Investing in the best rain boots for women will make stormy days easier to handle—and more stylish, too.
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The 8 Best Rain Boots for Women That Stand Up to Puddles in 2024
Updated Aug. 18, 2024
A well-rounded shoe collection needs a winter boot, a snow boot and a walking shoe—but rain boots are just as essential. Although sometimes overlooked, the best rain boots for women have a variety of features not found in other shoes—and they make wet and dreary days so much better. More lightweight than winter boots, these waterproof wonders ease the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall. In warmer climates, you may finding yourself wearing them year-round.
If the thought of rain boots conjures up images of unstylish galoshes, fear not—these spring boots have come a long way from the clunky boots of yesteryear. “Rain boots are a classic item and add a bit of diversity to a wardrobe since there are so many selections of styles, colors and prints,” says wardrobe stylist, Beverly Osemwenkhae. These days, rain boots are fashion-forward, office-appropriate, edgy and/or preppy. Plus, it gives you a good excuse to shop for a matching rain jacket and umbrella.
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Best overall rain boots
Amoji Unisex Chelsea Rain Boots
This is a top-tier rubber rain boot for women, according to George P.H., founder of Shoethority. “It slips on and off the foot easily, looks stylish and cleans in seconds,” he says. “It also has excellent grip on messy surfaces, like mud and wet ground.” The Chelsea boot design—with its ankle-high shaft and elastic goring for a custom, snug fit—allows these boots to be worn with everything from jeans and leggings to flouncy dresses and business casual outfits. And the wallet-friendly price point makes them even more attractive. Bonus: They’re unisex and come in four colors, so buy a few and deck out the entire family.
Pros
- Has an easy pull-on design
- Affordably priced
- Made with anti-slip material
- Unisex style in four colors
Cons
- Reviewers note they run large
- Minimal foot support
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Best budget rain boots
Sloggers Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot
Sloggers rank high among P.H.’s favorite affordable brands, because they do wonders for the feet—and back. “This brand has wonderful rain boots with arch support, a low drop (which puts you in a natural stance for healthier alignment) and quality cushioning,” says P.H. “Their products are easy to clean and inexpensive.” These particular boots come in black and one fun pattern, and they have lug treads for traction and removable insoles that allow for cleaning. To clean the rubber exterior, simply hose them off or use a damp cloth.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Includes an insole for added comfort
- Easy to clean
- Made with 90% recycled material
Cons
- Not available in half sizes
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Best tall rain boots
Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots
There’s no knee-high rain boot that’s more classic than Hunter’s Original Tall, which is why it consistently earns five out of five stars among shoppers. This boot comes in a slew of colors, including a peppy red and bright yellow, and will put the finishing touch on any rainy day outfit. Made of natural rubber, it has a nonslip sole and lightweight textile lining that will keep feet cool in the spring and warm in the winter (with appropriate socks). Gain style points every time you wear them to stomp in the puddles. Simply match them with your best pair of jeans and a cozy sweater for a polished appearance.
Pros
- Designed to hit just below the knee
- Available in five colors
- Has an adjustable top buckle
- Tends to run true to size
Cons
- Non-insulated
- Minimal foot support
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Most stylish rain boots
Asgard Women’s Ankle Rain Boots
These Asgard rain boots are simple and sleek. Rendered from a matte finish PVC material that looks just enough like leather, one might forget these are rain boots. They’re stylish enough to wear to the office, but also practical enough for gardening since they’ll keep feet dry. If they get muddy—no worries! Simply wipe them clean with a wet rag. They also have EVA foam insoles for all-day support.
“I’ve ordered these twice now and I’m still in love,” writes verified purchaser, Hope. “They are great for raining days but also normal sunny days. They breathe really well while also being waterproof. Comfortable and very cute. Absolutely love these shoes.”
Pros
- Don’t look like typical rain boots
- Have a matte finish in 11 colors
- Has an easy pull-on design
- Affordable
Cons
- May need some break-in time
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Best ankle rain boots
L.L.Bean Rugged Wellie Shoes
An ankle-high rain boot allows for increased mobility. With waterproof protection, this pair from the outdoor experts at L.L.Bean comes in a sunny yellow hue (along with other color options) and features EVA pods in the footbed for cushioning and support. Elastic stretch goring on the sides allows for a snug fit around the ankle and easy on-and-off. The thick knit sock lining offers comfort and keeps the shoe secure. Wear them for every dog walk and light hike from spring to fall since they feel just as lightweight as sneakers, but with added rain protection and a nonslip grip.
