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We commuted by foot and by bike, in rain and shine, splashing through all bodies of water in women's rain boots from Hunter, Muck, XTRATUF, Bogs, and more to help you find the best pair
A gaggle of our quality performers showcasing a variety of designs and intended uses.
We've purchased 16 top women's rain boots and exposed them to thunderstorms, gentle spring showers, and into the muck of winter. Our outdoor experts wore them in the soggiest conditions, walking into creeks for a water-depth test and slipping and sliding in slush to determine traction.
The Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall - Women's remains the best choice for most people due to the incredible weather protection and warmth. The clear best value is the Kamik Heidi 2, which scored very high in most tests and is half the cost of most top boots.
Adjustable opening yields a custom fit and superb weather protection
Flexible shaft construction
All-day comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Lacks insulation
Baggy above the ankle
If a rain boot can have a legacy, this rendition of the Hunter Original Back Adjustable holds that seat. Hunter makes a few versions of this boot, but we particularly like this one due to its adjustability, which changes the tightness or looseness of the shaft. It ranks high in weather protection thanks to its adjustable mouth and tall flood height. This model also scores high in comfort, traction, and style. It has it all, especially if you want something functional and sleek.
The Hunter Original Adjustable isn't insulated, but we know warmth isn't always a priority, particularly in warmer seasons and humid climates. Plus, thick socks or liners can go a long way. The only true drawback of this boot is the price tag. Though, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, so if you can shell out the cash, there's no question in our minds that this pair is of remarkable craftsmanship. If you need solid weather protection in a tall boot but are on a tighter budget, look at the Kamik Olivia.
Whether these are intended to serve as work boots for outside chores or intended for urban commuting in soggy conditions, the weather protection is unmatched.
With all the qualities of a top contender, scoring well in comfort, traction, and style, the Kamik Heidi 2 is arguably the most versatile, from city sidewalks to farm chores. Coming in at a fraction of the cost compared to the competitive Hunter Original Back Adjustable, the Kamik is one of the least expensive yet highly-rated boots in our review. It is both practical and fashionable and outfitted with high-quality tread and recyclable rubber. It scores almost as high as the top-rated models, with strong suits in quality, walkability, and stylish appeal.
The disadvantages of the Heidi 2 are the relative lack of insulation and foot support. Still, it's worthwhile if you're looking for a dependable mild-weather boot with obvious function and flair. The Heidi 2 offers an almost unbeatable deal. You can spend slightly less on the Sloggers Rain and Garden, but you'll give up some comfort, reputable craftsmanship, and potentially some style points — unless you love wild and crazy prints.
Rubber rainboots range from flimsy to stiff, with the sweet spot offering a full range of movement without restriction, while still offering a comfortable stride.
The Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Mid is quite an adventurous boot and fully adequate for winter conditions. The 5mm neoprene is also fleece-lined, creating insulation rated for temperatures well into the negatives! While we didn't experience such extreme conditions, we felt no difference between standing in the snow, in an icy river, or on dry land. Our feet were toasty no matter what. Traction is also a strong quality of this model, offering some of the best across various technical terrain.
With a flood height of 11 inches, the shaft provides fairly average protection but not as extensive as taller models (though this model does come in a Tall). And since it is so specialized, it is basically a winter boot, which doesn't help you much if you're looking for a more traditional, casual slogger. Thus, the versatility of the Arctic Sport II is rather low. That said, if you live somewhere with a long cold and wet season, this could be a dream come true. We also like the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall for its pull-on handles and a similar level of warmth.
Oily/sticky residue out of the box yields an unaesthetic appeal at first
The women's XTRATUF Legacy model grew on us as time went on. The thick soles offer great foot support and long-lasting comfort, outperforming many of the other models in this metric. Comfort is invaluable in outdoor environments like farms, boats, or home gardens. As the name implies, these boots are tough enough to withstand the onslaught of rugged duties.
