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Best Rain Boots
You step directly into an icy cold puddle. Not only are your feet wet, but you don’t have anything dry to change into. Alas, you must spend the day with icky, uncomfortable, wet feet. How can such an annoying occurrence be avoided? Quite easily.
All you need to do is invest in a pair of quality rain boots. Now, we aren’t saying that you need to slog around in the heavy yellow boots you would have worn as a child. Luckily, there are many fashionable and effective rubber boots for you to choose from on the market today.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
There are three basic types of boots for rain, all of which are designed with different uses in mind.
Casual Boot
Casual boots are meant for walking around town on a rainy day. They are great for keeping your feet dry but are not well suited for outdoor work. They tend to be comfortable enough for walking around, but have less cushion on your feet than the more useful options. The material may also be thinner and less sturdy; however, this also makes it lighter weight. Boots for rain that only reach your ankle are more often found in this category since people who need casual boots don’t often find themselves standing in thick mud or a foot of water. These rubber boots are popular options for a warm and dry shoe.
Work Boot
Rain shoes that are designed for work can be heavy and bulky, but they also provide comfort all day long. For other models of waterproof boots, read our guide. These boots tend to have thick,well-cushioned, well-cushioned insoles, and high shafts to protect your entire lower leg from the elements. They are designed to stand up to consistent wear and tear and are perfect for those who work in the agricultural, landscaping, fishing (click here if interested in boots for fishing), or construction industries. They can also be a good choice for doing yard work and walking through the woods, although they don’t give the type of foot support needed for longer, uphill treks.
Casual Work Boot
Some of these boots are stylish enough for casual wear, yet sturdy enough to be work to work. Lighter weight work boots tend to fall into this category since super heavy shoes can be an unnecessary hindrance while running errands. Some examples of this type of boot from this list are the XTRATUF Legacy Series and the Hunter’s Original Tall Rain Boot. Both these rubber boots offer an attractive look that wouldn’t be out of the place in the mall while also being excellent choices for muddy manual labor.
Insulation
Rain boots are typically thought of as suited for warm rainy days in the spring, summer, or fall. However, there are also plenty of rubber boots on the market that is designed to not just keep your feet dry but also warm. Before purchasing a pair of boots spend some time thinking about what types of temperatures you will be using them in, as well as what activities you will be doing in these temperatures.
If you know that you will primarily be using your boots in the winter, investing in a pair with extra insulation is a good call. This will ensure that your feet stay warm even in below-freezing temperatures or when there is snow on the ground. Insulated footwear will be to warm when the temperatures begin to rise. If the rainy season where you live is during the rainy boots, an uninsulated pair is probably a good call.
When choosing the warmth of your boot, it is also important to note that uninsulated boots can be adapted to work in the winter, while the vice-versa is not true. Thick socks (best merino-wool socks will give you a list of options) can make this model of boot much warmer, providing some of the insulation that a summer boot lacks.
However, insulated boots cannot be easily adapted to summer temperatures. Even rubber boots with removable linings don’t work well since the rain boot without its lining will become much too large on your foot.
Comfort
Finding a rain boot that is comfortable is very important, especially if you are going to be on your feet your hours at a time. Whether walking or working, there are some special considerations that need to be made when finding the right fitting rain boot for you.
Boots for rain are meant to be easy to take on and off, and therefore have a shape that is less catered to your foot than most other shows. Some slippage is normal, especially with uninsulated boots. As long as they remain comfortable, a little extra room is nice, since it allows you to wear heavy socks. It also makes it easier to add insoles if you require a bit more support under your foot.
A major comfort issue for taller boots is not having enough room for one’s calf. One solution to this is to size up, however, this can then make the actual shoe portion to large and is therefore counterproductive. Unfortunately, the reality is that a nice fitting, tall rain boot can be difficult to find if you have muscular low legs. They do exist though. From this list, the Kamik Icebreaker and the UGG’s are examples of great boots that can easily fit large lower legs.
Value
More than just the price of the rain boot, we want to know that they will last for many years. For the value of each boot, we considered the brand, the materials, the durability, the overall fit, and lastly, the price. It is true that some big-brands will charge more just because their name is on the product.
For this reason, you will notice that we have included a few lesser-known, but strong contenders, brands on this list. The only thing that you should be cautious with when buying from a smaller brand is the customer service/exchange/return/warranty policies. Whether it's praise or complaint, sometimes they can be more difficult to get a hold of.
Durability
Unless you live in Seattle, you only need one pair of boots. So it is best to make sure that the pair you invest in is durable and will last you through many rainy seasons (for additional rain gear you can read our guide). A few things that you can look at to determine the durability of a boot is the overall construction and materials used.
