We Trekked Through Drizzles and Downpours to Find the Best Rain Boots for Walking

Best Women's Overall

Bogs Sweetpea Tall Rain Boot

View On Amazon View On Zappos $67 View On REI $45

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Rubber upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 10 inches | Weight (Pair): 4 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for light hikes, wet sports fields, rainy commutes, and (much) more. 

Why We Love Them

Bogs’ Sweetpea Tall Rain Boots are a sleek and functional option well suited for everything from light hikes to rainy commutes. We tested these boots in heavy Vermont flooding, braving downpours and puddles during errands and traversing wet sports fields. Impressively, our feet remained completely dry in these watertight boots, and we didn’t notice any moisture inside the boots after encountering wet weather. 

The odor-fighting interior effectively wicks way and evaporates sweat, preventing the uncomfortable swampy feeling often associated with rubber boots. And discreet pull tabs and a generous shaft circumference make these easy to take on and off (and also a great option if you have wide calves). Lightly lined, this pair offers a comfortable cushion and decent warmth for mild temperatures. Plus, the textured rubber outsole delivers substantial traction that keeps us from slipping on element-inflicted surfaces. 

The supportive nylon shank in the footbed enhances stability, giving this pair a more secure feel compared to standard rain boots. And if you prefer to shop sustainably, you’ll appreciate the natural and recycled rubber and algae-infused footbeds. We also appreciate the durability of the thick yet lightweight materials, which proved resilient throughout testing. 

Potential Flaws

• This boot is not available in half sizes, but we were still able to find a comfortable fit. If you’re in between sizes, consider whether you plan to wear thick socks or insert an orthotic. 

Best Men's Overall

Carhartt 6in Waterproof Wedge Work Boot

View On Amazon $146 View On Zappos $170 View On Dick's $170

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 | Materials: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 6 inches | Weight (Pair): 4 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for men who need a versatile boot for outdoor work, light hikes, and casual nights out in wet weather. 

Why We Love Them

Most of the shoes we tested feature a rubber upper, providing that classic rain boot style. But Carhartt’s Waterproof Wedge Boots are constructed with a durable leather upper that not only looks sleek but also proved completely waterproof during our wet-weather walks. And while leather tends to lack breathability, these shoes effectively locked out moisture without causing our feet to become overly hot and sweaty.

Throughout testing, we regularly wore these comfortable boots during rainy commutes to work, frequently testing the limits of their waterproofing and well-cushioned midsoles on long, 10-hour days. The thick, wedge-style outsole lifts ever so slightly, keeping our feet above gutter puddles. We felt confident in the boot’s slip-resistant traction as we navigated deep puddles and traversed wet pavement, grass, and hard flooring. 

Overall, the boots’ style and performance make them an ideal, versatile option to safely take you from point A to point B, even to dinner afterward. We also love that these come in various neutral shades so you can dress them up or down as you please.

Potential Flaws

• The shoes don’t have a pull tab for easy on-and-off wear, but the laces do help you find a customized fit. 

Best Women's Hiking Boot

Hi-Tec Altitude VI I WP Hiking Boots

View On Amazon $60 View On Hi-tec.com View On Com.au

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 5 inches | Weight (Pair): Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for hiking, outdoor work, and navigating storms. 

Why We Love Them

When trail conditions get wet, you need a hiking shoe with a protective upper and grippy outsole—like Hi-Tec’s Women’s Altitude VI I WP Hiking Boots. The water-repellent leather upper ensures dry feet, and the durable rubber outsole prevents slips and slides. Plus, the microfleece membrane kept our feet warm (but not sweaty) in colder conditions. 

While designed for tackling technical terrain, this supportive ankle boot was put to the test on trails and the rainy New York City streets. As the weather shifted from sun to heavy rain, we were impressed by the boot's protection and traction—even in deep water and on slick hardwood surfaces. We also appreciate how the contoured arch support and heel cradle provide a supportive fit, while the thick foam midsoles absorb impact for hours of comfy walking. 

