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We've bought and tested dozens of the top rain boots including Bogs, Kamik, Baffin, and The Original Muck Boot Company to determine the best of the best.
We tested a wide variety of heights of rainboots.
Credit: Brooke Hess
By Brooke Hess ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 9, 2025
The perfect rain boot keeps your feet dry and supported in any wet-weather condition. Since 2014, we've purchased and tested more than 75 pairs of rain boots side by side, splishing and splashing through urban puddles, country creeks, and mountain slush to find the best of the best.
The most protective boots for men are the Bogs Classic II Tall. They offer great protection in wet conditions while remaining comfortable down into sub-freezing temps. The best rain boots for women are the Xtratuf Legacy 15". These boots mean business, performing impressively in wet, muddy environments. They work hard, but roll down to offer a more casual look and feel when needed.
Looking for a great deal? The Baffin Enduro is an all-around excellent men's option that has the durability to last for years. For the ladies, the Kamik Heidi 2 is a classic styled rainboot that gives an adequate performance in most environments at a great price point. Neither of these options is insulated, but both are reliably waterproof.
Who it is best for: The Bogs Classic II Tall is a boot made for anyone working in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions. These calf-height boots have moderate insulation, dependable waterproofing, and are comfortable enough to wear all day. They perform equally well in wilderness environments as they do in backyard spring muck. Anyone from outdoor professionals to homeowners who need protection during stormy seasons wouldn't be disappointed by a pair of these. Their seamless neoprene upper provides more comfort than boots with a rubber shaft, and aggressive outsoles add confident traction.
Why we love it: These boots feature a seamless construction- meaning that the transition between the sole and upper has no stitching, which is a common fail point on rain boots. You can head out into the weather knowing that your feet will stay dry. There is a unique heel lock collar that minimizes friction by preventing heel lift, keeping your boot in place on your foot when you're in deep mud. They also feature a heel stud, making it a simple affair to take them off. These Bogs are lighter in weight than most comparable work boots. All these features impressed our testing team, with one saying, “Comfort is where these boots truly shine.”
Should you buy it? They aren't the tallest boots available, but the flood height offers solid protection for all but the most extreme conditions. We will say that these boots might be overkill for some wearers. If you're just looking for footwear to keep your feet dry as you walk from home to coffee shop or office on a city sidewalk, these will be out of place. If you need a boot that can handle tough conditions without sacrificing comfort, this is it. The Bogs Classic II Tall boots aren't just protective—they're built to make demanding days more manageable and comfortable on your feet.
Who it is best for: The Xtratuf Legacy is built for women working in the toughest conditions—commercial fishing, agriculture, or heavy-duty outdoor labor. The chemical-resistant, flexible neoprene uppers and wide mouth circumference accommodate thicker, protective layers. If you roll down the upper portion of the shaft, you can show off the fun ocean prints of the inner liner, which adds some fun flair to an otherwise serious pair of boots. If you're facing long hours in rain, mud, or marine environments and need serious protection, this is the boot designed for you.
Why we love it: The Legacy is the most technical boot in its category, which is why we recommend it to those who need their boots to perform. They offer exceptional weather protection and superior traction on both flat and muddy ground. While not ideal for icy slopes, they offer dependable footing even in the chaos of ocean storms. They are light(ish), and comfortable enough to wear all day long. Our tester noted, “These boots are pretty light for how much protection they provide!”
Should you buy it? If you need hardcore, no-nonsense protection for real work, the XTRATUF Legacy is unmatched. It's built for function, slightly roomy, and it delivers on durability, comfort, and safety in demanding environments. They don't have much insulation beyond a thick sole, so you'll have to BYO insulation in the form of some warm socks, so if you work in cold environments, be sure to size up accordingly. However, this is the boot you want on your feet for those who work hard in harsh conditions. The colors aren't as fun as some of the other options we tested, but the functionality makes up for it for anyone who really needs the performance.
Who it is best for: The Baffin Enduro is the “good ole reliable” of the rainboot world. It's a no-frills rain boot made for general use — whether that's mucking stalls, crossing soggy fields, or spending hours in the garden. These boots aren't specialized for comfort or cold weather but are built tough for universal application. A wide shaft circumference fits a broad range of body types and pant styles, even leaving enough room to tuck your pants into the boot if you need the option.
Why we love it: What it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in long-term value. These boots have proven their durability through years of testing and hard use, and somehow never wear out. The thick rubber outsole and Gel-Flex shock-absorbing heels and midsole provide resilience and cushioning. “The rubber is a bit stiff, but I could still walk in these for hours,” one tester said. A relaxed fit and synthetic lining provide adequate comfort for extended periods in challenging conditions. They are also half the price of some of our other favorite rain boots.
