It is 1927, Oxford. It is a typical spring-like afternoon in March, and on the banks of the River Isis, hundreds of people, students and the local community alike, are cheering on a group of pioneering women from Oxford and Cambridge Universities who are competing in a ground breaking rowing event; a first in history.

In the same year, just over the channel in a rain-soaked Cherbourg in France, a man named Claude Chamot has just put pen to paper to establish his new business that will start on its production, handcrafting the most innovative, durable and waterproof rubber Wellington boots.

Unbeknownst to both, these two historical events will meet nearly 100 years on in April 2026, as Le Chameau partners with The Boat Race.

Le Chameau is proud to once again partner with the most famous rowing race in the world and one of the oldest rivalries in sport, The Boat Race.   

For nearly 200 years, since its first ever race in 1829, Oxford and Cambridge Universities have gone head-to-head. Known as the ‘bare knuckle boxing of the rowing world’, The Boat Race is a chance for complete for sporting glory, rowing the four and a quarter mile Tideway of the River Thames. After 364 days of training and thousands of strokes performed each week, it comes down to 1 day, 15 minutes on the water, to win all.    

“Rowing is a sport, but it is also like a dance; a craft. When you're out on the water and you're all at one together, it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.” – Heidi Long, Oxford Women's President for 2025-26.

Le Chameau has crafted the world’s finest Wellington boots since its founding in Normandy in 1927. Built on an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and refinement, Le Chameau heritage endures in its iconic footwear, which is handcrafted by Maître Bottiers to ensure unparalleled resilience and comfort.   

Le Chameau’s partnership with The Boat Race builds on its long history in the maritime arena. 140 rowers will be equipped with Le Chameau’s handcrafted neoprene-lined Vierzonord boots, while support staff will wear Le Chameau’s rubber waders.  

On race day, you will see Le Chameau on the feet of those final race teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities as they carry their vessels from boathouse to river and enter the water to create their own history in this famous race, and then again on the podium, as the winning team.   

“The Le Chameau boots are great, they look good and they are very comfortable, perfect for race day when you are walking down from the boathouse and out into the river.” – Noam Mouelle, Men’s Cambridge President for 2025-26.

Find out more about this iconic race and our handcrafted neoprene-lined Vierzonord boots.