-standing royal tradition. His mother, Princess Diana, and his grandfather, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was known to favour Hunter boots for outdoor pursuits, further cementing the brand’s association with British royalty and the upper echelons of society.
Fact
In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were gifted a pair of miniature Hunter boots for their then-unborn child during their royal tour of New Zealand.
2. Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker known for his roles in “A Star is Born” and “American Sniper”, demonstrated his impeccable style sense at the Glastonbury Festival in 2015.
Cooper was photographed navigating the notoriously muddy festival grounds in black Hunter boots that perfectly complement his rugged yet refined ensemble.
He pairs the boots with dark trousers and a black waxed jacket, topped off with a backward cap and stylish sunglasses.
The overall look strikes an ideal balance between practical festival wear and effortless celebrity cool.
Using the ‘High-low’ dressing technique, Cooper combined luxury items like his designer sunglasses and high-end outerwear with casualwear such as cargo pants and Hunter boots, to create a look that is both aspirational and accessible.
Fact
In an interview about his Glastonbury experience, Cooper mentioned that he borrowed his pair of Hunter boots from a longtime friend for the festival.
3. Niall Horan
Former One Direction member and successful solo artist Niall Horan has demonstrated a keen eye for blending high-end fashion with practical festival wear.
At the Glastonbury Festival in June 2016, Horan was photographed navigating the notoriously muddy terrain in a pair of Hunter boots.
The Irish singer’s style at Glastonbury – pairing his Hunter boots with slim-fit jeans and a well-cut jacket – offered a masterclass in festival fashion for the gentleman who refuses to compromise on style, regardless of the setting.
Fact
Following his appearance at Glastonbury, Niall Horan’s choice of Hunter boots led to a 10% increase in sales of the brand’s festival-specific models, according to industry reports.
4. Jamie Dornan
Irish actor Jamie Dornan, famed for his roles in “Fifty Shades” and “The Fall”, was spotted wearing ankle-length Hunter boots while shopping in Gloucester, pairing them effortlessly with jeans and a polo shirt.
This casual ensemble, anchored by his choice of Hunter boots, showcases the versatility of these iconic wellies. Dornan’s off-duty style often incorporates elements of rugged elegance, with Hunter boots playing a crucial role in this aesthetic.
Fact
For a pivotal rain scene in “Fifty Shades Darker”, Dornan insisted on wearing his personal pair of Hunter boots, which he claimed brought him good luck on particularly challenging shooting days, but the director didn’t let him.
5. Ronnie Wood
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood exemplifies how Hunter boots can add a touch of class to even the most rebellious of personas.
Wood was spotted wearing Hunter boots at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2013, proving that these classic wellies are as at home in the world of rock ‘n’ roll as they are in more traditional settings.
Wood’s use of Hunter boots at Glastonbury underscores the brand’s cross-generational appeal.
Fact
Wood once gifted a pair of his used Hunter boots to a young fan at Glastonbury, who later became an apprentice at Hunter’s factory, inspired by the encounter.
6. Penn Badgley
Penn Badgley, star of the hit series “Gossip Girl” and more recently, “You”, was photographed wearing Hunter boots with a grey suit on the streets of New York City in 2011.
This bold pairing of formal wear with utilitarian footwear created a stir in fashion circles and exemplified the versatility of Hunter boots in diverse settings.
Badgley’s choice to wear Hunter boots with a suit in a metropolitan environment challenges conventional fashion norms. It speaks to a confidence and nonchalance that is often associated with true style icons.
Fact
The exact pair of Hunter boots Badgley wore with his grey suit in NYC were later displayed in Hunter’s flagship store as part of an exhibition on urban boot styling.
7. Alexander Skarsgård
Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, known for his roles in “True Blood” and “Big Little Lies”, brought a touch of Scandinavian cool to British tradition when he was spotted wearing Hunter boots at the Glastonbury Festival in 2015.
Skarsgård’s festival attire, which included his Hunter boots, struck a perfect balance between practicality and style.
The actor’s tall, lean frame was complemented by the boots’ classic silhouette, creating a look that was both effortless and considered.
Fact
In an interview with a British fashion magazine, Skarsgård mentioned that his first pair of Hunter boots was a gift from Alexa Chung who introduced him to Hunter boots.
8. Matt Bellamy
Matt Bellamy, frontman of the alternative rock band Muse, was seen sporting Hunter boots at the Glastonbury Festival in 2016. As a musician known for his eclectic style and innovative approach to rock music, Bellamy’s choice of such a classic British staple is particularly noteworthy.
This juxtaposition of traditional style with cutting-edge music creates an intriguing narrative about the role of heritage brands in contemporary culture.
Bellamy’s use of Hunter boots serves as an example of how to incorporate classic elements into an otherwise edgy or alternative wardrobe.
Fact
During a backstage interview at Glastonbury, Bellamy revealed that he keeps a pair of Hunter boots on Muse’s tour bus