Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best waterproof EVA boots
Jun. 23, 2025
The 6 Best Rain Boots of | Tested & Rated - Outdoor Gear Lab
The Best Rain Boots for Men
Best Overall Men's Rain Boot
Bogs Workman
Flood Height: 14.75" | Weight per Pair: 5.11 lbs
Of all the boots tested, the Bogs Workman boots are nearly perfect, as shown by our metrics (they ranked near the top tier for comfort, traction, and warmth). We appreciate all the little details wrapped up in this pair: the heel collars, the modular insoles, and the handy heel studs that let us kick them off after a long day. “They have heavy-duty lugs and a supportive insole. I found them comfortable enough to wear even for long periods,” our lead tester remarked. While the first model we tested (over a year ago) had some waterproofing issues, this latest version appears to have resolved those issues.
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The Workman boots have a unique collar that wraps around the Achilles tendon for secure heel-lock support, which we loved—but it might feel uncomfortable to some. Also, these boots retain heat. “Sometimes my feet felt overly warm in temperatures above 50°F,” our tester said. If you want a boot that is not as warm and has a higher flood height for better weather protection, check out the Baffin Enduro. All in all, the Workman would be it if we could only have one pair of rain boots. We also like The Original Muck Boot Company Wetland, which scored higher for weather protection, although we found them less comfortable.
Read more: Bogs Workman review
Best Bang for Your Buck
Baffin Enduro
Flood Height: 16.25" | Weight per Pair: 5.49 lbs
Close your eyes and imagine yourself wearing a rain boot. You're probably picturing something similar to the Baffin Enduro. With a height of 16.25 inches, the Enduro's rubber shaft and solidly lugged outsole will keep you warm and dry in even the wettest and worst conditions. Because of their large circumference, you can easily slip into and out of these boots, and their price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable.
The Enduro is uninsulated, so you'll want to wear thick socks in cold weather. We don't love the included insoles, so if you're wearing these often, we recommend finding a more structured insole. “Once I mastered my sock and insole game, I could happily spend entire days wearing these boots,” our tester stated. “They even kept me comfortable throughout a 14-hour workday.” We recommend this boot if you want the best price and don't need the most deluxe insulated option. If you want an affordable insulated boot, look at the Kamik Icebreaker.
Read more: Baffin Enduro review
Best for the Worst Weather
The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport
Flood Height: 17.6" | Weight per Pair: 5.74 lbs
The The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport takes inclement weather seriously. They are a workhorse of a boot, neoprene-wrapped and warm enough for extreme conditions, and they had some of the best traction of any boot we've tested. The boots' high shaft and tighter calf make us feel confident when sloshing through cold water; nothing is getting in these babies!
We love the Arctic Sport boots, but they're quite uncomfortable when strolling around town on a warmer Fall day. “In temps above 40°F, I started to sweat in these,” our lead tester said. While the tighter shaft keeps the warm air in, you'll have to reach down to put them on and take them off. Most people do not need boots as burly as these, and we would not recommend them to everyone. However, this boot is a top dog if you spend lots of time in truly harsh conditions (heavy rain, driving snow, and freezing temperatures). For a more comfortable boot that's easy to pull on and off, look at the Bogs Classic Ultra High.
Read more: The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport review
Most Stylish
Blundstone Thermal Chelsea
Flood Height: 6.7" | Weight per Pair: 2.93 lbs
If you want your rain boots to do double duty — to keep your feet dry in the wet and look good — the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is a great choice. Its cozy sheep's wool insoles and Thinsulate lining will keep your feet warm despite chilly weather, and they perfectly balance between workboot (with their heavy-duty outsole and seam-sealed leather) and stylish boot (with their premium hand-crafted leather.) “I own a standard pair of Blundstone boots, and these feel almost exactly the same — the insulation doesn't change the fit at all,” noted our lead tester.
The only drawback to these boots is that they're not as tall as some of the other options in our test. If you need a boot with a shaft higher than 10 inches, this boot will not cut it. Otherwise, if you're looking for a stylish boot with few drawbacks, the Blundstone Thermal is the way to go. If you're looking for a casual, around-town boot but can't quite swing the price of the Blundstone, you might like the Kamik Lars Lo.
Read more: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea review
Best Deck Boot
Huk Rogue Wave
Flood Height: 6.5" | Weight per Pair: 3 lbs
While they are not the best-known deck boots, our testers found that the Huk Rogue Wave boots outperformed some of the most popular deck boots, especially in their comfort tests. The Huk boots were reliably comfortable for hours of heavy use, with their cushioned and supportive midsole, and featured a better tread pattern for multi-surface traction.
Like all the low boots we tested, we found these boots somewhat fiddly to get on, and the outsole tends to hold onto dirt and small rocks that are hard to clean out. These are not a go-to pick for severe weather but are perfect for lighter rain, runs to the mailbox in a rainstorm, and less intense conditions. “The Huk boots were a top choice when I headed out to do chores or run errands around town,” our tester said. Another deck boot option we like is the XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot or the Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo. If you're looking for a rain boot with a little more kick, you might check out the Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport.
Read more: Huk Rogue Wave Review
Best Crossover Rain Boot
LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
Flood Height: 8" | Weight per Pair: 3.91 lbs
LL Bean boots have been around for over 100 years (since ), and generations of Northeasterners have grown up wearing them, as they're warm, protective, and durable. The company has made hundreds of variations of the original model, and we chose to put the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boots to the test and were impressed with both how stylish and capable they are. As a result, these are a great crossover shoe, as they're a perfect blend between the stylish lower boots and the more rugged work boots. They are warm and comfortable, and most importantly for a rain boot, they keep water out.
Our biggest qualm with these boots is that we wish they had a slightly more incised outsole — the cable pattern does a decent job, but isn't as grippy as some of the more serious workboots. Also worth noting, the insole of these boots is not the most impressive or comfortable. However, if you need a boot that looks and performs great, we highly recommend this one from LL Bean. If you need something with more grip, you may like the Bogs Workman.