The brown neoprene isn't unappealing, but these aren't the most stylish of the bunch, either. This model offers some fun ocean-inspired prints on the lining in honor of the famous Alaskan Salmon Sisters, who have used these boots heavily on their commercial fishing boats. The main drawbacks are their relative performance on snow and ice, a slightly big fit, and overall weight. But depending on where you live and work, many of these facets won't outweigh their hardworking, technical appeal. For a warmer boot with good traction, check out the Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Mid.
The Bogs Holly Chelsea features a relatively short height in modern matte colors. The stand-out perk of this boot is its ability to pair with virtually any wardrobe and the capacity to withstand the elements. Pulling on without fussing about stuffing your pants into a super tall boot is refreshing. Pairing the ease of use with a wide range of places where these boots shine is a bonus!
The main critique of the Holly Chelsea is its low overall weather protection due to its shorter shaft. Although they aren't the shortest boot in our lineup, they lack a classic height for moderate to severe weather or deep water crossings. Despite less weather protection, they are low maintenance and walkable, on or off the trail. If you're looking for something stylish and functional with a greater capacity off-trail, you might like the Danner Logger 917 GTX boots, which are a bit more capable on rugged terrain than the Holly Chelsea, but they offer less weather protection due to their laces and seams.
A good puddle splash demands a good rainboot. The Holly Chelsea may be short in height but they are suitable for splashing in shallow water!
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Why Trust GearLab
For this review, we began with market research, making a first cut of more than 60 models before further refining our selection to only include the best for side by side testing. We purchased them and commenced testing, paying attention to critical performance standards. We made objective weight and height measurements and compared them to the manufacturer's advertised specs. We measured waterproofness by immersing the boots for hours and examining them for leaks. Finally, we wore them a lot — all day and in many environments, ranging from snow to pavement to river crossings to trail walks with the dogs. Everything we learned is distilled into this comprehensive review, which will surely be an asset in your search for a great pair of women's rainwear.
Our comprehensive testing was divided into five key metrics:
Weather Protection (30% of overall score weighting)
Sara holds a writing degree and has tested and written about gear, such as trail running shoes, hiking shorts, and umbrellas in various capacities. An avid trail runner and climber, she often travels and has lived in places such as Yosemite National Park. Her more creative writing also encompasses experiences within the outdoors, adding to her overall experience as one of our testers. Currently based in and around the mountains of Colorado, Sara's own need for rain boots is a must.
Briana is an avid cyclist and mountain athlete. She has spent over a decade extensively reviewing, testing, and writing about outdoor gear, with a focus on footwear and backpacking essentials. Like Sara, her life is spent traveling, exploring, and experiencing the outdoors, which is critical to finding the limits of gear for everyday use.
Standing in flowing stream water will undoubtedly challenge even the highest flood height- we're happy to report that our feet stayed dry!
Side-by-side comparison of three different ankle shapes- (left) Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall, (center) Kamik Heidi 2, (right) Bogs Holly Chelsea.
We noted all the different characteristics of each boot, from the height of the heel and fit around the ankle to the height of the shaft.
Analysis and Test Results
The ideal rain boot is the one that is the most functional for the environment in which you spend your time. Right out of the box, the look and size often leave the biggest impressions. However, overall quality and application are the final words when selecting shoes. Thankfully, brands tend to be mindful of making technical and comfortable boots that are still aesthetically pleasing, which is to say, wearable in public.
These competitors' designs range from simplistic to rugged, with shaft heights varying from just above the ankle to just below the knee. All consist of a multitude of materials, from vulcanized rubber to neoprene, which yield a range of flexibility and warmth. Depending on where you're going and what you're doing, we believe there is a boot for every scenario. Practicality and performance, however, remain the most important aspects for us.
What's the Best Value?
While price does not influence performance or technical scoring, we all consider the relationship between affordability and overall quality. The Danner Logger 917 GTX and Muck Arctic Sport II Mid are currently the most expensive pairs in our test group. That said, the Arctic Sport contributes great value when considering longevity due to quality craftsmanship. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Sloggers Rain and Garden is one of the cheapest in our lineup. Despite the alluring price, their all-day comfort is severely lacking, which currently ranks them near the bottom of our performance list. However, the Kamik Heidi 2 is the perfect example of a place where high value doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. How each boot performs across all the metrics we've established helps determine the practical worth of their cost and, thus, their overall value.
