Bottom Line
The Western Chief Garden Play Tall rain boots are an affordable and dependable option for staying dry in wet weather while adding a touch of flair.
Available in a range of playful patterns, they provide good coverage with an 11.75-inch shaft and a 13-inch opening, ensuring a comfortable fit without being too bulky. The rubber sole delivers trustworthy traction on wet, flat surfaces, while the side buckle and elastic gore enhance flexibility and comfort.
These boots are surprisingly lightweight and easy to slip on and off with a convenient back pull tab. The removable footbed with arch support adds extra comfort for extended use.
Though not insulated or built for extreme conditions, they hold up well in rainy weather and offer great value without the high price tag. See how these boots compare to the rest of our favorites at our guide to the best rain boots for women.
How We Tested
We tested these boots when we didn’t want to go outside, but needed to. Over two months, they logged more than 40 hours of wear, including a two-mile trek to some hot springs and several mornings feeding farm animals. We also compared tread, durability, and water resistance capabilities to the other rain boots we tested.
Quick Specs
Western Chief Garden Play Tall Rain Boots
Best Budget Rain Boot
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $55
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10 oz.
Height: 12. 5 in
Material: Rubber, Textile lining
Pros
- Price
- Very waterproof
- Adjustable Calf Buckle
- Lots of pattern options
Cons
- Limited tread
- Flat bottom/no heel
- No insulation
Water Resistance
The Garden Play Tall Rain Boots earned high marks for their 12.5-inch flood height and snug calf fit, providing excellent water protection.
Their 100% waterproof, natural rubber material keep our feet dry, even when we are wading in a river with water just an inch from the top. The construction is solid, with a reinforced back seam and a secure outsole attachment that enhances durability.
While the side buckle was primarily decorative for us, it can be tightened for added splash protection. The flexible rubber material allows for a comfortable fit that moves with you, making these boots easy to wear for extended periods in wet conditions.
Although the Garden Play Tall boots are not designed for heavy-duty outdoor work, they perform exceptionally well for their niche (gardening or outdoor play).
Comfort
We were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the Garden Play Tall Boots. The fabric lining ensures socks stay in place, promoting a secure fit by preventing slipping inside the boot. The toe box offers plenty of room, while the top of the foot and calf shaft fit snugly, which gives these boots a less clunky fit than other rain boot designs.
The removable footbed provides mild arch support. We had no trouble wearing them for long periods. Plus, the thick rubber outsole strikes a great balance between firmness for support and suppleness for an enhanced ground feel.
Although these boots are generally well-constructed, they run a bit narrow, so CleverHiker community members with wider feet might consider sizing up for a better fit.
Other than that, putting them on is a breeze, thanks to the convenient rubber pull tab at the back. A small bump at the heel also allows for hands-free removal.
Durability
The Garden Play Tall Boots are made from durable natural rubber, and it’s evident in their performance. After completing our testing, the soles show virtually no signs of wear. We even used 60-grit sandpaper on the heels, which caused only minor scratching, while any scuffs on the sides faded into the boots’ colorful patterns, making them less noticeable.
These boots are impressively flexible. We placed a 10lb weight on them for an hour, and they bounced right back without any creasing or cracking.
Western Chief offers a 1-year limited warranty, adding some peace of mind, but we hope they keep the rain out for longer than that. As long as we use them as the manufacturer intended, they should last in lineup for a while.
Traction
The Garden Play Tall Rain Boot features a half-inch heel and 4mm deep waves along the outsole for some traction and water displacement, though the bottom remains mostly flat. This design works well on wet sidewalks, river rocks, and grass, providing enough grip for casual use in rainy conditions. However, these boots aren’t ideal for deeper mud or icy surfaces, where the flat outsole design makes navigating slick surfaces a little sketchy.
The supple rubber construction contributes to a comfortable fit, with the boots being flexible enough to fold in half without resistance. While this flexibility allows for excellent ground feel, it also makes the boots less suitable for rugged activities like hiking, particularly on steeper slopes.
On some mild inclines, we noticed a loss of traction in muddy conditions. For everyday wear and light outdoor activities, these boots perform well; however, for more challenging terrain, they may not provide the necessary support or grip.
Features
One of the standout features of Western Chief’s Tall Rain Boots is the wide range of pattern options. From playful farm animals to vibrant floral designs, the Garden Play is just one of many choices, including a crowd-sourced design voted on by fans. For those who prefer a more understated look, Western Chief also offers a classic black version.
Should You Buy the Western Chief Garden Play 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?
Looking for something else? We’ve got a rain boot for every occasion on our guide to the best rain boots for women.
Xtratuf Legacy 15” Review: Xtratuf’s Legacy 15” boots provide exceptional water protection with superior construction and advanced tread. Offering added height compared to the Garden Play boots, they’re designed for serious work, making them a solid investment for those in need of durable, high-performance footwear.
BOGS Neo-Classic Tall Review: For those seeking a tall rain boot that doubles as a winter boot, the insulated Neo-Classic Tall boots by Bogs are an excellent choice. Rated for temperatures as low as -58°F, they provide warmth and waterproof protection. However, these premium features come with a higher price tag.
Asgard Chelsea Review: For a stylish and budget-friendly option, the Asgard Chelsea boot is a great choice. Designed to keep your socks dry on rainy urban days, these boots are the most affordable on our list, and their sleek design makes them versatile enough for dry days as well.