Read more: LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate review
Compare Products
select up to 5 products to compare Score Product Price 81Best Overall Men's Rain Boot $160 78 $180 75
Best for the Worst Weather $180 68
Best Bang for Your Buck $75 68 $160 66
Most Stylish $230 66 $150 64 $80 62 $70 55 $150 54
Best Deck Boot $110 54
Best Crossover Rain Boot $259 50 $100 47 $80 45 $90 45 $150 44 $100 43 $105
How We Tested
Every time we update this review, we start with market research: hours of reading, assessing the competition, and surveying all the new boots released each season. Once we've identified the most promising new models, we buy them at full price and thrash them. We practice the vaunted scientific method and create hypotheses for each boot before we test them. With our hypotheses in mind, we test the boots over several months. At this point, many years in, we've spent over 800 hours testing, wearing, and measuring various rain boots. Some tests, such as warmth, are best assessed in our high-tech lab, where we submerge the boots in a bathtub filled with ice cubes and monitor their internal temperature with bare feet. Other tests, such as comfort, are assessed by wearing the boots in various conditions over long days. We do our best to slog around in every weather we can find in the Washington Cascades and Western Montana Rockies (which means we get a lot of rain and damp cold). At the end of our test period, we take our findings for each boot and write them up to share what we've found.
Our comprehensive tests are divided into five rating metrics:- Weather Protection (25% of overall score weighting)
- Comfort (25% weighting)
- Traction (20% weighting)
- Warmth (15% weighting)
- Wearability (15% weighting)
For more on our test process, see our complete How We Test article.
Why Trust GearLab
Our main rain boot tester is Richard Forbes. Richard spends his time adventuring across the great Pacific North-wet and the cold northern Rockies, both ideal for his rain-boot-oriented lifestyle. Every day is a new opportunity to get outdoors, and he often finds himself wearing rain boots in ridiculous testing situations (from “approach rain boots” to “rock climbing rain boots” to "whitewater rain boots"). He has not yet tried climbing harder than 5.7 in a pair of rain boots. Still, while guiding a few summers ago, he saw a tween exhaustedly slogging toward Camp Muir in a pair of Bogs at 9,500 feet on the side of Mount Rainier, and he was both inspired and worried (for the tween, the boots were doing well).
Richard has worked as an environmental journalist, farmer, ecological researcher, collaborative facilitator, “footwear retail specialist,” conservationist, outdoor guide, and storyteller worldwide and reluctantly admits he might be a gearhead, which means he sometimes spends around the same time researching what gear to buy as he does actually using it. He's embarrassed by this, but at least he doesn't keep what he finds to himself: how to choose your next rain boots.
Analysis and Test Results
Soggy feet are almost guaranteed to ruin your day. Throughout our tests, we consider each boot's weather protection, all-day comfort, grip, traction on wet ground, warmth, and overall wearability, writing detailed notes along the way. For every performance metric, we rank each boot from 1 to 10 (with one being the worst). Then, we weight each score to show the value of each category — for example, most folks believe that weather protection matters more than warmth, so we give weather protection a heavier weighting. Let's be clear; we're not trying to give absolute ratings because we haven't personally worn all boot models. Instead, each value is relative to every other boot in the review.
What's the Best Value?
While we don't incorporate pricing into our scoring system (as prices constantly change), we know cost is important. However, we'll always describe the general price range of each boot and write about whether we think each one is worth its price. After an absurd number of hours in rain boots, we are certain: more expensive rain boots almost always look and feel better while lasting longer. In other words, you generally get what you pay for. But this goes both ways — if you don't wear rain boots often or don't spend much time in nasty weather, you may not need the priciest option.
Do you need to pay more for the ultra-protective Muck Arctic Sport, or do you want a boot that bucks the trend and works perfectly despite its lower price, like the Baffin Enduro? If we're talking straight dollars vs. performance, the Enduro (uninsulated), the Kamik Icebreaker, and the insulated Kamik Forester are the best value boots in the test.
Weather Protection
Rain boots must be waterproof and waterproof; otherwise, what's the point? Waterproofing can get surprisingly complicated if you get into it (dive in for a few hours by researching hydrostatic head testing), but we define waterproof practically. Something is “waterproof” if we can stand in water up to the top of the shaft for 10 minutes and not get wet feet. We've tested these boots' weather protection by wading in the chilly Clark Fork River of Western Montana, the Puget Sound on a windy 25°F day, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River on a month-long river trip, the Yakima and Snoqualmie Rivers as they flow out of the snowy Cascades, and in the Atlantic Ocean on the Maine Coast. When boots leaked (as a few did), we had a bad time, so we were always thankful for the boots that worked.
We put each boot into all manner of waterways, from creeks and ponds to the ocean, literally all over the United States (at this point, we've tested in every region of the Lower 48, as rain boots come on every single trip we go on). Our final test is a standardized ten-minute wade. Almost all the tested boots are waterproof except the Bogs Sauvie model. For all waterproof boots, we assign scores as a function of boot flood height, measured as the lowest point at which water can enter. Any boot that isn't waterproof gets docked severely.
With their impressive 18-inch high shaft, the Muck Boot Wetland boots eke out the win in the weather protection category, their height preventing accidental splashes and easily protecting your feet from rain, deep water, and dumping snow.
We tried fly-fishing in the high-shafted Baffin Enduro boots and only got water in them when we chased some trout into a deep pool. The Arctic Sport are the second-highest boots (just under half an inch shorter than the Wetland) and are significantly warmer than all other boots in the test, with their microfleece lining.
Our tested boots feature a variety of shaft heights. Pick your boots based on your intended use — the different boot heights will lend themselves to different uses. This list is in order of height:
Calf-height Boots (16" or higher)- Muck Boot Wetland
- Muck Boot Arctic Sport
- Hunter Original
- Baffin Enduro
Mid-calf Boots (approximately 12" to 16" tall)
- XTRATUF Legacy 15"
- Bogs Workman
- Kamik Icebreaker
- Kamik Forester
- Bogs Ultra Classic High
- Bogs Bozeman Tall
Crossover Height
- LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
Low Boots (lower than 7")
- Blundstone Thermal Chelsea
- Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo
- Huk Rogue Wave
- Kamik Lars Lo
- XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot
- Sperry Cold Bay Chukka
- Bogs Sauvie
A caveat about the low boots: they're practical as long as you won't get into deep water, as some are only waterproof to a few inches. But low boots like the XTRATUF Deck Boots or the Huk Rogue Wave come into their own if you'll be using them on strolls through town when there's soggy (but not inclement) weather. Low boots obviously won't keep you as dry as taller boots, but they're generally more comfortable in more casual use cases.
