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Nov 01, 2024

The Best Rain Boots of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Are you searching for the best rain boots to weather any storm while maintaining function and style? Well, we slid our feet into some of the best rain boots on the market to produce our definitive

Are you searching for the best rain boots to weather any storm while maintaining function and style? Well, we slid our feet into some of the best rain boots on the market to produce our definitive buyer’s guide, a lighthouse in the storm to guide you through the turbulent waters and rocky outcroppings as you sail the seas of rain boot shopping.

For this exhaustive test, we rigorously assessed 9 top contenders in western Pennsylvania’s bustling city streets and wet and rocky woods. Our criteria included comfort, traction, durability, and water resistance.

Armed with a wealth of review experience, lead tester Eric McKeegan scrutinized each boot’s performance under real-world conditions. We were blessed and cursed with record-setting amounts of rain and spared no effort in our quest to identify the best rain boots in these demanding conditions.

Whether you’re seeking simple function from a budget option like the Baffin Enduro or the overall performance of our top pick, the Grundéns Deviation Ankle Boot, we’ve curated a selection of top-rated boots to suit every style and preference. Scroll through our top picks to confidently navigate the world of rain boot shopping and find the perfect pair for your wet-weather recreation. Explore our Buyer’s Guide, Price & Value summary, and Comparison Chart to learn more about considerations when choosing a rain boot.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 30, 2024, by adding a new overall pick, the Grundéns Deviation Ankle Boot and the BOGS Digger Mid Rain Boots, as well as a new Price & Value section.

Style is such a subjective thing. But something about these Grundéns Deviation Ankle Boots ($135) stands out in this sea of rubber boots. Unlike many products that sideline functionality to focus on style, the Deviation Ankle boots are the most all-around functional short boots reviewed here while still showing some sense of fashion. How functional? They knocked the previous best overall boots off the top step.

When reviewing the excellent Grundéns Crewman Tall Boots (previous Best Overall), we mentioned the Deviation boots as an option for those looking for more all-around traction than the fishing-boat-deck-focused Crewman provided. A few months later, these Deviation ankle boots showed up and stole our hearts while keeping our feet comfortable and dry while handling any outdoor situation we found ourselves in.

We spent time in the woods, along streams, and even a few drizzly days building a deck in these boots, and they continue to be easy boots to choose for almost any outdoor activity. Of all the boots we’ve tested, the Deviation has the most substantial outsole, with lots of siping and aggressive lugs. This does make for a heavy boot, but all that rubber and EVA padding doesn’t come without a weight penalty. It’s an easy tradeoff to make if durability and traction are the goal.

Grundéns includes HeiQ Pure (silver-based anti-odor) and HeiQ SmartTemp (thermo-regulating) finishes. It isn’t specified how these finishes work, and we didn’t notice much difference between these and similar boots in either stink or temperature. Regardless of tech claims, rubber boots and wool socks are a good pairing. Wool’s natural anti-stink and temperature-regulating properties are unsurpassed by any synthetic material or treatment.

The Deviations are supremely comfortable, blending softness and support. Our feet stay happy even after 8-plus hours of walking, standing, squatting, and stooping. There is some heel lift when ascending hills, but nothing out of the ordinary for slip-on boots. The width is regular so we (who have wide feet) found these a little snug, but not enough not to want to wear them all day. The wide outsole is very stable and helps with comfort when standing for hours at a time.

The uppers have three layers of rubber at the heel and toe, two layers in the middle, then a single layer and neoprene stretch panel at the top. This is smart, putting wear resistance where it is most needed and keeping the top of the boot thinner and more flexible. The thinner rubber over the top of the toes doesn’t create uncomfortable folds when squatting.

We didn’t find much to complain about here. The price is high for a short boot, but that includes a lifetime warranty. We mentioned the weight: even our safety-toe leather work boots are lighter than these, but the Deviations don’t deviate very far from the weight of similar rubber boots. They are somehow slightly lighter than the Bogs Digger, so it seems like we are really stretching for something to complain about.

These are easy boots to get along with. We see these as an excellent choice for landscapers and other outdoor workers who want an easy-to-clean boot that has all-day comfort and enough traction to muck around in the shrubbery. Those features also make it an easy choice for anyone wanting to get after it in a wet environment outdoors. We didn’t expect to see the Crewman bumped off the Best Overall top step, but here we are. In a market crowded with good choices, Grundén’s boots are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The Baffin Enduro ($75) is an easy winner for Best Budget Rain Boot and is knocking on the door of Best Overall. It is decently comfortable, inexpensive, and has a good all-around lugged sole. The Enduro is also made in Canada, which is almost unbelievable at less than half the price of the other brand-name boots in this test.

