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Nov 04, 2024

9 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2024, Tested by Experts

We've got rainy day footwear for every size and activity. We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn

We've got rainy day footwear for every size and activity.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Rainy days may come and go, but a reliable pair of waterproof rain boots (along with a quality rain jacket and a sturdy umbrella) should be a long-lasting staple in your wardrobe so you can say goodbye to wet socks and cold feet for good.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test all kinds of rain gear including rain boots to find the ones that are truly waterproof, comfortable and stylish that you'll actually want to wear – even when it's not raining. We recently tested 17 different pairs of waterproof and rain boots in the Lab using our specialized rain tester, and we shared pairs with consumer testers with different shoe sizes who wore the boots out in wet weather and gave us real-user feedback about the comfort, fit and appearance. According to our research and testing, these are the best rain boot picks including Chelsea boots, ankle booties, knee-high styles and more.

Synonymous with "rain boots" since 1956, Hunter continues to be a leading brand for attractive, functional waterproof boots. This best-selling pair is available in more than 20 colors, including matte and glossy finishes, though some options have limited availability.

We love the the mid-calf height that keeps you protected from rain and puddles without weighing you down as much as a pair of knee-high boots would. (If you do prefer more coverage, Hunter offers a taller height.) The boots are equipped with a buckle in the back, but it's purely decorative, so if you want a more secure fit, you can opt for the brand's adjustable width style.

During our Lab evaluations, this pair from Hunter outperformed every other brand, and the inside stayed nice and dry after being sprayed by our specialized rain tester. Our testers also found the boots to be comfortable to wear all day. One tester commented that the boots "did a much better job of keeping my feet dry" than other styles she has worn, but she did note that the when she first wore the shoes they lacked traction, leading her to slip once while she walked indoors.

For some added warmth during the winter months, we also recommend adding a pair of the brand's fleece boot liners.

Shaft height: 10.5 in. | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb 11 oz | Material: Rubber

A best-seller on Amazon with a whopping 17,000+ five-star reviews, these Chelsea rain boots are popular for good reason. The classic design can work seamlessly with nearly any wardrobe and is chic enough to wear on non-rainy days too.

Several online reviewers said the boots are easy to take on and off, thanks to the stretchy side panels and the convenient back tab. Many reviewers appreciated the affordable price with one reviewer who said, "I wasn't expecting much for the price, but have worn these a few times now and am really impressed. I have walked for 6+ hours in the rain and found them to be pretty comfortable."

According to other reviews, the boots' rubber material is easy to wipe clean. And the brand says the boots have "no-slip" rubber outsoles, which helps to improve traction. Although the short style offers less protection from the elements.

Shaft height: 5.5 in. | Weight (per shoe): 0.7 lb | Material: Rubber

Stay fully covered in inclement weather or flooding with tall rain boots. This pick from Kamik extends all the way up to the knee, so you can step in puddles without worrying about water getting inside.

Designed with removable EVA footbeds, the boots offer arch support and cushioning for a comfortable feel. One tester especially appreciated the cushion, describing the pair as "the most supportive rain boots I've ever tried." Another tester shared that the boots fit her nicely without cramping her toes, despite her having wide feet.

There may only be three colors available, but the black and grey styles go with everything, while the mustard yellow option has a classic, nostalgic feel. The buckles on the side of the boots are purely decorative, which means you can't adjust the fit. Our testers with wider calves said the shaft felt a bit snug, adding that they wished they could loosen the top of the boot for a more relaxed fit and to make sliding the boots on and off easier.

Shaft height: 15.75 in. | Weight (per shoe): 1.25 lbs | Material: Rubber

When working in the mud and dirt, you need a pair of boots that'll keep you clean and dry and that will stay in good condition wear after wear. These sturdy boots from Muck Boot fit the bill because they're designed specifically for gardening.

