Luggage
By
Krystin Arneson
Krystin Arneson
University of Edinburgh
Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy.
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Updated on 11/21/22
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TripSavvy's Pick When it comes to style, durability, quality, and price, it's hard to beat Everlane's offerings, and their take on the rain boot (appropriately called The Rain Boot) is no different. Featuring a cool, chunky platform sole with plenty of grip, these boots are a great go-to. If you are partial to a Chelsea boot that doubles as light hiking footwear, our favorite is Hunter Women's Original Chelsea Boot. Let’s be honest: Rain is only fun when you’re dressed for it, and a great pair of rainboots keeps you comfortable and dry when a gale’s coming through, or the skies open up. Whether you opt for a classic mid-calf style in a cheerful print or a chunky Chelsea boot that pairs perfectly with your favorite all-black city outfits, there’s a great pair for you. To help narrow the field for you—because truly, there are so many options—we’ve rounded up some of the best rain boots. Take a peek at our picks below. The Rundown Best Overall: Everlane The Rain Boot at Everlane "The Rain Boot is one of the most stylish takes on rain footwear we've seen." Best Budget: Asgard Women's Ankle Rain Boots Waterproof Chelsea Boots at Amazon "Sturdy and chic, they're perfect for every season." Best Chelsea Boots: Hunter Women's Original Chelsea Boots at Hunter Boots "These boots are lightweight, waterproof, and small enough to fit in carry-on luggage." Best Mid-Calf Boots: Joules Molly Welly Waterproof Rain Boot at Joules "The mid-calf height on these is comfortable and flexible enough to wear all day." Best Tall: Xtratuf Women's Fishewear 15-inch Legacy Boot at Xtratuf "They have a seriously grippy sole and thick, warm neoprene that make you feel like you can go anywhere and tackle anything." Best for Wide Calves: Bogs Neo Classic Wide Calf at Zappos "They're not as chunky and unwieldy as some other rain boots." Best Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman Tinsley Rain Boot at Amazon "These boots hit just above the ankle for maximum movement and comfort." Best Sneakers: Dksusko Women's Rain Boots at Amazon "Comes in a wide variety of modern hues and high- and low-top designs." Best for Petites: Ilse Jacobsen Rubber Boot at Nordstrom "The knee-high shaft runs a little short, so if you're petite but want a tall boot, these will be great." Best Duck Boots: Sperry Women's Saltwater Duck Boot at Amazon "These duck boots are a classic for a reason." What We Like Rubber upper is easy to clean Side elastic for fit Fit takes wearing socks into account What We Don't Like May need a few wears to break them in Everlane is known for great-quality apparel made transparently and fairly, and the company's The Rain Boot is one of the most stylish takes on this essential footwear we've seen. These ankle-height boots are made from rubber, so it's easy to hose the mud off when you come back in from the day. True to Everlane form, they're designed with tons of thought. Case in point: they're made to be worn in your usual size but with a pair of winter socks on, so you don't have to deal with too-tight fits. Price at time of publish: $85 Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Rubber | Weight: Not listed What We Like Affordable price point Good size range EVA foam insole What We Don't Like Not great for cold temperatures Asgard's women's Ankle Rain Boots are an excellent value. We love the look of the PVC and matte upper. The elastic siding is convenient and boosts ease of use. And these boots have thousands of five-star customer reviews on Amazon. You might want to stock up on a couple of pairs. Price at time of publish: $50 Sizes: 4 to 12 | Materials: Rubber | Weight: Not listed What We Like Great handcrafted durability Can function as hiking boots Pull tabs for easy fit What We Don't Like Need to size up if wearing thick socks It's no wonder that Hunters are classics: The iconic design is backed up by excellent construction and durability. "These boots are lightweight, waterproof, small enough to fit in carry-on luggage, and adaptable—in forgiving terrain, they can function as a low-level hiking or walking boot," says lifestyle writer Hannah Selinger. "They're also cute enough to throw on with a pair of leggings if your options are limited. Mine are Hunter green, but there are plenty of colors to choose from." Price at time of publish: $150 in black/black Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Rubber, polyester lining | Weight: Not listed The 11 Best Women's Winter Boots of 2023 What We Like Hard-wearing rubber upper Side adjustable buckles Water-dispersing soles Fun prints available What We Don't Like Insole isn't glued down With a burst of leopard print, these wellies from Joules epitomize the brand’s commitment to quality with a touch of whimsy. The brand has decades of rainy-day credentials in its British homeland, and the mid-calf height on these is comfortable and flexible enough for you to wear all day. Plus, leopard print is basically a neutral—trust us, it goes with everything. Price at time of publish: $80 Sizes: 5-10 | Materials: Rubber | Weight: 1 pound, 9 ounces What We Like Thick, warm neoprene linings Very grippy sole Fun colors and prints What We Don't Like Not available in half sizes If your rain boot needs call for something a little more heavy-duty than a standard pair of wellies, Xtratuf makes some of the best around. “In rugged places like Alaska and the Yukon, the classic brown Xtratuf boot is ubiquitous, and for good reason: They have a seriously grippy sole and thick warm neoprene that makes you feel like you can go anywhere and tackle anything,” says travel and science journalist Kate Morgan. Plus, check out the range of maritime-inclined linings available—they’ll keep you warm and provide a splash of color if you fold the boots over. Price at time of publish: $150 Sizes: 6 to 11 | Materials: Not listed | Weight: 2.5 pounds (8M) The 11 Best Cold-Weather Boots of 2023 What We Like Good insulation for cold weather Flexible width footbeds Max-Wick moisture wicking What We Don't Like Top might be snug