Baffin gives this boot its highest waterproof rating (B-TEK DRY). Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) construction does its job with no hint of moisture inside the boots. The temperature rating is a lot more confusing (Elemental Rating). Baffin defines this as “Cold comfort is most successful during light levels of activity.”

It describes light activity levels as a percentage of max heart rate and suggests you consult a medical doctor before exercising outside. This is some of the most unhelpful language we’ve ever seen used to help consumers choose a product. Baffin is lucky the product speaks louder than the marketing. To be more precise, these boots are uninsulated and are just a cloth liner adhered to the rubber exterior.

There are some inherent insulative qualities to rubber (including operating as a vapor barrier), but these are more a four-season boot than something aimed for winter use.

The insole is thin and uncomfortable. But, the price offers wiggle room for replacing it with a quality aftermarket insole. The stiffer rubber folds in on the instep when walking, particularly while climbing hills. This isn’t much of an issue on short walks, but depending on your foot shape and sock choice, it could lead to chafing or blisters.

For the price-conscious shopper not looking for an insulated rain boot, the Enduro is hard to beat. The retail at several online retailers is under $50, which takes these from well-priced to a screaming-good deal. And they are the only brand besides Grundéns to offer a lifetime warranty.

The Baffin Enduros have become the first boots we grab for outdoor work, motorcycle and bicycle washes, and muddy shore canoe launches. If the Enduro were more comfortable, they might have unseated the Grundéns Crewman as best-in-test. Color us impressed.

To wear the L.L.Bean Men’s Bean Boot 8″ GORE-TEX/Thinsulate ($259) is to step back in time. In 1912, when Leon Leonwood Bean grew tired of being forced to choose between comfortable but soggy leather lace-up boots or dry but uncomfortable rubber boots, he merged the comfort and support of a leather upper with a waterproof lower. He came up with what was initially marketed as the Maine Hunting Shoe. Bean overcame initial production issues to create a genuine legacy product.

As the only lace-up boot in the test and the most expensive, the Bean Boot has its work cut out. However, while the boot design might be over 100 years old, a GORE-TEX membrane and Thinsulate insulation are a modern touch of technology in an unassuming package. The Bean Boot is a family of boots with various heights and levels of insulation, but all are still made in Maine.

These boots might seem more fashionable than functional, but their comfort and performance delivered in all kinds of conditions. They work well anywhere the other boots did (except for deeper water), but they also had the comfort and support to tackle rocky hikes in the rain. They were an easy choice when packing space was limited, as these can go from woods to brewery without missing a beat.

The sole is an odd chain link pattern, which did much better in most conditions than expected. But, it still wouldn’t be our first choice as a boot designed for stomping around in the woods. The heel is surprisingly narrow. We would love an update or option for a wider, more stable heel.

The thin sole provides a lot of tactile feedback about what was going on underfoot, perhaps too much feedback during a long day, especially compared to the sole of a more traditional hiking boot. Some of this might be due to the very thin insole, but the low-volume forefoot doesn’t leave much room for a thicker one. Bean dropped its lifetime warranty in 2018 but still offers a very affordable resole service for these boots.

The L.L.Bean Men’s Bean Boot 8″ GORE-TEX/Thinsulate quickly proved why it’s an enduring design. The rubber lower is easy to keep clean, blocks the wet and wind, doesn’t absorb water, and holds up better than an all-leather boot. The leather upper is much more comfortable and supportive than an all-rubber boot. These boots leave us feeling that in a few years, they will still be breaking in rather than wearing out.

The Bogs Classic High Boot ($135) could easily have won the best overall if we weighed cold weather more in our decision. They combine much of the warmth of the Muck Arctic Ice with great traction from the lugged sole.

Bogs uses a 7mm Neo-Tech bootie wrapped in a rubber lower. There isn’t much info about Neo-Tech, but it seems similar to neoprene. The rubber only goes halfway up the boot, but the Neo-Tech had no issue keeping water out, even in the bathtub soak test. The lugged sole doesn’t look aggressive, but it kept us surefooted on wet wood, rocks, and mud.

The top opening is an inch wider than the Muck Arctic (17.5” versus 16.5”), which leaves more room for calves, clothes, and comfort, but it can still feel tight. The thick algae-based insole is impressively comfortable, and the upper is easier to flex than the Arctic, but we still wouldn’t grab this boot for a long walk or hike.