Comfort
Our testers are lucky enough not to have any major foot problems, but like most people, they sometimes get sore feet. Our comfort tests are designed to replicate long days on your feet, so we wear each boot for hours on concrete and other hard surfaces. Ultimately, our tests let us know which boots to buy when you know you'll be wearing them for long days (the Bogs Workman and Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, among others) and which boots you won't want to wear for more than an hour (sorry, Hunter Original Tall).
For some reason, people tend to ignore foot pain and assume that it's somehow inevitable. Let's be clear: foot pain can be solved. It can be complicated, but it's worth taking the time. If you suffer from foot pain, take this category seriously. Rain boots (and shoes in general) aren't supposed to hurt you, and some of the models we tested are truly comfortable to wear. Consider getting a pair of supplemental insoles, and if you've got a lot of trouble with your feet, try to see a doctor or physical therapist; both will help dramatically. Take it from us: happy feet will improve your life.
A boot's material plays a big role in overall comfort. Leather boots generally feel more comfortable because leather breathes better, tends to weigh less, and breaks in, molding to your feet. Leather's drawback is that it's less durable than a thick rubber boot. And while you might think all “rubber boots” are equal, we've found a fair amount of variation after wearing so many different boots. We don't have degrees in rubber chemistry (though if we'd spent the last eight years better, we probably could have gotten at least one Ph.D.), but here's what we know. Boots made with foamed neoprene uppers (Bogs Classic Ultra High and Bogs Sauvie, among others) stretch and bend perfectly when walking on rough surfaces.
In contrast, boots with fully rubber uppers tend to buckle against the ankle when on the same terrain. And while we don't know all the scientific terms to describe the different types of rubber, we know that there's a difference in ankle comfort between stiffer rubber boots (like the Baffin Enduro which bends in and pushes at the front of our ankles) and higher quality rubber-like the more flexible XTRATUF Legacy 15" material, which flexes smoothly across our feet. But the thicker your socks, the less you'll notice these issues. Finally, the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boots blend the flexibility and comfort of leather (on the top) and the waterproof durability of rubber (on the bottom), which worked impressively well.
To test for comfort, we spent 20+ hours in every boot, prioritizing long stints (over 5 hours) and time on harder surfaces to ensure the test was as difficult on our feet as possible. Insole construction is an important variable, as there's a lot of variation in insole sturdiness and thickness. Some boots have thick, cushioned insoles like the Bogs Classic Ultra High and the Bogs Sauvie. One pair of boots, the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, went even further and added sheepskin to the top of their insoles, which makes them positively plush.
We're disappointed by other boots' flimsy offerings (come on, Hunter Original boots!), which means they don't fare well in the comfort ratings. The Kamik Forester and Icebreaker are odd, featuring bulky removable liners without insoles (and can't fit aftermarket insoles). They're very nice and warm, but don't have much support underfoot.
Our testers have high arches and generally wear Superfeet Green insoles for general use (these were our favorites from our best insole review). Once we'd finished testing the standard insoles, we'd often put Superfeet in our favorite pairs, making the boots more comfortable. Depending on your arches (and how exhausted your legs feel after a whole day on your feet), consider talking to a doctor or footwear specialist about whether you'd benefit from a pair of supplemental insoles. They make a big difference for us.
For testing, we also wear rain boots during our general day-to-day lives. They come along as we go to grad school, work, grocery shopping, and voyaging into the mountains every few days. The Bogs Workman and Blundstone Thermal Chelsea lead the pack in comfort thanks to their snug fit around the ankles, which minimizes the sloppy fit we find in some other boots. Other particularly comfortable boots include the Bogs Classic Ultra and the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate.
Stiff-shafted rubber boots can be uncomfortable, and it helps to wear thick socks. Otherwise, they can cut into your shins as they buckle when you bend your ankles, like the Enduro, Hunter Original Tall, and the XTRATUF Legacy Series 15".
Weight also plays a big role in comfort. Have you heard the idea (popular among ultralight backpackers) that a pound on your feet equals six pounds on your back? Lighter boots (especially the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea and XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot) are more comfortable for long days but generally less protective, leading to an obvious trade-off. Ensure you're doing the calculations — do you need the extra protection? You'll feel a lot less tired with a lighter option.
Some boots are also mysteriously heavy — why does the uninsulated Baffin Enduro weigh more than the burly and heavily insulated 17.6 inch Arctic Sport? And even more mysteriously — how did Bogs make the Workman 15% lighter than the Bogs Ultra Classic while adding more insulation and a burlier outsole? We know they credit their “seamless” technology, but we suspect some magic may be involved.
Let's also be clear that comfort and warmth can be overlapping and competing variables. Depending on the weather, you may need extra insulation to be comfortable, but remember: in warm weather, too much insulation makes things sweaty. And while we'll cover this more in later sections, you can always change the insulation by changing up your socks (up to a point). However, we want to keep each metric as separate as possible, so we'll discuss how insulation affects general comfort in the warmth section below.
Traction
We generally don't wear rain boots when there's nice weather. Rain boots are for nasty conditions when comfy sneakers aren't enough. And when it's nasty, it's generally slippery, so the best boots need to keep you up and on your feet, not slipping around and making a scene. Some boots feature deep-cut lugs that grab muck and snow easily, like the Bogs Workman, while others have less textured outsoles better suited for flat pavement and casual use like the XTRATUF 6" Ankle or the Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo boots.
