The 6 Best Rain Boots for Women and Men in 2024

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The best rain boots will have you hiking and walking through dense mud, deep puddles, cold slush and tall grass. New rain boots can offer outstanding support for your feet, preventing any aches or pain over the course of a lengthy hiking or camping trip (and doing a better job of keeping your feet dry than most hiking boots). And while investing in a good pair of rain boots may cost a bit more upfront, they'll last longer. After testing these shoes ourselves, we’ve compiled six of the top rain boots for those who are ready to splash in style. You can read more on our methodology and how we put these boots through their paces below, but first, here are our picks for the best rain boots:

Our Picks for the Best Rain Boots:

• Best Overall: Xtratuf 6-Inch Ankle Deck Boots
• Best Rain Boots For Women: Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots
• Best Rain Boots For Men: Sperry Men’s Saltwater Duck Rain Boots
• Best Rain Boots For Walking: Xtratuf Wheelhouse 6-inch Boots
• Best Rain Boots For Wide Calves: Muck Boot Men’s Edgewater Classic Mid
• Best Chelsea Rain Boots: Asgard Women's Ankle Rain Boots

Best Overall: Xtratuf 6-Inch Ankle Deck Boots

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: 7 to 11; whole sizes and wide fits
• Women's sizes: 5 to 11; whole sizes
• Colors: 29 colors available in women’s sizes, including prints
• Material: Rubber
• Best for: Many outdoor recreation activities like fishing, hunting and gardening; or as a grab-and-go pair of slip-on shoes for everyday wear and walking

My cousin, who lives in an Alaskan fishing town on the Kenai peninsula, said Xtratufs (or just “Tufs” as they call them) are a staple piece among Alaskans of every age and occupation—not just those on the fishing boats, per the shoes’ origins. Even though I live in a city in the mountains, I wondered if these boots would feel far too rugged to wear on a regular rainy day. Turns out, I’ve barely taken these shoes off in the last three weeks. I slip them on to take out the recycling, I wear them when I’m gardening to protect my feet from mud and burrs, I wear them while walking the dogs and I’ve worn them out in the rain (naturally). I wear them pretty much everywhere, and not once have I felt self-conscious as far as being fashionable. In fact, at a quick glance, you could mistake these shoes for Converse sneakers (although unlike Chuck Taylors, I wouldn’t say these are the best gym shoes).

As an accident-prone person, the grippy traction is my favorite, highly reassuring feature. Heat was definitely a concern, since I wore these in pretty balmy late-summer weather, though my comfort may have been due to extra breathing room, which leads me to my only (small) misgiving with the Xtratufs: the sizing. By no means was this a deal-breaker (as evidenced by my heavy use of the boots), however, there aren’t half sizes available, and I’m a true 7.5. I went for an 8 to be sure the boots would fit, but if I could go back, I’d actually size down to a 7. I wish I could say definitively if that smaller size would have been ideal, but I’m not positive that it would be. Perhaps I’ll go for a second pair (I’ve been eyeing the pink pair my editor tested) and update my notes accordingly. So while I can’t rightfully say these shoes “run large” since I had to opt for a half-size up, it’s something to keep in mind if you also fall squarely in between sizes.

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Pros:

• The ankle height keeps you highly nimble since you have unrestricted calf movement
• Easy to slip on and off for quick changes, including a kick tab on the back that makes it even more hands-free

Cons:

• Half sizes not offered

Best Rain Boots For Women: Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: 5 to 11; whole sizes
• Women's sizes: 5 to 13; whole sizes
• Colors: Available in black, orange, green, red and yellow; glossy and matte finishes
• Material: Rubber
• Best for: Those seeking a boot with timeless style for outdoor activities with thick mud or deep puddles

From the iconic photos of a young Princess Diana in the countryside to the snapshots of Kate Moss trudging through mud at Glastonbury music festival, stylishly rugged women have been wearing The Original Hunter tall rain boots (a style known as Wellingtons or Wellies) for decades. Or, to put it in the words of Senior Editor and boot tester Jordan Smith: “Honestly, these boots are classic for a reason. They are stylish and fun to wear,” she says, noting she’s walked “all over cities'' in her Hunter Wellies. And as far as moisture is concerned, these boots are basically impenetrable.

