The Best Rain Boots for Women

Our Picks of Women's Rain Boots

Best Overall Rain Boots for Women

Xtratuf Legacy 15" - Women's

The women's XTRATUF Legacy offers incredible weather protection; we wore them in water up to a foot deep and never questioned their waterproofness for a second. Constructed out of an extremely flexible rubber, they will keep your feet dry and comfortable even after a full day tromping through puddles. Rain boots in general tend to be severely lacking in arch support, but the XTRATUF Legacy is the best we have found. Designed specifically to be worn on fishing boats in Alaska, XTRATUF boots have been built with excellent traction for slippery, wet surfaces, and even though we didn't find our way onto a fishing boat, they provided great traction across slippery river rock.

Weight per Pair	3.6 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	15 in
Mouth Circumference	14.75 in
Lining/Insulation	Nylon
Upper Material	Triple-dipped latex neoprene

While the color options aren't particularly inspiring, the boots feature fun prints on their inner liners. Many people like to roll the tops of their boots down to show off the stylish prints. However, we will reiterate that the Legacy is built to be a work boot. It is made to stand up to heavy use in harsh environments - and it does that job well. Some users have complained of an oily substance on the boots when they first take them out of the box, and we noticed this on our pair as well. So we looked into it. Turns out, XTRATUF intentionally applies an oil to their boots before sending them out. The oil helps to keep the rubber flexible, which is one of the main reasons this boot is more comfortable than others. We didn't find the oil to be problematic and found that it went away after a few days of wear. If it bothers you, simply take a towel and wipe it off.

Read the review: XTRATUF Legacy 15"

Best Bang for the Buck

Kamik Heidi 2

With all the qualities of a top contender, scoring well in comfort, traction, and style, the Kamik Heidi 2 is easily the top choice if you are on a budget. Coming in at a fraction of the cost compared to the competitive Hunter Original Back Adjustable or XTRATUF 15" Legacy, the Kamik is one of the least expensive mid-height boots in our review. It has a practical tread that did much better than we expected on dirt hills. It's pretty comfy right off the bat, and the women's specific fit keeps our feet in place, and we didn't slide around as much as in other models. It also comes in fun color options like lavender and green.

Weight per Pair	2.8 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	12 in
Mouth Circumference	15 in
Lining/Insulation	Nylon
Upper Material	Synthetic rubber

The disadvantages of the Heidi 2 are the relative lack of insulation and foot support, and the upper is not as flexible as the XTRATUF Legacy. It is simply a rubber boot. If you find yourself spending lots of time walking on rocky trails or tromping through rivers, you might feel some pebbles on the bottoms of your feet. The Heidi 2 also doesn't feel as rugged and durable as some of the other options. 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.

Read the review: Kamik Heidi 2 review

Best Buy Chelsea Style

Bogs Holly Chelsea

The Bogs Holly Chelsea is a combat-style rubber rain boot with a shorter height. Featured in modern matte colors, the standout perk of this boot is its ability to pair with virtually any wardrobe, without sacrificing its ability to withstand the elements. Pulling on without fussing about stuffing your pants into a super tall boot is refreshing. While not cheap, it is decently affordable compared to other boots we tested, while still being comfortable and highly wearable.

Weight per Pair	2.5 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	7 in
Mouth Circumference	10.5 in
Lining/Insulation	Max-Wick Everdry textile
Upper Material	Rubber, textile

The main critique of the Holly Chelsea is its low overall weather protection due to its shorter shaft. It lacks the flood height needed to give full protection against splashes or deeper puddles. It is also virtually uninsulated and really only suitable for shoulder season use. It will be too hot for summer and not warm enough for freezing temps. Despite less weather protection, it is low-maintenance and walkable, on or off the trail. If you're looking for something stylish and functional with a bit less of a rain boot look, check out the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea. They are close to the same height and provide the same weather protection, but look like a classic leather boot, rather than a rubber rain boot.