We test our boots in various unstable conditions: soaking grass, mossy wood, sucking mud, slippery asphalt, rocky riverbeds, (shallow) lake beds, and on ice and snow. The Arctic Sport is a clear leader with its mega-studded sole, allowing us to feel secure no matter the surface. The Baffin Enduro and Bogs Workman also perform impressively well in this category, thanks to their heavily lugged outsoles.
Casual boots are easy to recognize — they have shallow (or no) lugs on the outsoles and less flexible rubber. As a result, casual boots do noticeably worse during traction tests. While wearing less grippy boots, it was harder to stay upright on ice, snow, and mud. In particular, our wet grass hill-running test lets us separate the slippery wheat from the grippy chaff. The low-scoring XTRATUF Ankle boots and Hunter Original boots made us look like beginner skiers (as we skidded awkwardly down hills), while grippier boots made us feel like we were wearing crampons.
Warmth
We love to get into the literature thanks to our scientific background, so we spent a few riveting hours reading scholarly articles about warmth and workboots. Who knew — there's a devoted segment of the scientific community committed to learning about feet and ergonomics (which studies people's efficiency while working). According to this literature, feet get colder than other body parts for three reasons:
1) The feet feature lots of surface area without having much mass2) Feet are extremities, which means they get less priority than your core and your brain
3) The feet contain no big muscles to produce heat during exercise, just lots of fiddly tendons and ligaments
Maybe it's just us, but we love learning about how the human body responds to cold stress.
Too long; didn't read: Your body doesn't care about your extremities as much as your internal organs, so your feet will get cold if it's cold outside. We realize this isn't news, but getting the scientific take is nice.
As a result, insulated boots make a big difference, especially during active work, when your body heat (thanks to your mitochondrial inefficiency) gets caught and contained by the boot. We looked at another study that measured foot temperatures during cold exposure which stated that, according to Sweden's version of OSHA, cold conditions make work significantly harder, and that over 70% of cold injuries are caused to the hands and feet. In plain English, many people get cold feet when they're out in the cold, which is unpleasant. We realize the references might be excessive, but the point of all these citations is to prove that you need to take your foot warmth seriously.
To bring it back to practicalities: where will you wear these boots? How cold does it get there? Make your purchase primarily with that assessment (and boot height) in mind. We've lived nationwide and needed to prioritize different types of boots in each place.
- Coastal Maine = cold and pretty wet
- Suburban Pennsylvania = not that cold, pretty wet
- Southern Appalachia = not that cold, pretty wet
- High-mountain Colorado = extremely cold but not that wet
- Western Montana = extremely cold and pretty wet
- Western Washington State = not that cold, extremely wet
- Southern Arizona = you probably don't need rain boots, but don't let us stop you.
Once you've thought about your intended climate and your intended use cases, keep reading.
The warmest boot isn't always the best, as rain boots are generally bad at releasing heat since rubber does not breathe well, which is partly why it's so protective. If you want to wear the ever-toasty Arctic Sport at 60°F fall sports games, prepare for sweaty feet. However, if you wear those same boots in foot-deep snow at 15°F, you'll stay comfortable thanks to these boots' almost knee-high microfleece-lined neoprene.
If you know you'll never see snow or cold temps in your boots, go with an uninsulated model like the Baffin Enduro or the XTRATUF Legacy 15" — your feet will thank you when you're doing chores on warm and wet fall days. If you want the best of both worlds, go with the Bogs Bozeman Tall, Bogs Workman boots, or the Wetland boots, all of which are warm enough for snow use but also tolerable (though not wonderful) in warmer temps.
Boot material makes a big impact on warmth/breathability. Rubber boots don't breathe very well. While leather tends to be more breathable, both leather boots currently in our test have additional insulation (the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea and the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate). As a result, neither is ideal above 50°F.
To compare boot insulation, we did warmth tests in an ice bath with 20 pounds of ice and a half-pound of salt to lower the freezing point of the water. We wore each pair without socks (to keep things standardized and properly uncomfortable), then submerged each pair of boots as deeply as we could without water getting in (slightly less deep than the measured shaft height). We kept track of the time from initial immersion until “the cold set in” — a temperature that we tried to standardize, which meant that our bones started feeling sad. We warmed up our feet in between tests with jumping jacks. We set a cut-off time at 20 minutes so we wouldn't have to sit with our feet in an ice bath for too long (though only one boot has ever made it to 20 min — the Arctic Sport). This test was about as hard on the boots (and our feet) as it could have been — we were sitting still, so our feet cooled down quickly in the less insulated boots. We prioritized the ice-water test in the scoring, but we also tested boots in real-world situations — in the rain, snow, ice, sleet, graupel, and every other type of cold precipitation. Ultimately, we considered each boot's ability to keep us warm during these practical tests when determining overall scores.
The boots with the lowest scores did not keep our feet warm at all and almost instantly cooled our feet to discomfort. Those models were the Hunter Original Tall and XTRATUF Legacy 15" boots, both of which feature thin rubber and no insulation. Their low scores in this category are not disqualifying, though — poor insulation makes them strong candidates for use in reliably warm and wet weather. On the other side of the spectrum, the Arctic Sport is the reigning champion and lasted 20 minutes in the ice test. The Bogs Workman came in second and kept our feet warm enough until 18 minutes into the ice bath. The Kamik Forester was another standout for warmth.
Boots closer to the middle of the range are the generalists — generally comfortable in various ambient temperatures but not great at extremes. Remember, our ice-water test is designed to be easily standardizable and hard on the boots, but it's unrealistic. We hope you never have to wear your boots without socks (it's uncomfortable), and socks dramatically affect a boot's insulation. If the boots you want didn't do well in our warmth test, you can always put on a thicker sock (as long as you sized the boot appropriately).
Wearability
For our latest round of testing, we pivoted this section, which used to be “Style”. But obviously style is subjective, so we decided to go with “Wearability”. Basically, Wearability accounts for all the small things that make us like a boot or not. This includes style, ease of use, small features we love, and whether we can kick them on and off easily.