That wetness protection does come with the caveat that the boots aren’t particularly breathable. However, a nice moisture-wicking sock liner can keep your feet warm and dry. Smith adds that she feels supported by the boots’ solid traction, having worn them to keep her feet warm and dry in slushy, snowy conditions when dog walking, or running up and down slick surfaces to cheer on runners during a hilly, muddy cross country meet. The boots fit true to size, reviewers say, and there are variations on the buckle that you can choose to suit your taste, as well as a range of neutrals for a classic look, or loud colors to brighten up a rainy day. Smith does say that for a light rain, the boots can be “a little bit overkill,” and having also worn tall Hunter boots myself, I would agree with that assessment. The boots are comfortable to walk in, but you might prefer having a more nimble rain boot in less dicey conditions.

Pros:

• Super durable build that barely shows wear and tear
• Timelessly stylish and lots of color and buckle detail options
• Great for wading through deep puddles and mud

Cons:

• Highly recommended to wear with tall socks or boot socks— knee-high length makes them hard to get off without
• Original wellies are somewhat inflexible 

Best Rain Boots For Men: Sperry Men’s Saltwater Duck Rain Boots

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: 7 to 15; whole and half sizes
• Women's sizes: 5 to 12; whole sizes, half sizes and wide fits
• Colors: Brown, navy, tan, charcoal
• Material: Rubber sole; various midsole finishes including leather and wool
• Best for: An everyday casual look with a flexible midsole that still offers solid protection against the elements

I had actually “tested” these shoes long before I knew I’d ever be writing about them, so they were one of the first pairs that came to mind when compiling a list of rain boots I trusted. My mom sent me these Sperry duck boots in the winter of 2017 after I broke my wrist from slipping and falling on ice. Her protective instincts were spot-on because I didn’t have another cold weather mishap with my feet in these babies. The shoes have excellent traction for the diciest of conditions, and they kept my feet completely dry to boot (pun intended). And although my feet were hidden behind a host stand while I was in a cast and out of commission from bartending, I liked how the upper half of the shoe, complete with laces, gave the shoes a casual, everyday look despite their rugged appeal. Just note that there is also a drawback to rain boots with laces, since this particular pair will be less waterproof when fully submerged than all-rubber boots. I also think these Sperrys are an excellent, classic rain shoe for men, and I had my partner test his own pair as well, since men tend to have wider calves and may prefer a high-ankle boot over a boot that goes above the shins. His verdict was similar to mine: These boots are more rugged than their stylish appearance suggests, and make for a great year-round rain boot.

Pros:

• A more affordable duck boot alternative to the original L.L. Bean boots
• Snug fit makes your foot feel secure, especially on dicey terrain
• You can order the boot in various midsole materials, giving the boot lots of range

Cons:

• Lace-up midsole means you can’t just slip these boots on and off easily

Best Rain Boots For Walking: Xtratuf Wheelhouse 6-inch Boots

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: 5 to 16; whole sizes
• Women's sizes: 6 to 11; whole sizes
• Colors: 25+ colors and prints
• Material: Rubber
• Best for: Rugged outdoor activities or everyday wear for long walks and hikes

When it comes to rain boots made for walking, you definitely want to go with an ankle boot over a tall boot. Editor Rachel Pasche put the Xtratuf Six-inch Wheelhouse ankle boots through their paces, walking up to three miles at a time to test their comfort. She reported “no issues whatsoever” on those long-haul hikes in the Xtratufs, nor did she experience uncomfortably hot feet, noting that the shoes are “surprisingly breathable,” mimicking my experience with the Xtratuf Deck boots: “These are so so comfortable. I really was nervous they wouldn't be great for walking but I got the Deck Sport boots and they are an absolute dream for being outdoors in wet conditions,” Pasche says. Excellent traction is a trademark feature of Xtratufs, footwear that was created to withstand drenched fishing decks, and Pasche said she also tackled hills in the rain and experienced no issues slipping or sliding.

