Heel Height And Width
A chunky low heel, a pointy feminine heel, or no heel at all – you can pick the kind of boot style that works for you. A flat ankle boot may work out to be a more versatile shoe to invest in as you can wear it with just about anything in your wardrobe. A low chunky heel can also be a good look for those who want to add a little height without feeling precariously perched. Stiletto type heels can be feminine but aren’t a practical or comfortable choice.
How We Picked And Tested
After four years of testing, our research list of boots is now more than 100 models long. We always consider online reviews, and weve consulted editorial sources such as Travel + Leisure, Buzzfeed, GearLab, Refinery29, Esquire, and Outside Online.
A few things make for a bad rain boot. Leaks are an obvious dealbreaker, but beware styles that dont fit your feet comfortably right out of the box, because rubber doesnt stretch easily.
Aside from those two points, most rain boots fall somewhere on a spectrum of functionality, and there are things you can look for that will indicate what level of quality youre getting.
In 2018, we interviewed DWayne Edwards, the founder of the Pensole Footwear Design Academy, and he had a few things to say about finding boots that last:
Later, we discovered in our own testing that ergonomics play a big role in what makes a rain boot wearable, and certain shapes and styles perform much better than others. For example, a boot with a rounded toe is much more comfortable to walk in than a boot with a narrow, tapered toe. Traction matters, tooon a regular sunny day, of course, but even more when its raining, because metal and wood surfaces become slick.
We skipped testing waterproof shoes, waterproof leather, and lined boots, because theyre slightly different kinds of shoes for slightly different purposes. We did include duck boots although they have leather uppers, they’re uniquely designed for wet weather.
Best Overall Rain Boots
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Look For Features That Enhance Comfort
First, make sure that the rain boots you’re considering are made of breathable material. According to Daniel Pledger, podiatrist, and CEO at ePodiatrists, this will allow your feet to stay dry and comfortable even when they’re wet.
I recommend avoiding rubber rain boots, as they can be quite uncomfortable and cause your feet to sweat. Instead, opt for rain boots made of canvas or another breathable fabric, he adds.
Another important comfort-focused factor to consider is the fit of the boot.
It’s important that your rain boots fit snugly around your calves so that water doesn’t seep in and soak your socks. However, you also don’t want the boots to be too tight, as this can cause discomfort and even pain. The best way to determine the right fit is to try on the boots with a pair of thick socks. If the boots feel too tight, go up a size.
What To Look Forward To
Every spring were inundated with new boot styles, so we always have something new to consider. As of now, most of the new options are riffs on Chelseas or calf-height boots, and we are always looking for options that are affordable, made durably, and keep water out. If and when we find one that could possibly be a contender for this guide, well call it in.
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Because Wet Socks Are The Worst
Puddles are inevitable, but getting your socks wet doesnt have to be. The right pair of rain boots will keep your feet warm and dry, and theyll look pretty cute too. Unlike a hiking or snow boot that has been treated with a durable water-repellent finish, rain boots are made from fully waterproof materials like plastic or vulcanized rubber. They tend to lack shoelaces, zippers, or any other points where water might leak in. The less seams and stitches, the more a boot can be water-resistant, explains Igor Burt, a footwear designer and lecturer at Otis College of Art and Design. The trade-off is that rain boots can be rather sweaty and arent great for more athletic activities. What they do is keep your feet clean while you garden, fish, or venture to the bodega in dreary weather. Below, find our favorite picks for every kind of rainy day.
Best overall | Best less expensive | Best gardening | Best insulated | Best deck shoe | Best designer | Best Chelsea | Best less expensive Chelsea | Best Chelsea with heel | Best lace-up | Best duck boot | Best rain clog
Planone Mid Calf Rain Boot For Women
Why We Love It: This tough weatherproof design comes in a variety of colors to choose from and the budget-friendly price point makes it even more appealing.
What to Consider: These boots run small and might not be comfortable for those with wide feet.
This mid-calf rain boot by Planone was made for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative that doesnt skimp on quality or style. Crafted from a synthetic rubber sole, these boots feature a totally waterproof design that doesnt just keep the rain out but also keeps your feet comfortable and warm throughout the day. The weatherproof design is coupled with a unique sole thread for solid traction. There are ten colors to choose from, including two shades each of red and pink. We also love that the built-in sole cushioning can be removed and thrown in the wash as needed.
Price at time of publish: $60
Materials: Rubber | Sizes: 6-11 | Weight per pair: 2.42 pounds
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Sloggers Rain And Garden Shoe
Why We Love It: From hummingbirds to cows and basic black, these lightweight slip-ons come in tons of colors and prints that keep your feet comfortable and dry.
What to Consider: Because of their minimal coverage, these might not be the best option for extremely rainy days or heavy downpours.