For many folks, these boots could serve as a three-season rain and snow boot. Even without a full rubber upper, they shed mud well. Of all the boots we tested, these are the hardest to find complaints about. If they wear out, Bogs will even send you a shipping label to recycle them. If it is under 40 degrees, it’s almost impossible to go wrong in the Bogs Classic High Boot.

Picking the best boot in a group like this can be difficult. The Grundéns Crewman Tall ($180) is a professional-level boot with a price tag to match. While they are easily the most comfortable tall boots we tested for walking and hiking, they don’t sacrifice durability for that comfort.

The Crewman is designed for commercial fishing, one of the world’s most dangerous professions. The deck of a commercial fishing boat is a brutal place full of hazards and no protection from the weather. This is where the Crewman is designed to perform.

Grundéns and Michelin teamed up to design this boot. A Michelin-branded sole is rare, but more and more brands are pairing up with Michelin for outdoor footwear. We have some experience with Michelin soles on mountain bike shoes and have been impressed. The sole on the Crewman stood out for its grip and stability. Since its low-profile sole was designed for use on a boat deck, it can pack up with mud, but all things considered, it still does an admirable job on all terrain.

The suppleness of this boot stands out, even against the other uninsulated boots on test. Combine the comfortable upper with a name-brand insole (Ortholite), and these boots are third in comfort only to the Xtratuf and Bean boots, an impressive feat for a heavy-duty boot going up against a sportfishing boot and a lace-up classic. The orange stripe around each boot is a silicone band to keep rain pants in place, a feature we haven’t seen anywhere else.

The only real complaint with these boots is the shallow lugs on the sole. Grundéns sells a boot with deeper lugs (the Deviation: $165) that would be a better choice if mud and loose terrain are the primary use case for your rain boots.

The Crewman is for someone looking for a rain boot to cover the widest variety of uses. We didn’t make it onto a commercial fishing vessel, but we rambled all over the place in these boots, and they never failed to impress. Warm enough for cold weather but not too warm for summer-time yard work, the Grundéns Crewman Tall was the clear winner for most versatile boot. Add in a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty, and these look like an investment rather than an expense.

BOGS strayed from its normal rubber and neoprene recipe for these Digger Mid Rain Boots ($85), going with a full rubber outer and an opening wider than almost every other rain boot. That wide opening can be a blessing or a curse, so think carefully before you buy.

The main selling point of the Digger is hands-free on and off. Sure, we can jam our feet into other short boots and wiggle them around to get past the elastic neoprene, and maybe 25% of the time, we do not need to grab a pull tab to get the boots on. But with the Digger, just slip in, push down, and go. The heel-kick tab makes taking them off a breeze as well. The loose-fitting shaft leaves plenty of room for air to circulate, making these a lot more bearable in warmer weather.

The Digger gets Bloom-brand algae-based insoles and the familiar anti-stink and moisture-wicking treatments. The insoles are thin, and overall, these boots are comfortable but not as cushiony and supportive feeling as the Grundéns Deviation. We suspect a thicker insole would go a long way to improving this. We swapped insoles with the Bogs Classic Tall boots we also tested, and while both insoles are marked Bloom and are perforated and green, the insole from the Digger is half as thick. At least there is plenty of room to play around with thicker insoles!

The easy slip-on nature of these boots means the overall fit is very loose. Even though the outsole provides plenty of traction, the shoes’ lack of support makes them uncomfortable and unpredictable over uneven terrain.

While researching these boots, many places referred to them as “chore boots,” and we think that is an apt description. They are easy to get on for a quick task, but the comfort and support aren’t there for all-day use.

These boots are very much a yin-yang proposition. The easy on and off, wide opening, and loose fit make these easy to get enjoy for short spurts. Think farm chores or even a pair to keep in the car for changing out of waders, cycling shoes or ski boots. But the lack of support, loose fit, and open-to-the-elements opening makes them less appealing the longer we spend outside. These aren’t bad boots in the least, but should only be considered if ease of entry and exit are extremely important.

Without a doubt, in the coldest weather, the Muck Arctic Ice Tall Boots ($205) are the easy choice. We know the Bogs Classic High Boot won the best cold weather award. But these are your best bet if you plan to spend an extended period outside, not moving around much, and money is no object.

