From the coast to the mountains, and everywhere in between, rain boots are an essential piece of gear. Even outside of recreating and working in wet weather, rubber boots are the perfect footwear choice for damp days around town, whether running errands or hanging out with friends. But make sure to consider how you're going to use your boots — if you're doing farm work in subfreezing conditions, you'll need significantly different boots than if you're just wandering around town on a date night. This article will highlight the key components of how to find the right pair of boots for you.
While it may go without saying, a key component of all rain boots must be that they are waterproof. While that is simple enough, there are many different options for how different boots accomplish that. They're generally made of rubber, neoprene, or a combination of treated leather and rubber. Each material has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Most rain boots are slip-on, though some have laces to improve the fit. They can be insulated or not, and come in a range of heights from ankle up to almost knee height. Rain boots are used all over the world in a variety of settings, from working on farms in the mud, on fishing boats in the ocean, or in wetlands for ecological fieldwork. Rain boots are trusted by recreators and professionals the world over to keep their feet safe, warm, and dry.
The main advantages of rain boots over non-waterproof footwear are:
- They will keep your feet dry and warm, even in the worst wet and cold conditions.
- Their robust traction excels in slippery conditions that less technical footwear might otherwise struggle in.
- They are typically simple to slip on and off, many without the need for hands.
However, rain boots do come with some drawbacks:
- Being waterproof and commonly made of rubber, rain boots do not breathe well. If it's warm out, or if you're exerting yourself, they do not breathe as well as athletic shoes or other more permeable footwear options.
- Since they're generally rubber, they can be heavy. Ankle-high boots (otherwise known as deck boots) typically weigh around 2.5 pounds per pair, but the average weight of the rain boots in our lineup is 3.4 pounds. This is much heavier than the casual sneakers most people are familiar with, which weigh around 1.5 pounds or less per pair.
- As rain boots don't have laces, they often fit loosely, especially in the heel. To avoid blisters, it helps to wear them with thicker socks, or to size down where applicable.
- As a result of this looser fit, they're often not comfortable while walking long distances.
- They are not always the most stylish, and blending into town or more casual settings can be a challenge.
While not everyone needs rain boots, if your home climate and activities have you out in damp conditions frequently, then they will keep you warmer and happier longer than other footwear choices.
The Rain Boot Spectrum
There is a wide variety of boots to suit different uses. They can broadly be split into two camps: the low-height casual boot and tall work boots.
Low/Casual Boots
If you want dry feet but don't think you'll constantly be slogging through water and muck, casual low rain boots are a great option. Compared to more intense work boots, casual rain boots typically don't come as tall, weigh as much, or provide the same amount of grip underfoot. Casual rain boots generally don't feature much insulation and are better suited for puddles and urban errands than mucky fields and freezing creeks.
Tall/Work Boots
Work boots have higher shafts, better traction, and generally more comfortable insoles for longer workdays. As a result of this more robust build, they tend to weigh more. We used these burlier boots when bushwhacking through Alaska's backcountry, fishing, exploring rivers, and wading through knee-deep snow. In exceptionally damp places, like Alaska's temperate rainforest regions, tall work boots become a staple of everyday life in a place that receives feet of rain in a year.
Every pair of boots has certain settings, environments, and conditions they are designed to operate best in. From shoveling midwinter slush to summer days fishing on the lake boat, rain boots are used all year round and in many different situations. Consider the following aspects when choosing your next pair of boots.
Climate
The general weather in your area will determine whether rain boots are a good option for you. There's no certain annual rainfall cutoff above which you need rain boots, but if you find yourself spending time regularly in wet conditions, or your location has a rainier season, rain boots are really helpful to have. Cooler, wetter places may necessitate a taller and warmer boot, while in a warmer place with slightly less precipitation, you may be able to get by with a deck boot.
Water Protection
There's nothing wrong with the low boots, and depending on your intended use, you may not need anything more. Lower boots can be a lot more comfortable for casual use, are great for warmer temperatures, and are perfect for damp places, but where you know there isn't a serious risk of overflowing them. Keep in mind that if your boot only stands a few inches high, it's surprisingly easy to splash your ankles, even in shallow water. When we tested shorter boots in Puget Sound, we were constantly worried about waves and splashes overflowing them, while the highest boots allowed us to stride through the breaking waves without worry. Some boots also have a tighter calf opening. While this won't completely seal up the opening, it does act as a gasket of sorts to help keep water from dripping in, particularly on rainy days or if you get splashed by a wave.
Warmth
Not everyone needs an insulated boot, and if you're planning to use the boot in warmer temperatures, they can quickly become too warm. But if temperatures will be consistently cold, or if you're prone to cold toes, insulated boots are a great idea. We've worn rain boots all year round, even in the depths of winter. Some insulated rain boots have the same warmth as a dedicated snowboot, but with better weather resistance as well as the ability to be used in other seasons. You can make an uninsulated boot much warmer by adding thick socks, but no matter what socks you use, a fully insulated boot is going to be warm, especially if it's summertime. Pick a boot that fits what time of year you'll be using them in and what the expected temperature range will be.
Traction
Boots designed for more casual use have shallow lugs and a less aggressive pattern. This prioritizes comfort and wearability, but will fall short in tougher conditions or if you plan to use them in snow or mud. If you are looking for better traction on a variety of surfaces, large and deep-lugged soles bite deeper into loose surfaces like mud and scree. Keep in mind that the rubber type, outsole design, and boot stiffness all affect the boot's traction. We assessed all the boots in our test on wet grass, mud, wet logs, stream beds, and in standard urban terrain. We found that larger, deeper, and wider-spaced lugs performed the best on loose surfaces, while wide, flat, and shallow lugs did better on wet and smooth surfaces like boat decks. These shallow lugs made for a more versatile and wearable boot in different scenarios. Match the traction of the boot to your intended use and terrain that you will be using them in.
Comfort & Fit
If you're hoping to use your rain boots for quick errands and walking to your mailbox, most boots will be comfortable enough for short tasks. But if you're like us, and you want to invest in something that you can wear for extended amounts of time, comfort is a major consideration. Comfort comes down to a few different factors, including cushion, fit, and support. Remember, everyone's feet are different and may require different options depending on width, general shape, arch, and foot volume within the boot. Many brands of rain boots tend to have a slightly more roomy fit and may require experimenting with sizing down to dial in the fit. Without laces, some rain boots can feel loose, especially if worn for hikes and for walking around the work site for longer durations. You will want the boots to be comfortably snug, but with a slight amount of room in the toes for warmth and breathability. Heel slip is not uncommon when walking in rain boots.
Conclusion
No rain boot will be perfect for all conditions. Depending on your intended use and environment, you may lean toward something lower profile for less intense conditions, or you may frequently encounter the type of conditions that necessitate the highest levels of weather protection and durability. The most important thing is to thoroughly consider your needs and intended use before ordering a new pair of boots. Carefully consider your options and step outside ready to take on your next wet weather adventure.
