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Soggy feet can ruin your day, whether you're taking the dog out for a morning stroll or braving the marshes to do some bird watching. Reliable, waterproof rain boots can keep your feet dry and happy, and some can even look fun and stylish while doing it.
The XTRATUF 15" Legacy is the best rain boot for most women. It rises to just below the knee and provides some of the best weather protection of the bunch, but can roll down to a more convenient ankle height for more casual use. Plus, folding it down reveals a fun print that gives these standard-looking boots a little flair.
The best value for a classic rain boot style is the Kamik Miranda. We were pleasantly surprised with how well this budget boot performed. It costs less than half of most competitors, but Kamik didn't sacrifice functionality or comfort to get there. We also think they're pretty cute!
We've tested more than 50 pairs of women's rain boots and worn them through summer thunderstorms, rainy city days, mucky winters, and spring thaws. We took them everywhere from the garden out back to mountain creek beds to test waterproofing, traction, and more.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on October 19, 2026, with several new additions from Hunter, Bogs and Muck Boot, as well as new insights on boots we tested last fall after longer-term use.
The women's XTRATUF Legacy has the best blend of weather protection, comfortable flexibility, and fun funky style that we have found in any rain boot we have tested. Rain boots in general tend to be severely lacking in arch support, and while not comparable to a hiking boot the XTRATUF Legacy is the best we have found, and we were comfortable standing and walking around in these boots all day. Their traction is designed specifically for wet, slick surfaces, (like on a fishing boat deck). We wore them through a Tahoe winter, and found them to be extremely stable on everything from icy roads to wet grocery store floors and rain-slick sidewalks.
The Legacy veers into workboot territory and might feel too clunky to wear casually, depending on where you are. While the exterior color options aren't particularly inspiring, the boots feature fun prints on their inner liners. We like to roll the tops of the boots down to show off the stylish prints and give our calves a little breathing room. We have found the boots very durable, but after a year of heavy use, parts of the outer rubber have developed a yellowish tinge, though it hasn't affected the boot's performance at all. All this being said, 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. After a year of use in rain, shine, snow, ice, and mud, the boot is holding up well.
The women's Kamik Miranda honestly shocked us - in a good way! This ended up being one of our favorites in this round of testing, even before we looked at the price. If you are on a budget (maybe even if you are not on a budget!), this is a fantastic all-around boot. It's stylish, has great traction, is comfortable, and no matter what test we put it through, it stayed 100% waterproof. Whether you're walking to the subway station in a downpour, or doing field work in a muddy swamp, these boots will keep you dry up to mid-calf.
The main thing we'd keep an eye on is durability. Some other wearers claim that these boots fell apart after little use. This was not our experience; the boots held up quite well in all of our durability tests - including hiking uphill on sharp and loose rock. We can't guarantee that these boots will last you a lifetime, but if that's what you're looking for you're going to have to shell out some more cash. That being said, for the price, we have never tested a better rain boot.
Out of all the rain boots we tested, the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot is probably the one we reach for the most often. Being a shortie boot, it lacks some weather protection, but it makes up for it in wearability and pure convenience. It's so easy to slide your feet in and out of these boots that we found them often replacing our gardening clogs, which we typically use for quick outdoor chores like taking out the trash or going for a short dog walk around the block. They're also just fun to wear. They come in all sorts of fun colors and prints, and the short height makes them easy to pair with any outfit, from baggy jeans to dresses with tights. We've personally gotten more compliments on these boots than on any other in our lineup.
While the short flood height can be a huge asset in terms of wearability, it also comes with some drawbacks. If you need something to keep you dry up to your knees while wading through streams, walking through dewy brush, or working in muddy environments, you might want to consider something with a higher flood height. But if you just want something to keep your toes dry while walking around rainy city sidewalks, without looking like you just came back from the farm, this boot is for you.
The Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is by far the most versatile rain boot we have ever tested, mostly because it doesn't look like a rain boot. 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 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. And they don't just look good. 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. Plus - they're extremely durable. They show little wear after a full year of hard use, in fact, we think they look even better after they've been broken in.
Because of their short shaft, they aren't as protective as a taller boot. However, they do remain fully waterproof up to the full 6 1/2 flood height, even the elastic portion on the side of the boots kept water out in our tests. Our main complaint about the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is the break-in period. As with most leather boots, these can be a bit stiff right out of the box, but once you have worn them in, they fit 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. We have had a hard time wearing out our Blundstones; these boots can last up to a decade in some cases.
