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There are so many brands, styles and colors of rain boots that making a choice can seem overwhelming, but it shouldn’t feel like rocket science. Keep in mind the same factors you would for any pair of shoes (like your lifestyle, budget, style, etc.), though there is one feature you should prioritize above all others:
Below, we gathered expert-recommended rain boots and NBC Select staff favorites to consider across a variety of brands and price points.
Hunter rain boots are a favorite among NBC Select staff, including NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who says it’s a reliable brand that she can slip on whenever the rain starts to pour. The brand’s most recognizable style, the Original Tall Boots, are made from waterproof rubber and come with a high-grip rubber outsole and polyester lining along the inside to help keep your feet both dry and comfortable, according to Hunter. Godio loves this version because they’re tall enough to keep water from splashing on her pants during particularly long or hurried walks. The boots are available in either a matte or high-gloss finish and offered in 10 different colors, including white, green and yellow. They’re also personalizable, allowing you to add your name to the front of each boot.
Material: rubber | Height: 15 inches
If you’re not a fan of a tall rain boot, Hunter’s Play Short Rain Boots — a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin — sit just above the ankle, according to the brand. They’re made from 100% natural rubber and have a flatter platform sole for more comfort and versatility. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez loves that they’re durable, easy to clean and don’t make her feet ache as she walks. “They’re a little pricey, but in my opinion worth the splurge because one pair can last years, and you can even use them as snow boots,” she says. This option is offered in a variety of colors and styles, including mauve, red and purple.
Material: rubber | Height: 6 inches
“This boot doesn’t bend easily in the mid arch, [which] will provide more shock absorption and result in less foot pain, such as arch pain and heel pain,” says Cunha. Bogs Neo-Classic Tall Boots are made from 100% waterproof natural rubber and are constructed with waterproof insulation for use in snow and colder weather, according to the brand. These boots also include a flexible insole that the brand says can adapt to your foot width, and it offers cushioning to provide more comfort throughout the day. Cunha is also a fan of the shoe’s moisture-wicking liner, which “allows your feet to stay dry and avoid a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria,” he says.
Material: rubber | Height: 14.3 inches
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says these are her go-to pair for rainy days because they tuck easily into her pants and “are not a complete eyesore”. Since she’s a very petite person, she likes to save extra-long rain boots for days with more serious downpours, and says these are a lightweight, everyday pair that are also easy to take on and off. They have a slip-resistant sole to help with stability on wet ground, and have a molded upper design to keep the inside of your shoes watertight, according to the brand.
Material: PVC | Height: n/a
These boots from L.L. Bean are made with a leather upper and have triple-needle stitching to maintain durability over time, according to the brand. The cushioned insole and unique foot shape are designed to add comfort and support while you walk, while the rubber bottom keeps your feet dry and water-free. However, this rain boot model runs a bit large, so if you decide to purchase, the brand recommends buying a full size down.
Material: leather, rubber | Height: 8 inches
These boots from Merry People have a chunky, platform design that adds a stylish twist to the traditional rain boot design. It has a waterproof, wraparound neoprene cuff and a sole with a tread design made for extra traction while you walk, according to the brand. The boot also has arch support for increased comfort, and comes with a one-year warranty on your purchase. You can pick these up in one of three color combos, including Grapefruit Red, Khaki Green and Black.
Material: neoprene, rubber | Height: 6.7 inches
Designed for both wet and cold weather, these boots from Blundstone are made from waterproof leather, along with water-resistant elastics and seams for maximum dryness, according to the brand. It has a removable sheepskin footbed for extra warmth during the colder months, and includes a cushioned midsole for added comfort and shock absorption in your steps. To clean these boots, the brand suggests wiping off any dirt, and then following up with a leather polish or spray.
Material: leather | Height: 6 inches
A good rain boot should not only be completely waterproof, but it should also be easy to slip-on without creating a seam or gap that might allow water to get in. To help you determine the best rain boot for your wardrobe, our experts suggest looking at the type of material the boot is made from, its comfort level and the shaft height.
Rain boots are most commonly made from 100% waterproof rubber or PVC — you may see some boots on the market labeled as “water-resistant” since they’re crafted with synthetic materials like patent leather, but they won’t usually hold up to heavy rains or submersion in water as rain boots would. Cunha notes that rain boots made with thicker rubber will last longer and retain their shape over time, while PVC may be prone to cracking and losing its shape.
The height of the boot and how it sits on or around your calf can be an important factor when considering style and comfort. The shaft is measured from the top opening rim of the boot to the arch and helps support the ankles and calves while preventing water from infiltrating into the boot, according to Cunha. He says there are three main styles of rain boots to consider:
Experts recommend looking for a rain boot that is comfortable and provides traction to avoid slipping. “A comfortable rain boot should have a wide toe box that is rounded and won’t crowd your toes with a thick cushioned midsole that doesn’t bend easily in the mid arch. This will provide more shock absorption, and in turn, will result in less foot pain such as arch pain and heel pain,” says Cunha.
Cunha says he prefers rain boots with a slight heel less than 3/4 inch can be better for you than shoes that are completely flat since it takes the stress off the Achilles, which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees and spine. A completely flat boot can affect your gait and posture, “which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress placed not only to the foot but to the rest of the body,” he adds.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Mili Godo is an updates editor at NBC Select who has written several stories about outdoor equipment, including the best umbrellas, garden hoses and gas grills. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter who’s written about outdoor topics like the best hand warmers and thermal underwear. For this article, we gathered expert-recommended rain boots, including a few NBC Select staff favorites.
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