Pros
- Has a snug fit around the ankle
- Includes a cushioned footbed
- Available in five colors
- EVA pods in the midsole and forefoot for extra comfort
Cons
- No half sizes available
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Best rain boots for wide calves
Jileon Extra-Wide Calf Rain Boots
Jileon makes rain boots specifically for those with wide calves and feet. These rain boots feature a double-gusset adjustable strap at the top of the shaft that allows buyers to adjust the circumference from 16 to 23 inches. They also have nonslip outsoles, padded insoles and arch support, so prolonged standing while wearing them won’t cause soreness.
Pros
- Has an adjustable width
- 100% waterproof
- Features padded insoles
- Available in nine colors and patterns
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Not available in half sizes
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Most comfortable rain boots
Merry People Darcy Mid-Calf Rain Boots
“So comfy” is a common theme in the many five-star reviews of these vegan, natural rubber Merry People rain boots. That’s probably thanks to the cushy, flexible neoprene lining, built-in arch support and adjustable rear gusset that suits a range of calf widths. We love the height of the boot for wet and muddy conditions, and the cool style that looks at-home in the country or city with leggings, jeans or even a dress. Tested for sub-zero temperatures, they’ll keep toes warm as well as dry.
Pros
- Has built-in arch support
- Includes an adjustable rear gusset
- 100% vegan
- Available in men’s sizes, too
Cons
- Some reviewers note they can be hard to get off
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Best rain boots for everyday
Hunter Original Chelsea Boots
If there is only space in your wardrobe for one rain boot this spring, make it the Hunter Original Chelsea. With a classic silhouette and matte finish, this boot goes from the dog run to the office to happy hour with ease. Crafted from natural rubber and featuring a nonslip grip outsole and a 4-inch shaft, wearing these ankle boots in all four seasons proves effortless, thanks to the lightweight textile lining (although socks work best with these in the winter). With 13 colors to choose from, it’ll be difficult not to buy a pair in every color.
Pros
- Stylish enough to wear outside of rainy days
- Comes in 13 color options
- Has an easy pull-on design
- Features nonslip soles
Cons
- No half sizes available
What to look for when buying rain boots
P.H. says to consider three things when choosing the best rain boots: waterproofing, comfort and easiness to clean. “A rain boot is only as good as its waterproofing,” he says. Boots cast in one piece of rubber tend to be best in this department. If seams exist, the boot is not waterproof, and those seams could eventually tear and let in small amounts of water.
Additionally, look for a boot with a cushioned footbed that ensures all-day comfort. That means a rain boot’s description should include a reference to its sole, footbed or interior. Finally, choose a pair that’s easy to clean with a hose or damp cloth, like rubber boots.
How we found the best rain boots
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How do you know if a rain boot is high quality?
Quality rubber rain boots come in one piece, which minimizes the number of seams on the boot and decreases the chances of a hole or tear. P.H. notes that a high-quality boot will also have a thick outsole that keeps feet above the water and adds some cushioning. You should also assess the boot’s technology. A quality pair will “have comfort features, like breathable Gore-Tex membranes and quality insoles,” says P.H.
Depending on the activities planned in the boots, one should choose the technology to match. A boot with tread proves a promising option for hikes. If it’s cold outside, it’s important the boots have a liner to keep feet warm.
How can you style rain boots?
Rain boots are some of the most fun footwear options to style. We suggest wearing knee-high rain boots with leggings, shorts or skirts. “I love wearing rain boots with a printed maxi dress or pleated skirt for a daytime spring look, or with a pair of denim shorts and an oversize blazer and a band tee,” says Osemwenkhae. “You can also go full monochrome and have a printed rain boot as the focus point.” Who knew that rain boots could elevate your entire outfit?
Wear ankle-high rain boots with wide-leg jeans or skinny jeans—just like a favorite pair of Chelsea boots or lug-sole boots. Pair the boots with a funky raincoat to put the finishing touch on a rainy day outfit, and you’ll be all set to brave the elements in style.
Sources:
- Beverly Osemwenkhae, wardrobe stylist
- George P. H., founder of Shoethority
Originally Published: March 11, 2022