The thing about most rain boots is that although, yes, they protect your feet from getting drenched in the rain, the rubber or latex design tends to make your feet feel pretty sweaty. Rainy days are usually synonymous with a dip in temperature, but if youre heading to the Southern Hemisphere, it might be worth investing in something a little more breathable. The Sloggers Rain and Garden Shoe tick off all the right boxes and then some when it comes to warm-weather rain shoes thanks to the fully waterproof exterior and cuff as well as the removable, quick-drying insole.
Price at time of publish: $37
Materials: Plastic | Sizes: 6-11 | Weight per pair: 13.76 ounces
What To Wear With Ankle Boots
Dress them up or calm them down, there are a thousand ways to wear your ankle boots. Dresses, skirts, pants, jeans, and just about anything in your wardrobe will all work with your boots. You can keep it casual or even dress them up in sleek sophisticated style as long as you have the right ensemble. Flat boots are the best choice for casual and cool outfits, although a chunky heel will also work well. Look for a boot in black or brown to get the most versatile options for pairing with your wardrobe. Here are some ideas on how to wear your ankle boots with just about anything…
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What Were Looking For
Profile: While the classic Wellington-style boot is close to knee-height, we found a range of options with different height profiles thatll still keep your feet dry when faced with shallower puddles.For gardening, our experts advised that short and mid-calf boots are easier to slip on and off than taller ones.We like this more discreet style of rain boot for conquering city slush.
Design details: Because a totally utilitarian rain boot wont be for everyone, we looked for a range of wet-season shoes that dont sacrifice style for function. Some of our finds include a caramel-toned boot made from hemp plastic, a designer boot thatll match your vintage waxed raincoat, and a couple of sleek and subtle styles that resemble ordinary Chelsea boots except with extra water protection.
Comfort and breathability: While its always a good idea to wear socks with rain boots in order to avoid blisters,we favored lined boots that offer a little added comfort. We looked for boots with add traction and grip as well as those that offer a little arch support and taper somewhat to the foots natural shape.
Rocket Dog Women’s Rainy Rubber Rain Boot
Why We Love It: The design makes these boots look more like a stylish hiking shoe than a rain boot, and the footbed and lace-up structures provide optimal all-day comfort.
What to Consider: The rubber can irritate bare skin it will be best to wear with long socks.
Looking for a rubber boot that will withstand all those steps youre going to be putting in while exploring a new city abroad? This pair of lace-up rain boots by Rocket Dog were designed to keep your feet warm and dry and will also ensure they stay comfortable and supported even while putting in tens of thousands of steps. As a bonus, their understated look doesnt scream rain boots or tourist. The boots include an ultra-soft neoprene lining and footbed that were designed to cushion your feet. A rubber sole also helps to soften the hard city sidewalks and streets.
Price at time of publish: $50
Materials: Rubber | Sizes: 6-11 | Weight per pair: 1.1 pounds
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Sperry Women’s Walker Atlantic Rain Boot
Why We Love It: Thanks to the adjustable buckle that expands and contracts at calf height, this tall rain boot is a great option for anyone who wants knee-high protection from precipitation.
What to Consider: The small heel might not be the most comfortable for walking around in.
The Sperry Women’s Walker Atlantic Rain Boot is an excellent option for anyone looking for a tall knee-high option. The adjustable buckle makes it easy to expand and contract the top of the boot which is great for those with wider calves or who want to add a knee-high sock for more warmth. We also appreciate that this rain boot is ultra-lightweight and features a small heel and subtle strap details in the back for added style. Choose between classic black and a rich oxblood color.
Price at time of publish: $80
Materials: Rubber | Sizes: 5-12 | Weight per pair: 1.44 pounds
Tough As Boots Light As Clouds
Introducing a crazy new idea: rain boots that you want to wear whether it’s raining or not. At totes, we make products that let you enjoy the weather, rain or shine. So we created the last pair of boots you’ll ever need. With our proprietary Everywear technology, Cirrus boots are light, comfort and cute as can be.
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Nautica Womens Ankle Rain Boot
Why We Love It: This stylish option is subtle enough to wear in more casual evening settings when you might not want to have to pull on full-sized rain boots or wellingtons.
What to Consider: This pair runs a little small, so those with wider feet might want to size up.
The Nautica Womens Ankle Rain Boot is our favorite option for anyone looking for a more stylish and pared-down rain boot that doesnt skimp on heavy-duty, water-repellent performance. The soft PVC plastic and elastic materials make it easy to slip these guys on and off while the polyvinyl sole is thick and durable enough to withstand stomping through sidewalks and streets without cracking or wearing down. Although this pair runs slightly narrow in size, the cushioned sole offers extra comfort for city wear just be sure to size up if you find narrow shoes to be tight.