For style, most boots go the practical route (most blatantly, the rubbery and pebble-patterned Baffin Enduro boots, which pair easily with our oil-stained Carhartt overalls). Some boots, especially the low leather options like the classy Blundstone Thermal Chelsea pair easily with most clothes and are much more reasonable when the weather's not too bad, and you're just wearing them out and about. The LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boot is an impressive blend of workboot and style icon, while other boots, like the Hunter Original Tall, seem to be designed only as fashion statements.
For ease of use, we're thinking about how much fiddling the boots make us do. The XTRATUF 15" boots are difficult to get on due to their flexible rubber and relatively narrow collar width, while our favorite Bogs Workman boots are simple - just step into them and walk out the door. And while laces, like on the Sperry Cold Bay Chukka, can make sure a boot feels snug, they also catch debris, which dings their wearability score a bit.
We're also thinking about the little things - does the Baffin Enduro have a nice heel stud to help us kick it off? Yes. Do the Xtratuf Ankle boots and the Huk Rogue Wave outsoles catch and carry around pebbles and dirt, making a mess? Also yes.
Sizing + Fit
We are footwear nerds. We take sizing and fitting shoes extremely seriously, and we spend many hours choosing our shoes based on fit, from backpacking boots, climbing shoes, ski boots, trail running shoes, to approach shoes, and even casual shoes like flip flops. But the truth is that you probably don't need a super technical fit from your rain boots, so save your fit obsessing for the technical gear.
But if you're a tricky case, or if you just like talking and thinking about boot fitting, let's talk through some terms we've learned in our years of research:
- Foot Size: This is the length of your foot, measured from the back of your heel to the end of your longest toe (which is not always your big toe, depending on your foot shape). There are a variety of sizing standards, but most people in the US default to their “Brannock Size.” These measurements have annoyingly nothing to do with inches or even centimeters, though other countries (like Japan) have more sensible metrics.
- Foot Width: This is the width of your forefoot, measured across your foot, beginning at the inside of your first metatarsal head (the bump on the inside of your forefoot). Brannock sizing describes widths with letters (Super-narrow AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, etc., to extremely wide EEEE). D width is generally considered the standard width for men, and E or EE means wide. We recognize that this also makes very little sense, but just go with it.
- Foot Volume: How much foot material do you have? This is determined by your bone structure and the height of your foot — do you have a high-volume foot or a low-volume foot? This is more of an informal spectrum — footwear shops don't have a way to easily measure this, but it's a good variable to keep in mind. If you often get heel blisters (like our testers do), chances are you have low-volume feet. And if you often have trouble fitting into shoes, you probably have wider, higher-volume feet.
- Arch: We don't want to get annoyingly complicated, but you actually have three arches (medial, lateral, and transverse). However, when people talk about arches, they're generally talking about their medial arch. You can have “higher” or “lower” arches, but this doesn't matter too much when it comes to your rain boots, and we don't want to get too far into this. If you experience significant arch pain or struggle with plantar fasciitis, please go see a doctor, research foot strengthening exercises, and/or think about supplemental insoles (with the help of a footwear expert).
In general, don't wear shoes (or rain boots) that match your measured “foot size.” Your feet change size as you stand on them, and you also want extra room for thicker socks. So try to go up a half-size (or if there aren't half-sizes, go up a full-size — bigger shoes are better). And shoe sizes are complicated, so don't expect them to be consistent from brand to brand (or even model to model).
Our reviewers get US size 13s for every model except the Baffin Enduro (which our research suggested runs larger than average, and we've been happy with a size 12). All our boots fit pretty well. To be clear about what we're working with, our head tester has almost exactly US size 12 feet (though one is slightly longer than the other) and has a standard D width. These measurements are from a Brannock device, which can be found in most any American footwear store. We generally wear 13s to ensure a healthy amount of toe space while keeping enough room for thick socks or added insoles (socks and additional insoles generally add warmth and comfort).
If your feet are on the narrower side, take a look at the Bogs Sauvie or the XTRATUF Legacy 15" (which feel just a bit narrower than standard). And if your feet are truly wide (EE or wider), the Bogs Workman features modular insoles that let you make the boots wider if needed!
Conclusion
If you spend a lot of time in wet and chilly weather, you owe it to yourself to get some rain boots. And if you haven't tried a pair on since the miserable days of clunky childhood galoshes, we promise that things have really turned around. There are some great boots out there; give one of these a try. And, if you need a great pair of shoes geared towards water sports, we've tested water shoes for men, too.
The 17 Best Waterproof Boots for Women, Tested and Reviewed
These Chelsea boots are stylish, fully waterproof, and come in both medium and wide sizes.
During our two months of tests, we did slip a bit when walking on ice.
Waterproof boots don’t always have to be rugged looking, and we’re big fans of these fashionable Sam Edelman Chelsea boots. The leather material is fully waterproof and repels even the dirtiest city puddle water, and the synthetic fabric inserts also boast waterproofness so your feet will be fully protected. Plus, they have a thick and supportive lug sole that helps with stability and traction in slick conditions. While the leather was a bit stiff at first, it took just a few hours to get it to soften up a bit, leaving the boot comfortable and supportive for hours on end. The boots come in neutral color options like brown, black, and white, and they feature medium and wide options as well. After six months of testing, they still looked and felt brand-new.
The Details: Sizes 5-14 (medium and wide) | Leather, rubber
Why We Love ItThe top of the boot shaft has an adjustable buckle to tighten or loosen the boots.
The thicker rubber material isn’t very breathable.
We determined that Hunter rain boots live up to the hype after this pair earned high praise during testing and earned a spot as our favorite rain boot for women. While Hunter boots come at a higher price, that quality is well worth the investment since we’re confident that these will be the last pair of rain boots you’ll buy for many years — after a year of wearing them, they were still in great shape. The rubber is thick and fully waterproof, but the boots are still easy to walk around in and don’t feel clunky. There is generous traction on the bottle of the boots, and the adjustable buckle on the top is an extra special feature that we didn’t see in any other boots we tested. One thing to note is that these boots aren’t very breathable, so you may want to opt for a different pair in the summer.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Rubber | 3.96 pounds per pair
Why We Love ItThey're comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and during various activities.
