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The Insider Pick:
Chances are, you’ve likely been caught in rainy situations where you weren’t equipped with proper footwear. It is why rain boots are an essential part of your shoe closet. They may not be the kinds of shoes you’ll need to wear every day (or, at least, we’re hoping they won’t need to be), but it’s ideal to be prepared with a solid pair for when unsavory wet weather hits.
There are a plethora of rugged, workwear-style rain boots on the market that may be better suited for the likes of outdoor workers or those who live in, say, tropical storm-prone areas. But for the purposes of this particular shopping guide, we're focusing on rain boots for the everyday woman.
For instance, the following water-resistant shoes are great if you need to get from home to the office or run an errand around town, but they may not be ideal if you need to sludge through knee-deep mud or cross shallow rivers. Consider the specific purposes your rain boots need to serve before deciding on a pair to buy.
In general, rain boots are tricky to review and there are no “perfect” styles. Rain boots are inherently uncomfortable, given their non-breathable materials — your feet will inevitably sweat if you have them on for too long, or they will feel damp if your socks happen to get wet. Some styles include a thick insulating lining or lambswool insoles, which may require you to size up if things feel tight. There are also styles that don’t include any lining, which means you will have to figure out how thick you plan to wear your socks, which will also determine the sizing of your shoe.
Some styles look more chicly versatile, others are more practical. All this is to say, you need to figure out your personal preferences and how you plan to wear your boots before you buy a pair.
If attractiveness is a top priority and you reside in a climate where you need to ward off only the occasional light showers, there are stylish booties and sneakers with waterproof uppers that may satisfy your needs, without going the full-on “rubber boot” route. Look for styles that call themselves “waterproof,” such as the Blondo’s Liam Waterproof Suede Bootie ($129.90, at Nordstrom).
But for those of you who are looking for something more functional and substantial made with sturdier materials, there is sure to be a pair that speaks to you in this guide ahead.
Updated on 04/19/2018 by Malarie Gokey: Updated prices for all our rain boot picks and added our picks for the best umbrellas you can buy.
SEE ALSO: The best black ankle boots you can buy
The best rain boots overall
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Why you'll love them: The Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Rain Boots are durable after years of wear, well-designed for rain, and work effortlessly into the winter months.
I speak from personal experience when I say that Sperry makes great rain boots — I’ve been wearing my pair for almost five years now, and they still keep my feet perfectly dry in the rain.
You’ll see that this “duck shoe” design from other brands like L.L. Bean and Sorel, and each company offers something slightly different from Sperry. For instance, L.L. Bean offers a resole program, and Sorel's boots have better traction if you plan to go hiking. But Sperry's boots have the advantage of an affordable price in the $100-$120 range, and these Saltwaters can’t be beat if you’re in need of a simple shoe that keeps your feet dry as you go around town.
The boots come in a wider width, which is good for those of you who have wider feet, but it's important to note that some buyers with narrower feet sized down to get a better fit. Sperry's boots also have a micro-fleece lining for a layer of warmth, a cute and handy side zipper for quicker wear and removal, and a “wavy” outsole design that Sperry says is ideal for “ultimate wet/dry traction.”
For snowy days, a decent six-inch shaft is great for walking through snowstorms with confidence. But for me personally, I love a boot that looks just as stylish as it is practical in unpredictable weather. The hardest part will likely be deciding which color to get.
Pros: Comfortable, durable for snow, many color options
Cons: People with narrower feet may find these too big
The best lightweight rain boots
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Why you'll love them: While other rain boots will feel heavy on your feet, Native’s AP Rain shoes repel rain just as well while weighing only 11 ounces.
If ethical shopping is a priority for you, Native is a brand to watch. The company does not use any animal products in its collections, which is good news considering how materials like leather and sheepskin are prevalent in many high-end boots.
The AP Rain shoe is constructed out of a waterproof, dual-density EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) upper, which is the same kind of dense material that is used for the soles of athletic sneakers. It makes this rain boot both sufficiently shock absorbent and slightly bouncy, while keeping the weight down.
The insole of the shoe is rather bare bones and don’t offer much in terms of support, but it’s nothing that inserts can’t fix if you need extra support. The outsole is constructed out of standard rubber that's fairly durable.
The style is Chelsea bootie-meets-running sneaker, making the AP Rain boots one of the most versatile styles I’ve encountered. You could easily wear these boots with cuffed-up jeans or with a dress and still look polished with an effortless, athleisure vibe.
Elastic side panels make them easy to slip on and off. I particularly love the not-too-high ankle silhouette, which is perfect for basic rainfall. These shoes do the trick of looking fab and keeping your feet dry. Just don't try puddle jumping or walking in the snow with them.
Pros: Extremely light, ethically-made, stylish
Cons: Offers limited support
The best rain boots under $50
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Why you'll love them: With a chic design and low price point, the Sam Edelman Tinsley rain boots are a favorite among fashionable women because they look like an ankle bootie.
If you’re looking for a pair of stylish rain boots that won’t break the bank, Sam Edelman's Tinsley rain boots will do the trick. Given that Sam Edelman is a purveyor of trend-forward apparel and accessories, the Tinsley is likely to be one of the chicer and more aesthetically-pleasing types of rain boots you’ll come across.
With its Chelsea boot-inspired silhouette and monochromatic all-black color, the Tinsley is ideal if looks and pricing are top priority factors. After all, we know that rain boots aren’t the sexiest kinds of shoes to wear.
Like many ankle boots, the Tinsley have stretchy elastic side panels and a pull-on back tab. These boots have a cute, one-and-a-half-inch low heel and a rather impressive five-inch shaft, which makes this a capable boot in the likes of shallow slush.
But be aware: Buyer reviews most complained about the sizing of the Tinsley. Since there are no half sizes available and the shoe runs on the narrow side, those with wider feet found this shoe uncomfortable. If you’re considering this style, you may want to order both up and down in two sizes if you’re somewhere in-between, and return the one that doesn’t work.
Also consider the thickness of your socks or inserts you might want to include, which may ensure a better overall fit.
Pros: Stylish silhouette, comes in both glossy or matte finish
Cons: Customers with wider widths found this style too narrow, no half sizes available
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