A good pair of rain boots will have you splashing with confidence this rainy season. Many of them are designed to easily slip on and off, and they’re incredibly simple to clean. And no worries if you’re not into that classic goulash look, we’ve found some excellent options that are as stylish as they are practical.
The CleverHiker headquarters is in the the soggy Pacific Northwest, so our team of experts knows a thing or two about wet weather. We scoured the market – researching and testing over 25 pairs of the most promising rain boots – to bring you this list of the best pairs out there. We’ll help you find rain boots that are protective, comfortable, and within your budget so the adventures don’t have to stop when the wet stuff comes down.
If you’ll be spending a lot of time outside in the rainy months, you’ll also need a reliable rain jacket. A good pair of rain pants will add even more protection, and a warm set of gloves will stave off any chilly wind.
Quick Picks for Women’s Rain Boots
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Best rain boots overall: Bogs Neo-Classic Tall ($140)
Best ankle-height rain boots: Bogs Amanda Chelsea II ($95)
Stylish, warm & comfortable short boots: Merry People Bobbi ($130)
Best budget rain boots: Sloggers Rain and Garden ($45)
Fashion-forward rain boots with high-quality construction: Hunter Original Short ($170)
Stylish & versatile ankle boots: Sperry Saltwater ($110)
Casual leather rain boots: Sorel Out-N-About III ($130)
Affordable ankle boots with a ton of style: Asgard Chelsea ($33)
What’s new
We spent the wet winter putting our trusted favorites through more testing. We compared our go-tos to some new rain boots to ensure we’re recommending the best of the best:
- The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall remain our top pick due to their high-quality build, protective design, and warmth.
- The Sloggers Rain and Garden Boots take the title of best budget rain boots.
- Merry People’s Bobbi Boots have continued to prove their worth through another rainy season, so they take the number three spot on our list.
Bogs Neo-Classic Tall
Best rain boots overall
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 15.7 oz.
Also Available In: Mid & Wide Calf
Sizing: Runs large, we recommend sizing down ½ size if you’re on the edge
Pros
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Slip-on
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Loose-fiting (clunky for long walks)
Bogs Neo-Classic Tall Boots are our absolute favorites for mucking around in chilly, wet conditions. They’re easy to step into, incredibly warm, and super comfy for outdoor chores. Like most rubber boots, the Neos are a bit clunky for lengthy walks and they lack breathability. Here in the PNW, we wear them all through the cooler weather of fall, winter, and spring then stash them away for summer. We prefer the Neo-Classics over the regular Classic High Boots because they’re seamless for greater durability and they’re lighter. That said, we’re big fans of both models and in our experience, they’ll last for many seasons of hard use.
Bogs Amanda Chelsea II
Best ankle-height rain boots
Price: $95
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 6.9 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Stylish
- Slip-on
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Short height limits weather-proofing
Bog’s Amanda Chelsea II Boots are some of the most versatile rain boots on the market. Their sleek design and ankle height makes them stylish enough to wear with all but the most elegant outfits. Along with their good looks, the Amandas are comfortable, durable, and affordable. The plush lining gives the interior a touch of warmth and dissipates moisture to make the lack of breathability less noticeable. Whether you’re raking leaves in the yard or heading out for a drizzly evening on the town, the Amandas are a perfect choice.
Merry People Bobbi Boots
Stylish, warm & comfortable short boots
Price: $130
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 12.8 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Stylish
- Slip-on
- Comfortable
- Warm
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Available in lots of colors
Cons
- Heavy
- Short height limits weather-proofing
- A bit warm at times
- Expensive
The Merry People Bobbi Boots are comfy on the inside and rugged, yet beautiful on the outside. We love how carefree we feel in our Bobbi Boots when we’re out on walks and short hikes since they’re impervious to wet grass and muck. It’s always awesome to be able to stroll right through standing water on the trail while others have to tiptoe around. The neoprene lining makes the Bobbi Boots comfortable for long days on your feet, and offers great insulation for cold conditions. If you’re looking for a durable, waterproof boot you can use regularly for everything from city to country, we highly recommend the Bobbi Rain Boots.
Sloggers Rain and Garden Boot
Best budget rain boots
Price: $45
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 10.6 oz.
Sizing: Fits a bit tight, we recommend ordering up ½ size
Pros
- Affordable
- Slip-on
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Loose-fiting (clunky for long walks)
If you’re looking for the best affordable general-purpose rain boots, Sloggers Rain and Garden are a great choice. They offer plenty of coverage for puddle-jumping or farm work without being cumbersome. The best part is, they come in all kinds of cute prints from polka dots, to flowers, and farm animals. Sloggers are fairly comfortable, though the insole that comes stock is more basic than we expected. The boots are lined with fabric for a smooth feel, but they’re uninsulated, so they’re best used in mild weather or ordered a ½ size up to accommodate warm socks.
Hunter Original Short
Fashion-borward rain boots with quality construction
Price: $170 (often on sale for less)
Weight (Pair): 3 lb. 11.2 oz.
Also Available In: Original Chelsea, Original Tall
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Slip-on
- Easy to clean
- Lots of color options
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)
The Hunter Original Short Rain Boots are wellknown as fashion icons, but their top-notch construction is what really sets them apart from other rubber boots. Each pair of Hunter Boots is built by hand over the course of three days with acute attention to detail. The quality of workmanship is evident in the refined shaping of the boot as well as the thick, durable sole. There are a whole slew of height offerings (see links above), but we like the Short Boots best for their balance of weather protection and wearability. We also love that the Short Boots are easy to step into without the use of your hands.