Potential Flaws

• Designed for natural foot splay, these boots may run slightly wide for narrow feet.

Best Men's Hiking Boot

Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

View On Amazon $100 View On Zappos $90 View On Walmart $100

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 4.75 inches | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for hikers and workers who want a protective waterproof boot for on and off the trail and job site. 

Why We Love Them

Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boots are built tough with versatility to tackle the rainiest hikes, work days, and commutes. Crafted from responsibly sourced, waterproof leather and rustproof speed lace hook hardware, these boots are rugged and sturdy (without feeling bulky) to weather any storm. They also proved comfortable and supportive enough for everyday wear. 

During testing, we noticed that the grippy traction worked equally effectively on pavement, grass, sand, and mud. The cushioned foam midsole, flexible arch shank, and thick rubber outsole work together to absorb impact on hard surfaces. Constructed with sealed seams and a gusseted tongue, there’s no chance of water entry. The soft, recycled fabric linking also breathes well, preventing sweaty feet. 

Potential Flaws

• The conspicuous logo and sportier look of this boot may not be for everyone’s taste, but we feel they do strike a casual balance between a work and hiking boot that is pretty versatile.

Best Budget

Asgard Chelsea Ankle Waterproof Rain Boots

View On Amazon $33

Our Ratings

• Durability
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  4/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Rubber upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 5.5 inches | Weight (Pair): 1 pound | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best if you want a sleek, classic rain boot that’s comfortable for walking short to moderate distances.

Why We Love Them 

Asgard Chelsea Ankle Waterproof Rain Boots combine style and function at a budget-friendly price. They are one of the lightest shoes on our list, so they don’t feel clunky and pack well for travel. And with a sleek style and a variety of color options, you can wear them for just about anything (we wore them to work, on walks in the rain, and even to a muddy pumpkin patch). Importantly, our feet remained completely dry during every wet-weather adventure. 

These boots are equipped with a textured, durable rubber outsole that keeps us sure-footed on slippery surfaces. They also feel well-cushioned, never once aggravating one tester’s plantar fasciitis. Thanks to the convenient pull tab and elastic entry, slipping these boots on and off is a breeze. The classic style, cushioned comfort, and overall versatility make this budget-friendly pair a win for both your wallet and wardrobe. 

Potential Flaws

• These boots have very minimal arch support, so you may need to add insoles for flat feet or supportive orthotics. 

Best Traction

Bogs Holly Lace Leather Boots

View On REI $170 View On Bogsfootwear.com View On Dsw.com

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Leather outsole, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 6.5 inches | Weight (Pair): 4 pounds, 13 ounces | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you want a versatile boot with exceptional traction for climbing slick stairs, descending gravel trails, and more. 

Why We Love Them

Come rain or sleet, Bogs’ Holly Lace Leather Boots keep you safe and sure-footed on all terrains. These fashion-forward boots not only make a stylish statement for a night out in the rain but also prove practical for outdoor activities in wet weather. The dense and durable rubber outsole delivers grippy traction on wet pavements, trails, and grass. Made with sustainably made, ethically sourced, well-cushioned midsoles, the boots are also supremely supple for comfy all-day wear. 

Beyond their impressive traction, these rain boots are (importantly) completely watertight. We repeatedly submerged them in ankle-deep water to find that our feet remained warm and dry. Along with waterproofing, the high-quality leather upper stands up against dirt and debris. Plus, the moisture-wicking, anti-odor lining—made from recycled materials—proves highly effective, especially if you have particularly sweaty feet. 

Potential Flaws

• These are slightly heavier than other options we’ve tested, but we still found that they felt very comfortable for long hours of wear. 
• While the thick waterproofing did cause our feet to overheat slightly, the moisture-wicking lining kept our feet dry and sweat at bay. 