Read the review: Bogs Holly Chelsea review

Best Winter Crossover

Bogs Neo-Classic Tall - Women's

The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall is quite an adventurous boot and fully ready for winter conditions. The 5mm Neo-Tech Waterproof Insulation is rated for temperatures down to -58°F. 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. The rugged traction is also a strong quality of this model, offering some of the best grip across various technical terrain, whether wet river rocks or slippery mud. Handles in the shaft make putting the boots on extremely quick and easy, although they detract from the boots' overall weather protection.

Weight per Pair	3.3 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	11.125 in
Mouth Circumference	14.5 in
Lining/Insulation	5mm Neo-Tech neoprene
Upper Material	Neoprene, natural rubber

The thick insulation of the Bogs Neo-Classics is a plus but also a minus. It weighs them down, and these boots feel heavy and clunky when walking. The neoprene is thick, and the rubber portion of the boot is even thicker. We don't recommend wearing these in warm weather at all, and wouldn't recommend walking long distances in them either. The flood height of the boot is 11.1 inches, which is significantly shorter than some of the other models we tested. 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 and wearability of the Bogs Neo-Classic Tall 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 Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Mid for its excellent traction and warmth, but found it to be slightly less waterproof than the Bogs boots.

Read the review: Bogs Neo-Classic Tall review

Best for Everyday Wear

Blundstone Thermal Chelsea - Women's

The Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is by far the most versatile rain boot we have ever tested. These boots look like the classic Blundstones that are popular in both urban and rural areas, but they are fully waterproof, instead of just water-resistant. They don't look like your typical rain boot, and they can be worn with any outfit to (almost) any occasion. They look good with shorts and a t-shirt, as well as a dress and tights, or jeans and a tank top. One of our testers even wears her Blundstones to her job as a journalist. Aside from topping the charts in wearability, they also scored quite well in comfort and traction. We have worn these boots while walking for miles on trails and in the city, and found them to be very comfortable in both situations. Their tread works well on muddy and slippery grass, as well as slick pavement in the city.

Weight per Pair	2.2 lbs (size 5.5)
Flood Height	6.5 in
Mouth Circumference	10.5 in
Lining/Insulation	Thinsulate and leather lining
Upper Material	Waterproof leather and waterproof elastic

Because of their short shaft, they aren't as protective as a taller boot. However, they have the best weather protection of all the short boots we tested. We didn't experience any leaks, no matter what kind of wet situation we put them in. Our main complaint about the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is the break-in period. These boots take time to become comfortable, but once you have worn them in, they feel like a dream. They are made of leather and have a sheepskin footbed—both of which mould to your feet over time, creating a one-of-a-kind custom fit. They also have a pretty hefty price tag, but in this case, you get what you pay for. Our testers have had a hard time wearing out their Blundstones; these boots last multiple years. Blundstones are very versatile, dependable, and they will last you a long time.

Read the review: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea review

Impressive Weather Protection

Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall - Women's

The Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall has the highest flood height of all the rain boots we tested. Reaching 17 inches, the Hunter Original will keep you dry all the way up to your knees. The rubber is extremely durable, the boots are well-made, and they have a stylish appeal that is quite popular in urban environments. For a rain boot, they offer quite a bit of foot support. One of our shorter testers didn't like the feeling of the rubber hitting the backs of her knees while walking and biking, and thus found the tall shaft uncomfortable. The rest of us didn't mind that feeling and preferred the higher flood height for the added weather protection. All that being said, if you do have a hard time with the tall shaft, Hunter makes the same boot in a shorter height, which might be more comfortable.

Weight per Pair	4.3 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	17 in
Mouth Circumference	16-19 in
Lining/Insulation	Recycled polyester
Upper Material	Vulcanized natural rubber

The one main drawback is the price. These boots have a durable construction that is made to last, but part of what you are paying for is the brand. However, if you can stomach the price tag, these boots will keep your feet dry. We tested them in rivers and lakes, on muddy trails, and even left them in the bathtub for an extended period of time, and no matter how hard we tried, we could not get them to leak. While the appeal of the Hunter boots will mainly fall in rainy urban environments, they are as practical as they are stylish.