The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall are one of the few rain boots we tested that have enough insulation to keep your feet dry and warm in freezing temps. In fact, they're so warm that these boots have gotten us through a few winters as our main snow boot. In addition to being well insulated, they have incredible traction, fantastic durability, and are quite comfortable. Their neoprene upper adds enough flexibility that these hefty-looking boots are actually quite mobile. The built-in handles make them easy to pull on, and a heel tab on each boot makes them easy to kick off without using your hands. However, the built-in handles lower the effective flood height a few inches, hence the slightly lower weather protection score. That aside, their burly durability is unbeatable, and if you want a rugged beast of a boot that you can wear to do heavy yard work or farm chores, look no further.
The Bogs offer some of the best protection from cold and moisture, but they are not practical for every user. While a warm boot sounds enticing for those of us who live in the mountains, it might not be as tempting of a draw for someone who lives in an urban environment, and it's definitely not the right choice for sweltering summer heat. While this boot is rugged and durable, it is also bulky and clunky. The thick rubber sole will protect your feet from rocks and sticks, but also weighs you down unnecessarily if you just need them for casual use. If you want a casual, easy shoe, this is not it. If you want something that will make your feet invincible, the Bogs have you covered.
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 knee caps. 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 and a short heel that adds a polished look. 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.
Shorter wearers may find the 17 inch height too tall. We found that it rubbed uncomoftably behind our knees when we were biking or siting down in the car. The extra stiff rubber didn't help either. We have also tested the Hunter Original Short, wich comes up to mid-calf, rather than to the knee. These might be a better fit for petite wearers, but you'll loose some of the water protection. The other 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, and they will last you multiple years.
The Hunter Original Back Adjustable boots have the highest flood height of all the boots we tested. Credit: Brooke Hess
Product Comparison Table
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 (25% of overall score weighting)
-Comfort (25% weighting)
-Traction (20% weighting)
-Wearability (15% weighting)
-Durability (15% 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.
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. 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.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
After we complete testing, we consider the relationship between affordability and overall quality of the boots in our lineup. Afterall, everyone loves a good deal, right?
The Kamik Miranda is the perfect example of a place where high value doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. These boots kept us dry through rivers, puddles, and rainstorms, and were comfortable to wear along the way. They are a classic rubber boot, so they lack breathability and any kind of arch support, but if you like to keep it simple and affordable, these are truly one of our favorites.
The Kamik Miranda shocked us with how amazingly they performed in every test. Credit: Brooke Hess
If you're able to go the next tier up, the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots will pay for themselves quickly with how much you'll wear them. We pulled them out of our closet on a near daily basis, and cost per wear dropped to pennies on the dollar. They aren't cheap exactly, but they still cost less than any of the heavy duty boots we tested.
We compared the flood heights of each rain boot, and factored it in when determining the weather protection score. Credit: Brooke Hess
Weather Protection
Inevitably, the tallest rain boots provide the best overall protection. The taller the shaft, the more protection there is from sideways rain, deep waterways, or puddle splashes. Other factors include neoprene gaskets, which can prevent water from splashing in through the top of the boot, and the calf width. If your calves are significantly skinnier than the width of the top of the boot, more wanter is going to come in. 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.
The Hunter Original boots kept us completely dry in water depths almost up to our knees. Credit: Brooke Hess
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.
We consider any cutouts, zippers, and lacing in the boot design. The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall have rectangle cutout handles that lower the flood height. While these handles aid their score for wearability and ease of putting them on, it reduces the overall weatherproofing of the boot.
The cutout handles in the Bogs Classic Seamless Tall add to their wearability score, but detract from their weather protection score. Credit: Brooke Hess
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 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.
Our testers absolutely loved the fun color selection of the Merry People Bobbi. Credit: Brooke Hess
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 Miranda is fairly true to size and fits nicely around low-volume feet. The fit of the Hunter Original Back Adjustable was a bit tougher to nail. Some testers felt the rubber was too stiff around their legs, in both the tall and short versions of the boot. They are both reasonably easy to take on and off, but we had a hard time wanting to walk long miles in either Hunter boot, as the rubber would cause our calves to chafe in a way that was quite noticeable. In contrast, the workaholic XTRATUF Legacy, brings comfort 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 Hunter Original Back Adjustable Tall and Hunter Original Short are both 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.
Rain boots can get clammy much faster than other footwear 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.
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, or tucking in your pants. Commonly, the mouth of the shaft is abrasive against bare skin. The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall is a slight exception due to the softer neoprene, but tall socks are still recommended. Our lead tester experienced sock slippage due to a feature just above the heel in the BOGS Classic Seamless, which is actually meant to keep the heel from rising. We also experienced heel slippage in the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots and the Grundens Deck Boss, but found that with such short and light boot styles, it didn't really impact our experience all that much.
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 doesn't have any heel lifts whatsoever.
In general, the shorter boots are more comfortable than taller boots. Credit: Brooke Hess
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 slick rock river beds, reliable traction will be essential. Even if you're just walking on city sidewalks and through grocery stores, it's important that your boot grips those surfaces well, so you don't end up accidentally falling on your bum!