Most Stylish

Hunter Short Rain Boot

View On Zappos $170 View On Footlocker.com View On Nordstrom $150

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11 | Materials: Rubber upper, recycled polyester midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 10.5 inches | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 11 ounces | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for everyday, casual wear—especially if you prefer the classic rain boot style. 

Why We Love Them

Step out confidently into the pouring rain with the timeless Hunter Original Short Rain Boots. Boasting a 10.5-inch shaft that keeps pant legs dry, these are perfect for walking the dog, running errands, or commuting to the office. The adjustable buckles ensure a customized fit and easy on-and-off wear. Handcrafted from durable, waterproof, and vegan-certified rubber, these boots are grippy and sturdy. 

In testing, we appreciated the moisture-wicking lining that kept our sweaty feet dry. And despite their light cushioning, these shoes remain comfortable for all-day wear. We also love the inch-high heel that elevates you above slush, and the treaded rubber outsole provides excellent traction. Backed by a two-year warranty, this lightweight yet durable pair comes in various colors, patterns, and finishes, making them a versatile and long-lasting investment.

Potential Flaws

• This boot lacks insulation for cold-weather walking, so we recommend wearing thick winter socks when the temperatures drop. 

Best Insulated

Lands' End Sherpa Fleece Lined Duck Boots

View On Landsend.com $110

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  4.5/5
• Waterproofing
  4/5
• Value
  4/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Rubber upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 6 inches | Weight (Pair): 3 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wet and cold days when you need extra warmth for running errands, commuting, and casual walks. 

Why We Love Them

Conquer freezing rain, hail, and snow with Lands' End’s Insulated Sherpa Fleece-Lined Duck Boots. We wore them around the chilly, drizzly streets of Seattle to confirm that they offer waterproofing and warmth. Thanks to the sherpa fleece-covered shaft and footbed, as well as added insulation, these boots provide warmth down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Durable and easy to wipe clean, the shoes maintained their original quality during wet and cold conditions throughout testing. The rubber upper locks out all moisture, while the textured outsole keeps you sure-footed. A leather pull tab and adjustable laces also make these easy to slip in and out of. Plus, the slightly raised heel adds support and stability when walking on wet pavement, slick grass, and more. 

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that the tongue feels quite stiff for the first few wears, but it loosens and becomes more flexible over time. 

Best for Wide Feet

L.L.Bean Bean Boots

View On Zappos $100 View On L.L.Bean $100

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Leather and rubber upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 6 inches | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 2 ounces | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for rain, mud, and other wet climates and conditions, whether you’re trudging through chores outdoors or checking off your errand list.

Why We Love Them

If you have wide feet, look for shoes with a wide toe box, like L.L.Bean’s Women’s Bean Boots. They are specifically oversized to accommodate thick winter socks, so there’s ample room for wide or swollen feet. The lace-up style not only ensures a secure fit but also allows for customizable adjustments. And convenient heel tabs also make slipping them on and off a breeze.

Beyond comfort, hand-crafted duck-style boots stand out for their durability. Triple-stitched for longevity, they also come with a one-year guarantee. We wore these boots daily around town and during rainy hikes in the woods of Arkansas, finding that they deliver effective waterproofing, reliable traction, and hours of comfort. They’re also easy to clean for when you (inevitably) encounter off-road dirt and debris. 

Potential Flaws

• One of our testers, who has extra-wide feet, tested the wide size and found an almost too-roomy fit. If you’re purchasing these boots, we recommend sizing down—especially if you have narrow feet. 

Best Color Options

Merry People Bobbi Rain Boot

View On Merrypeople.com $130

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 4 to 11 | Materials: Rubber upper, midsole, and outsole | Shaft Height: Not listed | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 14 ounces | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for a stylish, yet functional, addition to your wet-weather wardrobe. 

Why We Love Them

Want to add a splash of color to brighten dreary days? We love Merry People’s Bobbi Rain Boot, a classic Chelsea-style boot that comes in 17 unisex colors. Function takes no back seat to fashion with this pair because they locked out all moisture as we walked through the rainy streets of New York City (purposefully stepping in puddles and wet foliage). And the durable, textured rubber outsole kept us sure-footed on super-slick city sidewalks. 

