Come Rain, Sleet, and Snow, These Waterproof Boots Will Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry
Come snow, sleet, or torrential downpours, the best waterproof boots for women aren’t nice-to-haves; they are necessities designed to keep your feet warm and dry—a far better option than sloshing down the street in waterlogged shoes when the weather is ugly.
Unfortunately, plenty of boots will claim to hold up to the elements when they’re not as waterproof as they promise—and many of us find this out too late: when our socks are sopping wet our toes have turned into icicles, or water or melted snow has entered our shoes.
To help narrow your choices, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best waterproof boots for women, including three recommendations from Angela Denae Lynch, personal stylist and founder of Angela Denae Style Studio. Whether you’re looking for stylishly functional boots that you can wear every day, a pair for outdoor use, or an option that is versatile enough for rain and snow, there’s a boot on this list for you. Find picks from brands like Merry People, Sperry, Vessi, and more below.
- Angela Denae Lynch, personal stylist and founder of Angela Denae Style Studio.
The Best Waterproof Boots for Women, at a Glance
- Best Overall Waterproof Boots: Merry People, Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot, $130
- Best Waterproof Rain Boots: Seavees, Bolinas Off Shore Boot, $115
- Best Waterproof Rain Boots Under $100: Everlane, The Rain Boot, $85
- Best Budget Waterproof Boots: Asgard, Waterproof Chelsea Boots, $32
- Best Knee-High Waterproof Boots: Barbour, Bede Wellington Boot, $130
- Best Waterproof Booties: Bogs, Sweetpea Boot, $85
- Best Waterproof Sock Boots: Vessi, Weekend Chelsea, $160
- Best Waterproof Sneaker Boots: Ugg, Lakesider Heritage Lace, $160
- Best Waterproof Leather Boots: Blundstone, Thermal Chelsea Boot, $250
- Best Waterproof Suede Boots: Overland, Calib Shearling-Lined Waterproof Suede Boots, $279
- Best Insulated Waterproof Boots: The North Face, ThermoBall Lace Up Waterproof Boots, $135
- Best Waterproof Deck Boots: Sperry, Cutwater Deck Boot, $100
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boots: Merrell, Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex, $170
- Best Orthopedic Waterproof Boots: Orthofeet, Florence Boot, $130
- Best Splurge-Worthy Waterproof Boots: Chloe, Betty Shearling-Lined Rubber Boots, $675
What To Look For When Shopping for Waterproof Boots
If you want waterproof boots that you can rely on no matter the weather, there are a few main things to consider as you shop for your perfect pair.
Material
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for shoes made from materials that absorb no water. Lynch usually recommends materials like rubber and polyvinyl chloride (or PVC). “Rubber is usually more expensive, but it tends to last longer because it’s thicker and won’t break as easily as PVC,” she says. You will also find ones made with waterproof leather and suede uppers—and for the most part, which option you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Whichever boot you choose, you ideally want one with a tread pattern on the outsole to give you a more secure grip on slippery, wet surfaces.
Lining
The inside of your boots is as important as the outside, and you’ll typically come across boots with and without alining.
Lined boots area saving grace for snow and freezing rain—and if this is your preferred option, just be sure to select a pair with removable lining so you can wash it or one that features a lining made from natural fibers, like shearling and wool. Conversely, you’ll want to avoid lining made from synthetic fibers. “Synthetic materials just soak up every scent and smell,” says Lynch. On the other hand, waterproof boots without lining are versatile enough for year-round use. When paired with the right socks, you can wear them in rain or snow. “In the winter, you can have a shearling or wool sock to keep your feet warm and dry,” says Lynch. “In the spring, you can wear a thinner sock.” With this in mind, you’ll want to choose an option that can accommodate both thin and thick socks—not too wide or narrow, but just right.
Style
While waterproof boots primarily protect your feet, style doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of performance—and there are so many options that combine the best of both worlds. Lynch’s preferred style of shoe is a Chelsea boot. “It’s just so classic, and it goes with everything,” she says. “It’s very gender neutral as well—as a queer personal stylist, I am always looking for pieces that can translate any essence, [whether] masculine, feminine, or nonbinary.”
Of course, style is subjective. As you shop, you’ll want to consider your aesthetic and lifestyle. As importantly, “buy as best as you so that it can last through the seasons,” says Lynch. As you shop, thinking about cost-per-wear is helpful, too. If you come across seemingly expensive waterproof boots, divide the price by the number of times you intend to wear them. Using this calculation will help to determine whether the options you’re considering are worth the price.
With all these in mind, here are the best women’s waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry, no matter how the weather shakes out.