They scuff quite easily.
We wore these sleek boots to work, on rainy day walks, on bike rides, and even to a concert, and were seriously impressed with how comfortable and cushioned our feet felt after prolonged wear. Aside from being completely waterproof, they also feature good traction and a flexible sole to keep you from slipping and sliding on slick surfaces.
For more waterproof EVA bootsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
They look like a stylish pair of everyday boots, thanks to their full-grain leather exterior, so they’re an especially versatile shoe to have in your fall or winter wardrobe. Even the 1-inch textured rubber soles are comfortable, which give your overall height a nice little boost and add an edgy, classy touch to the shoe’s overall aesthetic. We did notice, however, that the boots scuff quite easily. While small marks were easy to buff out with our fingers early on, we noticed it more and more during three months of at-home testing, and are now hunting for a good shoe polish to fix them up. This hasn't stopped us from wearing them, but buyers should keep in mind that these may require some regular upkeep to look nice.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Full-grain leather, Feathertread rubber outsole, EVA midsole
Why We Love ItThese are comfortable from the first wear and offer plenty of traction in slippery conditions.
The utilitarian style won’t appeal to everyone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a pair of waterproof hiking boots like these ones from Hi-Tec are your best option. These boots are comfortable right out of the box and boast slow recovery foam cushioning and Ortholite sock liners for noticeable comfort compared to other boots we tried. Throughout six months of testing, we found the rubber outsole offers plenty of traction for stability in slick, icy, and snowy conditions, and the high-top laces keep the foot secure in the boot while trekking. Made with durable materials, we’re confident these boots will last for a long time, and for under $100, it’s hard to beat the price for an excellent waterproof hiking boot such as this pair.
The Details: Sizes 6-11 (medium and wide) | Microfleece, rubber
Why We Love ItThey're chic, with an elevated Western aesthetic, and can be worn in or out of the rain.
We experienced a bit of pinching in the toe box.
If you’re looking for a stylish pair of boots that you can wear in and out of the rain, look no further than these Dolce Vita Brylee H20 booties. Crafted entirely out of leather (although they're also sold in two suede hues if you purely want a pair for aesthetic reasons), their stitching details, gored side panels, and block heel have a slightly elevated Western look to them. They can be worn with a casual or elegant outfit, which makes them one of the more versatile rain boots on the market.
While we loved their aesthetic, we were even more impressed with how waterproof they were — though we don't think there's enough traction on the bottom for icy conditions or slick surfaces. Another thing to note is that we experienced a bit of pinching in the toe box, which can be uncomfortable when wearing the boots for prolonged periods of time. After wearing them regularly for three months, we'd recommend sizing up for extra space. The boots are also sold in a wide version.
The Details: Sizes 5-15 (standard and wide) | Leather, recycled microsuede lining
Why We Love ItThe boots feel sturdy to walk in despite the intense platform.
We got blisters the first time we wore them, so expect a break-in period.
Platform boots can look impractical, but this pair from Ugg proved to be just as functional as the more rugged boots we tried. Sure, the platform style might not be for everyone, but despite the thick 2.5-inch lift, these were supereasy to walk in while venturing around the city. There was a short period of time where the leather upper needed to stretch out a bit and caused a few blisters, but after some time, the boots loosened up for a more comfortable fit, and we were eventually able to walk miles in them with no problems. Although these boots are on the heavier side, the materials are thick, high-quality, and sturdy, so we think the higher price point is worth it for a fashionable and durable pair of boots. After six months, they barely looked like they had been worn.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Leather, wool, rubber
Why We Love ItThe 2-inch heel keeps your feet elevated while walking in the rain.
The sizing can be a bit off, so we recommend sizing a whole size up for best fit.
With a 2-inch heel, these stylishly chunky rain boots keep your feet elevated when walking in the rain. Even if you were to splash around in a couple of puddles, they'll still keep your feet warm and dry since they climb up higher on the leg than a regular Chelsea boot — which helps provide just a little more protection when walking in the rain. Despite their slightly bulky build, the shoes feel very high-quality and lightweight, which is ideal for traveling purposes, and we overall appreciate how grippy their soles are. We brought them on a five-week trip to Oregon in the winter during our three-month testing period and were impressed with how well they held up in snowy conditions. Best of all, their chic silhouette means you can wear these boots out to dinner or as an everyday shoe. We did, however, notice the sizing is a bit off, so we’d recommend sizing up a whole size for the best fit.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Full grain leather, EVA footbed, Evertread rubber outsole
Why We Love ItThese boots are effortlessly stylish and fully waterproof with a fleece-lined interior.
Throughout our two months of tests, we determined that they have minimal traction and should not be worn in icy conditions.
It can be rare to find a pair of waterproof boots that you can wear on a fancier occasion, so we recommend these leather-heeled booties from La Canadienne. The handmade boots feature a black leather exterior; soft, microfiber-lined interior; and the side zippers are fully waterproof as well, which we confirmed after we wore these on multiple rainy days in the city over a period of six months. With a 3-inch heel and a sleek leather look, these booties look and feel premium, but we’re also confident that the high-quality materials will last down the road. The leather takes a few hours to break in, but after wearing the boots once, the material loosened up a bit for a more comfortable fit.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Leather, microfiber, rubber
Why We Love ItThe lightweight rain boots come in more than a dozen eye-popping colors.
They are short, so you may want to pair with high socks in heavy rain.
Searching for a colorful pair of rain boots? The Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots come in a huge variety of bright and neutral colors to fit all kinds of style preferences, including slate gray, yellow, multiple shades of green, cherry red, orchid pink, and more. Besides the creative colorways, the boots impressed us with a comfortable and lightweight fit right out of the box. The rubber boots come with removable inserts for added comfort, and while they slide out of the shoes easily, they add an abundance of comfort and coziness, so we think the slight hassle is worth it. When we wore the boots on slick pavement in the city, the traction helped greatly with stability, and not an ounce of water made its way into the boots. So whether you opt for a bold grasshopper green shade or the more subtle sand color, we think you can’t go wrong either way. Throughout our six-month test, we found ourselves looking forward to the rain so we could wear these.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Neoprene, rubber
Why We Love ItThey have great traction and cushioning.