Price at time of publish: $45
Materials: PVC plastic, elastic, polyvinyl | Sizes: 6-10 | Weight per pair: 2.38 pounds
Who Should Get Rain Boots
A pair of fully waterproof shoes can be liberating. They let you move through the world unhindered, without any consideration for the mess around your feet.
Although theyre particularly useful if you live where wet weather is common, rain boots are practical for all types of places. They remain effective long after the drops stop falling, especially when you have mud in place of dirt, slush instead of snow, or slick subway platforms.
Rain boots are also great for doing chores outside the house, like taking out the trash or walking the dog, because theyre so easy to slide on at the door, then kick off on your way back in.
Rain boots are generally branded as either mens or womens, and weve kept this naming scheme to make it easier for people to find styles that match what they want to wear. But in the world of rainwear theres little difference between boots labeled as womens or mens, so as long as the boot fits, any boot will work for anyone.
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Bogs Women’s Amanda Ii Chelsea Snow Boot
Why We Love It: This 100-percent waterproof boot was designed to keep feet protected from the rain, but the heavy-duty material is also durable enough to withstand snow and cold.
What to Consider: These boots run a little tight and might be hard to pull on and off.
Rain boots are made to withstand water and slush but not all rain boots will be able to endure snow and cold temperatures without cracking. If you expect to spend a significant amount of time in regions that drop below freezing, youll want to invest in a pair of snow-specific rain boots. The BOGS Women’s Amanda Ii Chelsea Snow Boot offers a hybrid approach that is entirely waterproof but also offers superior treads for walking on icy sidewalks and a rugged rubber that wont crack or break down in sub-zero temperatures.
Price at time of publish: $100
Materials: Rubber | Sizes: 6-12 | Weight per pair: 2.49 pounds
Unique Boots For Unique Legs
– Over 100,000 pairs of happy feet wear Jileon Rain Boots
– Boots designed from sole upwards to accommodate wide feet, ankles and calves and everything in between
– Our mission is to make boots that fit. We are confident one of our models will fit you
– Durable design that alleviates stress on pressure points
– Stop damaging your shoes in the mud and rain – try Jileon today
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How To Wear Women’s Ankle Boots
Women’s ankle boots are a wardrobe staple – whether heeled or flat, bright or black, these feisty little boots can be worn a thousand different ways. Women’s Chelsea boots are a forever love, not only are they stylish and chic but they are also incredibly practical too. Aigle’s women’s ankle rain boots are designed in France and bring plenty of Parisian flair with them. Waterproof and with a lugged outsole yet not comprising that all-important feminine cut, these boots are at home strutting down Fifth Avenue or strolling across farm and field.
Hunter Women’s Play Short Rain Boot
Why We Love It: This timeless Hunter boot silhouette is a great option for travelers looking for a durable and compact alternative to knee-high rain boots.
What to Consider: The heavy-duty rubber material might be too hot for warmer climates.
Theres a reason Hunter boots remain the most popular rain boot brand: theyre durable, timeless, and can pair well with everything from festival wear to city dressing. The Hunter Play Short Rain Boot is similar in quality and style to the original tall boot but offers a more trimmed silhouette that is much easier to throw in a carry-on bag. The ankle boot is also going to be a great option for those with wider calves who might not find a full-length Hunter boot comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $110
Materials: Rubber | Sizes: 5-11 | Weight per pair: 1.44 pounds
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Cirrus Womens Chelsea Ankle Rain Boots
Machine washable, anti-microbial rain boots featuring industry-leading comfort thanks to Everywear cushioning technology.
Dont be caught off guard when drizzles appear! Suit up in these Women’s Chelsea Rain Boots by totes Cirrus, and put some pizzazz into your puddle jumping. These slip-resistant, pull-on rain boots fuse a chic, short silhouette with revolutionary Everywear technology, making them 60% lighter than ordinary rain boots. Everywear technology is also super soft and so supremely comfy, you’ll wear these waterproof rain boots even when its not raining. Lifetime durability and comfort that lasts, your Chelseas put the “fun” in functional.
- Uniquely machine washable for peace of mind
- Proprietary Everywear construction is 60% lighter than ordinary boots
- Each rain boot is under one pound for virtually weightless wear
- Short bootie design keeps legs dry and stylish
- Insanely comfortable and supremely soft
- 100% waterproof and anti-microbial
- Year-round versatility and durability
- Sizing: If you wear a half size or if you have wide feet, go up to the next whole size
- Please note: exposure to direct heat or sunlight for an extended period of time may result in shrinkage.
- Care Instructions: Wipe with damp cloth or throw in the washing machine in warm water air dry. Do not bleach.