Women have the luxury of choosing from a vast range of colors in the boots, which Pasche took advantage of with her choice of bubblegum pink booties. The men’s fit of the Wheelhouse boots come in more subdued color options, including a camo pair ideal for hunting under a damp canopy.

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Pros:

• You get an excellent fit with thick socks
• One of the most dependable brands for waterproof shoes, relied on by commercial fishermen for decades

Cons:

• Could use more padding on sole and insulation for cold temperatures

Best Rain Boots For Wide Calves: Muck Boot Men’s Edgewater Classic Mid

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: 5 to 15; whole sizes
• Women's sizes: N/A
• Colors: Natural green
• Material: Rubber and neoprene
• Best for: Trudging through thick or slick mud, those who want a convertible rain boot option that can become a short rain boot with a quick fold down

Senior Editor Taylor Rojek tested out the Muck Boot Men’s Edgewater Classic Mids, which come up to about shin-length but can be folded down to hit the upper ankle. Rojek said after standing in flowing creek water for several minutes her feet were bone dry, even after briefly wading into parts of the creek where the water reached above the rubberized part of the boot: “The Neoprene does a good job of protecting you from wetness and not getting saturated,” she says. The stretch of the Neoprene can also help accommodate those who don’t neglect leg day, and boast bulging calves.

Rojek says the boots are comfortable and “slightly lighter” than what she expected from this type of boot, making them excellent walking rain boots compared to heavier types. Fit-wise, Rojek says the boots run larger, which made them most ideal with a heavy sock—there was a bit too much wiggle room with a lighter sock.

The boots are definitely winter boots, designed for sub-freezing temperatures (and up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), and Rojek says she never felt that her feet were overheating after wearing them in the appropriate conditions. The lining throughout the boots keeps the foot from rubbing against the rubber and helps to wick away moisture, she says. The Muck Boots also have solid traction that makes them a worthy candidate for a creek hike. But above all, reviewers seem to love these shoes for the purpose implied by the name—mucking through the mud: “These boots keep my feet dry and mud-free every day. They are a great height and easy to put on. They don’t slide off your feet when the mud grabs your boot,” writes an Amazon reviewer. And although the boots are slightly pricier, reviewers say you get what you pay for and then some.

Pros:

• High-visibility yellow interior can be folded down if you want to get a little more airflow or give your calves a break
• Reviews give the boot good marks for durability—many website reviews say they've had these boots for 15+ years

Cons:

• May be too hot in some climates since the shoe is designed for colder weather

Best Chelsea Rain Boots: Asgard Women's Ankle Rain Boots

Key Features:

• Men’s sizes: N/A
• Women's sizes: 4 to 13; some half sizes
• Colors: 14 bright and solid color options
• Material: Rubber
• Best for: Women who want a less rugged, more stylish Chelsea boot 

These Chelsea boots currently sit at the number one spot on Amazon among the “women's rain footwear” category, and I imagine the appealing price point is a huge reason why: These rain boots are a slick $32.99 a pair, but you wouldn’t know it unless you closely inspected the shoes. The lightweight PVC is crafted into an attractive look, and fun color options like black with pink soles give the rain boots a unique flair.

One Amazon reviewer summed up their appeal: “Mine are black, and they actually look elegant—if that is even possible for rain boots. They read as regular black Chelsea booties and fit perfectly with either jeans or skirts and tights—like a composed outfit rather than a goofy emergency solution to rainy/snowy weather. In any case, I highly recommend them.” Just note that the boots might not have long-term durability, although feedback seems to indicate durability is decent considering the price.

Pros:

• Lighter weight and less clunky to wear than some rain boots
• Classic Chelsea boot style gives them a timeless appeal

Cons:

• Won’t have as much long-term durability compared to boots that require a steeper investment

How We Chose the Best Rain Boots

In order to find the best rain boots, we found testers on the team willing to brave the elements in a new pair of boots (or share their notes on a trusted pair). Whether new or old, all of our testers subjected their rain boots to rigorous trials, which included at minimum the following:

• Fully submerging the boots in water for at least five minutes
• Walking at minimum one mile in the boots
• Testing the traction of the boots on sloped, slippery surfaces

In addition to determining the boots’ effectiveness against the elements, testers also assessed the boots’ breathability, fit and materials.