Some boots have separate panels that are sewn or fused. While this does give way for different styles, materials, and colors, it can also be an area of the shoe that weakens over time and lets in water. Boots that are made from one solid panel tend to be the most durable. Additionally, those that are made from rubber or latex are typically of higher quality and waterproofness. There are cheaper versions that are made from polyurethane. If you are looking to save money and only use the boots for one season, polyurethane is fine.
However, if you are looking for a pair that you won’t need to replace for years to come, you’ll want to avoid it. The weight of the boots can also tell you something about the durability. Rubber weighs more than polyurethane (or other thin, cheap materials). In the end, it depends on your preferences- how much money you’d like to spend and how long you plan to have the boots.
Top 10 Rain Boots
1. Bogs Classic Ultra High
The Bogs Men's Classic UltraHigh Boot is a good choice for rain boots at a higher price. But, you get what you pay for. These rubber boots are sturdy and will stand up to daily wear and tear well. These boots are comfortable and are designed for heavy use in mud, water, and snow.
Read moreUse
These are solidly built work rubber boots that keep water out well. They are 100% waterproof and can withstand temperatures as low as -40F.
Insulation
These rain boots are not insulated but will keep your feet warm in extremely cold weather.
Comfort
These work rain boots and might not make the transition to streetwear. However, they are incredibly comfortable and will allow you to work for long periods without getting sore feet. With the 7mm thick sole, they will protect your feet from most eventualities.
Value
These rain boots are on the higher end, but as you can see, you are getting what you pay for. These rubber boots will last an extremely long time and will keep your feet warm and dry.
Durability
There is no question about the durability of these boots. The rubber sole in conjunction with hand-lasted rubber and 7mm Neo-Tech insulation work in harmony to provide you with a comfortable, durable, and reliable rain boot.
Summary
The Bogs Men's Classic Ultra High Boot is on the higher end for the price on this list. But they are sturdy work boots, that will keep your feet dry for an incredibly for many years to come.
2. UGG Shaye
The UGG Shaye boot is a classic rain boot with a glossy finish that comes in five colors. The footbed and removable insole are lined with sheepskin and lambswool. They are fashionable, reasonably comfortable, with decent weather protection, good traction, and warmth.
Read moreUse
This is a stylish rain boot designed for casual, everyday wear and tear. They will stay comfortable all day but are not sturdy enough to be used for work.
Insulation
These rain boots have a sheepskin insole that provides extra warmth. This makes these rubber boots great for temperatures in the 60s or below, but they are probably too hot for balmy summer days.
Comfort
These rain boots have a wide fit that is spacious enough to accommodate individuals with larger calves. They are mid-calf in height. They have been found to run a little big. With five colors: pink, blue jay, black, garnet, and tango, you can find a color that suits your style.
Value
The price for these rain boots is on par with what one should expect to pay for this type of rain boot.
Durability
UGG has been making a name for itself since 1978. They have had plenty of time to perfect their boots, including the Shaye. The rubber sole of this shoe gives a great amount of durability. There are no exterior seams, making it almost impossible for water to enter the boots.
Summary
The UGG Women’s Shaye is a rain boot that can fit almost anyone’s style. It is a great choice for an everyday use boot. It is also a great pick for people with large calves.
3. Kamik Heidi
The Kamik Women’s Heidi is an attractive looking boot at a very reasonable price. These rain shoes have a slim fit and a shiny finish that will go with almost any outfit.
Read moreUse
This is a casual rain boot meant for everyday use in rainy weather. These rubber boots have good arch support and will be comfortable even after walking in them all day. The traction on these rain boots is also very good.
Insulation
These rain boots are not lined and are best suited for warm or mild rain.
Comfort
These rain boots are designed to have a slim fit, that hugs your calves. Although this makes them more attractive looking, it also means that they are tight on individuals who have large calves. They also tend to run small, so sizing up by a half or full size is recommended.
Value
The price for this boot is below what one should expect to pay for similar products.
Durability
These boots are made from 100% rubber, ensuring that they will be your faithful companion for many years. Even better, they are manmade, meaning that each and every detail of the shoes has been overseen by an actual person, instead of a machine.
Summary
The Kamik Women’s Heidi rain boot is an attractive rubber boot for use in the city on rainy days. Considering their sleek look, as well as the comfort offered, these rain boots come at an incredibly reasonable price.
4. Kamik Icebreaker
The Kamik Men’s Icebreaker boots are designed to keep your feet warm in the winter. The insulation liner is very warm and can be removed if it starts to become too hot.
Read moreUse
These cold-weather boots work well at the job site or while you walk around town. They are comfortable, stylish, and sturdy and have excellent traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping as you go about your day.
Insulation
These rubber boots are designed for warmth. They have an insulated liner that will keep your toes toasty at temperatures well below freezing. If you need more warmth, the rain boots are spacious enough to fit thick socks. The liner can also be removed if it becomes too hot.