The Arctic Ice combines 8mm Neoprene with a thin fleece layer to provide tremendous warmth. Muck claims these will keep you warm between 30F and -60(!)F. We didn’t get to test that low rating, but we found these to be unbearably hot, much over 35F.

Muck uses a lot of jargon to describe the outsole (Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole with Vibram XS Trek Evo). The lugs combine a soft center compound designed specifically for wet ice with a harder all-terrain compound that surrounds the outside. A mild late winter didn’t provide much chance to test on ice, but these boots are the most surefooted on all surfaces of any we tested.

All that insulation and thick soles make this the stiffest boot in the test. While they weren’t uncomfortable to walk in, we got tired when needing to push past the flex of the tall upper with every step. The narrow opening at the top caused some issues with thicker calves or tucking in pants. The top of the cuff and pull loop jammed behind our knees while squatting or kneeling. Thankfully, rolling the tops of the boots down improved comfort while walking and kneeling.

These Muck Arctic Ice Tall Boots, could be a lifesaver for more sedate outdoor activities like ice fishing, watching winter sports games and tree-stand sitting. However, their weight and stiffness make them a hard sell for more active pursuits.

Rain boots’ number one job is to keep the rain out, and these CLC PVC Rain Boots ($28) do a fine job with that — and they do it for not many dollars. Unfortunately, that is where these boots’ positive attributes stop.

CLC is mostly a tool bag company but has a small line of inexpensive foul-weather gear, including PVC rainwear and boots. PVC is a waterproof synthetic material that is stiffer, less durable, and widely considered terrible for the environment.

These unlined boots are sweaty from the get-go, good socks are a must if you need to wear them for more than a few minutes. Steep hills have these folding and digging into toes. The sole is the slipperiest of the boots tested. We dropped in an aftermarket insole and comfort improved considerably, otherwise more than a few minutes standing around in these is a recipe for an aching back.

All of this could be somewhat understandable for the price. But the smell/off-gassing from these boots we experienced when we first took them out of the box was a deal breaker. Even after a week outside, the smell remained noticeable. Anyone who has been inside a Harbor Freight tool store will know the smell. We can’t say for certain what the odor is, but there is no way it is a good thing to breathe regularly.

The CLC PVC Rain Boots could be fine for occasional use if the smell wasn’t an issue. If you buy them, we recommend storing them in a garden shed or the back of a work truck. Available in some places for just $20 online, we understand the draw if you only use rain boots every once in a while. If you need something more often, we recommend you skip a few take-out coffees and spend more on the Baffin Enduros.

If there were a “Biggest Surprise” award, it would go to these Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport ($135). They combine true waterproofness, minimal weight, and Croc-level cushy comfort. Xtratuf has an amazing reputation for its rubber boots, earning its tall Legacy gumboot the unofficial title of “Alaskan Sneaker.”

Marketed as a sportfishing-specific silhouette, these boots felt closer to a sneaker than anything else in the test. They were always the boots we grabbed for wet bike rides or longer walks in the city. When we did our testing, the reflective stripes on the pull-loops were a welcome bit of safety in the early spring low-light conditions. For straight-up comfort while walking, these were tops in the test. The only thing that comes close is the L.L.Bean boots.

These boots would also win the “Most Specialized” award. The sole is soft foam, which claims to provide exceptional grip on the slippery deck of sport fishing boats, but they are soft enough to pull off bits just by pinching it between my fingernails. Think of these as similar to bowling shoes.

You bring them to the activity(bowling/sport fishing) in a bag and only wear them on the activity surface (bowling lane/boat deck). We’ll keep wearing them to see how they hold up, but the 6” deck boot version of Xtratuf’s Legacy Boot would be much better suited to use on land, or for $30 less the non-sport version of this deck boot has a sturdier rubber sole.

In many ways, this type of rain boot is all we need to keep our feet dry the vast majority of the time. With a more sturdy sole and more subdued color these boots would cover most use cases for a “rain boot”. One caveat — while researching the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport, we discovered an abundance of negative reviews on Xtratuf’s website.

Xtratuf is not taking them down, which leads us to believe that they are improving things and standing behind the products, but the reports of sole separation and cracks after just a few months are worrisome.

We extensively evaluated seven top-notch rain boots over a rigorous two-month period. Our testing ground was the diverse landscapes of western Pennsylvania, where we traversed city streets, wooded trails, and everything in between, from leisurely dog walks to rain-soaked hikes and even a few wet bike rides.At the helm of our testing endeavors is Eric McKeegan, a veteran reviewer with a 20-year track record. His storied career includes a distinguished tenure as Tech Editor for two leading cycling magazines, and he brings expertise and insight to the table.

