The Best Rain Boots for Keeping Your Feet Dry and Comfortable, According to Podiatrists
Rain boots have traditionally had one job to do: Keep your feet dry. But according to Miguel Cunha, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare, that's only one of the things you should be looking for when shopping for a new pair. While your favorite pair of wellies might be A-plus for keeping your feet dry, like flip flops and high heels, most waterproof rain boots aren't great for the well-being of your feet. We spoke to the pros, then went in search of the best rain boots for women, with an emphasis on comfort and support.
- Ashley Lee, DPM, podiatrist with Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare
Best Rain Boots for Women, at a Glance:
- Best with arch support: BOGS, Neo Classic Rain Boots ($135)
- Best tall rain boot: Hunter, Women's Original Tall Rain Boot ($145)
- Best budget: Western Chief, Tall Rain Boot ($30)
- Best cushioned: FitFlop, WonderWelly High-Performance Rain Boots ($180)
- Best mid-length: Kamik, Heidi Rain Boot ($55)
- Best prints: Joules, Molly Welly Rain Boot ($50)
- Best leather: L.L. Bean, Insulated Bean Boots ($179)
- Best wide calf: Sloggers, Rain and Garden Boot ($45)
- Best for gardening: Muck Boot, Rubber Garden Boots ($120)
- Best packable: OOfos, OOmg Bootie ($180)
- Best duck boot: Sperry, Saltwater Quilted Duck Boot ($110)
- Best ankle-length: Merry People, Bobbi Rain Boot ($130)
- Best ankle-length runner up: Everlane, The Rain Boot ($85)
- Best lightweight: Crocs, Jaunt Shorty Boot ($45)
- Best moto: Sorel, Lennox Lace Boots ($130)
- Best Chelsea: Asgard, Chelsea Boots ($50)
- Most durable: Timberland, 6" Linden Woods Waterproof Boots ($150)
- Best low-profile: BOGS, Sweetpea Rain Boot ($59)
- Best lined: UGG, Drizlita Rain Boot ($60)
- Best moccasin: L.L. Bean, Rubber Moc ($100)
What to Look for In Rain Boots
The rainy season calls for the proper footwear—but finding a comfortable pair of boots isn't always easy. "Rain boots can be hard on your feet because the majority of them do not offer the proper shock absorption, arch support, and cushioning," says Dr. Cunha. Because of this, he suggests putting any pair you're thinking about buying through a "bend test," and making sure the boot doesn't easily flex at the arch. "[A solid arch] will provide more shock absorption, and in turn will result in less foot pain," says Dr. Cunha.
In addition to opting for something arch friendly, Dr. Cunha recommends rain boots that have a slight, three-fourth inch heel. "It's actually better for you than shoes that are completely flat because it takes the stress off the Achilles tendon, which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees, and spine," he says. "When we wear shoes that are completely flat we pronate for a longer period of time, which then alters the biomechanics and distribution of pressure and weight across the foot." This imbalance can cause pain in your arch, heels, and shins, and even lead to longterm issues like bunions, hammertoes, and Achilles tendonitis.
The final thing to look for when selecting rain boots is an extra-large toe box. "Rain boots should have wide a toe box to give the forefoot more wiggle room," says Dr. Cunha. This aggravates feet that have hammertoes and bunions less than other options.
Shop 20 Boots That Will Keep Your Toes Dry and Comfortable
Best Women's Tall Rain Boots
Dr. Cunha gives the BOGS Neo Classic Rain Boots his podiatrist stamp of approval, thanks to the fact that they’re shock-absorbing and are made with a moisture-wicking liner to keep your feet dry. Plus, they’re boots with arch support and they’re pretty dang cute. The foot-friendly features come in different styles and colors, which means you can fill your closet with a different pair to wear every time it rains. Your comfortable, dry feet will thank you for it.
Material: Rubber, nylon jersey
Sizes: 6–12
Colors: Black
Pros:
- Waterproof and waterproof insulation
- Arch support
- Easy to pull on and off
Cons:
- May be tight in the ankle area
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic pair of wellies. Hunter has been around since 1856 so the brand knows a thing or two about making a good rain boot. These tall rubber boots for women will keep your feet and legs and dry and they come in a variety of colors to match almost any outfit. Plus, a cushioned footbed and seamless shaft will make sure you’re comfortable.
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Knee-high length
- Treaded sole
- Polyester lining
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Heavier in weight
Made with rubber and using handmade vulcanized construction, these tall boots will make sure no water seeps into your boot even on the rainiest days. They have a polyester/cotton lining to keep your feet warm and dry, EVA insoles, and an adjustable strap so you can extend or cinch the boot around your calves, and they come in lots of colors and prints.
Material: Rubber, cotton fabric lining
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 26
Pros:
- Adjustable side buckle
- Moisture-absorbing lining
- Lots of colors and patterns
Cons:
- May run narrow
Yes, these tall wellies will keep you dry, but they’re also engineered to be extra comfortable. They have a contoured sole to evenly distribute your bodyweight and a honeycomb design in the heel to absorb the impact of every step. Go ahead and jump in a puddle (or a few).
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black
Pros:
- Shock-absorbing
- Adjustable width in the back
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Women's Mid-Length Rain Boots
Made with recycled rubber, these high gloss boots are good for the rain and the environment. The rubber soles have traction so you don’t slip on wet surfaces.
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Made with recycled rubber
- High gloss for a sleek look
Cons:
- May run tight
Rainy days don’t always have to be dreary. When the weather calls for rain boots, grab a pair with a fun print, like this one that’s appropriate for days when it’s raining cats and dogs. There’s a water-dispersing outsole so you can walk more safely, and an adjustable side strap and buckle to make sure the boot fits just right.