Read the review: Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall review

A Comfortable Short Boot

Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot - Women's

The XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot might be the most comfortable rain boot we tested. The fit is a bit wide, which leads to a somewhat looser fit, which we actually found to be a positive attribute. They are extremely comfortable and have a clog-like feel to them. You can easily slip your feet inside and out of them without using your hands, which has been a huge factor in making them our go-to shoes for wearing when we are going to be in and out of the house a lot. These boots have been our favorites for gardening, outdoor house chores, getting groceries out of the car during a rain or snow storm, or walking the dog on a chilly morning.

Weight per Pair	2.17 lbs (size 8)
Flood Height	5.25 in
Mouth Circumference	12.5 in
Lining/Insulation	XPRESS COOLneoprene
Upper Material	Rubber/neoprene

The XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots have a slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides great traction on slippery surfaces. We don't find them to be as durable or as supportive as the XTRATUF Legacy, but for an ankle boot, they definitely get the job done. Plus, they come in all sorts of fun colors, including salmon-inspired prints by the Alaska Salmon Sisters.

Why Trust GearLab

For every review, we make a first cut of the most popular models before further refining our selection to only include the best for side by side testing. When testing, we pay attention to critical performance standards, take objective weight and height measurements, and measure 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.

Our comprehensive testing was divided into five key metrics:

• Weather Protection (30% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort (25% weighting)

• Traction (20% weighting)

• Wearability (20% weighting)

• Warmth (5% weighting)

This review of women's rain boots is led by Brooke Hess and Sara Aranda. Brooke was on skis before she could walk, in a climbing harness before she could read, and in a kayak before she could drive. She has a master's degree in science journalism and is a former Team USA whitewater kayaker. When she isn't writing or reporting on climate and river conservation issues, you can find her romping around the mountains of Lake Tahoe, testing gear and shoes for Outdoor Gear Lab.

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.

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. 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.

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 Blundstone Thermal Chelsea and the Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall 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 Asgard Chelsea Ankle might be the cheapest rain boot you'll find on the market, but it failed every weatherproof test we put it through. 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.

Weather Protection

Inevitably, the tallest rain boots provide the best overall protection. Unfortunately, weatherproofing shrinks as shaft height decreases. The taller the shaft, the more protection there is from sideways rain, deep waterways, or puddle splashes. The boots in our review are critiqued on their 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 two of the models have leaked on us, usually where the sole meets the upper of the 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.

We consider any cutouts, zippers, and lacing in the boot design. The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall have rectangle cutout handles that lower the flood height. While these handles aid their score for mobility and ease of putting them on, it reduces the overall weatherproofing of the boot.

Other design features that could compromise waterproofing include nylon gussets, tongues, elastic, or seams at the edges of neoprene uppers. The Asgard Chelsea Ankle has an elastic material on the sides of each boot, which aids in mobility; however, when submerged in water, the elastic immediately soaks through, getting our feet wet within seconds of water immersion. Thus, we can only say the flood height of these boots is up to the bottom of the elastic, making it a mere 2.5 inches tall. Conversely, the Bogs SweetPea II Chelsea, Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, and Merry People Bobbi have waterproofed gussets that maintain a flood height as tall as the shaft.

The L.L. Bean 8" Insulated was only waterproof up to the top of the rubber portion on the bottoms of the boots. As soon as we submerged them up to the top of the leather uppers, water began seeping in. To L.L. Bean's credit, their website does not claim that the leather will be waterproof - they only designed them to be waterproof to the top of the rubber bottoms.

Comfort

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.

Soft, flexible rubber typically means a smoother shaft flex with your leg as you walk, which is a must with taller models. 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, and some testers felt the rubber was too stiff around their legs. 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.

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 Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall is made from an extremely sturdy rubber that is very durable, but can feel stiff against the backs of your knees while walking and biking. Similarly, the L.L. Bean 8" Insulated has a leather upper that was fairly stiff and bulky. Our testers said it felt like there was too much material.

