When were rain boots invented?

Rain boots were created in England back in the 19th century. A man named Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington, asked his favorite shoemaker to modify Hessian boots (fancy leather boots

worn by soldiers) to make 'em more form-fitting and look cooler. These boots came to be known as Wellingtons, or Wellies, and became a total fashion rage! After rubber was invented, rubber Wellies were introduced and became popular with farmers who could keep their feet dry and mud-free while workin' on farms.

http://www.kidzworld.com/article/9661-get-the-goods-on-rain-boots