Each pair of boots has nuances. The thinner soles on the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots and the Kamik Miranda offer ample sensitivity (a plus in our book), though it can lead to discomfort on surfaces with gravel and sharp rocks. The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall has the best traction of the lineup, when it comes to navigating snow and ice, but has a denser sole that lacks the flexible sensitivity that is so great when navigating slippery river bottoms or sidewalks.
Comparing different tractions between the Bogs Classic Seamless Tall, Hunter Original Short, and XTRATUF Legacy 15". Credit: Brooke Hess
The Kamik Miranda 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. Our lead tester has been using this boot for over a year, and she uses it just as often for hikes as she does for working in the office. 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 Grundens Deck Boss and the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots are our go-to gardening and yard chore boots Credit: Brooke Hess
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 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 the Grundens Deck Boss and the Merry People Bobbi. These design also offer 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.
We loved the fun bright red color of the Bogs Amanda Mid II. Credit: Brooke Hess
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 Muck Boot Muckster II Mid has cute prints on the inner portion of the upper neoprene, which are fun to show off if you roll the top of the boot down.
The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall 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. Our lead tester absolutely raves about this boot in cold weather. She has been using it as her main snow boot in Tahoe winters for the past six years, and doesn't have a single complaint about it. That being said, we would not recommend buying this boot if you live in a warmer environment. It's excellent in the cold, but way too hot if not.
There was an impressive lineup of rain boots to test this year. Credit: Brooke Hess
Durability
A rain boot is of no use if it falls apart at the seams after one use and loses its waterproofness. For this metric, we conduct extensive durability tests walking over agressive surfaces, and for many of the boots, we have continued to wear them year round and report back on our experience with their durability after long term use. We also read A LOT of online reviews.
If multiple online reviewers are complaining about a boot splitting at the seams, we will pay extra attention to this. Unfortunately, this was the case with the Western Chief Waterproof Mid, which had multiple negative reviews citing leakage at the seams. When we took a closer look at the Western Chief boots we had, we immediately noticed a 1-inch rip in the seam. Despite this, the boot remained waterproof in our testing, but we aren't expecting that to last super long.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Hunter boots and Blundstones, both of which are made from hardy materials that we expect to last for years. They are both also some of the most expensive boots in our lineup, but they offer buy-it-for-life durability. Our lead tester has had her personal pair of Blundstones for eight years, and they are still going strong. She has also worn the newer Blundstone Thermal Chelsea boots included in this review extensively over the past year, and doesn't have a single complaint when it comes to durability. Similarly, the Hunter Back Adjustable Tall and the Hunter Original Short both have fairly high price tags, but counter that by lasting a really long time. We did not find any negative reviews citing durability issues, and similarly didn't experience any ourselves.
Other notable boots with high durability ratings are the Bogs Classic Seamless Tall, which our lead tester has been using for six years, and the XTRATUF Legacy 15", which are popular amongst commercial fishermen and women in Alaska. Their jobs require an extremely durable boot, as there is no going back to shore and shopping for new boots. You live with what you bring onto the boat, so durability is something to pay attention to. In our experience, this reputation holds up, with the only sign of “wear” is a slight yellowing of the rubber, that is a cosmetic issue only.
The Hunter Original Short are just as waterproof, durable, and dependable as the Hunter Back Adjustable Tall. Credit: Brooke Hess
How to Choose the Right Rain Boots for You
The right rain boot for you will be highly dependent on your lifestyle. Do you live in a city or in a rural environment? What kind of work do you do, and will you be wearing these boots at work? How warm is the climate you are in? How far will you be walking in your boots? What kind of surfaces will you be walking on? How much do you value style? How mobile are you? Can you easily lean down to pull your boots on, or do you need to be able to slip your feet in-and-out without the use of your hands? These are all examples of questions you may ask yourself when deciding what kind of rain boots to purchase.
If you live in the mountains, and often find yourself tromping on muddy trails and through cold creeks, you should pay close attention to the traction of the boot you are buying. If you work with chemicals, and need to protect your feet and lower legs from any potential spills, the XTRATUF Legacy 15" is the only boot in our lineup that claims to be chemical-resistant. If you live in a warmer climate, and primarily want a boot to wear while gardening in the spring, you may want to consider a shorter style, like the XTRATUF Ankle Deck or the Grundens Deck Boss. If you need to walk many miles in your boots, make sure you get the most comfortable and supportive boot you can find. Our testers found that to be the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, but comfort can be subjective, so it's best to ensure the boots fit you well, before you make the purchase.
All three of these boots received very high comfort ratings. Credit: Brooke Hess
How Tall Should My Boots Be?
