Bottom Line
The Muckster II Rain Boot is a versatile, waterproof option for those who need a reliable boot for wet and chilly conditions. Designed for convenience, it features a lightweight build, easy slip-on design with rear pull loops, and a flexible 4mm neoprene bootie for comfort.
The women-specific fit prevents chafing, while the breathable air-mesh lining wicks away moisture. The high-traction outsole offers excellent grip and self-cleans, making it a great choice for gardening, dog walks, or quick errands in the rain.
However, its mid-rise profile lacks the coverage needed for deep mud or heavy rain, and while insulated enough for cooler days, it can feel too warm in mild weather. The neoprene material adds flexibility but is harder to clean than full rubber.
Overall, the Muckster II is an excellent everyday rain boot—comfortable, waterproof, and easy to wear for moderate outdoor tasks. To compare the rest of our favorite boots, see our women’s rain boots gear guide.
How We Tested
South Idaho winters provided an ever-changing backdrop of weather to test the Muckster II. Through mud, rain, water, and even some dry, sunny days – we wore these boots to hike, exercise the dog, and do some light yard work. Targeted assessments were performed to evaluate the waterproofing and durability metrics by staying submerged for 20 minutes or more, and abrading the heels with 60-grit sandpaper.
Quick Specs
Muck Boot Women’s Muckster Mid II
Most Comfortable Work Boot
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $95
Weight (Pair): 1 lb.
Height: 11 in
Material: Rubber, Neoprene
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Foldable
- Self-cleaning tread
Cons
- Wide calf-opening
- Minimal tread
Water Resistance
The Muckster II is a genuinely waterproof boot that provides full protection in wet and muddy conditions. Unlike many boots that claim to be 100% waterproof but fail to deliver, the Muckster II truly keeps feet dry. We even submerged them in a river for 20 minutes with no leaks. The combination of a rubber booty with a scuba-grade neoprene upper provides excellent protection from wet and cold weather.
Offering coverage up to the lower calf, they provide more protection than the Muckster Low or clog versions. The Mid does slope from 10.5” on the front to 8.5” on the back of the calf, which makes this boot more ideal for walking in light rain or wet grass.
Although the boot features a “breathable” liner, it doesn’t vent well, which can lead to damp socks from sweat. Despite this, if you’re seeking reliable waterproof footwear for wet, muddy environments, the Muckster II is an excellent option.
Comfort
We grab the Mucksters when we want something warmer than a standard hiking boot but still breathable and comfortable. Another benefit of the Muckster is that they are surprisingly lightweight for waterproof footwear. A standout feature is the 4mm neoprene upper, which provides insulation while remaining flexible and versatile. We mix it up and wear them tall to keep our pant legs dry or roll them down for a more casual, shoe-like fit.
The soft neoprene makes these boots particularly well-suited for gardeners who spend extended time kneeling. Inside, the bioDEWIX™ Dry Footbed Insert with NZYM™ technology helps manage moisture and control odor, while the breathable mesh lining enhances airflow.
Weighing just 21 ounces each, these boots are impressively light and easy to wear. They offer a slightly roomy fit, “locking in” around the ankle for security while allowing movement above. The fit is more tall than wide in the toe box, and while they feel loose with thin socks, a medium or thick wool sock significantly improves comfort and warmth.
Though they excel in cold, wet conditions, they can feel too warm in hotter temperatures. We especially loved keeping them in the car as a cozy, easy-to-slip-on option after a long day in ski boots. Whether for yard work, outdoor adventures, or everyday wear, the Muckster II delivers reliable comfort, but don’t expect to wear them all day.
Durability
The Muck Boot Muckster II is designed for durability, with reinforced rubber overlays on the toe and heel to toughen up areas prone to abuse.
Whether trudging through muddy fields, tending to the garden, or taking the dog for a walk in wet conditions, these boots hold up remarkably well. The 4mm scuba-grade neoprene provides flexibility while resisting abrasions, and the rubber outsole offers solid traction. We put them through rigorous farm work, from mucking stalls and pulling goat heads, and they remained structurally sound with only minor scuffs.
Despite frequent use, the natural rubber sole showed no signs of cracking or splitting, even after rock hopping and digging with shovels. The tread claims to be “self-cleaning,” and we found this to be mostly true, except in cases of really sticky mud.
Cleaning is hassle-free—most of the time, a quick rinse with a hose is sufficient, although mild soap is recommended for deeper cleans. One downside is that the tread wears down faster than expected. We already see significant wear on the heel after 2 months of use. Still, with a one-year limited warranty, the Muckster II proves to be a dependable choice for everyday outdoor chores.
Traction
The Muckster II has moderate grip, but its shallow tread (about 1-2mm deep) limits traction on slick and uneven surfaces. The rubber outsole performs well on damp grass and light snow, making these a solid choice for gardening or post-ski day wear in the parking lot. However, they don’t excel on wet rocks, smooth surfaces, or highly saturated ground, where I found myself slipping more than usual.
While the tread is designed to shed debris easily, it lacks the deep grooves needed to channel water away effectively. Walking across cobblestones and wet grass, we had to step cautiously to avoid losing our footing.
Indoors, they can also feel slippery after coming in from the rain. While they work well for everyday outdoor chores, those needing strong traction in consistently wet conditions may want a more aggressive sole.
Features
Designed with practicality in mind, the Muckster II has thoughtful details that enhance everyday wear. The 4mm neoprene bootie provides warmth and flexibility, while the bioDEWIX™ Dry Footbed Insert with NZYM™ technology helps keep feet dry and odor-free.
A roll-down upper adds adaptability—wear it tall for extra coverage or fold it down for a different look, especially in the women’s styles, which come in various colors and patterned liners.
Perfect for gardening, farm work, and outdoor chores, the self-cleaning rubber outsole makes maintenance easy. Usually, just a quick stomp and most debris falls away.
Features like the kick-off lug allow for hands-free removal, while the recessed pull tabs make slipping them on a breeze. For added insulation in colder weather, fleece and faux fur-lined versions are available. Though function-driven in design, these boots offer versatile performance for light all-season use.
Should You Buy the Muck Boot Muckster Mid II Rain Boot?
With a moderate price tag, the Muckster II is a great buy for those who need lightweight, waterproof protection without sacrificing comfort.
It’s an excellent choice for gardeners, farm workers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a boot that’s easy to slip on, flexible, and durable enough to handle regular wear. The 4mm neoprene bootie provides insulation for cooler temperatures, and the self-cleaning outsole works well on grass and dirt.
However, this boot isn’t designed for extreme conditions. Those needing heavy-duty waterproofing, increased traction on slick surfaces, or insulation for sub-zero temperatures should look elsewhere. While it didn’t win in every category, it performs exceptionally well within its intended use. When used in the way the Muck gods intended, you’ll be more than satisfied—it’s a reliable, functional, and versatile boot for everyday outdoor tasks.
What Other Women’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?
To see the full list of our favorite rain boots, head over to CleverHiker’s complete review of the best women’s rain boots. Here are some comps to the Muckster:
Bogs Neo-Classic Tall Review: If you’re a fan of the rubber/neoprene combo but are looking for more insulation, the Neo-Classic Tall should be on your list.
Hunter Original Short Review: For a lightwork boot that offers a different style, look no further than the Hunter Original Short boot. With a similar height but full-rubber construction, this boot offers extreme water protection but with less insulation. The Hunter Original Short makes a great warm-weather boot.
Western Chief Garden Play Tall Review: The Garden Play Tall by Western Chief offers supreme water protection while keeping a low price. Our best budget pick of this season – this boot is ideal for those seeking a practical, waterproof boot on a budget.
