Hunter Wellington boots are now making the trip across the ocean to New York's trendiest stores as the company expands into the US market.

Due to be stocked in chic shops such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Bergdorf Goodman, Hunter Wellington boots are expected to become the next big thing amongst the rich and famous of America.

The famous welly boots, made in Scotland since 1856, have had various practical and fashionable uses over the years. These range from being used in the muddy trenches of the First World War to gracing Kate Moss' delicate feet during the Glastonbury Festival.

Fashion expert Melanie Rickey believes that Hunter's British associations combined with recent financial difficulties have encouraged New Yorkers to purchase the classic Wellington boots.

She explained, "[Wearing Hunter Wellington boots] is a bit of a trend in New York, where people like to look like upper-class English people."

"They became a bit of a trendy item because the business nearly went into liquidation," she added.

However, other experts put the Hunter wellies' rise in the American fashion world down to icons such as Kate Moss choosing to wear the famous welly boots.