We’re about to enter rainy season (aka spring), so it’s time to pull out the best rain boots for women you have. Oh, you don’t actually have any? You’ve come to the right place.
While you may be having flashbacks of those fugly galoshes your mom used to make you wear, the ones we’re recommending are a lot more stylish, walkable, and can be worn through spring and put back on when fall returns.
Some we reviewed look like regular boots and booties that can easily be paired with jeans and skirts. Others are better for wet activities like…boating, if that’s your thing, or trekking around muddy hiking trails. Some even look like sneakers.
To determine the best ones, we looked at the material, breathability, support, and how easy they were to walk around in. We also combed through customer reviews, inquired of other editors, and scrutinized the most iconic rain boots from top brands.
Below you’ll find our top picks and we’re willing to bet that at least one will be the right pair for you. Soon, all you’ll need is a new rain jacket and dress pants to be set for spring.
For those looking for a serious rain boot to take you into April showers, there’s no better pick than The Hunter Original Short Rain Boots. Constructed with vulcanized natural rubber, they’re flexible and ultra-protective against wet and cold conditions. Although a pull-on style, the boots feature side buckles to adjust the fit, which is a nice design detail for those with wider or smaller calf muscles. We love how durable these are too, as well as their slimmer silhouettes, which are surprisingly easy to dress up or down. Best of all, they’re insulated, so even if you’re not wearing the warmest of socks, your feet should stay toasty.
What customers are saying: “I have very wide calves, narrow feet and ankles, and a dog that likes puddle jumping and splashing on me. These are perfect. It took a long time for me to find boots that stayed on my narrow feet without slipping off, and without being held on by my calves. The quality seems well done, they are not too heavy, and I can hose them off before I head inside. I am very glad I got these.”
Sizes: 5-11 | Material: 100% Natural Rubber | Color options: Available in seven colors (on Amazon)
Coming up to your knee, these boots are easy to slip on and off. They’re made of durable rubber that wipes clean easily, and it doesn’t hurt that they look stylish, even when standing passively in your entryway. Available in five shades, sizes 6 through 10.
Dare we say they remind us a lot of Hunters? But at a better price.
Size: 6 through 10 | Material: Rubber | Color options: 5 colors
If you have high arches you’ll need a rain boot with built-in support or a molded footbed, like the Merry People Bobbi Rain Boot. Its design cups the foot, so feet are continuously cradled as you stomp through puddles and slippery terrain. The interior has flexible neoprene lining for added comfort and warmth, while the bottoms feature enhanced traction. What we like about them the most as that they don’t look like typical rain boots, so you can wear them to the office without carrying an extra pair of shoes to switch into.
What customers are saying: “Wore these all fall and winter. Through the airport, in the snow, to brunch, these are my go-to’s. They even saved my ankle when I twisted it on a messed up sidewalk — it could’ve been so much worse! I’m definitely going to buy a spring color for the upcoming season!”
Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Natural rubber, Neoprene interior | Color options: Available in 15 colors
Sorel is one of the top brands when it comes to durable but stylish footwear. For rainy days, we like the Ona Ave Chelsea Rain Boot best. Its sides and bottom are made with EVA pods, which is a lightweight and flexible type of vinyl. For you, that means the boot is designed to offer extra mobility while fully protecting your feet from the elements. The bottoms of the shoes have a FEATHERGRIP bottom to prevent slippage. And we absolutely love the platform heel!
Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Waterproof suede, Rubber | Color options: Available in five colors (on Nordstrom)
While these may be too heavy-duty for urban dwellers, we love Muck boots for women, including these. They are good for all types of icky conditions, including downpours, snow showers and muddy terrain. Every seam within the boot is cemented with rubber tape to keep wetness out and warmth in. The bottoms feature a rubber capsole, which not only provides a bit of height but extra traction. The sides of the opening of the boot are made with a material that’s similar to scuba gear, making them durable but flexible — and very forgiving on us with wide calves. While not the most fashionable boot on our list, they are incredible at keeping feet protected from rain and that’s what matters most.
Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Neoprene| Color options: Available in the color black
While The Hunter Original Short Rain Boots won our top spot, the Hunter Play Short Wellies are nothing to push aside. They’re strikingly similar but don’t have the adjustable side buckles. Featuring a slip-on style and back pull tab, their thick rubber is impervious to rain while the extra tread on the bottom provides trusted traction
New York Post review: “My go-to rain boots for walking my dog in the rain and my long weekends in Connecticut. I’ve owned my pair for 5 plus years and am planning on buying another this year in a new colorway — just for fun. I love the height of them, as well as the width so I can pair with a thick sock or shove my pants inside to avoid getting wet.” — Michelle Moezam, Commerce Senior Social Media Marketing Manager
Sizes: 6-11 | Material: Rubber | Color options: 1
For rain boots that don’t look like rain boots, we suggest the Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots. They’re crafted from premium water-resistant leather and have a cushioned midsole for shock absorption. Elastic sides add stretch and flexibility as you move from point A to point B, while XRD Technology in the mid-strike zone provides additional comfort.