The thin synthetic rubber construction offered flexibility in movement, throughout the ankle and lower leg, without feeling sloppy.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Weather Protection
This metric holds the most weight for obvious reasons. Inevitably, the tallest rain boots provide the best overall protection. Scores, unfortunately, shrink as shaft height decreases. Even with the aid of an umbrella, the taller the shaft, the more protection there is from sideways rain, deep waterways, or puddle splashes. Throw on a pair of waterproof pants or gaiters over ankle-high boots, however, and you're all the more ready for anything. But who wants to do that all the time? In and of themselves, the boots in our review are critiqued on the ability to keep all the undesirables from soaking your lower legs. Slush, mud, snow, or icy river water — there are notable differences in how each boot protects the wearer, but thus far, only one of the models has leaked on us in unintended places (like where the sole meets the upper boot).
Through rain and snow, river wading, and lab-like testing, the Hunter Original Adjustable Tall stands out in this metric thanks to its 17-inch height and the adjustable circumference of the boot opening. With a circumferential range of 16-19 inches, the shaft is easily adapted to personal calf sizes for the best comfort, mitigating rain from entering from above. The 15-inch shaft height of the XTRATUF Legacy also offers great weather protection. Neither model has handles or shaft cutouts, resulting in flood heights that are much harder to breach.
Even when ice formed at edges of the stream, the Legacy 15" boots maintained decent traction.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Consider the circumference of the boot relative to your own calf size. The wider the mouth is relative to your calf (even if they are tall boots), the more likely they are to collect water from above. On the other hand, the narrower the mouth, the more difficult it will be to wear bulky pants. Adjustable circumferences offer the best of both worlds.
For this metric, we consider any cutouts, zippers, and lacing in the boot design, such as the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall, which have rectangles cut as handles for easy carrying. Because of the cutouts, the flood height is lower than the overall height of the shaft, which impacts overall water and weatherproofing. While these handles aid their score for mobility and ease of putting them on, this weather metric takes priority (it is, after all, the fundamental principle of a rain boot).
While great for more rugged terrain and adverse weather, there are still cutouts that technically lower the flood height with the Bogs Neo-Classic.
Credit: Sara Aranda
In addition to handles, we always pay attention to other design features that could compromise waterproofing, like nylon gussets, tongues, laces, or seams at the edges of neoprene uppers. The Sorel Out 'N About III Classic Felt Duck has a tongue and lace design, for example. The tongue is only partially attached, significantly lowering the flood height to a mere 3.75 inches from the ground. This pair was also the first to fail our water immersion test, as water leaked into the boot from where the outsole meets the upper. Plus, the laces readily soak up water and contribute to the risk of moisture entering the upper shaft. Conversely, the Bogs SweetPea and Merry People Bobbi have waterproofed gussets that maintain a flood height as tall as the shaft.
The Holly Chelsea impressed us with its comfortable, reliable trail performance and all-day comfort. Compared to the sole of a Blundstone 550, the Holly Chelsea is designed for the elements.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
However, remember that this ranking only helps us visualize the extent of weather protection for each pair and, thus, does not necessarily imply a lack of day-to-day function and wearable quality. Essentially, the shorter the flood height, the greater the risk of wet feet.
Comfort
Once we slip on a pair of rain boots, we expect enough support and comfort to wear them for extended periods of time. This is our second most important metric. We consider how each model fits, feels, and whether or not it is easy to carry, pack for travel, put on, and take off. Each pair varies in construction, foot support, and pressure points, so we've created a focused assessment surrounding the good ol' tried and true: did we ever forget we were wearing them? If we found ourselves thinking about them often, we noted why.
Many of the boots we tested are quite comfortable. Soft rubber typically means a smoother shaft flex with your leg as you walk, which is a must with taller models. While specifics of how each one performed vary slightly from one another, we've averaged all the smaller nit-picks together to determine their overall rank in comfort. For example, the Kamik Heidi 2 is fairly true to size and fits nicely around low-volume feet. The same can be said about the Hunter Original Back Adjustable, except that the fit is a little trickier to nail. They are both reasonably easy to take on and off, and we found them sufficiently comfortable for all-day wear. However, with the workaholic XTRATUF Legacy, comfort is brought to a whole new level as these boots are designed to provide substantial all-day comfort and arch support.
