Bottom Line
The Sorel Out-N-About IV Classic Boots offer a perfect blend of style and functionality for wet, slushy urban environments. Crafted with waterproof leather and a durable rubber toe shell, these boots keep your feet dry in light rain and slush.
Their low profile, however, makes them less suitable for deep snow or thick mud, as water may leak in around the tongue and laces. While insulated for warmth in cooler weather, they may cause feet to overheat during warmer months.
With a variety of colors available, these boots are comfortable and fashionable, but they tend to run small, so sizing up is recommended. An ideal boot for everyday wear in milder winter climates or rainy regions, the Out-N-About IV is not designed for heavy-duty work or extreme conditions. If you need a rugged work boot, this might not be the best choice, but for casual, urban use, they’re a solid option.
To see how the Out-N-About IV stacks up against the rest of the best, head over to our guide to the best rain boots for women to see our full lineup.
How We Tested
We took the Sorel Out-N-About IV’s…well, out and about! For most of the fall and winter, we took these puppies for walks with our dogs to river trails and neighborhood outings. We took notes of how our feet felt, but also submerged them in water to their flood height for 20 minutes and checked for any water ingress.
Quick Specs
Sorel Out-N-About IV
Casual leather rain boots
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $130
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12.8 oz.
Height: 5.25
Material: Leather, Rubber Mix
Pros
- Stylish
- Well-fitting/not clunky
- Lightweight
- Comfortable for long walks
Cons
- Price
- Short height limits weather-proofing and use
- Not slip-on
Water Resistance
The Sorel Out-N-About IV is a stylish, waterproof boot designed for urban wear and light outdoor activities. Constructed with waterproof leather and a durable rubber toe bumper, these boots keep your feet dry in light rain and snow.
However, their low ankle height, a common feature of fashion-oriented boots, limits their ability to handle deeper puddles or heavier conditions. The boot’s height is further reduced by the lace and tongue design, which lowers the flood height from 5.5 inches to 4.5 inches.
While the rubber toe bumper provides a solid layer of protection (measuring 1.75” to 2”), the leather portion of the boot requires more care, which we admit isn’t our thing. Prolonged exposure to heavy rain or snow may lead to sogginess, and maintaining its waterproof qualities demands regular upkeep.
Overall, the Out-N-About IV is an excellent choice for dry feet in milder, less demanding weather conditions, like light rain, shallow puddles, or moderate winter temperatures. For those seeking a more traditional rain boot look, Sorel’s full rubber “Splashy” version offers a functional alternative.
Comfort
Sorel is known for creating comfortable, out-of-the-box footwear, and the Out-N-About IV boots are no exception.
Featuring the “Steady Sole” footbed, these boots offer ample cushioning and bounce, providing all-day comfort with no break-in period required. The interior is lined with a meshy textile, which helps reduce the sweaty discomfort that can occur when rubber meets sock.
While the Out-N-About IV boots lack significant arch support, the cushioned, offset padding and wider toe box offer a comfortable fit and effective shock absorption. The boots fit snugly around the ankle, provide a secure hold across the top of the foot, and are roomier at the toe box, ensuring no water leaks in and allowing space for thicker socks to enhance insulation.
Though not the ideal choice for rugged hikes or heavy-duty work, the Out-N-About IV excels as a stylish and functional urban boot. They are perfect for rainy days, running errands, walking the dog, or heading to the office, making them an excellent choice for all-day wear in moderate weather.
Durability
The Out-N-About IV boots appear well-constructed, with no visible defects or loose threads, and the fully-lined interior offers a neat, polished finish. The rubber toe bumper is securely glued, with no raised edges, and the rubber soles remain sturdy and show no signs of wear, even after being abraded with 60-grit sandpaper.
Despite their robust construction, after several days of snow exposure, the light brown rubber tread started to show dark discoloration in random spots. Although we researched this, the cause remains unclear—whether it’s mold, contamination, or simply rubber breakdown.
We also tested a lighter-colored pair, which garnered plenty of compliments but did attract dirt, requiring scrubbing with baking soda to maintain their appearance.
While these issues raised some concerns, the overall durability of the Out-N-About IV boots remains impressive, with the soles holding up well and the boots still performing admirably in light rain and urban settings.
Traction
The Out-N-About IV boots are equipped with an Evertread outsole, designed with high-traction rubber to provide excellent grip and stability in slippery conditions. The zigzag tread pattern efficiently channels water away from beneath the foot, ensuring consistent contact with the ground. This, combined with the tread depth, enhances traction without trapping muck.
The thick rubber sole absorbs shock well but isn’t too bulky to be uncomfortable. These boots excel on wet sidewalks, soggy grass, and snowy trails, making them ideal for urban wear and light outdoor adventures.
However, their shallower tread and limited traction on icy surfaces mean they’re not the best choice for muddy hikes or challenging winter conditions. While the Out-N-About IV boots are reliable for daily rainy commutes, those seeking boots for rugged, slippery terrain may want to explore options with deeper tread and more aggressive rubber compounds.
Features
Sorel has created a stylish, functional boot with the Out-N-About IV, perfect for those who want waterproof protection without compromising on appearance. As the only boot on our list featuring functional laces, it offers the most adjustable fit, ensuring a customized feel. Its wide toe box makes it a great option for individuals with feet that swell, wider foot shapes, or those who enjoy wearing thick, warm socks.
The Out-N-About IV is available in various finishes, including leather, felt, and houndstooth textile, with different color options for the rubber toe bumper, allowing for personalized style.
For those seeking more insulation or enhanced waterproofing, Sorel offers the Splashy edition for heavy rain, as well as the Chillz and Puffy versions for colder conditions, providing versatile options to suit a range of weather needs.
Should You Buy the Sorel Out-N-About IV Rain Boots?
The Out-N-About IV boots are an excellent investment for anyone seeking a comfortable, all-day wear option for rainy front-country weather. In places like Boise, where soggy mornings are common, these boots quickly became our go-to for daily bopping around town. Whether heading to work, walking through sidewalk puddles, or enjoying lunch break strolls, they kept our feet dry and comfortable.
While the Out-N-About IVs handle light hiking and urban wear with ease, they may not be the best choice for more rigorous outdoor activities or heavy-duty tasks.
For those requiring more intense durability, other options on our list offer better support for muddy, rough conditions. Still, if you’re looking for a stylish, waterproof boot for daily rainy weather, the Out-N-About IV will keep you dry and looking good.
What Other Women’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?
To see direct comparisons of the rest of our favorite rain boots roundup, head over to the guide to the best rain boots for women.
BOGS Amanda Chelsea II Review: The Bogs Amanda Chelsea II blends fashion with function, offering more insulation than the Out-N-About thanks to its faux fur lining. With a more snug fit, it’s ideal for those with narrow feet. Though not a budget option, the Amanda Chelsea II is more affordable than the Out-N-About, leaving you with extra cash for some cozy socks!
Hunter Original Short Review: For those seeking more weather protection without sacrificing style, the Hunter Original Short is a practical classic. Available in a range of colors, from bold to understated, these iconic rain boots maintain their stylish appeal even on dry days. While they come with a premium price, they offer top-tier rain protection and lasting value.
Asgard Chelsea Review: The Asgard Chelsea boots offer excellent value for those on a budget. With a sleek, simple design and a 2.5″ flood height, they’re ideal for rainy urban outings. At the lowest price point on our list, these boots deliver both versatility and practicality without compromising on style.