Beyond his expertise in the realm of bikes, Eric’s passion for outdoor pursuits extends to boating, camping, and hiking, making him highly qualified to assess the performance of rain boots across a spectrum of activities and environments.We combined real-world use and controlled testing to provide you with the most accurate and trustworthy recommendations. From waterproofing and traction to comfort and durability, each boot is meticulously evaluated to ensure that only the best earn our seal of approval.

With our experience and dedication, you can trust us to guide you toward the perfect pair of rain boots for your next adventure, knowing that our recommendations are backed by decades of experience and a passion for delivering the best buyer’s guides. Check out our Best Rain Boots for Women guide if you’re looking for women-specific choices.

Our testing focused on the following aspects:

Waterproofing: All boots spent time in the rain and some late-season snow. We also used a 100-year-old clawfoot tub for immersion tests. Waterproof boots float, so we submerged them for an hour using bricks inside the boots and stones on the toes. All boots passed this test, and no leaking was detected.

Comfort/Fit: The boots were worn on pavement, trails, and along the shores of rivers. Driveways were shoveled out, and bikes and motorcycles were washed. Comfort was evaluated for both standing and walking. We noted stiffness, sizing, and insole quality.

Traction: Traction was evaluated on multiple surfaces including pavement, rocks, dirt, mud, and wet wood. Other than the cheapest boots on the test, all the boots handled a wide variety of slippery surfaces well.

Durability: All boots were examined after the test period to check for excessive wear, delamination, or defects. We will continue monitoring durability over the next year and update this guide periodically with our findings. If you want boots more suited for hiking, consult our guide to the best hiking boots and best winter hiking boots.

The classic tall rubber boot is the default rain boot for good reason. The 12-16” stack height protects clothing, allows for walking through deep puddles or shallow streams, and is easy to keep clean. But tall boots are heavy and must fit more loosely to slip on and off. This looser fit makes them less suited for long walks or hikes. Also known as gum boots, wellingtons, wellies, or in Welsh as “esgidiau glaw”. The Baffin Enduro is a good example of the most basic of this boot style.

A shorter boot (6-8”) won’t provide the same level of protection as a tall boot but will be substantially lighter, fit more snugly, and work better for longer walks. The BOGS Digger Mid and Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport are slip-on examples.

Rain boots are rarely lace-up, but the L.L.Bean Men’s Bean Boot (not a typo, L.L.Bean is the company, Bean Boot is the boot name, maybe we should just call it the LLBBB, or 2L3B) is an interesting hybrid of hiking and rubber boots. This is the original that has spawned many knock-offs. If comfort and support are important shopping considerations, these are worth a serious look over slip-on styles.

Most of these boots use rubber and neoprene, which are both proven to be durable and resilient. Rain boots are usually constructed with a glued-on outsole and some type of liner. As with most things, the connection points are the most common failure location.

Before wearing them check the seams and liner for peeling or improper adhesion. All boots we tested passed visual inspection. The L.L.Bean Men’s Bean Boots have a few loose ends on the seams, but nothing turned into an issue.

Boot stiffness is affected by the liner and rubber. The Grundéns Crewman Tall combines thinner rubber and a thicker liner to be the flexiest tall boot. The Muck Arctic Ice Tall is by far the thickest and is easily the stiffest as well. The CLC Plain Toe PVC Rain Boots are an odd blend of stiff yet floppy. They had to be stuffed to support the stack for photos.

Also, check the rubber uppers for cracking. This seems to be the most common complaint across all brands. Even a tiny crack can ruin the waterproofness, and with a single-year warranty on most of these boots, pay attention and act quickly if something appears.

We had good luck following the manufacturer’s sizing guides for rain boots. It’s rare to find rain boots in half sizes, and everyone recommends sizing them up. Erring on the large size leaves room for thicker socks and more room for the rubber to fold and crease while walking.

We ordered all boots in size 10 except for the Bean Boots and found the fit to be consistent across the board. Most were a little loose on size 9.5 feet but worked OK with thin and thick socks. The Bean Boots actually recommend sizing down, and the size 9 fit decently well lengthwise. The volume felt small across the forefoot and toes on an admittedly high-arch, high-volume foot.

If you can’t try the boots on in person, make sure you can return them for a different size if needed. Also, keep in mind your calf size. There are tall boots with gusseted shafts or drawstrings that can help fine-tune that fit or snug up to keep out the elements.