Shorter boots offer better all-day comfort and a stylish appeal, but can be tricky to step into.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Stiff and inflexible rubber results in hot spots, pressure against the shin when walking, and sometimes the sensation of bagginess around the shin and calf, making boots feel unwieldy. Those with stiff construction fail to provide the highest standard of comfort, and, as a result, we often ended our test days with tired, achy, or aggravated feet. The Sloggers Rain and Garden boot gave our lead tester blisters on her heel after thirty minutes of walking around town but were lightweight and okay to stand around in. The Danner Logger 917 GTX low-top boots are made with very stiff leather, which works decently well for the foot box but is less forgiving around the ankles. This shaft doesn't flex very well, causing the edges to dig into the legs when walking. That said, we expect the leather to soften with time. In contrast, boots with too much space and flexibility can feel baggy or cumbersome with each step. The Hunter Original Back Adjustable has ample space about the ankle, offering nearly too much flexibility in the lengthy material.
The shaft and tongue on the Danner Logger are quite rigid, which we found could press against the sides of our ankles and shins. However, leather is naturally stiff when new and will soften over time—just be prepared for a break-in period with these boots.
Credit: Sara Aranda
With brands often offering whole shoe sizes only, it's difficult to customize a proper fit of the footbed and, thus, true comfort. Sadly, heel slippage is often expected with rain boots, but there are ways to mitigate this with sock thickness. Another thing we consider in this metric is whether or not a boot requires wearing socks taller than the shaft. Commonly, the mouth of the shaft is abrasive against bare skin. The Bogs Neo-Classic is a slight exception due to the softer neoprene, but tall socks are still recommended. Same with the Bogs Holly Chelsea. Overall comfort is aided, too, with the Neo-Classic and Holly Chelsea due to its use of rebound-cushioned insoles and lighter relative weight. The wide-mouthed XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots have ample space around the lower shin and ankle, evading the shin-irritating issue altogether. No matter what, when going uphill or up a set of stairs, it's good to pay attention to the flexibility of the shaft and how much the heels lift, which can create troublesome blisters.
Scoring fairly well in traction, the XTRATUF Ankle Boot excels across flat, wet surfaces.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Traction
Whether working or playing outside, traction is high on the list of essential qualities a rain boot should have, almost as important as the waterproofing itself. This metric often competes with comfort and style, but there's little point in a completely weatherproof product if you're slipping around and using your hands to steady yourself wherever you go.
All the boots that did well in this metric have a substantial tread design and enough flexibility in the soles for effective purchase across various surfaces. For the Sloggers Rain and Garden, traction is actually the pair's best attribute (besides style). However, each pair has nuances, such as the Heidi 2 and SweetPea's thinner soles. This offers ample sensitivity, a plus in our book, though this can lead to discomfort on surfaces with gravel and sharp rocks. The Muck Boot Chore Mid and Bogs Neo-Classic provide decent traction but have a denser sole and a lack of flexible sensitivity, diminishing the ability to navigate uneven terrain as effectively as the top competitors.
The soles of the legacy 15" are burly and thick.
Credit: Sara Aranda
The Danner Logger 917 is notable for its Vibram outsoles, which increase their all-terrain versatility. Similarly, the Bogs Holly Chelsea offers impressive traction for trail walks and loose terrain. The Joules Molly Mid is an example of traction being a bit singular. It has a more pronounced heel that takes away from its surface area for possible traction. This boot is best suited for the flattest and least technical surfaces. It suffers on the ice, snow, and wet rocks, but then again, such situations might call for different footwear altogether (like winter boots). The same could also be said about the Merry People Bobbi and Sorel Out 'N About, which align with how most fashion lifestyle boots tend to fare. However, if you seek a boot to get you from your house to your car to the office building, any of the boots with average traction scores are undoubtedly adequate enough. This is why this metric conflicts in priority with comfort, as it really does depend on where you'll be walking.
