Walking around (or doing anything) in damp socks is truly awful—which is why running errands on a drizzly day is a no-go, unless you have proper rain boots. But what makes one pair that much better than the rest?
The best rain boots we’ve found are all completely waterproof (not just water-resistant) and comfortable to clomp around in, whether you’re taking your dog for a quick walk or logging miles around a city. Ahead, you’ll find several top-notch pairs that the SELF team has tested and loved. We also asked outdoor apparel experts for their tips on how to shop for sturdy, durable rain boots that fit correctly (because who wants more returns to make?).
Our favorites are ready for anything—downpours and mud puddles have finally met their match.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: L.L. Bean Bean Boots 6”
- Best for Wide Feet: Uggs Drizlita
- Best for Walking: Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Boot
- Best for Commuting: Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot
- Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
- Best for Traveling: Rocket Dog Rainy Bootie
What to consider while shopping for rain boots
Buying boots online can be tricky, but our experts have some tips to make the process easier.
Most rain boots are made from rubber because it’s great at keeping water out, Mike Kreis, an REI Co-op product and sales specialist, tells SELF. However, waterproof snow and hiking boots are often made mostly with leather, he says—and they can double as rain boots, if you want.
For quick trips in a city or suburb, you can probably get away with short rain boots that hit right around your ankle. “I have always viewed shorter boots as more casual and taller boots [as being] for more specific needs,” Kreis says. “I live in the Seattle area where we see a lot of rain, though I don’t find myself working out in deep snow or in rivers—that’s why I would be more comfortable in a lower-cut boot.” For walking through tall grass or deep puddles, a taller pair that comes up to your mid-shin or knee is your best bet.
For a boot to have good traction, the sole needs to have grooves or treads that add texture and grip, Ann Williams, a footwear design expert based in Massachusetts, tells SELF. “If it’s completely smooth, you’re going to aquaplane”—just like a car does on a wet, slick road—“and that’s a problem,” she says. She also recommends boots with rubber soles (as opposed to foam or synthetic ones) because they’re naturally less slippery.
FAQs about finding the right rain boot for you
Should you size up in rain boots?
It depends—on one hand, wearing tight shoes can lead to pinched toes and blistered heels (the stuff of nightmares). However, since most rain boots aren’t adjustable (because they don’t have laces) and only come in full sizes, many will feel looser than a sneaker would, Kreis says.
The ideal fit: “You want to have a little bit of room to wiggle your feet, so I normally say about a thumb’s width at the front of the shoe,” Williams says. Emphasis on a little room, though. “You also don’t want them to be too big because you end up with your toes having to grip to hang on to them,” she adds. To help take up space inside a larger boot, she suggests wearing a thick sock or adding an insole.
Are rain boots good for walking?
Yes! The right rain boots should be great for keeping your feet dry on stormy strolls, even if they don’t look like your typical walking sneakers. To make sure they’re comfy, Williams suggests looking for a pair that’s flexible at the forefoot. “You don’t want them to be really rigid because you want it to be able to move with your foot,” she says. “Then, if you’re able to spend a little bit more money, I would definitely work on trying to find something that gives you more comfort under the foot—something with a bit of an arch [to support your foot] or a nice, padded insole.”
Best Overall: L.L. Bean Bean Boots 6”
Pros
- Wearable in all seasons
- Good traction
- Very durable
Cons
- Can chafe if you’re wearing low or thin socks
“I can’t not shout out my Bean Boots when the subject of rain boots comes up,” SELF commerce writer Sara Coughlin says. “I’ve had my pair for over 10 years and they’re still watertight—I’m talking walk-directly-through-puddles-with-dry-feet watertight.”
They’re made with durable leather that softens nicely over time, and they have a rubber bottom with a grippy tread pattern. And since they’re not insulated, you can wear them all year round without your feet overheating. (Our editor recommends pairing them with some beefier socks in winter, though.)
Material: Leather, rubber | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium, wide
Best for Wide Feet: Uggs Drizlita
Pros
- Short height is easy to style
- Designed for heavy rain
- Has a shearling insole for warmth
Cons
- Too short for deep puddles
These boots have the same fluffy lining as the iconic suede Uggs, but their waterproof exterior and rubber sole are much better for traipsing through thunderstorms. The Drizlita is the perfect pair to wear under straight- or wide-leg pants, and they’re on the slimmer side, so they won’t feel too bulky or heavy.
“I mostly love these because they’re shorter and more convenient—I find it hard to walk in taller rain boots,” SELF lifestyle writer Jenna Ryu says. “These keep my feet dry even on the rainiest days. And it’s a perk that they come in fun colors, since rain boots tend to be ugly!” Note: These run a little big, so Ryu recommends them for anyone with wide feet (and if you have narrow feet, she suggests sizing down).
