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My fashion-related pet peeve is walking in wet socks. And as a New Yorker, I know that if I don’t check the weather app in the morning before I leave the house, it’s a very real possibility. Enter the rain boot. It saves me the inevitable rage (sorry, we are not all Drew Barrymore) of walking through puddles or sprinting from my subway stop to my final destination while praying that my umbrella will keep me somewhat dry.
I know what you’re thinking, though: Rain boots are the No. 1 way to ruin an outfit. Not true! If the resurgence of lug boots taught us anything, it’s that functional footwear doesn’t have to be ugly. There are many different boot styles apart from your average clunky wellie. If you hate the idea of a tall rain boot, try a sleek ankle style. If you like to make a statement in the rain, go for a bold color or an edgy sole with an added heel. And if you don’t mind sporting tall wellies in a downpour or on sleet-covered streets — but prefer to wear more of an everyday, water-resistant boot for drizzly days — try a cool patent boot.
So whether you’re a fan of British countryside wellies or a more discreet water-resistant look, there are plenty of pairs that won’t make you feel like those of a fisherman or a toddler, and I rounded up the best options below.
Rain Boots to Channel Coraline
Halloween might be months away but consider these tall rain boots if you want to channel one of our fave stop motion characters. And even if you’re envisioning a whole other costume, these are available in a slew of other colors that will surely match your current wardrobe.
Not Your Typical Uggs
These rain boots from UGG are the perfect pick-me-up for a rainy day. The boot has a rubber shell and flexible neoprene collar on the outside and a moisture-wicking wool-rich blend on the inside made to feel like genuine shearling.
The Preppy Ones
Sperry’s Saltwater boots are a nice alternative to the pervasive tall wellie. Reviewers say these boots are a more comfortable, cuter take on the ever-popular L.L. Bean boots which sell out every year. The boots also come in two different size widths, so you can find the best fit.
A Refined Chelsea Boot
For a different version of the classic Hunter boot, try these wellies in the shorter, Chelsea style. The height of the boots will protect you from puddle splashes without causing dreaded leg sweat. And if you prefer a pop of color, they also comes in a bright fire-engine red.
The Low-Ankle Pair
Try this low-ankle style from Free People if you don’t like the clunkiness of traditional rain boots. They’re not only practical and stylish, but they also happen to be extremely comfortable. “I walked over 20k steps on a day tour during the rain and my feet weren’t sore,” one reviewer said.
Statement Chelsea Boot
Why opt for a neutral toned rain boot when you can buy these chic mustard ones instead? If you want an option that screams “fun,” these are the ones for you. These boots are made from natural rubber and a neoprene lining for all-day comfort. Plus they’ve been tested to be freezeproof so you’ll be good even if you don’t check the weather app.
The Rain Boots for Fashion Girls
Yes, Tabi rain boots exist. And yes, they are at the top of our wish list.
The Classics
You can’t go wrong with classic Barbour Wellingtons, which were originally designed to hold up in the rainy British countryside. This mid-calf pair has durable leather, tartan cotton insoles, and plenty of traction.
The Everlane Pair
The stretchy side panels and pull tabs make these slip-resistant rain boots so easy to slide off after a long day. Reviewers love how comfortable they are and the fact that the stone colorway goes with everything.
The Classic Hunter Boot
When it comes to wellies, there’s nothing more classy than the original Hunter Boot. The tall rubber boots (or, as we like to call them, the official rain boots of Glastonbury) are an all-weather staple and a necessary addition to any wardrobe. These boots can withstand the most torrential downpours, plus you can buy matching boot liners and insoles for colder, snowier conditions.
The Hunter Dupe
These boots give off classic horse-girl energy, and the thick rubber is equally good at keeping out stable gunk and urban mystery water. Reviewers said that the rubber material isn’t a flashy patent, but rather a more muted and versatile matte.
The Utilitarian New York Classic
These boots are less heavy than Timberland’s original six-inch boots, and, even if they don’t look it, are 100 percent waterproof. They are the perfect blend of rugged and feminine and feature premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers. If you really don’t like the look of rain boots, these are a good alternative. But size up a half size if you plan on wearing these with thick socks in winter.
For Your Next Target Run
These ankle boots may not be the best to wear if it’s pouring rain, but they’re easy enough to throw on for your next Target run. Plus the waterproof construction will still keep your socks dry.
The Trendy Heeled Ones
These boots made it big on TikTok for being both practical and stylish. If you still want these rain boots even after the hype died down, this is your sign. With their sleek and glossy design they’ll be a great investment purchase.
An Edgy Chelsea Boot
Don’t let the cream exterior of these bold boots fool you. Sorel’s modern take on the Chelsea boot features a seam-sealed waterproof construction with a high-traction rubber sole to stand up against inclement weather and provide maximum comfort.
The Major Discount Pair
Interested in designer wellies but don’t want to drop the designer dime? Understandable. That’s why we found these JW Anderson rubber boots. You can now score the popular puddle boots with chunky gold hardware for nearly half of the original price.
The Recycled Rubber Boots
You can’t go wrong with sustainability, which is why we love these Chelsea boots that are made from recycled rubber. They are another great option for those who prefer a water-resistant style that isn’t necessarily a full-blown rain boot.