Sperry Saltwater
Stylish & versatile ankle boots
Price: $110
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 11.8 oz.
Also Available In: Leather, Wool,Winter Luxe (leather and shearling)
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Slip-on
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short height limits wather-proofing
The number one attribute of Sperry’s Saltwater Duck Boots is how stylish they are. The quilted fabric, rubber chassis, and rawhide lacing make a statement with any outfit. You don’t actually have to mess with the laces though, since they feature a side zipper for easy on and off. The Saltwaters are lightly insulated and very comfortable to walk in, but because only the lower portion is waterproof, they’re best for casual use limited to shallow puddle crossings. The Saltwaters are available in a huge array of attractive colors and fabric choices.
Sorel Out-N-About III
Casual leather rain boots
Price: $130
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12.8 oz.
Sizing: Fits a bit tight, we recommend ordering up ½-1 size
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Short height limits weather-proofing
Sorel’s Out-N-About III Classic Boots are a great stylish option for around town in slushy, wet conditions. They’re an excellent alternative for those that want dry feet, but aren’t into the rubber boot look. Because the Out-N-Abouts are shorties, they aren’t ideal for deep snow/rain/mud. They’re perfect for wearing around town though, especially if you live in a really rainy place like the Pacific Northwest. The Out-N-Abouts aren’t insulated and they run small, so we recommend ordering a half-to-full size up to accommodate thick wooly socks and extend their usability into the winter months.
Asgard Chelsea
Affordable ankle boots with a ton of style
Price: $33
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 14.4 oz.
Also Available In: Mid-Calf, Tall
Sizing: Fits a bit tight, we recommend ordering up ½-1 size
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Slip-on
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short height limits wather-proofing
Asgard’s Chelsea Boots are simple, but they’re waterproof and they look great with everything. If you’re looking for a boot that’s convenient to slip on to keep your feet dry on commutes or around town, these might be a great fit. The Asgards aren’t exceptionally high quality, but for the price, they’re still a good value. If you only use rain boots occasionally, why spend more? We definitely recommend sizing up so you can wear the Asgards with cozy socks. If you like the look of the Asgards and can afford to spend a bit more money for better quality and comfort, consider our top pick, the Bogs Amanda Chelsea II.
What’s Most Important to You in a Rain Boot?
PRICE
If you’ll only use your rain boots occasionally, you may not want to pay top-dollar for premium quality (though you might be surprised how often they come in handy). A pair of decent affordable rain boots will get you started.
But if you need a trusty pair for more intensive tasks, like farm work or hunting – spending a bit more is definitely worth the upgrade in quality and durability.
Best value rain boots
Best budget rain boots
Best high-end rain boots
ACTIVITY LEVEL
What will you primarily be using your boots for? Walking the dog? Outdoor chores? Everyday wear around town? Having clarity on their use first will help determine how warm your boots should be and how much coverage they should have.
Tall boots are better for really mucky situations where you may encounter deep puddles and sticky mud. Ankle cut boots are what we pick for jaunts around town, since their more casual style is easier to incorporate into a cute outfit. For winter use, you’ll want to make sure the pair you choose includes some insulation.
Best rain boots for outdoor work
Best rain boots for around town
INSULATION & FIT
Most of the rain boots on our list have some insulation, but uninsulated boots can still be useful when the temperature dips.
Rain boots without a lot of insulation are versatile because they can be worn in multiple seasons. You can always wear lamb’s wool insoles to boost warmth in uninsulated boots, but remember to order a size that’s large enough to accommodate insoles or thick socks without restricting your circulation. Boots that are too tight will make your feet cold by inhibiting blood flow.
Best insulated rain boots
Best non-insulated rain boots
HEIGHT
Taller boots are best for outdoor chores and any activities that involve deep mud, walking through brush, or the potential to get really wet. Lower-cut ankle boots allow greater movement and are generally more comfortable to relax or walk significant distances in.
Best tall rain boots
Best ankle-height rain boots
WEIGHT
Heavy-duty rain boots can weigh several pounds due to all the rubber, which can make them feel a bit clunky on your feet. Sometimes the extra protection that substantial boots provide makes the heavier weight worth the tradeoff. But for lengthy walks or casual use, we prefer lighter footwear that takes less of a toll on your body and is generally more comfortable.
Best heavy-duty rain boots
Best lightweight rain boots
SLOGGERS RAIN AND GARDEN – PHOTO CREDIT: Casey Handley (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
BOGS AMANDA CHELSEA – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
BOGS NEO-CLASSIC TALL – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
MERRY PEOPLE BOBBI – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
SPERRY SALTWATER BOOTS – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
BOGS AMANDA CHELSEA – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
SPERRY SALTWATER BOOTS – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Critical Rain Boot Considerations
SOCKS
Breathability is often limited in rain boots since they’re typically made of rubber, so it’s extra important to wear quality socks that wick moisture. Wicking socks keep your feet relatively dry and comfortable by moving sweat away from the skin. If your boots are warm or the weather is mild, a thin merino wool liner sock might be your best bet. To supplement your rain boots when it’s cold, wear thick cushioned wool socks to add warmth. To learn more about what goes into a quality sock, check out our Best Hiking Socks List.
WARMING UP
It’s important to remember that your boots don’t produce the warmth, your body does. Walking quickly or doing a bit of vigorous exercise to get your blood flowing will help warm up your body and your boots. Good rain boots simply keep you dry, block wind, and retain heat. It also helps a lot to keep your boots inside, so they start out at room temperature instead of cold.