Made with a lightly cushioned midsole and arch support in mind, these shoes are comfy enough to wear all day—so much so that we even reached for them on dry days. Thanks to the stretchy lining and dual pull tabs, we found them easy to pull on and take off. We also appreciated that, despite wearing thick winter socks, our feet never felt overly sweaty or hot throughout testing. 

Potential Flaws

• Almost every time we removed these boots, the insoles would pop out. Though it can be an annoying inconvenience, it's certainly not a dealbreaker.

Most Comfortable

On Waterproof Hiking Boots

View On Zappos $220 View On REI $220 View On Dick's $220

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Materials: Mesh and recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: Not listed | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 12.5 ounces | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for long-lasting comfort and reliable traction during hikes, commutes, sporting events, sightseeing, and more. 

Why We Love Them

On’s Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Boots provided all-day comfort when put to the test on the bustling, rainy streets of New York City. The midsole offers ample cushioning and shock absorption (like with many of our favorite On Running shoes). The rocker shape, ankle support, and sole shanks encourage speedy, safe strides—which we found invaluable on the slick city streets.  

Designed for hiking, these lightweight shoes also feature a protective toe cap, grippy traction, and lateral stability that keep your feet safe in rain or snow. During testing, we purposefully walked through puddles to find that these boots passed our wet test, effectively locking out moisture. While protective, the mesh upper is super breathable, preventing our feet from overheating. We also appreciate the speed hook laces, which are easy to customize and adjust, even when wearing warm gloves on cold days. 

Potential Flaws

• This shoe has a super sporty look that isn’t everyone’s style. Still, we think it's a comfy, versatile option for all types of activities in wet weather. 

Best Chelsea Boot

Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot

View On Zappos $170 View On Nordstrom $120 View On Bloomingdales $102

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 14 | Materials: Leather upper, synthetic midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: 5.75 inches | Weight (Pair): Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you want a stylish and functional Chelsea boot for casual, daily wear in wet weather. 

Why We Love Them

For a fashionable slip-on boot that checks both boxes of style and function, we love Sam Edelman’s Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot. We tested this pair against some major puddles and our feet remained completely dry. And over time, after many splashes and rainfall, the durable leather upper held up. We also appreciate the deeply lugged outsoles, which lend plenty of non-slip grip to muddy passes, slippery pavement, and slick hardwood floors. 

In testing, we noticed that the boots felt lightweight, with a sturdy and supportive fit. They also feature handy front and back pull tabs, as well as stretchy elastic gores, that make them easy to slip on and off. From rich black to soft ivory, this super stylish pair comes in plenty of color options to match your aesthetic.

Potential Flaws

• While this pair is super comfortable, we did find them slightly stiff at first. But after a few wears, the leather upper loosened up. 

Best Breathable

Vessi Weekend Waterproof Chelsea Boot

View On Vessi.com $160

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11 | Materials: Knit textile upper, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: Not listed | Weight (Pair): Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you live in warm, wet weather or have particularly sweaty feet. 

Why We Love Them

Rain boots can get downright stuffy (and stinky), since waterproofing materials tend to be thick. That’s why we love Vessi’s Weekend Chelsea Boots, a slipper-like street-style shoe that combines breathability and protective features. They feature a temperature-regulating, all-weather knit upper that promotes airflow without letting in any rain. We even stepped into a creek (in the pouring rain), and these proved completely watertight. 

During testing, we also wore these shoes in dry conditions because they’re so comfy. The lightweight feel and well-cushioned midsole let us stand for hours at a time—whether it’s a long work day, running errands, or walking the dog. And in both wet and dry conditions, the grippy rubber outsole kept us sure-footed and steady. Plus, front and back pull tabs make these easy to slip on and off. 

Potential Flaws

• These rain boots don’t come in half sizes, so we recommend upsizing if you’re in between.