Warmth
This metric holds a fair amount of weight when determining overall scores but not nearly as much as the preceding categories due to the nature of differing consumer locations and variable needs for warmth. If you live in a warm, humid climate, you probably don't want to pay much heed to this metric. On the other hand, this may be a factor to consider if you live in a cool, damp climate or one that gets downright cold.
Each boot is ranked according to how well it retained heat during general indoor use, across the snow, or on a casual rainy day. The warmest boots performed the best in the snow and the worst during hotter days with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The leading examples are all three Muck brand boots (the Muck Boot Originals Pull On Mid, Chore Mid, and Arctic Sport II), the Merry People Bobbi, and the Bogs Neo-Classic. All these boots have added insulation for temperatures near or below freezing, but there is definitely variance. In the sun and dry conditions, these pairs are often too warm.
The royalty of warmth, the Muck Arctic Sport II is hands-down exceptional in subfreezing environments.
The neoprene is soft but very warm and fully waterproof on the Muck Chore Classic. Here, our lead tester is pressing the boot far enough down to see if the neoprene leaks or absorbs any water.
Waterproof rain boots that are also very warm are useful in certain situations but may be too much for milder temperatures.
Most of our fleet has a more traditional amount of insulation, which is little to none. This means that boots like the XTRATUF Legacy, Hunter Original Adjustable, and Kamik Heidi 2 fail to hold in heat in the snow or an icy river. On the other hand, this also means these boots function quite nicely in places with continuous mild weather (or until you're ready to switch out for your winter boots). They're more likely to prevent your feet from overheating and sweating. If you're only looking for a pair to wear fun, thick socks with for spring and fall showers, we prefer models that have versatility across a range of temperatures instead of boots that might dominate one end of the spectrum.
The Hunter Original in an icy creek. While these boots are excellent at keeping moisture out, they aren't very warm. For many folks, that's actually what you want.
Credit: Sara Aranda
A notable mention is the XTRATUF Ankle Boot with its Xpresscool lining, which helps ventilate your feet while maintaining warmth. During our river test, we could barely feel the cold while standing for several minutes. We also found that such breathable lining helps mitigate sweat build-up when temperatures rise. Another notable mention is the Danner Logger with its leather and added Gore-Tex lining. These quality materials are inherently warmer than rubber, but the lining construction also allows for better airflow to prevent the feet from overheating. The Sorel Out 'N About is inherently warmer than standard rubber with its use of felt and suede.
Another great example of an insulated pair, the Bogs Neo-Classic do a great job of regulating warmth.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Rain boots are already atypically warm as far as shoes go due to the very quality of being waterproof and having virtually no breathability. Consider this when shopping for a model with more pronounced insulation, as it could lead to sweaty, unhappy feet if you live in a warmer climate.
Style
Style is one of the most subjective categories for ranking. We base each score on its out-of-the-box appeal, the versatility of being both fashionable and practical, and any cultivated opinions over time. In the end, we went with our gut reactions and the input of our peers. While being as objective as possible, this metric will inevitably remain a subjective reflection on our behalf.
The Hunter Original Adjustable and the Kamik Olivia have slim profiles with added buckles, finger loops, and other molded accents. The Olivia looks the most like a traditional horseback riding boot. The Hunter is sleek and tall, with several color options available. These pairs are modern, classy, popular, and somewhat neutral.
Zipping around town in the rain, our feet stayed incredibly comfortable and dry.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
The other tall or mid-calf models are remarkably varied. The Kamik Heidi 2 stands out with its bright color and glossy finish, whereas the XTRATUF Legacy has a technical style built for the rough-and-tough outdoors. The Sloggers Rain and Garden Boot is the most eccentric of the bunch, with endless yet fun pattern designs. Patterns might mean that there are fewer chances of matching a variety of outfits, however.
Chelsea-style boots pair well with just about anything, which adds major style points to Bogs Holly Chelsea and SweetPea. This design also offers versatility across the seasons and is only truly compromised in deep winter conditions such as deep snow and severe cold temperatures.