Material: PVC plastic, rubber, lyocell, EVA foam | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium
Best for Walking: Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Boot
Pros
- Side zipper
- Insulated
- Rugged sole provides traction for icy streets or trails
Cons
- Too warm to wear in the summer
SELF’s commerce director Abbey Stone loves these cozy boots from Merrell (a perennial SELF fave brand) for wet, frigid days. They’re fully insulated to keep your tootsies toasty when temps drop in the fall, and their outsole is designed to give enough grip to keep you on your feet when the streets ice over. The foam and gel insole also makes these boots comfy enough to wear when you’re racking up your steps—a feature that’s missing with the classic, streamlined design of many galoshes (sorry, Hunter, but it’s true).
“These are so easy to slip on and off, thanks to the zipper on the side,” Stone says. “And the knit detail on the upper gives these a cozy look that makes them cute enough to wear all day, if you don’t want to lug an extra pair of shoes with you to brunch or work.”
Material: Leather, rubber, recycled fleece, foam insole | Sizes: 5 to 11.5 | Widths: Medium
Best for Commuting: Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot
Pros
- Stylish
- Very durable
- Tall shaft protects against splashing
Cons
- Heavy
- Traction could be better
Puddles absolutely hate to see these OG rain boots coming: “I feel like Hunters are classically cute and never go out of style,” SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin says. They’re hefty (read: a little heavy) and will last for years, based on her experience. “They’re super durable, and I know they can handle pretty much anything in terms of rain, mud, and snow,” she says. She recommends throwing them on for your commute and changing into something comfier later, since they’re bulkier than many of our other top picks.
Material: Rubber | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium
Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Pros
- Great traction
- Very supportive
- Good for all seasons
Cons
A little drizzle won’t screw up your hiking plans if you have a pair of waterproof boots that can protect your feet and take on slippery terrain. Our testers stayed comfy in these 2023 Sneaker Award–winning boots through hours of hiking, with one saying they felt like “an extension of [her] foot.” Even when testers hit some water crossings on a trail, the Targhee III managed to keep their feet dry.
Material: Leather, mesh, EVA foam | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium, wide
Best for Traveling: Rocket Dog Rainy Bootie
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Lace up for a better fit
Cons
One SELF editor says these are the lightest rain boots she’s ever worn, which also makes them a great pair to bring with you on your next trip. They lace up to hug your foot and keep water from seeping in: “I can stomp through mud and puddles and not worry about my socks getting wet,” our editor says, adding that she often throws these on to walk her dog. “I also think they’re pretty cute!” Note: They don’t have amazing traction, so stick to wearing them while sightseeing (as opposed to hiking the Alps).
Material: Rubber | Sizes: 6 to 11 | Widths: Medium
More great rain boots
Although we haven’t tested these pairs for ourselves, we still think they’re worth checking out—and all have rave reviews.
Bogs Neo-Classic Tall
Pros
- Cushioned midsole
- Handles make them easier to put on
Cons
- Can be hard to take off, according to Amazon reviewers
Rain boots aren’t exactly known for being cushy; the few pairs I’ve tried had zero arch support and no padding. But Kreis recommends these Bogs boots (which one Amazon reviewer says feel like “walking on pillows”) for their contoured foam footbed with pockets of gel cushioning.
You might be thinking, so they’re comfortable, but probably don’t keep water out. Wrong—according to shoppers, you can slosh around in puddles and still have dry feet: “What waterproof really means! A novel concept,” one wrote.
Material: Rubber, EVA foam | Sizes: 6 to 12 | Widths: Medium
Xtratuf 6 Inch Ankle Deck Boot
Pros
- Slip-resistant
- Wearable in all seasons
- Come in a bunch of colorways
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say the boots crack after months of frequent wear
Kreis also recommends these deck boots, which are all about keeping you from slipping and sliding, since they’re literally designed to be worn on boats. (We won’t tell if you just wear them to run out and grab a sweet treat, though.)
“I wear them almost everyday, with my job taking me to unpredictable terrains,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “They don’t make your feet super hot in the summer, but you also don’t freeze in the winter. They are totally worth every penny.” We love that they come in fun colors and prints too—plus, they hit right at the ankle, so they’ll peek out from under flared pants.
Material: Rubber, mesh, neoprene | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium
Kamik Heidi Boot
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Sleek, glossy finish
- Protects shins from splashes
Cons
- Amazon reviewers say they run small
If Hunter or Bogs are a bit out of your budget, check out these less expensive boots from Kamik. They have an 11-inch shaft that’ll cover most of your shins, which will come in handy when you’re trying to mind your business and a car splashes you (rude). On a design note, their glossy finish also gives them a cooler vibe.
Material: Rubber | Sizes: 6 to 11 | Widths: Medium
Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boot
Pros
- Cute color combinations
- Removable insoles
Cons
- Some Merry People reviewers had trouble finding a good fit
Felbin is hoping to get her hands on a pair of these cheery rain boots: “When I first saw them, I did a literal double take,” she says. “It’s so hard to find waterproof boots that are also cute, but these definitely fit the bill! I’m obsessed with the bright color combinations—I’d wear any of them on a dreary day.”
The Chelsea boot style adds to their cuteness, while a neoprene lining keeps your feet at a comfy temperature. Even better: They have removable insoles, to give your arches some nice support.
Material: Rubber, neoprene | Sizes: 5 to 14 | Widths: Medium
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