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 Tall is a slight exception due to the softer neoprene, but tall socks are still recommended. The same is true with the Bogs Holly Chelsea and the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots.

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. The Blundstone Thermal Chelsea avoids this issue altogether; it has the only design we tested that avoids any heel lifts whatsoever.

Traction

Whether working or playing outside, proper traction is there to help you stay upright. However, the importance you put on traction depends on the types of surfaces you regularly encounter. If you frequently walk along muddy river banks, work on a slick boat deck, or traverse slickrock river beds, reliable traction will be essential.

Each pair of boots has nuances. The thinner soles on the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots and the Heidi 2 offer ample sensitivity (a plus in our book), though it can lead to discomfort on surfaces with gravel and sharp rocks. The Muck Boot Chore Mid and Bogs Neo-Classic Tall provide decent traction but have a denser sole that lacks the flexible sensitivity that is so great when navigating uneven terrain.

The Bogs Holly Chelsea and the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea both offer impressive traction for trail walks and loose terrain. In contrast, the L.L. Bean 8" Boot hosts a sole that feels fairly flimsy while walking around on rocky ground. This boot is best suited for the flattest and least technical surfaces. Its chain-link sticky tread excels on ice, snow, and wet rocks, but then again, such situations might call for different footwear altogether (like winter boots for cold weather).

Wearability

Wearability is one of the most subjective categories for ranking. We base each score on its out-of-the-box appeal, the versatility in terms of both style and practicality, and any cultivated opinions over time.

The Blundstone Thermal Chelsea really stood out in this category as the most versatile boot in our lineup. This boot looks good with any outfit and works for anything from working outside to hiking to working in an office to going to a concert. It truly shines as a do-it-all rain boot that doesn't look like a rain boot.

The Hunter Original Adjustable has a slim profile with added buckles, finger loops, and other molded accents. The Hunter boot is sleek and tall, and is a fall-weather staple in much of the U.S. These boots are modern, classy, popular, and neutral enough to wear with a pair of slim jeans or a skirt and tights.

The L.L. Bean 8" Insulated is a timeless design that has been popular for decades. It doesn't have the classic rain boot look, with the lace-up leather design. The XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots have a classic rubber boot look, but the lower shaft height is easier to pair with more styles of jeans.

The other tall or mid-calf models are a bit harder to pair with wide-leg pants, limiting their wearability somewhat, but they still have their unique flair. The Kamik Heidi 2 stands out with its bright color options and glossy finish, whereas the XTRATUF Legacy has a technical style built for the rough-and-tough outdoors, with the fun flair of the inner printed liner. The XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot comes in all sorts of fun colors, and even a few fun prints. Similarly, the Merry People Bobbi is notable for its fun color block combos and neoprene accent.

Chelsea-style boots pair well with just about anything, which adds major style points to Bogs Holly Chelsea and Bogs SweetPea II Chelsea. This design also offers versatility across the seasons and are only truly compromised in deep winter conditions such as deep snow, severe cold temperatures, and deeper puddles or wet working conditions.

The Muck models all utilize neoprene and rugged-looking cuts of rubber that are more at home in a ranch or rural setting. But some models still incorporate style notes like color, laces, or patterns, which is a nice addition to their otherwise workhorse aesthetic. The Bogs Neo-Classic is an absolute beast when it comes to working in cold, wet, and rugged conditions, but it comes at the sacrifice of any and all fashion sensibility. For some, the tradeoff is worth it.

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, tromping across a snowy field, or on a casual rainy day. The warmest boots were 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 Tall. 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. We don't recommend them for temps higher than 50°F.

Most of our fleet have a more traditional amount of insulation, which is little to none. This means that boots like the XTRATUF 15" Legacy, Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall, 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.

A notable mention is the XTRATUF Ankle Deck 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 Blundstone Thermal Chelsea with its waterproof leather. The high-quality material is inherently warmer than rubber, but the construction also allows for better airflow to prevent the feet from overheating.

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 and versatility.