Comfort
These rain boots have a helpful drawstring at the cuff that can be tightened to ensure no moisture will come in the top. The style is attractive, and the rain boots come in a gorgeous muddy green color. These rubber boots do run large, so make sure to buy one or two sizes smaller than you usually do.
Value
These rain boots come at a price that is consistent with other similar products.
Durability
Luckily for everyone, durable rain boots seem to be a trend! The Icebreaker is no different. This boot is constructed from 100% rubber and features a textured toe bumper to increase the durability of the boots. After a few years of heavy use, the sole may separate from the boot.
Summary
The Kamik Men’s Icebreaker rain boots will keep your feet dry and warm even in the worst weather. They make nice looking boots for everyday use but also work well as work boots for those in the agriculture and landscaping industries.
5. Tretorn Wings
The Treton Women’s Wings are lined with faux fur that will keep your toes toasty warm all winter long. They have a short top style that is super cute and come in a variety of attractive styles.
Read moreUse
These casual rain boots do have good traction, which when coupled with their lining, makes them an excellent choice for wintertime walks. The short top can be problematic if you use them in deep snow. However, this issue is solved by pairing them with snow pants or gaiters.
Insulation
The faux fur lining of these rubber boots is designed to keep your feet super warm in chilly temperatures.
Comfort
Coming in four different earthly tones, these rain boots look great with almost anything. The soles of the shoes are all brightly colored, which provides a cute flash of color when you walk. The back of the shoe has a loop, which makes it easier to slide on and off. These rain boots do run small, so buying at least a half size up is recommended. They have also been found to be tight around the calves.
Value
These rubber boots can be purchased at a very reasonable price, and cheaper than most other similar products.
Durability
Reviewers have high expectations of these boots and claim that they feel durable. However, one thing that worries us the fact that the sole is made from synthetic materials, instead of rubber.
Summary
The Treton Women’s Wings are an inexpensive boot that will keep your toes warm all winter long. Super easy to take on and off, and with excellent traction, these rain boots are reliable even when the weather isn’t.
6. Aigle Miss Juliette
The Aigle Women’s Miss Juliette is a rain boot that manages to keep you dry to provide a fashionable look. This French-made boot has a skinny, tapered look that will fit in around town.
Read moreUse
This is a casual rain boot, explicitly designed to be a stylish option for keeping your feet dry. It can be used for some light yard work, but with its slight heel and inability to fit anything larger than a skinny jean inside; this rain boot is mainly meant to walking around town. For this, they are well designed though and will be keeping your feet comfortable even after being on them all day.
Insulation
These rain boots have a textile lining for comfort but are better suited for warm rainy days than the cold.
Comfort
With a slim fit that hugs your leg, these rubber boots are a fashionable choice for rainy days. This skinny rain boot can fit tight jeans, leggings, or tights, but not pants that are thicker than that. They come in a variety of versions of black, with different color highlights around the rim. When purchasing these rubber boots, make sure to double-check the French sizing with its US equivalent.
Durability
Seeing how stylish these boots are, we can not say that the durability is up to par. Luckily, there are no big red flags or complaints here, but we don't understand why the upper is made from rubber, but the sole is synthetic. There haven't been many complaints about the durability and can only hope it stays that way.
Value
These rain boots are expensive, coming at a price that is almost double what one can expect to pay for similar products.
Summary
The Aigle Women’s Miss Juliette is by far the most attractive rain boot on this list. They are designed to be a popular option for rain boots. However, these boots come at a premium price, proving that style can cost you.
7. Baffin Enduro
The Baffin Men’s Enduro is a simple, yet well-made rain boot that will stand up to consistent wear and tear, and also looks great if you need to run into town. These rubber boots also come at a very affordable price, which further sweetens an already great deal.
Read moreUse
These are all-around rain boots that can be used for work or for casually walking around town. They are super comfortable, continuing to support your arches and cushion your feet even after many hours. They also have fabulous traction, so you don’t have to fear while walking over wet or icy ground.
Insulation
These rain boots are not insulated and are well suited for wear in warm temperatures. When the temps begin to drop, they are wide enough to fit a pair of large socks.
Comfort
These rain boots come in an attractive deep green/black color that will go with almost anything. They have a nice, fitted look that still accommodates thick calves and fit your pants. They do tend to run large, and half sizes are not available, so when choosing your size go smaller than you usually would.
Value
These boots come at a price that is lower than what one would typically expect to pay for rain boots.
Durability
Although the synthetic materials that make up these boots do include rubber, we would have preferred a 100% rubber boot. However, the synthetic materials help to make this boot lighter weight than some of our other options.