for extra-wide calves Bogs makes some of the best rain boots out there, and this wide-calf pair lives up to the original Classics and then some. The boots are made to knock one-third off the usual weight of a pair of rain boots, so you don’t have to lug around in them all day, and they’re insulated for a little extra coziness. Price at time of publish: $145 Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Rubber | Weight: 1 pound, 10 ounces What We Like Affordable price point Stylish Chelsea boot design Available in several colors What We Don't Like Upper not as durable as natural rubber Available in many colorways ranging from lipstick red to olive green and matte black, these Sam Edelman rain boots hit just above the ankle for maximum movement and comfort. Designed with a Chelsea-style stretch panel, they keep things comfortable when you dash from door to door in a downpour. They also have a padded footbed and a rubber sole that delivers plenty of grip on wet sidewalks. Price at time of publish: $73 Sizes: 6 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic rubber | Weight: Not listed The 9 Best Women's Travel Shoes of 2023 What We Like Great alternative to clunky rainboots Anti-slip rubber soles Available in several styles and colors What We Don't Like Lack of insole cushioning Look like you're wearing your trendy sneakers with the DKSUKO Waterproof High-Top Rain Shoes, which come in a wide variety of modern hues (and in low-top designs as well). Anti-slip rubber soles offer superior grip, while the quality rubber construction means it won't crack when the shoe stretches. Adjustable fit helps keep water out, and you can use them whenever you don't want to wear clunky rain boots. Price at time of publish: $40 Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: PVC, cotton | Weight: Not listed What We Like Adjustable lace-up front 100 percent natural rubber Available in several colors What We Don't Like Expensive With a cool lace-up front that looks great with everything from leggings to split-front skirts, these Ilse Jacobsen boots are built for people on the shorter side: The knee-high shaft runs a little short, so if you’re petite but want a tall boot, these will be great. Plus, they come in a range of cool colors—black, creamy gray, and olive green—for a dose of urban style on a gray day. The sole is lightweight, so the boots won’t drag you down in the muck, and the calf circumference runs from 15.5 to 21.5 inches. Price at time of publish: $230 Sizes: 6 to 11 | Materials: Rubber, textile lining | Weight: Not listed What We Like Premium leather upper Waterproof rubber duck shell Non-marking rubber outsole What We Don't Like Not great for very-cold weather These duck boots "are super comfortable and keep my feet dry and warm in the rain and even in slushy snow," says Nailah Blades Wylie, founder of Color Outside. "I like that they have a side zipper so I can slip my feet in easily, and the laces help ensure that they fit snugly around my ankles. They're also stylish enough and don't resemble your typical rain boots." Price at time of publish: $120 Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Rubber, leather | Weight: 1 pound, 2 ounces Keep in mind that higher shafts on the boots offer more protection, but they can sometimes be a little more inflexible when moving around. Not all rain boots fit equally; finding the right fit for you might take trying a few pairs. If you have more athletic or larger calves, look for wide-fit boots with slightly larger shafts to get your legs in comfortably. Cost-per-wear rarely fails as a metric for determining how much to spend on a pair of shoes. If rainy weather is a regular thing for you, it’s good to consider spending a bit more for a pair of sturdy boots that feel super-comfortable and look good with your wardrobe. If you live in a dry climate, on the other hand, a cheaper pair of wellies might get you through for the occasional trip or backyard gardening. Frequently Asked Questions Do rain boots work in the snow? Rain boots are great for keeping out moisture, but they’re not necessarily warm. Those who live in more temperate climates with only the occasional snowfall might find rain boots adequate for a few scattered days of snow, but if you’re up in a colder climate, you’re probably going to want to invest in some good winter boots, too. Some rain boots are designed to be worn with winter socks, and others (like Hunters) sell liners you can purchase separately to keep things a little cozier in cold temperatures. If you plan on yours doing double duty for rain and snow, consider going half a size up to accommodate thicker thermal socks. Can rain boots be repaired? Yes—there’s no need to throw away a leaky pair of rain boots. Shoe repair adhesives and a trusty rubber boot treatment can fix cracks and small leaks. A little patching from time to time will help you keep your trusty pair of boots as good as almost new for years to come. Do rainboots run big or small? Most rain boots run true to size, but in the manufacturer’s description, it should say whether it’s been sized up to accommodate thicker socks or whether it’s a standard fit. If you’re unsure, it’s best to go up half a size to allow for a variety of socks. Just walk around in them first to ensure a slightly looser fit isn’t rubbing your heel uncomfortably. TripSavvy authors spend hours researching their topics, interviewing experts, and reading reviews and comments to compile their best-of lists. Berlin-based Krystin Arneson studied in Edinburgh and has written for many travel publications. Best Overall: Everlane The Rain Boot
Best Budget: Asgard Women's Ankle Rain Boots Waterproof Chelsea Boots
Best Chelsea Boots: Hunter Women’s Original Chelsea Boots
Best Mid-Calf Boots: Joules Molly Welly Waterproof Rain Boot
Best Tall: Xtratuf Women’s Fishewear 15-inch Legacy Boot
Best for Wide Calves: Bogs Neo Classic Wide Calf
Best Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman Women's Tinsley Rain Boot
Best Sneakers: Dksusko Women’s Rain Boots
Best for Petites: Ilse Jacobsen Rubber Boot
Best Duck Boots: Sperry Women's Saltwater Duck Boot
What to Look for When Shopping for Women's Rain Boots
Height
Fit
Price
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