Bogs Classic II Tall Review

You won't be disappointed by the Bogs Classic II Tall boot. It checks all the boxes we look for in a rainboot, plus a few more. At 4.64 lbs per pair (size 9.5), it's surprisingly lightweight, compared to other similarly tall rainboots, and you can step into them nearly hands-free. Get yourself a pair, and you won't have to think twice about your footwear when the weather gets rainy and cold.

Weather Protection

The Classic II Tall lives up to expectations by keeping all traces of water out of the boot during testing (aside from when we stepped in a deeper-than-expected spot). The shaft height measures 15 inches, so even those accidental steps into too deep water were few and far between. We find that having a tall rain boot isn't a drawback but rather a nice reassurance. When walking along a river or crossing streams, it's nice not to worry too much about the depth.

It boasts a seamless construction, which helps reduce weight and prevent water intrusion; the seam along the sole and upper is typically a weak point where water tends to seep in. The shaft is made of neoprene, which also helps reduce weight and is fully waterproof.

Comfort

Did you grow up wearing ill-fitting, floppy galoshes that always seemed uncomfortable? These rain boots will make you reassess any preconceived notions of how rain boots can fit and feel on your feet. The Classic II Tall has a unique “heel-lock” setup that keeps your foot secure in this otherwise roomy boot. This cushioned collar is sewn into the heel of the boot and is designed to wrap around the Achilles tendon to lock the heel down in place. Its purpose is to help prevent the boot from pulling off when you find yourself in deep, sucking mud (it's not fun having a boot pull off in mud!).

It looks like a work boot, but if you don't mind the aesthetic, this rain boot is as comfortable in urban environments as it is trudging in the muck and mire of waterways and fields. It features a wider toebox than other boots we tested, which helps make for a more natural gait and balance. The neoprene shaft reduces weight, but we found that it also creates a more comfortable interface between our calf and the boot. Some boots we tested rubbed in that area, but with the neoprene, it was a nice and smooth transition.

Traction

When it comes to making sure that your feet stay firmly planted to the ground, the Classic II Tall has you covered. They feature an aggressive tread pattern with deep lugs that ensure your feet stay in place rather than flying over your head.

We took these rain boots through mud, slick rock stream crossings, and up sandy trails, and never felt the impending sense of doom when you know you're about to slip out and lose touch with the ground below. With the deep lugs and tread pattern, the boots tend to hold onto wet mud and small pebbles, but this was easily remedied with a quick shot of hose water to the bottoms, or by using a shoe brush.

Wearability

What made us really like the Classic II Tall was all of the well-thought-out design features that transform this rain boot from a standard affair to an excellent footwear choice.

Getting your feet into rain shoes can be challenging, but these rain boots have a wider collar, and we were able to step into them practically hands-free. On the other end of operations, getting out of some rain boots can be equally challenging. Fortunately, the Classic II Tall comes equipped with heel studs to help take them off (it's surprising how few of the boots we tested come with this feature). By simply placing your other foot over the heel stud, you can quickly remove the boots.

The provided insoles aren't anything special, but they do the job. Bogs uses a 'Durafresh' biotechnology to help fight odors. We didn't experience foot odors from these boots or others, so we will check back as our long-term use continues. The cushioning of the sole was a notable feature of this boot, especially when we waded across rocky streams. Our feet felt comfortable and solid going over the bumpy rocks.

Warmth

Aside from keeping your feet dry, these boots also do a good job of keeping them warm when the temperatures start getting colder. But if you live in a wet environment, but not a cold one, wearing tall rubber boots can get too sweaty really fast. Bogs has found a good way to help mitigate this by using a more breathable neoprene material for the shaft, which helps dissipate some of the heat without compromising the waterproofness of the rain boot. We found that we could comfortably wear the Classic II Tall in weather that got up to 60°F without feeling like we were getting hot feet.

These rain boots have 5.5mm of Neo Tech insulation, which Bogs advertises as being rated for -40F, which seems very impressive. We tested these boots in mild fall weather, so we aren't able to test their claim. However, rest assured, once the mercury starts dipping into the freezing realms, we will be out there with these boots on!

Should You Buy the Bogs Classic II Tall?

We were genuinely surprised and pleased with how well this rain boot performed. The Classic II Tall surpassed our expectations of how a rain boot can fit, feel, and function. The days of clunky, sloppy-fitting rain boots are over, and in their place are well-designed and functional boots that you can wear in just about any weather conditions. If you are in need of a pair of rain boots that will get you through the elements, the Bogs Classic II Tall is an excellent choice.

What Other Rain Boots Should You Consider?

Looking for a rain boot that holds up as well, but isn't insulated, and at a more affordable price? Check out Baffin Enduro for our Best Buy award winner.