Bogs offers sizes up to 21 in a few models, but most brands tap out at size 14. Bean offers D and EE widths.

Most rain boots are three-season items. Uninsulated boots, such as the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Sport and Baffin Enduro, will keep your feet coolest in summer. Combined with a thicker sock, they should also extend well into the spring and fall.

Insulated boots like the Muck Arctic Ice, Bogs Classic, and L.L.Bean Boot Gore-Tex/Thinsulate are the ticket for winter but will become uncomfortable as the temperatures approach the 40s.

The Grunden’s Crewman Tall is lightly insulated and works best in spring and fall, but might be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter.

There are no industry standards for warmth and everyone reacts to cold differently. So, what might work for one person in the cold (uninsulated boots and thick socks) might quickly leave someone else with frozen toes. If you are shopping for cold-weather protection, err on the side of being too warm rather than risking it with a less-insulated boot. And for big hikes where you need to stay warm, explore our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide.

Wet surface grip is very important for rain boots. A good lugged sole is the most versatile choice here, but a lower-profile sole can work well on most surfaces besides snow and mud.

Commercial fishing boats are notoriously slippery, and brands like Xtratruf and Grundéns are well known for making great boots for use in those conditions. The Grundéns Deviation 6″ Ankle Boots have great traction, and if they work well on a slippery wooden boat deck, they should also be excellent on land.

If traction is paramount, look for name-brand outsoles such as Vibram on the Muck Arctic Ice Tall or Michelin on the Grundéns Crewman Tall. Both of these boots provided excellent traction.

The Baffin Enduro reigns supreme in the budget price range ($25-$75). They can often be found on sale for much less than $75, but even at full price, they are a great buy. They somehow avoid the pitfalls of the budget boot category.

At this price point, the main issue to look out for is poor traction on wet surfaces. Soles that feel secure on pavement, concrete, and soft terrain can be downright dangerous on wet, hard surfaces. Walking into a building with a polished floor and faceplanting is a real concern with some of the outsoles at this price. Comfort is often compromised as well, but a decent insole can go a long way to make a cheaper rain boot feel better. Longevity is also a concern. Cracks in the rubber, delaminations, and outsole separation are all problems often seen in budget rain boots.

Boots in this price range ($75-150) are often very high-quality, and the choices are almost overwhelming. Many brands are competing in this space, with very similar-looking products. Compared to budget boots, you’ll see increased comfort, more durability, and better traction.

Our #1 overall choice lives at this level, the Grundéns Deviation 6″ Ankle Boot. At $135, it combines amazing comfort, great traction, a selection of colors, and durable construction. The lugged outsole might be overkill, but there few downsides to having too much traction. And certainly you’d rather too much than not enough.

The Bogs Classic High ($135) gets a shout-out here as well for being the most affordable insulated boots we reviewed. They also won the Best Cold Weather rain boots, mostly on the strength of their price-to-performance ratio.

Unless you are an everyday rubber boot user (commercial fisherman, industrial worker, concrete installer, Alaska resident, etc.), spending above this price has diminishing returns.

At this price point ($150 and above), expect to see the best materials, outsoles designed specifically for their intended purpose, and commercial-grade construction. The Grundéns Crewman ($180) was our top pick until they were replaced by the Deviation, but they are still the most versatile boots we tested. With their Michelin outsole, incredible comfort, and supple, durable rubber, these commercial fishing boots are expensive but not over-priced.

The most expensive boots we tested, the Bean Boots ($259) are a hybrid between leather and rubber boots, include Gore-Tex and Thinsulate and reflect that in their price.

Rain boots can be hard on feet due to a looser fit, not enough support, and stiff construction. A good insole and proper sizing can fix these issues.

When in doubt, size up. Leaving room for a thicker sock can make your boots more comfortable at colder temperatures.

A good rubber conditioner (Gear Aid Revivex is recommended by Grundéns) will keep the boots supple. Apply every few months. Some brands recommend olive oil as well.

Some people’s feet sweat more than others, so switching to Merino wool socks will absorb sweat and odors. If the wetness is coming from outside the boot, check for any leaks, and make sure water isn’t sneaking on over the top of the boots in deep puddles or streams.

Rain pants always go over rain boots to keep water from running down and into the boats. Non-waterproof pants are often tucked into the boots to prevent the hems from dragging on the wet ground or getting splashed from puddles.

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