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Nov 17, 2023

The Best Rain Boots for Men and Women

Style $85 Shop Read More $120 $66 Shop Read More $495 Shop Read More $170 $81

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$85

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$120

$66

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$495

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$170

$81

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$1,450

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$225

$169

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$175

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$550

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$148

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$350

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$220

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By Leigh-Ann Jackson

Rain boots can easily get lumped into the utilitarian category, wardrobe-wise—those function-forward, plain-Jane essentials huddled in the closet corner until the skies darken. Their main function is to keep your feet dry, of course, but that doesn't mean they can't also be eye catching.

We asked style aficionados to point us toward pairs to help you shine through the gray with color, fresh silhouettes and unexpected textiles. If the weather app calls for a passing shower or a full-on downpour, you can opt for one of their fetching alternatives to the old floppy rubber mud-stomper.

$85 at Everlane

These rubber ankle-height booties come in a range of versatile, muted tones (such as Tawny Brown and Surplus, an olive green), which is a big draw for Sheena Paris, the personal stylist behind Onyx Styling Co. in Portland, Ore. "They allow some use of color without being too bright and attention-grabbing," she says. Paris first recommended the pair to a client who felt taller boot styles overwhelmed her petite frame. "We sized her up a half size so she could wear a thick sock." With their cushioned insoles, these are a comfortable pick for errand-running. They’re only available in whole sizes, so ½ size-wearers might want to order the next size up.

$66 at Amazon

$120 Save $54

$80 at Sperry

$110 Save $30

New Orleans-based wardrobe consultant and image consultant Rahj Kennerskadi of Brewed & Styled sees this pair, which features quilted nylon uppers and rubber lug soles as an easy addition to any guy's wardrobe. He recommends them to his clients because "they’re perfect for both inclement weather and light showers." Other factors that won him over: The lace-up boots are comfortable, pair well with slim or skinny denim and come in three easy-to-match colors: black, navy and brown. They also have a throwback preppy appeal with a fashionable flair that feels current.

$495 at Nordstrom

$495 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Natalie, the owner of StyleByNatK, says she's outfitted a few of her Chicago-area clients in this sleek style. The fashion consultant says these heeled boots from Moncler are her go-to because they "add some luxury to the wet winter months." Though they might feel a bit heavier than your traditional wellies, they definitely add some panache to trodding through puddles. The lug soles and chunky heel lend a bit of height, but not so much that they’ll leave you wobbling. We found these paired best with trouser socks or thick tights. For half sizes, order the next size up.

$81 at Clarks

$170 Save $89

$170 at Nordstrom

"You can't tell at first glance, but these boots are totally waterproof," says Allan Campos, owner of the Seattle-based styling service mrmodern.com. And we can confirm—water rolled right off of their exterior, keeping our feet nice and dry. The fit was comfortably snug and true to size. "These boots are classic Americana and a great choice for an elevated casual look, paired with chinos and a chunky cardigan or fisherman," he says, adding that they "balance aesthetics with practicality." The toasty faux shearling lining makes these a solid choice for chillier climates.

$1,450 at Bottega Veneta

$1,450 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Kennerskadi has high praise for these leather boots with rubber soles: "Honestly, they’re the most stylish boots I own." They’re available in men's and women's sizes and the range of sole colors swings from punchy magenta to springy pale yellow. He pairs these "eye-catchers" with an all-black sweatsuit for travel, or a black skinny-fit pant and blazer for date night. They reportedly run true to size, though he notes: "They’re a little tight when you first wear them, but they stretch out after a few wears."

$169 at Nordstrom

$225 Save $56

With their punky embellishments and peekaboo red lining, these boots are "perfect for the girl who appreciates a little edge factor," says Paris. Aside from looking cool, the side zipper makes getting these on and off a cinch. "I see these as the perfect travel boot to a rainy location," she adds, "because they look so similar to a regular moto boot [so] you could still pull them off on a not-so-rainy day." We found the collar was just wide enough for tucking in skinny-leg pants; otherwise, a dress or skirt would be a great alternative. If you wear a half size and plan to wear these with socks of any significant thickness, order the next size up.

$175 at Zappos

$175 at Nordstrom

Many of our experts tapped Hunter as a go-to galoshes brand. Kennerskadi has worn this signature tall style on rainy days for years and says, "they’re probably the most quality, durable boots I own," noting that he was initially attracted to their "structured, industrial look." The brand recommends sizing down, but we found the fit in the calf to be very tight, so you might consider taking Kennerskadi's advice: "I would size up and add an insole." Meanwhile, Sioux Falls, S.D.-based blogger Maren Jensen prefers Hunter's more streamlined Play boots, which feature a slight (1.5-inch) wedge platform. For her, the light gray color is "versatile and can be worn with so many of your favorite closet staples, and the matte finish is "stylish and easy to clean."

$550 at Bloomingdale's

$550 at Net-a-Porter

"I have clients who own this in multiple colors," says Natalie. This style's appeal is in its retro-inspired 2-inch block heels and square toes, which are perfect for racing from raindrops or stopping to pose for street style snapshots. The PVC pair gets bonus points for having practical full-length side zippers, but they do run narrow, so order a size up.

$148 at Kate Spade

Add a turtleneck, high-waisted ankle trousers and a patterned overcoat, and you’ve got Paris's ideal look for "the stylish, put-together, preppy babe." The ribbed block heel gives the boots a polished look and they don't feel like your typical rubber boots when walking about."These could absolutely be an all-day boot," she says, adding they’re a great option for "a rainy day work look that can translate to happy hour, as well." We found them to run small, so half-sizes should go up a whole size.

$350 at Aether

This pair is ideal for early spring when the temperatures are still a bit chilly, since they have a rib-knit lining and cuff for extra warmth. New York City-based celebrity stylist Sam Spector selected these lace-up boots for their "stand-out color and cool contrast laces," calling them "an elevated hiking boot that will get you through the rainy day while still looking put together." Plus, the rib-knit sock bootie is removable, allowing you to take it out to air-dry if needed. Without the sock bootie, there's no tongue or insole at all, just a neoprene outer shell with laces, so an extra-thick sock would be a necessary addition. With the right sock and lacing, our size 6 ½ foot comfortably fit in an EU 38, so we recommend ordering up a size.

$220 at Zappos

$220 at Nordstrom

If you’re looking for a more rugged look, Spector suggests these versatile weatherproof work boots from Blundstone. "They’ll stand up to the weather," he says, "and help you get through any project or activity that requires some physical effort and good shoes." When we tested them, water beaded off of their leather exterior, leaving the insides dry. You’ll also find removable footbeds and polyurethane midsoles that add comfort and absorb shock. Plus, they pull on and off easily and offer comfortable support.