Should you buy it? If keeping your feet dry is your top priority and you don't want to spend a fortune, consider this boot. It has a towering 16.25" flood height, impressive durability, and a cost that's hard to beat. While it's not necessarily made for winter (we recommend wearing a decent pair of warm socks on colder days), the Enduro nails the basics: waterproofing, traction, and toughness.
Who it is best for: The Kamik Heidi 2 is perfect for women who need one reliable rain boot to handle a wide range of tasks and environments, at an affordable price. Whether you're walking the dog, working in the garden, or navigating soggy streets in the city, this boot is a classic choice for mild to moderate weather and wet conditions. It's ideal for those who want a single boot that works across seasons without compromising comfort or style.
Why we love it: Our tester summed it up best: “These boots strike an exceptional balance between durability, comfort, and style.” The classic, low-profile look fits right in with city wear, yet it's more than capable in mucked-up fields, slippery surfaces, and wet trails. It doesn't specialize in one extreme condition, but it consistently performs well across many. With dependable traction, high-quality construction, and a flexible fit, it's a boot that truly does it all.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a well-priced, do-it-all rain boot to wear for coastal strolls or backyard chores—this is an easy yes. However, you should know that functionally, these are pretty much just stylish rubber buckets for your feet. They have classic rainboot styling, but offer no insulation and very little underfoot cushion. But they are still pretty walkable, and absolutely waterproof. While maybe not the most heavy-duty or insulated option for specific extremes, the Heidi 2 is a strong, stylish generalist that will keep your feet dry without breaking the bank.
Who it is best for: The Bogs Neo-Classicc Tall boot is ideal for women who work or spend significant time outdoors in cold, mucky conditions. Rated to -58°F, it's our favorite choice for waterproof winter footwear, offering serious warmth and protection for those living in colder climates. It's best suited for three-season use in rural or work-focused environments where it is extremely cold.
Why we love it: This boot hits a sweet spot between a rain boot and a winter boot. The Neo-Tech waterproof insulation is both flexible and warm, and the wide mouth of the boot allows most pants styles to tuck in. The rugged slip-resistant outsole provides your feet with ample protection from sticks, rocks, and any other obstacles you may encounter while working outside. “If you often find yourself out in the elements in the freezing cold, these boots can't be beat,” our tester said. The handles on the shaft make it extremely easy to put the boots on and take them off. The interior is so soft and well-made that it's even wearable without socks. We wouldn't recommend doing it often, but we know how these things go.
Should you buy it? If you need something for sub-freezing temps and sloppy winter work conditions, get this boot. It's not ideal for warm-weather use, summer gardening, or commuting around town, but if your main priority is staying warm and dry in harsh winter weather, it's an excellent investment that balances functionality and comfort in a durable package. Overall, the design offers a surprising mix of flexibility, traction, and insulation that is warmer than a rainboot and more watertight than a traditional winter boot.
Who it is best for: The Blundstone Original Chelsea isn't what first comes to mind when you think of a rain boot. However, the seamless leather upper is naturally waterproof and holds up well through multiple seasons as long as you oil it regularly. It can handle a bit of everything - wet-weather errands, casual wear, even some light outdoor work — and is considerably more stylish than a full-on, bulky rain boot.
Why we love it: Few other rain boots can also claim the title of everyday shoe. The Blundstone can. The weather-treated leather adds reliable waterproofing, but the leather makeup ensures breathability, so you won't overheat when you go from chores to dinner downtown. This boot is lowkey enough to wear rain or shine. We would even go so far as to consider this a 4-season boot if you throw on a thicker pair of socks. It's not ideal for consistently wet, muddy job sites or slick terrain, but it is a low-profile option that works great for urban-to-rural crossover use.
Should you buy it? Let's be clear, this is not a wading boot or a work boot. The 6.25" flood height simply isn't built for that type of use. If you try to use it in those scenarios, you'll probably be disappointed. That said, Blundstones are a popular shoe for a reason. They're a practical, all-season boot that balances everyday wear with enough protection to hold up to the kind of weather most people encounter on a daily basis.
Who it is best for: The Bogs Holly Chelsea is a fashion-forward rain boot suited for urban and suburban settings. It's best for mild to moderate weather, think commuting, walking the dog, or casual outings around town. It's not meant for deep water crossings or squishy slippery mud. With a sturdy build and sleek look, it's a great choice for those who want something that will keep their feet dry, and pairs easily with a range of outfits (aka: doesn't look like a work boot).
Why we love it: This blends the walkability of a hiking shoe with the waterproofing of a true rain boot. It delivers more comfort than most of our test suite, while the low-profile design ensures a full range of motion. You can also remove the footbeds to dry them out or replace them with your own for extra support. These features make the boot not just practical, but enjoyable to wear regularly.