The boot's opening is very loose and wide, which can make it easier for water and debris to enter if you're not wearing ankle-length pants.
Crafted completely out of rubber and available in four neutral shades, these waterproof boots are ideal for any kind of outdoor activity. We wore them while running errands and when out on the water fishing, and we didn't slip or slide in them once — especially handy when you're on a boat. While we wish they had just a little more arch support, they were comfortable straight out of the box and kept our feet feeling cushioned for hours. They're quite roomy, too, so they're ideal for those with wider feet, although we wish they offered half sizes.
The dual pull tabs are especially useful for slipping the shoes on and off, and the boots overall kept our feet warm and dry. We did come to the conclusion during our three-month testing period that they aren't quite warm enough for long periods in freezing weather, but they kept us toasty in mild temps. One important thing to note is that the boots' throat is very loose and open, which can make it easier for water and debris to enter if you're not wearing ankle-length pants.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Rubber, EVA insole | 2.8 pounds per pair
Why We Love ItThe affordable boots are made with a lightweight and sturdy rubber material.
During our two-month test, we found the need to buy insoles since these do not offer arch support.
Boots can be difficult to travel with, but these rubber rain boots are small enough to fit nicely in a carry-on. The rubber material is lightweight enough that the boots won’t be clunky or cumbersome to wear or pack, but the boots still feel thick and sturdy. Thanks to these fully waterproof boots, our feet stayed perfectly dry in wet weather, and the boots are lined with a soft fabric for some warmth and insulation. We wish the boots had a bit more to offer in the arch support department, so you may want to use inserts if you’re planning to be on your feet for long periods of time. After six months, we noticed that the boots still had a rubbery smell to them, but it was not strong enough to prevent us from wearing them, and they were otherwise in great condition. For under $40, these are a great budget-friendly option.
The Details: Sizes 5-13 | Rubber | 1.5 pounds per pair
Why We Love ItThe lug soles are thick and sturdy, but the boots are very lightweight and easy to pack.
After two months of regular wear, the leather is still quite stiff.
These boots look heavy, but they are incredibly lightweight and easy to walk in. During testing, we found the thick lug outsole offers stability and traction on all surfaces, and the slight heel gives the boot a bit more style compared to a traditional hiking boot. The interior of the boot boasts an ultracomfortable memory foam footbed, and it’s lined with a soft, recycled PET fabric with odor-resistant abilities for extra comfort and durability. We thought the leather was a bit stiff at first, but once we wore the boots a few times, it loosened right up for a fitted but flexible feel. That being said, after six months of regular wear, we still think they're a great stylish pick but might not be for someone who wants to prioritize support and comfort.
The Details: Sizes 6-11 | Leather, memory foam, rubber | 2.45 pounds per pair
Why We Love ItThe shearling lining adds tons of warmth to these nearly knee-high boots.
The calf isn’t stretchy, and there are no wide options available, so the fit might be too tight for some.
It’s hard to believe that suede leather can be waterproof, but the Overland tall boots proved to get the job done during testing; though the water doesn't bead off like it would with rubber boots, the water never soaked through, even when we held the boots under the steady stream of a faucet. While dry feet are important, we also love that the shearling lining on the inside is exceptionally cozy and soft, providing tons of warmth in cold destinations. The boots have a 2.5-inch block heel and generous traction, so they are still extremely stable — and comfortable — to walk in. We walked over a mile in them during our initial testing and thought the arch support was great, proving more comfortable than some flat boots that didn’t make it onto this list. After months of regular use, we were still impressed with these shoes, although they were a little difficult to clean. We found that these boots do run true to size, but the shaft isn’t very stretchy, so they might not be able to fit comfortably around larger calves.
The Details: Sizes 36-42 | Suede leather, Merino | 3 pounds per pair
Why We Love ItThey're made almost entirely out of durable neoprene that's stiff but comfortable.
They run a little large and aren't breathable.
These boots are made almost entirely out of durable neoprene that, despite its stiffness, manages to still be comfortable. They’re completely waterproof and offer excellent traction and grip — we wore these on rainy walks and while trudging up and down hills and never felt like we were in danger of sliding. While they are overall very comfortable, we definitely recommend wearing these shoes with longer socks to prevent the neoprene shaft from rubbing uncomfortably against your skin. We also noticed after three months of regular wear that they get a bit clunky for long walks, so we think they're best for shorter stints outside or while running errands.
The shoes retain warmth easily and aren't very breathable, so they’re ideal for wearing in colder temperatures with a longer, thicker sock. They're also quite heavy, which — although we found didn't interfere with our comfort levels — means that they're probably not the best shoe to travel with. Our main gripe is that we wished the laces went all the way up to the boot, right up to the stretchy neoprene shaft, for added support and to prevent any water from entering on very rainy days.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Neoprene
Why We Love ItThey're chic yet edgy for a combat boot and have a wide toe box that's great for wide feet.
We wouldn't wear them in deep puddles because water can potentially get in through the lace area.
While combat looks can be a bit of a pain to lace up all the way, there’s no doubt that they have a chic, edgy look to them. These boots from Teva are crafted out of supple waterproof leather and boast a recycled rubber outsole that provides good grip and traction on slippery surfaces. Their toe box is also wide enough to accommodate those with wider feet. These boots definitely kept our feet warm and dry in a light drizzle, but we don’t think they have enough protection against torrential downpours. We noticed that some water did enter around the laces, so we would have appreciated just a little more attention paid to seam-sealing all areas of the shoe. We also detected a faint chemical smell that didn't go away during our three-month testing period — it doesn't stop us from wearing them, but we aren't sure why it hasn't disappeared yet.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Leather, recycled TPU welt, recycled rubber
Why We Love ItThese sturdy duck boots are completely waterproof and comfortable right out of the box.
They might not be warm enough for extremely cold or snowy conditions.