Shop the Best Waterproof Boots for Women
Sizes available: 5-14
If you’re looking for waterproof boots that you can wear all year round, consider the Bobbi Ankle Rain Boots from Merry People. The Chelsea-style boots are made from rubber, making them fully waterproof, and they have outsoles grooved like a vehicle tread so you won’t slip and slide. The pair also features pull tabs on the front and back, allowing for easy on and off. On the inside, a neoprene lining keeps feet warm and dry, and, according to the manufacturer, even in “below-freezing temperatures”—something we can attest to.
“I’ve worn them in all four seasons at this point, in everything from humid summer thunderstorms to winter ice and sleet, and can honestly say they’ve kept my feet dry, happy, and cute in all sorts of weather,” says commerce editor Francesca Krempa. The wide toe box and cushioned innersoles provide added comfort, which makes it ideal for walking long distances. As a bonus, it’s available in 17 colors, ranging from neutrals to bright pops of color, so there’s something for every style.
Read our full review of the Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots.
Colors: 17
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- Removable cushioned insole
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Expensive
Sizes available: 5-11
If you want a pair of rain boots that is functional and stylish, Lynch recommends the Bolinas Off Shore Boot from Seavees. “The price point is very good, the quality is great, and it’s comfortable,” she adds. The boots are made from rubber to protect your feet from an outdoor shower, while the memory foam footbed will cushion each step. They’re replete with grooved soles to provide sufficient traction, no matter what the weather brings—and add edge to the shoe’s otherwise straightforward silhouette.
Colors: 5
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Memory foam footbed
- Lined with comfortable knit textile
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Knit lining is made from synthetic polyester
Sizes available: 5-11
These rain boots from Everlane are as right as rain. Plus, they come recommended by Lynch. “They are cool and casual, and they don’t break the bank,” she says. The pair is made from rubber for walking through puddles, while the chunky lug sole makes it stylish and practical for walking on wet surfaces. Other features include a cushioned insole for comfort and support, stretch side panels, and front and rear pull tabs for easy on and off.
As for the style? “It’s very neutral as far as styling, and they have a couple of different colors so you can align it with your wardrobe color palette,” says Lynch. Choose from one of four colors—black, cream, ochre, and olive green. Just note that the brand recommends sizing down if you’re between sizes.
Colors: 4
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Cushioned footbed
- Wide toe box
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Not lined; must be worn with socks to prevent chafing
Sizes available: 4-12
If you’re on a budget, consider these waterproof Chelsea boots. At under $33 for a pair, they’re the cheapest option on the list, but they share many of the qualities of their more expensive counterparts. They have a puddle-proof polyvinyl chloride construction, and they feature elastic side panels and a pull tab at the back, making them easy to step into and out of with little to no effort on your part. Moreover, they come in a wide selection of matte colors, ranging from classic black to bumblebee yellow.
Colors: 15
Material: PVC
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- Cushy foam footbed
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tab for easy on and off
Con:
- Made with PVC, which is less durable than rubber
Sizes available: 5-11
If you’re looking for taller boots, we recommend this pair of classic Wellingtons from the iconic British outerwear brand Barbour. The rubber boots hit just under the knee to keep your feet, ankles, and lower legs dry, and tread soles to ensure you stay upright on slippery surfaces. They also feature adjustable buckles that let you customize the fit accordingly and help you get in and out of the boots with less effort. Plus, the cotton lining helps to protect the skin from chafing. Shop the shoes in three versatile colors: Black, navy, and olive green.
Colors: 3
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Keeps feet, ankles, and lower legs dry
- Buckles allows you to adjust fit accordingly
- Lined with cotton to protect against chafing
Con:
- Not cushioned
Sizes available: 6-12
These ankle booties from Bogs will protect your feet from puddle splashes, and they have a low-profile design that makes it easy to pair with various outfits. The boots’ flat textured soles will keep you firmly planted to the ground, while the cushioned insoles provide ample support and padding. Another perk? The pair prevents unwanted odor from building up inside, thanks to DuraFresh-treated footbeds. You can shop it in three colors, including black, cream, and peach.
Colors: 3
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Cushioned footbed
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tab for easy on and off
- Treated to prevent unwanted odors
Con:
- Not lined; must be worn with socks to prevent chafing
Sizes available: 5-12
These Ugg sneaker boots are light and flexible, thanks to the waterproof suede upper that allows for more foot movement. The pair also features a fleece lining and a foam footbed covered in a plush layer of UGG’s signature wool blend, while the seam-sealed construction will keep your feet dry even on the wettest winter days. They also have a supportive EVA midsole and grippy rubber outsole to offer traction on slippery terrain.