Should you buy it? This is a strong pick if you're looking for a comfortable, stylish rain boot that performs well in moderate rain and urban conditions. Don't get us wrong, the boot itself is very waterproof, it's what's not there that dings its weather resistance rating. With just a 7" shaft, it's not built for extreme weather or flood protection, but it excels in comfort, traction, and style—especially if you're not planning to wade through ditches or muddy trails. It's a solid investment for casual wear.
The lower shaft of the Bogs Holly Chelsea doesn't offer a ton of coverage. However, the material that is there is pretty bulletproof.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
How We Tested
Since 2014, the GearLab team has bought and tested more than 90 pairs of rain boots for both men and women. Our team of experts spends ample time commuting, recreating, and working in unrelenting conditions while wearing each pair of boots.
We test the limits of every style, keeping in mind the different purposes they serve. We wear them in farm fields and backyard gardens, and while collecting data in the desert, mountains, or coastal landscapes. More casually, we slip them on to walk around urban environments in every weather scenario. We designed our testing metrics to help us identify weak points in seams, test traction on slick terrain, and gauge warmth during extended periods in cold water, even standing around in an ice bath to assess insulation effectiveness.
Rain boots were tested across 5 performance metrics:
Weather Protection
Comfort
Traction
Warmth
Wearability
We trudged miles through standing water, flowing streams, winter runoff, and across muddy fields to test the water resistance of every pair of rain boots.
Why Trust GearLab
We are guides, environmentalists, athletes, homeowners, land stewards, gardeners, farmers, and travelers. Our lead tester for women's rain boots is Brooke Hess. Brooke developed a love for the outdoors as a child while skiing, climbing, and kayaking. She holds a Master's in Science Journalism, and as a former Team USA whitewater kayaker, she experienced nature's power firsthand. Today, when she's not focusing on climate and river conservation, she can usually be found testing outdoor gear in the mountains of Lake Tahoe.
Born and raised in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and now rooted in Colorado, Briana Valorosi, assists with women's testing. She has spent countless hours adventuring on trails and throughout the rocky landscapes of the Western U.S. Since 2013, she has tested the limits of women's backpacking gear, hiking footwear, and, most recently, wet-weather footwear. Translating ample hours on foot, either hiking, climbing, mountain biking, nordic skiing, or simply walking the dogs around the block, has provided an ideal range of conditions to put gear to the test.
Richard Forbes leads testing for men's boots. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he has spent his time chronicling climate change and the landscapes he explores. He works as a backcountry guide, a natural resource facilitator, and has deep roots in farming. Since venturing west 14 years ago, he has spent ample time in remote places, sharing the stories of his experiences. Either for work or play, his experience in the outdoors has lent itself to rigorous testing scenarios, including bringing rain boots to the climbing crag and into the alpine.
The Kamik Heidi 2 boots come in fun, bright colors at an affordable price.
Credit: Brooke Hess
How to Choose the Best Rain Boots for You
Men's Rain Boots
The chart below offers an overview of rain boots for men performance scores gathered from our thorough testing rubrics.
The most important metric to consider when choosing rain boots is weather protection. For those who live in wet climates that experience heavy annual rainfall and for folks who spend countless hours working in wet conditions on fishing boats, farm fields, and coastal environments, the higher-ranked boots for weather protection will be the key to staying dry. For urban landscapes, commuting, and mild to moderate rainfall, the range of suitable boots swings in the opposite direction, as you'll want to prioritize comfort and style.
At 17 inches, the Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall boots have the highest flood height of all the boots we tested.
Credit: Brooke Hess
We found that boots with shorter flood heights provided significantly less weather protection than those with taller flood heights. This doesn't necessarily mean they're made with less waterproof materials, but they just don't offer as much coverage. In situations where we needed as much weather protection as possible - like while walking through muddy ponds, working on a boat, or sloshing through the river - we chose boots with taller flood heights. On the other hand, when we were walking around cities and through mild rain, we preferred the boots with shorter flood heights. They are lighter, allow for easier walking, and have a more stylish appearance.
For winter wear, we found insulation to be essential. While rain boot liners can add versatility and warmth, a boot that is specifically designed for sub-40-degree temperatures is ideal. When we tested the boots in a snowstorm, the only ones that didn't leave our toes frozen were insulated with thick neoprene. If you will be wearing your boots in extremely cold temperatures or in snow, we highly recommend checking out the insulated boot options.
Rain boots are designed to keep feet dry, allowing you to work, recreate, and commute in wet conditions throughout the seasons. The degree of ideal weather protection is determined by how much time you will spend in wet weather (commuting vs 8+ hrs of outdoor work), how often you will be in wet conditions (work vs play), and your regional climate (dry and arid vs high annual rainfall). Consider these factors when selecting a boot and know that weather protection relative to your intended outings will equate to comfort and your ability to be out in the elements.
Shorter boots offer more waterproofing than sneakers, but still aren't the most protective.