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 33
Pros:
- Adjustable side strap
- Lots of patterns and prints
- Lined
Cons:
- May run big
You’ll love going out in cold, rainy weather while wearing these 8″ boots. They have a waterproof leather upper, lace-up design, rubber chain-thread bottom, and soft insulation.
Material: Waterproof leather
Sizes: 5–11; narrow, medium, and wide
Colors: Tan/brown
Pros:
- Laces provide a snug fit
- Lined
- Sole has traction
Cons:
- Expensive
These boots can handle rainy streets or muddy backyards with their deep-lug tread. Plus, they have a comfortable insole, a wide calf to fit over your pants, and come in colorful prints to brighten your day.
Material: Plastic
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Wide calf
- Lug tread outsole
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
Gardening is a year-round activity, and these rain boots can keep up with you every season. They have a neoprene upper that’s soft and foldable, and a rubber bottom and sole that’s waterproof and durable. A loop on the back helps you get the boots on and off, and a breathable lining helps keep your feet feeling cool.
Material: Rubber, neoprene
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Shaft rolls down
- Breathable lining
- Soles have traction
Cons:
- Not as supportive as some other pairs on this list
Best Women's Ankle Boots
Water-resistant and packable, these booties are easy to bring with you when you think the weather may take a turn. They have the brand’s OOfoam technology that absorbs impact to reduce stress on your feet and joints. Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, recommends these booties, calling them “oh so comfortable.”
Material: Rubber, foam
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: Black
Pros:
- Lightweight and packable
- Shock-absorbing
- Arch support
Cons:
- Only water-resistant
Duck boots are easier to walk around in than a traditional rubber boot, but they still provide waterproof protection from rain and mud. This pair has an attractive quilted top and laces for a tight fit, but there’s also a side zipper to help you slip them on and off, too. Dr. Lee says these fit like a shoe, support like a boot, and are stylish and slip-resistant. They come in a wide range of sizes, both regular and wide widths, so even those with larger feet can rock a pair.
Material: Leather, rubber, nylon
Sizes: 5–12, regular and wide
Colors: 12
Pros:
- Laces provide a tighter fit
- Cushioned insole
- Lined
Cons:
- May not have enough arch support for those with high arches
These adorable short boots from Merry People are ready to take on any puddle—and in style. With ample arch support and soft neoprene at the ankle, they’re comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Plus, they’re 100 percent waterproof and come in a wide variety of adorable colors.
Material: Leather, neoprene
Sizes: 5-14 (no half sizes)
Colors: 17
Pros:
- Good arch support
- Wide variety of colors
- Soft neoprene is easy on the ankles
Cons:
- No half or wide sizes
These ankle height boots have stretch side panels and pull tabs to make them a cinch to put on and take off, and you don’t have to worry about stuffing your pant legs inside them. They’re designed to be roomy so you can wear thick socks, and there’s a cushioned insole so you can walk in them all day.
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Stretch panels on the side
- Pull tabs on the front and back
- Cushioned insole
Cons:
- Limited colors
Whether you love them or love to hate them, you have to admit that Crocs are comfy, and these short rain boots are no exception. These boots are made with Croslite foam so they’re cushioned and lightweight, and there are pull holes at the top to make them easy to pull on and off your feet. The rubber outsoles will make sure you don’t slip, and there’s a racing stripe along the bottom.
Material: Synthetic
Sizes: 4–11
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Pull holes at the top
Cons:
- Limited sizing
- May run small
If you don’t love the look of rain boots, these cool, lace-up moto-inspired leather boots are a great alternative you can wear on rainy or sunny days. They have a waterproof full-grain leather upper, a canvas lining, EVA footbed, and waterproof construction so you can walk in comfort and style both in the city or on a mountain.
Material: Leather, rubber
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Lace up for a secure fit
- Heel pull tab
- High traction sole
Cons:
- May run narrow
Great with jeans or rain gear, these waterproof boots are made for wet weather without the bulk and have a nice, matte finish. They have a roomy toe area and are lightweight enough to wear all day long, and they come in several colors.
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 4–12
Colors: 13
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Roomy toe area
- Elastic panels on the sides
Cons:
- Less cushioned than other pairs on this list
These classic Timberlands are made with waterproof and abrasion-resistant leather and match with jeans, leggings, and other casual outfits. They’ve got a padded collar and footbed to keep you walking comfortably, rain or shine. They make for durable rain boots or casual boots all year round.
Material: Leather, rubber
Sizes: 5–11, regular and wide
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Lace-up front for secure fit
- Padded collar
- Lugged sole
Cons:
- Takes time to break them in
Simple and stylish, these ankle rain boots are not as clunky as traditional rain boots and go with any outfit, rain or shine. They have stretch panels on the sides to make them easy to slip on and go, and a footbed that’s designed to keep odors away.
Material: Synthetic and textile upper, rubber
Sizes: 6–12
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Elastic side panels
- Grippy sole
- Footbed helps fight odors
Cons:
- Limited color options
- May run narrow
These short rain boots have UGG’s comfy sheepskin insole so no matter how wet the ground is, your feet will be warm and cozy. With a glossy, waterproof exterior, and bright colors, you’ll be ready for any rainy day.
Material: Rubber, dyed sheep fur lining
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Sheep fur lining
- Made with recycled materials
Cons:
- Can be hard to slip on
For those who don’t like to struggle with pulling on rain boots, these moccasins are easy to slip on and off to keep your feet dry. They have a lace-up style, chain tread for grip, and a cushioned footbed with arch support built in.
Material: Rubber, leather, and textile
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 4
Pros:
- Lace-up style
- Easy to slip on
- Arch support
Cons:
- Don’t keep ankles and above dry
Feet need a little extra love? Try one of these pro-approved stretches.
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