Colors: 3
Material: Waterproof suede
Pros:
- Cushy foam footbed and supportive midsole
- Seam-sealed construction for reinforced water protection
- Lined with warm fleece and UGG’s proprietary wool blend
Con:
- Fleece is made from synthetic polyester
Sizes available: 6-11
Whether traversing through crowded streets, mud, or snow, these Blundstone boots are a great everyday option for the colder months. They’re made from waterproof leather, and the removable sheepskin footbed and Thinsulate lining keep your feet toasty and warm during frigid weather. The boot also has a cushioned midsole for jumping in puddles or over snow banks. The Chelsea’s elastic side panels keep things snug while the pull tabs allow for easy on and off, and the lug sole is grippy enough for muddy, wet, and icy terrain.
Colors: 3
Material: Waterproof leather
Pros:
- Supportive cushioned midsole
- Removable sheepskin-lined insole
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Expensive
Sizes available: 5-12.5
Suede and water typically mix as poorly as oil and water, but not with these boots from Overland. The shoes have waterproof suede uppers that can withstand rain and snow, and they’re lined with shearling and wool to increase the toastiness factor in sub-zero temperatures, replete with memory foam insoles to keep things comfortable. They’re set on lug soles to carry you from fall through the first frost and finished with a convenient side zipper. Shop the boots in four colors: black, brown, green, and taupe.
Colors: 4
Material: Waterproof suede
Pros:
- Stylish waterproof suede upper
- Memory foam footbed
- Shearling and wool lining
Con:
- Expensive
Sizes available: 5-11
These boots from The North Face are ideal for the coldest days of the year. The uppers are made from water-repellant PET, and drawstring bungee cords let you tighten them around your legs to keep snow out. As for the shoe interior, they’re lined with warm fleece and plumped with recycled polyester filling. These, in combination with cushy Ortholite footbeds, will make you feel like you’re wearing pillows on your feet, while the grippy rubber sole will keep you upright on icy surfaces. Shop the boots in black and white.
Colors: 2
Material: PET
Pros:
- Ortholite footbeds
- Fleece-lined interior with recycled polyester filling for warmth
- Adjustable drawstring offers added protection against water and snow
Con:
- Limited color options
Sizes available: 5-12
Deck boots are traditionally designed to keep wearers on their feet on slippery boat decks, but you’ll want to wear this option from Sperry on land, too. The vulcanized rubber upper protects feet from inclement weather, while the outsoles are designed with the brand’s Wave-Siping technology to keep you steady. These boots are comfortable, too—they have cushioned EVA footbeds to provide shock absorption that reduces foot fatigue as you walk. They’re available in classic neutral colors like white, cream, navy, and black.
Colors: 4
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Cushioned footbed
- Shock-absorbing midsole
- Features pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Style isn’t versatile
Sizes available: 5-12
Merrell is well known for its hardy and reliable hiking boots—and if you’re looking for a waterproof shoe that you can wear on wet and muddy trails, consider the Moab 3. The rugged boot features a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps water out and a Vibram outsole so you can traverse loose rocks and slippery boulders without slipping. It also has a contoured footbed, cushioned midsole for added comfort and support on rough terrain, and a gusseted tongue to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the boot.
Colors: 4
Material: Waterproof suede
Pros:
- Supportive contoured footbed and cushioned midsole
- Gusseted tongue keeps dirt and debris out
- Ideal for all types of terrain
Con:
- Might not be ideal for everyday wear
Originally $160, now $130
Sizes available: 5-12 (narrow, standard, wide, X-wide, and XX-wide)
This pair of waterproof boots from Orthofeet has been made with foot health in mind. It features orthopedic insoles to offer comfort and anatomical arch support, plus a roomy toe box that won’t aggravate bunions, hammertoes, and swollen feet. The weatherproof leather upper and padded interior make the boots well-suited for cold weather, while the rubber treaded sole grips slippery surfaces to prevent slips and spills. They come in several colors and five widths, including narrow, standard, and three wide options, for a truly personalized fit.
Colors: 4
Material: Waterproof leather
Pros:
- Removable orthopedic insoles
- Wide toe box
- Comes in narrow and three wide sizes
Con:
- Might not be ideal for warmer months
Sizes available: 5-11
As a personal stylist, it’s no wonder why these shearling-lined rubber boots from Chloé are one of Lynch’s top picks. “It’s just a cool boot,” she says. “You could wear it even if it wasn’t raining.” The boot is made with a rubber upper, and the shearling-lined interior offers the coziness of a teddy jacket. They have all the classic trappings of a Chelsea-style boot, like stretch side panels and pull tabs, but the lug sole adds spunk to the silhouette while adding some height (2.75 inches, to be exact) without sacrificing comfort.
“It is an investment, but Chloé is timeless,” says Lynch.
Colors: 1
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Shearling lining
- Side zipper and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Most expensive option on the list
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