Spending time by the shore, in your garden, and even walking in a rainstorm all have something in common. Each situation exposes your feet to a ton of moisture, making it essential to have a quality pair of rain boots. Providing complete protection from water, the best rain boots fit well, are entirely waterproof, and last for multiple seasons.
Since they come in a wide range of styles, the ideal choice depends on the activity at hand. If you’re in the garden, then you probably want something lower, coming to above your ankle but below the knee. These enable a full range of motion for bending to tend plants.
Conversely, for storms or outdoor work, higher boots are in order. They offer the maximum level of coverage and are meant for walking — not bending. There is a different, high-quality rain boot for all occasions; so, to make your shopping easier, we’ve curated a list of the best rain boots on the market.
Best Overall
Tingley Economy Agriculture Rain Boot
Best Value
Sloggers Classic Rain Boot
Honorable Mention
Chooka Mid-Height Memory Foam Rain Boot
Benefits of Rain Boots
- Keeps your feet warm and dry: When you’re dealing with hazardous conditions, you want to keep your feet dry. Prolonged exposure to wet or damp conditions can cause swelling, pain, numbness, or trench foot.
- Provides excellent traction: Walking in wet conditions like water, snow, sleet, or ice, can be dangerous. Rain boots provide excellent slip resistance to avoid slipping, falling, or injury when walking on slick or uneven surfaces.
- Minimizes risk of shocks: In addition to their waterproof features, rain boots are antistatic. They may be able to help you avoid an electrostatic charge and minimize the risk of electric shocks during storms or otherwise.
Types of Rain Boots
Tall
Most rain boots are the tall variety. Tall rain boots provide the most overall waterproof protection and durability. Although these types of rain boots may not be quite as comfortable as comparable models. It is also recommended to double-check the sizing guides before purchasing as many of these boots come in wide and standard-sized options.
Mid-Sized
Mid-sized rain boots are typically the most comfortable option. They are usually about six to eight inches in height. While you are gaining comfort with a mid-sized rain boot, this type will not be as protective as tall rain boots. If you are looking for ultimate durability and waterproof protection, it is not recommended to purchase a mid-sized rain boot.
Women’s
Although most rain boots are unisex, if you are specifically looking for a women’s option, these rain boots are more stylish. They are available to purchase in a wide variety of colors and different patterns/designs. It is recommended to double-check the sizing chart on women’s rain boots, as many options need to be ordered up to a half or full size larger than normal.
Top Brands
Tingley
Established in 1896, this outdoor company has been providing ultimate protection, durability, and reliability for more than a century. Tingley provides all types of footwear, industrial, and outdoor clothing products.
Sloggers
Sloggers is a trusted company that has been manufacturing boots, shoes, and footwear in the United States since 1948. Sloggers brand shoes were the first to be sold in lawn and garden stores in 1997. It is a reliable product with a recycling program that promises to reuse parts of old shoes with each new pair.
Chooka
Chooka is a respected company that designs, develops, and teats all of their footwear in the Pacific Northwest. The company specializes in comfortable, water-friendly boots, shoes, sandals, and more. All Chooka rain boots are made from natural rubber and do not contain any plastic.
Rain Boots Pricing
- Under $40: Rain boots in this price range provide excellent value. However, they are often not as durable or long-lasting as comparable models.
- $40 to $80: Rain boots at this price point are often high-quality and fully waterproof. The highest quality models may only be available in mid-sized options.
- Over $80: Rain boots in this price range are extremely long-lasting. They are usually of the tall options and provide ultimate water protection.
Key Features
Waterproof
It is important to consider water resistance when shopping for rain boots. The best rain boots are fully waterproof and protect against all hazardous conditions, including rain, sleet, snow, hail, and more. It is essential that the soles have a tight seal to prevent water from seeping in. For the ultimate water protection, consider purchasing tall rain boots.
Traction
Owning a pair of rain boots that is completely slip-resistant is an essential feature. Look for rain boots that are anti-slip and contain excellent traction or treads on the sole of the boot. Rain boots should be safe to use in a variety of hazardous weather conditions, including rain, sleet, hail, snow, as well as uneven terrains.
Comfort
Owning rain boots that are comfortable is of the utmost importance. If you plan to wear your rain boots for an extended period of time, make sure to find a pair that fits your feet perfectly. While your rain boots should be comfortable, do not sacrifice ultimate comfort for safety. Make sure your boots are waterproof and have excellent traction over comfortability.
Other Considerations
- Warranty: It is important to do your research before purchasing your rain boots. Make sure to choose a trusted brand. One that comes with a limited or full warranty can be a big help. If you need to refund or exchange your boots, it’s important to know the amount of time you have them under warranty.
- Lightweight: If you’re going to be traveling, owning a lightweight pair of rain boots can be an important consideration. If they can be folded up to fit inside your suitcase, that makes it even better. The lighter options often provide more comfortability as well. Just make sure you are not sacrificing durability when selecting a lightweight pair of rain boots.
- Color Varieties: While not as important as water resistance, comfort, or durability, it doesn’t hurt to own a stylish pair of rain boots. Many rain boot brands are available in a wide variety of colors, as well as a number of different patterns/designs. Choose a pair that will make you stand out from the crowd.
The Best Rain Boots Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
Tingley Economy Agriculture Rain Boot
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Best for Women
Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boot
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Best for Men
Croc Men’s AllCast Rain Boot
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Most Stylishu0026nbsp;
Sloggers Classic Rain Boot
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Best Comfortableu0026nbsp;
Chooka Mid-Height Memory Foam Rain Boot
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Honorable Mention
Muck Wetland Rubber Premium Field Boots
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Honorable Mention
Bog's Classic High Waterproof Insulated Boot
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Honorable Mention
Joules Women's Wellibob Rain Boot
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Tips
- Make sure to do your research and read all the reviews before purchasing your pair of rain boots. It is important to purchase a high-quality pair that will withstand the test of time.
- Although many rain boots are fully waterproof, it is not recommended to fully soak the boots underwater. The seams are not always fully sealed and could let in some water when fully soaked.
- If your rain boots come with a full or limited warranty, double-check to make sure they can be worn outside under the warranty. Some warranties are only valid if the product is tested indoors.
FAQs
Q: What is another name for rain boots?
A: Another name for rain boots is galoshes. Rain boots can also be referred to as Dickersons, gumshoes, rubbers, overshoes, or rubber boots.
Q: Can you wash rain boots in the washing machine?
A: Yes, some varieties of rain boots are machine washable. Make sure to check the user manual or instructions before placing in your washing machine. Some models may be hand washable only.
Q: Are rain boots supposed to be tight?
A: It is recommended that you have ample space at the tip of your rain boot to be able to comfortably move your toes. Make sure to consider checking if you have enough space to put on your boots with an additional pair of socks without being too tight.
Final Thoughts
For a high-quality pair of rain boots, consider purchasing the Tingley Economy Agriculture Rain Boot, our favorite choice overall, or the Sloggers Classic Rain Boot, a stylish yet reliable option.