Each of these boots met or exceeded our baseline set by the methodology: The rain boots were comfortable to walk a mile or more in, the testers’ feet remained pristine after submerging in water and traction on dicier slopes was rated above-average. A few pairs did have divergences in what you might expect from the given sizing, and we noted those cases in our review.

While the durability of the boots was a key factor, I also assessed online reviews from longtime wearers of the shoes in order to gauge the boots’ performance and integrity after years of wear.

What to Look for in Rain Boots

Fit

To find a comfortable rain boot, choose a size that matches your typical shoe size. A proper fit is crucial for comfort. Some rain boots come in half sizes or wide calf options for a more precise fit, or come with adjustable straps or gussets to accommodate different calf sizes. Note too that the rubber soles on many rain boots may not offer much in the way of arch support, so if you’re looking for shoes with superior arch support, consider adding a cushioned insole, especially if you plan to wear the shoes for extended periods. Adding an insole can also fix fit issues if it’s too late to return a too-big pair of rain boots—something I myself plan to do to make my Xtratufs slightly snugger. You may also want to consider deliberately slightly sizing up to accommodate thick wool socks.

Materials

The primary purpose of rain boots is to keep your feet dry, so ensure they are made of waterproof materials like rubber, PVC, neoprene or other synthetic materials. Most of the shoes on our roundup are waterproof via rubber. If you need a cold-weather rain boot, consider a boot with moisture-wicking, insulated shearling or fleece linings to keep your feet dry and comfortable in freezing or sub-freezing temperatures.

Traction

A trademark of heavy-duty rain boots is non-slip, treaded outsoles. A good outsole design provides traction, reducing the risk of slipping in wet or muddy conditions. Deeper grooves in the outsole are better for traction in muddy or slippery terrain, but can also mean debris like small rocks get trapped in the tread.

Cost

While there are budget-friendly options, investing in high-quality rain boots can be more cost-effective in the long run. They tend to be more durable and provide better performance over time. Consider your budget, the features that matter most to you and how often you’ll be wearing the boots.

FAQs

Are waterproof boots the same as rain boots?

Waterproof boots can be the same as rain boots, but in general, rain boots refer to a specific style of footwear, often made of rubber or PVC. On the other hand, waterproof boots typically refer to a category of shoes designed to keep your feet dry for a specific purpose, like skiing, fishing or other outdoor activities.

Do rain boots go over or under pants?

Wearing rain boots over or under pants is a matter of personal preference, style and where you most want rain protection. Over your pants leaves your shins more vulnerable to moisture, whereas if you wear the boots under your pants (design permitting, of course), your pants are more likely to get wet. If you’re already wearing a solid pair of rain pants, you can go with whatever suits your taste, since you’ll be protected from the elements either way.

Should you buy rain boots a size bigger?

Buying rain boots a size bigger is a common practice, but by no means a strict rule to be followed. Instead, pay attention to feedback about the boots’ normal fit, since they may already run big rather than true-to-size, and consider the type of socks you'll wear. Fortunately, all of these boots are available on Amazon, which has flexible return policies to help you find the right size. Amazon Prime members can also sign up for “Try Before You Buy” with certain pairs, where you pay $0 upfront, and then pay for any items you decide to keep after trying them out.

Final Thoughts

A sporty rain boot that’s flexible and stylish can be hard to find. A fully waterproof rain boot will always be a bit more cumbersome compared to a classic hiking boot, the best of which are typically water resistant but not waterproof. That’s why you should keep the intended use of the boots top of mind. Convenience can become one of the biggest factors, since some boots seamlessly slip on and off the foot, while others require real effort to get on and off. Consider also your tolerance for getting a little bit wet. If you're walking on city streets in the rain, for example, modest water-resistant properties may be more than enough.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.