The answer to this question depends highly on how much space you have and how many different pairs of boots you want to own. If you only have space and/or budget for one pair of waterproof boots, we recommend you buy one with a taller flood height. The shorter boots tend to work better for smaller outings that don't require serious weather protection, but for big downpours, major storms, or walking around in wet and muddy environments, a tall boot will be necessary.
If you plan on owning multiple pairs of boots, you can have a bit more fun with it. Shorter flood heights - such as the Merry People Bobbi and the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot - are not as protective when it comes to bad weather, but they are more versatile when it comes to mild weather and varied activities. Our lead tester enjoys having the versatility to pull out her 15 inch XTRATUF Legacy when slogging through seriously wet weather. But for an everyday boot on a chilly autumn day, where the ground is slightly wet from a storm the day before - the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot or the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea will perform just fine, and will look more sylish while doing so.
Before making your purchase, pay close attention to situations you find yourself in when needing a waterproof boot. Does the water reach up to your mid-calf? Maybe even higher? Or are you mainly stepping through shallow puddles and walking on wet concrete? A little bit of thought into your lifestyle goes a long way here.
The taller the flood height of the boot, the less water will seep in during big downpours. Credit: Brooke Hess
The shorter boots in the lineup. Credit: Brooke Hess
Insulated or Non-Insulated?
Live in a cold environment, where you experience freezing rain, snow, and muddy trails? If so, you'll be looking for one of the warmer boots we tested, with neoprene uppers and lots of insulation. The Bogs Classic Seamless Tall and the Muck Boot Muckster sit firmly in this category.
On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate, and don't want your feet getting sweaty and developing hot spots or blisters, you'll want to pick a boot with a shorter flood height, and no insulation. The Bogs Amanda II Mid fits in this category. The boot reaches your mid-calf, has no insulation, and has flexible enough rubber, that we felt comfortable wearing them with shorts.
Another thing to take into consideration when deciding whether to get an insulated or non-insulated boot, is how warm you run, personally. Our lead tester has Raynaud's condition, which means she experiences less blood flow to her extremities, including her feet. This makes her feet run cold all year long, and thus, she has a hard time finding a rain boot that is too warm for her. But if you're someone who is always feeling too hot, you might want to pay more attention to this.
In general, boots with thick neoprene tend to be warmer than boots with just a rubber shell. Credit: Brooke Hess
Sizing + Fit
The tough thing about rain boots, is that the majority of them don't come in half sizes, or with varied width sizing. Many of the rain boots we tested felt like bathtubs on our feet, and weren't enticing to wear for long walks. That being said, if you aren't planning on walking long distances in your rain boots, the specifics of the fit of the boot might not matter quite as much to you - as long as it is the correct size.
One thing we found to be interesting was that the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boot and the Grundens Deck Boss are essentially the same boot in every way, except for the fit. The XTRATUF has a slightly wider toe box than the Grundens, which made us rank this boot higher in the comfort category. But if your feet don't require a wide toe box, you might as well at least check out the Grundens, because they are extremely similar to the XTRATUFs, and add a bunch of fun color options.
When choosing a rain boot, pay close attention to how your heel slides around while walking. How far does it lift? Does this cause rubbing on your heel or achilles? How long do you think you can walk in these boots before your heel starts rubbing and causing a blister? When walking long distances in the Bogs Classic Seamless Tall, we experienced a lot of heel rubbing, which caused our socks to slide down, bunch up, and created hot spots.
Our testers found it tough to tease out the differences between the XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots and the Grundens Deck Boss. They are very similar boots, with slightly different fits. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Hunter Original Short is a great alternative to the Hunter Back Adjustable Tall, if you don't like a super tall flood height. Credit: Brooke Hess
The Merry People Bobbi have the most fun color options to choose from. Credit: Brooke Hess
Other Women's Rain Boots to Consider
Lems Waterproof Chelsea: These leather boots have a casual, easy style, a zero-drop footbed, and an ultra-wide fit that allows toes to splay out comfortably while walking. We tested them in our barefoot shoe review and loved the incredible traction and long-lasting build. And yes, they are 100% waterproof.
Danner Logger 917 GTX: We tested these in the past, and though they boast a fully waterproof leather design, with a more comfortable insole than most rain boots, these are not true puddle jumpers. We found the lace-up closure holds some water after being submerged, and the short ankle height is less protective overall. These would be a great option for longer walks/hikes in light moisture, but they can't keep up with the pure water-tight design of a good old rubber boot.
There are so many great options for rain boots. Credit: Brooke Hess
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, durability, and (hopefully) a splash of style and versatility.
We have a thing for finding the right shoes for the job, and if you need something insulated to withstand a snowy and cold winter, check out our our favorite women's winter boots. We've also tested other key rainwear, including rain jackets for women and rain pants.
