Best Rain Boots for Women and Men to Weather Any Storm

Wet feet can easily ruin your day, not to mention your feet. Back in 1853, Hiram Hutchinson created one of the first pairs of rubber rain boots in Paris where they became quite popular among French farmers who had, until then, clomped around muddy fields in wooden clogs.

While I love (and appreciate) a pair of clogs, they are not at all appropriate for rainy days. Where I live, in New York City, tall rubber rain boots are a wardrobe staple, dutifully appearing across the five boroughs whenever the skies open up. Tall rain boots allow you to walk right through those puddles of indiscernible depth that develop at every street corner (and randomly at the bottom of subway stairs). They also protect you from splashy yuckiness spewed up from under the tires of taxis and Ubers.

If you’re not a tall boot kind of person, you’ll be happy to hear there are other waterproof boot options, including Chelsea boots and winter boots (pulling double duty in the rain) for both men and women.

To help you choose the best pair for your style and budget, consider your waterproof and height requirements as well as the sole traction and durability. Certain boots will be more conducive for certain activities than others. Heavy, sturdy boots are great for outdoor work, while lighter weight boots offer a bit more flexibility and agility for city sidewalks and standing on the sidelines of a soccer game in the rain.

Our top picks for the best rain boots

What to consider when buying rain boots

Waterproof materials

This may seem obvious, but a quality pair of rain boots will keep your feet dry through drizzle, downpours, and rushing river alike. The most waterproof material for constructing rain boots is rubber. Like rain pants, leather can be treated to repel water quite effectively, though leather boots will eventually give out if you submerge them for an extended period of time.

Breathability

Rubber is not at all a breathable material, which equals the propensity for sweaty feet when wearing rain boots. The good thing is that many companies add moisture-wicking linings to their boots to combat this specific problem. If you’re prone to hot feet, consider a pair with this feature. Your feet, and your friends, will thank you.

Insulation

While rubber rain boots feel quite warm during summer months, they won’t provide enough protection during snowy, winter days. If you want a pair of rain boots that will also keep you warm, look for those with some kind of insulation. There are fleece-lined rain boots as well as neoprene-lined ones that add a level of warmth when the temperatures drop.

Heavy duty vs. lightweight rubber

Not all rubber boots feature the same weight of rubber. Durable work boots are often made from a heavier material or from a multi-layer rubber, making them less apt to rip or tear when brushed against metal farm machinery or while making your way across a rocky river bank.

Height

While I like the look of ankle-height rain boots, they're not always the best choice for heavy rain, lots of mud, or any situation where you might encounter a deep puddle. A cute Chelsea boot is a great choice for a light drizzle day, but otherwise, I’d recommend a taller boot—at least calf height—that allows you to safely tuck your pants inside (if you are, in fact, wearing pants). Rain boots also go well with shorts, leggings, dresses, or skirts.

Sole traction

Water renders most surfaces more slippery than normal, so make sure whatever rain boots you purchase possess sufficient traction. Look for soles with hefty ridges and grooves that will help you to keep them firmly planted on all sorts of ground.

Environmental concerns

Rubber sourcing can be incredibly destructive, and PVC, though technically recyclable, often releases harmful dioxins during the manufacturing process. Neoprene (another form of rubber), used often in rain boot construction (as well as wetsuits), has to be manufactured with petroleum which emits carbon dioxide.

All of the companies included here say they source their rubber sustainably and have implemented practices in their supply chain that address environmental concerns. The industry, in general, still has a ways to go, but advances are being made; companies like Yulex manufacture plant-based materials including closed cell foam and natural rubber.

Something all of us can do as far as sustainability goes, is to purchase high quality products that last for 30 or more years. I wear most of my garments until they literally fall apart and have rain boots in my closet from Hunter and Muck Boots that I bought in the early 1990s—and I have no intention of throwing them away any time soon.

Different types of rain boots

Most rain boots fit into one of the following categories: knee-high and calf-high rubber boots, short Chelsea style rain boots, Duck boots, or heavy-duty work boots.

The rubber used to make heavy-duty boots will usually be thicker (or multi-layered), making them weigh more than that used for an everyday, walking around town rain boot. Work boots also often feature chemical and corrosion-resistant properties.

Short Chelsea style rain boots are ankle height with elastic panels on the sides for easy on and off. Duck boots, on the other hand, feature thick rubber on the bottom and a water-resistant fabric on top with laces, allowing for a cinched close fit. I’m personally in favor of owning at least one pair of each type, especially if you live somewhere that sees a lot of precipitation or, like me, your moods can be as changeable as the weather. If you’re headed somewhere snowy and you need information on winter boots, you can learn more in winter boots for women and winter boots for men. We also have guides on hiking boots for women and cowboy boots for men.

How to maintain and clean rain boots

Rubber rain boots are easy to maintain; just wipe them off with a damp cloth. Avoid leaving discarded socks or anything else inside them to ensure the insides sufficiently dry from any possible sweaty feet, preventing the development of some really squirrely smells.

How to select the right size for a comfortable fit

Rain boots should fit the same way as any other pair of boots or shoes you purchase. If you intend to wear thick socks with them, consider sizing up. But remember, a pair of boots that are too loose causing your heel to slip up and down as you walk, is the recipe for some very painful blisters. And nobody has time for that.

How we tested and selected the best rain boots

I live in New York City (where taxis are quite expensive) and do not own a car. I grew up spending summers at my grandparents’ dairy farm and spring and fall helping my dad plant and sow vegetables. I’ve spent years working on movie sets in all sorts of inclement weather in many very non-glamourous locations (muddy fields, swamps, warehouses with leaky roofs, an actual bog) and have dressed actors and actresses for over 30 years (who notoriously have very strong opinions on what they wear).

All of this is to say I know a few things about rain boots (and have worn a version of every pair on this list). I know which ones are comfortable, which ones deliver more style than actual waterproofness, and which ones are equally at home in a muddy field as well as a city sidewalk.

I also consulted online reviews and considered function, durability, comfort, and versatility to select the best rain boots.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which is better: Bogs or Muck Boots?

I’m not sure I would declare one as better than the other. I love them both. Bogs are made with a slightly more flexible rubber and a bit more of a heel than Muck Boots.

The Bogs also feature a moisture-wicking lining called Max-Wick and something they call DuraFresh for odor control. Certain versions of Muck Boots are also made with a moisture-wicking lining. Both companies offer a range of styles for both work and everyday use with quality craftsmanship that will ensure you can wear them for many years to come. (And if you’re wondering where you’re going to put all your boots, you can read more about my shoe storage ideas.)

Are waterproof boots the same as rain boots?

Yes, if a boot is truly waterproof (as opposed to water resistant) they can be considered rain boots. However, sometimes the term “waterproof” refers to a boot having water-resistant properties. In this case, they will let water in if submerged or if you’re out in a downpour for hours on end. If you’re unsure if a pair of boots is truly waterproof, read through the description and/or specifications; usually there will be a disclaimer that reads “not for submersion” or something similar.

What type of socks work best with rain boots?

This is completely up to the individual. I am a fan of Smartwool socks; they come in a range of styles, weights, and colors to suit almost any mood. And wool has natural moisture-wicking properties.

How often should I replace my rain boots?

If your feet end up wet while wearing rain boots, it’s time to replace them; or if the tread on the sole has worn down to the point where it’s no longer doing its job of keeping you upright (i.e., you slip and slide on almost any surface). Rubber soles, however, do not wear down as easily as other materials like leather and a good quality pair of rainboots can last up to 30 years.