The Danner Logger is notable for its trendy leather appeal and clean lines (not to mention how well-made and luxurious it is). Similarly, the Sorel Out 'N About is a more urban-inspired take on the classic duck boot. The Joules Molly also ranks well due to the fun and unique hand-drawn prints. The Merry People Bobbi is notable for its fun color block combos and neoprene accent.
A gaggle of our award winners in all their varying heights and styles.
Credit: Sara Aranda
The wide XTRATUF Ankle Boot is also a bit more nostalgic of the classic Converse with its white midsole and, therefore, is more vintage and urban. The Muck models all utilize neoprene and rugged-looking cuts of rubber but still try to incorporate style notes like color, laces, or patterns, which is a nice touch to detract from their otherwise workhorse aesthetic. The Bogs Neo-Classic is fairly basic but can be considered aesthetic due to the way it is cut and how the lines between the rubber and neoprene are designed. Lastly, the style of the Bogs Sweetpea is admirably simple yet highly versatile. The earthier tones give off a more organic impression, and they also fit well in urban environments due to their more low-profile and incognito nature.
A highly stylish and urban-inspired rendition of the classic duck boot, the SOREL Out 'N About has a lot of design features.
Credit: Sara Aranda
It's a delicate balance between style and function; occasionally, boots have prioritized fashion the most. Thankfully, our current testing group offers a fair balance between the two modes, with only a few that might subjectively be deemed as catering strictly toward function, particularly in working environments.
Fit
Fit is something we can never expect to be perfect with rain boots because they commonly lack half sizes and are typically designed as a single seamless construction to mitigate any water entry. The fit will also vary depending on sock preferences, from those who prefer a snug foot box and a thin sock to those who want to step in barefoot for garden chores to those who prefer a roomy foot box and a thick sock for colder weather. More often than not, boots will run too large or too small, which means you'll want to read up on the sizing charts most companies provide. Even then, weigh in with your own intuition, as manufacturers may suggest something you have no preference for, such as “those who are half-sizes, size up,” when you are one to prefer a snug foot box and thin socks instead. With such variability, fit is not a metric we score on its own, but it does play a heavy role in comfort. Trial and error will be inevitable.
The Kamik Olivia has a slim circumference relative to its shaft height, which makes wearing anything but leggings a challenge.
Credit: Sara Aranda
A couple of the models we tested provided an excellent fit for us, and it is no surprise that they are also top scorers in comfort, such as the Hunter Original Back Adjustable, Kamik Heidi 2, XTRATUF Legacy, and Muck Arctic Sport. Those that happened to not fit as well include the XTRATUF Ankle Boots and Bogs Neo-Classic, which run rather large and wide (but maybe this is exactly what you need!), so fit was amiss from the get-go for us despite adhering to sizing recommendations or previous brand experience. Not nearly as bad, but still a notable fit concern, are both the Bogs SweetPea, Bogs Holly Chelsea, and Merry People Bobbi with relatively narrow footbeds. Over time, however, the footbeds have broken in a bit, which is a plus for those who don't have particularly narrow feet. But, we feel that the Bobbi is far more constricting than the SweetPea or Holly Chelsea and less comfortable for long-term wear. The Muck Chore Classic, with its neoprene bootie, runs rather small in our opinion, so fit is also more snug than we would like; and since we've tested three different Muck models now, we can say that we prefer sizing up if we are a half-size because of how snug the neoprene can feel. Lastly, the Sorel Out 'N About runs small, in our opinion, as the size 8 US we tested felt more like a size 7 in other brands.
An array of top-performing tread from our lineup.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Conclusion
We've found the best rain boots to be taller, with flexible shafts and versatility in traction, warmth, and style. But we recognize that deciding on the perfect boot is intimidating, from weighing in personal style preferences to reading as many reviews as humanly possible to inevitably finding out on your own. With all there is to consider, remember the fundamentals discussed in this article regarding what makes a pair of rain boots great: weather protection, comfort, traction, warmth, and (hopefully) a splash of style.