We chose the Columbia Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boots as our favorite duck boots for women after seeing them shine in all testing categories. They weathered sunshine, rain, mud, and snow in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to below freezing, and successfully kept our feet warm and dry in all scenarios. As is standard with duck boots, these are made with a waterproof rubber shell on the bottom and topped with a waterproof suede upper. The boots are also lined with fleece for extra coziness, although we found they remained plenty breathable in milder temperatures.
These boots were comfortable straight out of the box — a feature not always seen in rubber boots — and remained flexible without compromising the overall structure. We didn't feel or see any signs of blisters, redness, or other discomfort during the testing process. They have excellent traction in snow, mud, and rain, and provide plenty of arch and ankle support. The suede and rubber materials look and feel high-quality, giving us reason to believe these will last for a long time. We have also been impressed with how easy these are to clean, considering suede can sometimes be a magnet for dirt and grime. After three months of testing, these showed zero signs of wear and tear, and we're excited to see how many adventures we can take them on in the future.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Suede and woven textile upper, fleece insulation, rubber sole
Why We Love ItThey have plenty of arch and ankle support, keeping them comfortable to wear for miles.
The top of the boot rubs a bit while breaking them in, and the laces are hard to tighten.
If you like a lot of support while wearing boots, you'll appreciate the sturdiness of these ones from outdoor brand Merrell. They feel well-made and durable, with a full-grain leather upper and thick rubber outsole. While they are a bit heavy, they remain extremely comfortable — we walked over 60 miles in them during our four-month testing period and never had issues with blisters, tiredness, or other discomfort. They have plenty of arch support and ankle support. We noticed some rubbing around the tops of the boots during the break-in period, but this went away within a few months.
These are plenty warm for cold temperatures, although our feet felt a bit too hot in milder fall temps, so we recommend keeping them ready for chillier days. The grippy rubber sole provides excellent traction when walking in the rain and prevented us from slipping on many kinds of terrain, including grass, concrete, wood, dirt, wet leaves, and snow. They are also completely waterproof and kept our feet dry in heavy rainstorms and while splashing in a river. Our only gripe after four months of wear is that the laces are hard to tighten, although they were never uncomfortably loose. Overall, we think these are comfortable and supportive waterproof boots offered at a fair price.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | 15.05 ounces per shoe | Leather upper, PU footbed, rubber outsole
Other Waterproof Boots We Liked
We tested so many waterproof boots that performed well that it was hard to narrow our list down. Although they didn’t make it onto our main list, the boots below still come highly recommended by us.
Bogs Cedar Mid Lace: While we appreciated the style and breathability of these boots, they're a bit constricting for those with wider feet, and we don't think they'll hold up well against heavy downpours.
Our Testing Process
To test 45 pairs of waterproof boots, we spent several weeks wearing the footwear in various terrain and weather conditions to see how the boots held up. Of course, waterproofness was one of the most important attributes we tested for, but we also paid close attention to fit, comfort, traction, and durability. We wore the boots for activities like commuting in rainy cities, hiking on muddy trails, running errands, and doing household chores, taking notes on breathability, arch and ankle support, how long the boots took to feel broken in, and any pain or discomfort they may have caused.
We made it a point to wear the boots in rainy weather whenever possible, and if we couldn’t, we did an at-home waterproofing test that involved stuffing the shoe with towels or tissue paper and holding the exterior of the shoe under a stream of water for five minutes to see if any water seeped through. The boots that earned top feedback impressed us by running true to size, offering excellent foot support and cushioning, and of course, by keeping our feet perfectly dry in the wettest conditions.
Tips for Buying Waterproof Boots
Know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant
When a boot is waterproof, it means that no water should be able to get into the interior of the shoes, no matter how rainy it is. Water-resistant boots will ward off the elements, but only to a certain degree of wetness, and then the materials won’t be able to keep all the moisture away.
Think about how and where you plan to wear them
If you’re buying a pair of waterproof boots, you need to consider your environment to determine which style fits your needs best. Outdoor adventurers should opt for a more rugged boot with traction and support specifically designed for activities like hiking or walking in rougher terrain. For those living in colder climates, consider getting a pair of boots with insulation or at least a microfiber lining for extra warmth, or on the flip side, those in warmer climates may want a regular rubber boot that is unlined. And of course, if you’re mostly in a city, you may want to consider a more dressy boot made of leather for work, dinners, or any other less casual occasion.
Consider packability
It’s no secret that boots are difficult to pack in a carry-on. If you don’t mind wearing boots on a plane, that’s likely the best way to save space, but if not, you’ll want to consider how heavy the boots are and how much space they will take up. Knee-high or taller boots will take up more room, but rubber boots will likely be heavier and clunkier.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I spray waterproof boots?
If a boot is made of any type of waterproof material, it likely doesn’t need any type of spray on it. After several years of wearing the boots, the waterproofing could potentially diminish, so it couldn’t hurt at that point. These are our favorite waterproof sprays that we've tested. Remember to always test a spray on a small patch ahead of time in case the spray darkens the color of the shoes.
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How do I clean waterproof boots?
In general, waterproof boots should wipe clean to look as good as new. Rubber boots can even be hosed down and require very little maintenance to keep clean. If your boots are made with leather, you’ll want to consult the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, just in case there are specific requirements for the material.
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Should you size up or down for rain boots?
This will vary based on the brand. It’s common for many shoes to only come in whole sizes, so if that’s the case, be sure to size up to the next whole number. Also, consider reading the reviews or product description, as many brands or reviewers will give tips on how the boot might fit and if you'll need to size up.
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Do I need gaiters for my waterproof boots?
It depends on what kind of activities you’re using your waterproof boots for. If you’re hiking or doing any sort of outdoor activity, gaiters can help keep out debris and prevent water from getting into your boots, which will keep your feet warm and dry. They’re also useful to help protect against insects and snakes.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Anna Popp is an associate editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Raised in Oregon and now based in New York City, Anna has tested various waterproof boots fit for the outdoors and urban life, including two pairs of Chelsea boots on this list. She used her knowledge of footwear testing and combed through testing notes to write this list of the best waterproof boots for any and all seasons.
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