Summary
The Baffin Men’s Enduro is a rain boot for all occasions. Made in Canada, these rubber boots offer utility and style and will keep your feet dry during almost any outdoor activity.
8. Hunter Original
There is no rain boot more quintessential than the Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boot. With a stylish, slim-fitting look, and super quality material, these are a great rain boot that looks nice enough to be worn to the office and are sturdy enough for yard work.
Read moreUse
This rain boot is a mix of work and play. The sturdy material holds up to significant wear and tear, and the high-quality traction will stop you from slipping on rain, snow, or ice, making these excellent work rubber boots. The style is also attractive enough for everyday use.
Insulation
These rain boots do not have any extra lining for warmth. However, they are large enough that they can be worn with big socks. This adds to the versatility of the rain boot and makes them appropriate for keeping your feet dry during any time of the year.
Comfort
These rubber boots come in many different colors and have a thin, attractive fit. However, this tight fit does mean that thick pants won’t fit inside the boot. It also makes them uncomfortable for women with large calves.
Value
These rain boots are more expensive than other products of similar quality.
Durability
These boots are handcrafted from vulcanized rubber. Even though this would normally be a great feature, there have been a handful of complaints about the rubber cracking. Luckily, there is a one-year warranty included from the manufacturer.
Summary
The Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boot is an excellent choice for an all-around rain boot. The attractive fit and colorful options allow you to seamlessly incorporate this rubber boot into your style, while the proven quality of this brand will give you confidence that it won’t fall apart after a few days of working outside.
9. The Original MuckBoots Arctic Sport
The Original MuckBoots Arctic Sport is a unisex cold-weather rain boot that will keep your feet dry in any kind of weather. These boots are tough and are a great choice for work and outdoor recreation alike.
Read moreUse
These are tough shoes that are designed to be worn in many types of inclement weather. They will keep your feet dry in rain and warm in sleet or snow. They are well suited for dirty construction, agriculture, and fishing jobs. The outsoles of these shoes do not have great traction, so be careful using them on snowy or icy ground.
Insulation
These are hot rubber boots! The insulation with which they are lines claims that they are comfortable at temperatures as low as -40-degrees Fahrenheit, however, costumers find that they do start to become uncomfortable around 0-degrees F. They also do a better job of keeping you warm when you are doing activities where you are moving around. These rain boots are too comfortable in warmer temperatures of up to 60-degrees F.
Comfort
These rain boots fit well and are very comfortable even after hours of use. Since these rubber boots are unisex and don’t come in half sizes, finding the right size can be somewhat tricky. If possible, trying these rain boots on before purchasing them is recommended. The style of the rain boots is very practical, clearing geared toward practicality over style.
Value
These rubber boots are more expensive than other rain boots. However, they are also very high quality.
Durability
The sole of these boots is made from rubber, but the upper is made from synthetic materials. The sole is one of the essential parts of the boot, but there have been a few complaints about the synthetic upper cracking after about one year.
Summary
The Original MuckBoots Arctic Sport is a wonderful wintertime work boot. Well-made and very warm, these rubber boots will keep you comfortable outside in even the coldest temperatures.
10. XTRATUF Legacy Series
XTRATUF boots are nicknamed the Alaskan sneaker for a reason – these boots stand up to wear and tear! The Women’s Legacy Series is also very cute and versatile. These are also available in a style for men.
Read moreUse
This is a working rain boot, designed specifically with fishers in mind. They can also be an excellent choice for any number of other outdoor activities, offering excellent traction and climate protection from water even when your feet are fully submerged. No matter how you choose these rain boots, you can be sure that they will hold up and continue to keep your feet warm and dry for years to come.
Insulation
These rain boots are warm, but without any insulated lining, they are not designed for use in freezing weather.
Comfort
These rubber boots can be worn tall, so that they reach almost to your knee, or folded over, revealing cute floral and ocean prints on the cloth lining. These make them a perfect rain boot for work and for heading into town for a drink afterward. They fit somewhat tight, so buying a size up this recommended. These same rubber boots are also available in style for men.
Value
These rubber boots are a little more expensive than other rain boots, however, given their quality the slight increase in price is understandable.
Durability
These boots are made from triple-dipped latex neoprene. This makes them slightly more pliable than traditional rubber boots, without sacrificing durability. As the name suggests, this is an extra tough pair of rain boots.
Summary
The XTRATUF Women’s Legacy Series boot is one of the best working rain boots on the market. Using this rubber boot, you can be sure that your feet will stay dry all day no matter what it is that you are doing.
Sources
- , SPLISH AND SPLASH IN WATERPROOF STYLE WITH THE BEST RAIN BOOTS, Fashion Blog
- , The 11 Best Rain Boots for Looking Good in Bad Weather, Buying Guide