New York Post Review: “I’m not a boot person but I love my Blundstone boots fan. Somehow, they’re chic and understated with outfits, especially when walking through sleet and sludge-like mud. Plus the quality holds up really well.”
Sizes: 5-16 | Material: 100% waterproof leather | Color options: Available in three colors
These may look like children’s rain boots but they’re actually for women — and highly acclaimed among top shopping editors. Originally crafted with athletes and recreational fishermen in mind, the Xtratuf Women’s Angle Deck Boot features a rubber compound material on the bottom to make it practically slip-proof. They’re lightweight, have a slip-on style and a sturdy XPRESSCOOL fabric in their interior to keep feet from profusely sweating. They’re exceptional at gripping slippery surfaces and comfortable enough to spend hours in.
What customers are saying: “I only bought these shoes to wear when it rains but they were so comfortable that I wear them to work. The size fits perfectly. They are very durable and very much waterproof. They do keep my feet pretty warm. I get lots of compliments on how cute they are. They are not heavy on my feet at all.”
Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Rubber | Color options: Available in 31 colors (on Amazon)
Some rain boots can have a heavy feel but we found the Sperry Torrent Chelsea Rain Boots to be like a pair of trusted walking shoes. Their footbed is engineered with a special technology that gives extra bounce as you walk, plus they have ample cushioning. They’re durable, too, and have a 1-inch platform for a touch of height.
Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Rubber | Color options: Available in five colors
These Chelsea boots from Bogs are so cute that we’d wear them even if it wasn’t drizzling out. They have a slightly pronounced arch and rebound cushioning in the midsole to take the strain off the heel and calves. We also love how these boots have the BOGS Max-Wick and DuraFresh natural bio-technology to fight sweat and odor — something common if you’re trekking in rain boots all day.
Sizes: 6-12 | Material: Rubber and textile upper/synthetic lining and sole | Color options: Available in four colors (Nordstrom)
When searching for the best rain boots for women, you’ll want to consider material, fit and style.
Because they’re meant to protect feet from moisture, it’s critical to find boots that are made with waterproof or water-resistant materials. Many brands and retailers will make note of this in the product’s description. Materials that indicate waterproofing include:
Similarly, certain language in a product’s description shows that additional effort has been made to waterproof the shoes. Look for mention of sealed seams or Sympatex and Drylock technologies. You’ll also want to judge the traction at the sole of the boot to make sure it has adequate tread that grips wet surfaces.
Consider the shape of your feet when looking at rain boots. It’s important that the model you go with comfortably holds your foot and isn’t too difficult to get on and off. Many styles include pull tabs at the back to assist with this, but you’ll still want to consider the opening of the boot. Some boots that may fit your feet will not be the right size for your ankle or calf, rendering them useless. Because of this, it’s recommended to look through reviews to see if the boot is true to size, as well as if a brand has the boot in wide lengths to accommodate larger feet, ankles and legs.
While style always boils down to personal preference, it’s always smart to consider the occasion and purpose your rain boots will serve. Sure, they’re intended to protect your feet from wet conditions but when and where you’ll wear them should also be factored in. Will you be wearing them on your walk to work? Do you need them for gardening or another outdoor activity? These are some of the questions to ask yourself when selecting the right rain boot for you.
The best rain boots for women are made with waterproof materials, have enough room for thick socks and offer foot support. When shopping for yours, search for boots with high-quality rubber or waterproof materials that keep feet dry. Durable soles and sealed seams often indicate quality water protection.
Another thing to look for in rain boots is a thoughtfully designed tread pattern on the sole. This provides traction on slippery surfaces. Comfortable lining, adequate toe space and heel support are also things to consider when determining the best rain boot for you.
If you’re planning to wear thick socks with your rain boots, it’s not a bad idea to size up. This keeps the foot from feeling constrained or too hot. Sizing varies with boot brands, so pay attention to design notes from the manufacturer. It’s also helpful to check reviews to see if customers with your foot size recommend sizing up or down.
Rain boots and waterproof boots are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same.
Waterproof boots are covered with a water-repellent sheen or include water-resistant materials to keep them from absorbing moisture and impacting the foot. In contrast, rain boots, sometimes called wellies or rubber boots, are entirely made of a waterproof material. They’re crafted to protect against heavy rain and puddles, offering more coverage than waterproof boots.
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