Credit: Sara James
Comfort
Rain boots are not typically synonymous with comfort. Between brands and styles, there will be a range of fits. Measuring your feet will help dial in a proper fit, and as most rain boots are offered in full sizes only, in most cases, we recommend sizing up if you are a half size.
If you like, you can BYO comfort and insulation with a good pair of socks. For warmer climates, thinner socks are preferred, and for colder climates, thicker socks will most likely be the top choice. Another layer of consideration is the footbeds. Removable footbeds offer customization for added support while also allowing you to dry out between wet-weather excursions. We did not test a single rain boot that had proper arch support, so if you are someone with high arches, you might want to consider adding a footbed to your boots.
The signature elastic stretch sides and pull tabs help improve the comfort of the stylish Blundstone Original Chelsea boot.
Credit: Sara James
Another thing to consider is the boot's mouth circumference. Our tester with narrow calves found that she fit well in a wide range of boots, but didn't enjoy the feel of the boots with wider mouth circumferences, as they hit the back of her legs and caused rubbing spots. If you have narrow calves, consider a boot that has either a smaller mouth circumference or an adjustable calf circumference.
The comfort ratings take into account all-day comfort, range of motion, and fit. While comfort may be relative, the ability to dial in a boot that offers support and unlimited movement without creating blisters, hot spots, or unpleasant odors will lend to long-term comfort for occasional outings or all-day work wear.
Made with extremely flexible rubber, we found the XTRATUF Legacy to be the most comfortable boots we tested.
Credit: Brooke Hess
Traction
We took these rain boots climbing, hiking, and to the absolute limits of what this style of footwear is intended for, and performance ratings are based on how the boots maintain stability and reliable footing in wet conditions. While we don't recommend purchasing rain boots to function as your primary approach shoes or backpacking boots, we appreciated the versatility of some of the boots, especially while testing them on slippery boats, grassy dunes, and moving through rocky river beds.
Since rain boots are, after all, intended for wet conditions, staying upright on two feet is certainly preferred. Consider the most frequented landscapes for your boots to select a tread pattern and material that is suited for firm footing.
Rainy urban landscapes may offer the most forgiving of surfaces for a wider range of tread. Some soles accentuate a pattern that directs water away from the bottom of the foot, similar to a tire tread, to provide optimal movement through wet terrain. Rocky river beds and icy hillsides will push most rain boots to their limits, so you may consider GTX hiking boots or winter-specific boots if you will spend ample time on the slickest surfaces.
Having a comfy rain boot makes it all the easier to go out when the weather isn't nice.
Credit: Sara James
Warmth
Tested throughout the seasons, breathability and insulation are the key factors at play here. Most rain boots are not heavily insulated to begin with; if that's what you want, you should be looking for a winter boot. A few of the more rugged options have lining materials that enhance insulation, and when paired with a thick pair of socks, this can keep you warm in freezing temps. However, a warmer boot is not always what you want. You should only look for this feature if you work outside in a frigid climate. Sweating in your boots is no fun, we promise. The most common linings are sheepskin, textile, mesh, or neoprene. The right socks and aftermarket boot liners can improve warmth even further.
On to breathability: rain boots prioritize waterproofing by using rubber, which is definitely not known for its breathability; you can quickly start to sweat inside the boots, even if you're not that warm. Some boots add a neoprene upper to help prevent clammy feet. Some of the boots in our review are constructed of leather, which is a natural insulator, but is also more breathable than most synthetic materials.
The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall boots excel in cold temperatures.
Credit: Brooke Hess
Style and Wearability
Style is a personal preference, but most of us can agree that we don't want to look like we just walked in from the fields if we're just going for a quick coffee around the block. We wore each boot with a variety of outfits and tested them in both work and urban environments. We crowdsourced compliments and even interviewed our friends and family on their preferences when it came to boot style.
A rainy day hike proves the traction and walkability of the Holly Chelsea.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Boots with shorter flood heights provide the most versatility, hands down. They can pair with work pants, casual pants, and even dresses and skirts if you're feeling funky. If you're not one to head out in a torrential downpour, and want a boot that you can wear on a daily basis a more casual style might work better for you.
However, if you're a homeowner looking for something you can do chores in, don't let style override functionality. If you need a work boot, get a work boot. More coverage will mean less tiptoeing around that big puddle and less worry about whatever's outside your boot getting inside your boot. Consider the purpose of your lifestyle and your day-to-day activities to determine which style is most suitable.
An array of rain boots that we tested.
Credit: Brooke Hess
Conclusion
Rather than getting flooded by the extensive range of rain boots, let our expertise guide you to a protective pair of boots. Whether you are seeking an urban commuter for the rainy months or you spend adequate time working and walking through soggy landscapes, our testing offers insights into the features that you'll benefit from most.