The neoprene upper shaft is more flexible than traditional rubber, so the boots will move with you as you squat down instead of digging into your skin. Plus, online reviewers with wide calves said the boots fit perfectly without feeling too tight. For versatility, the shaft can also be rolled down to transform the boot into an ankle style.

Several online reviewers appreciated how lightweight the boots are, sharing that they're comfortable enough for all-day wear. Just know that the neoprene isn't as water-repellent as rubber, so it won't offer as much protection from heavy rain. Other reviewers pointed out the traction the shoes offered and said they even wear their Muck Boots in the winter weather for warmth.

Shaft height: 9 in. | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb | Material: Neoprene and rubber

Just because it's wet and gloomy outside doesn't mean your footwear needs to be glum too. Merry People offers rain boots in 17 bold, fun colors like orchid and bright green that add a bit of sunshine to your waterproof wardrobe. These shoes have fans worldwide, amassing more than 17,000 five-star reviews. Many online reviewers said the shoes are sturdy yet comfortable, making them worth the more expensive price tag.

Our testers found these boots comfortable to wear everywhere (including indoors) and even opted to wear them when it wasn't raining because they love the Chelsea style. They also appreciated that the boots are designed with two pull tabs — one on the front and one on the back of the ankle — and a full stretch lining for easy on/off.

One tester shared that she loved the chunky look but did find the pair to be a bit heavy, adding that they felt clunky to wear. She said, "My heel lifts a little bit with each step, so I can feel some rubbing on my heel as I wear them." Online reviewers recommended sizing down for a more secure fit that doesn't rub uncomfortably.

Shaft height: 7 in. | Weight (per shoe): 1.25 lbs | Material: Rubber and neoprene

If you dislike wearing bulky boots when it's just drizzling outside, opt for a pair of lightweight ankle boots like this style from BOGS. Though they aren't full coverage, the boots still aced our water-repellency tests, thanks to the rubber exterior, so they should still keep your feet nice and dry. Inside the boots are cushioned textile footbeds for a comfortable feel, and our testers said the insoles stayed in place without lifting when they pulled the boots off.

Our testers liked this pair's simple, casual look and loved how lightweight they felt compared to other rain boots they've worn. One tester shared that the boots "performed much much better" than her former pair. All of our testers reported that the boots fit true to size, but some testers shared that the toe runs narrow, so they may not be suitable for those with wide feet and don't pair well with chunky socks.

Shaft height: 4.75 in. | Weight (per shoe): 0.8 lb | Material: Rubber

With two big pull tabs on the front and back, these lightweight rain boots from Xtratuf are super easy to put on and slip off at the end of the day. The neoprene cuff at the top of the boot also improves the overall flexibility and comfort.

Our testers were impressed by the comfy fit, especially those with wider feet. One shared, "Most [boots] I have worn in the past have been snug, but these have a good amount of room in the toe box." Another noted, "I had room in them to wear thicker socks and not feel like my feet were squished."

The eye-catching boots come in a plethora of unique color and pattern pairings like bright red and floral prints, so they aren't for someone who prefers basic black or a neutral design.

Shaft height: 6 in. | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb | Material: Rubber and neoprene

If you're on the search for classic, reliable rain boots, look no further than this pair from Western Chief. These rain boots have nearly 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and are available in over 30 patterns that are sure to help brighten up any rainy day. They are also significantly less expensive than other picks, starting at just $50 before any discounts or sales, so they're a great deal, especially for tall boots.

The adjustable side buckles offer a good fit for a range of calf sizes, and the bottom soles have grips for traction, though they're less rugged than some other picks' outsoles. The outer rubber material is great at repelling water, and the boot's interior is lined with a cotton and polyester blend that dried quickly during our tests. Plus, the boots are taller than many of the other styles we tested, making them a solid option for heavier rain.

Shaft height: 11.5 in. | Weight (per shoe): 0.9 lb | Material: Rubber with cotton and polyester lining

Sperry's duck-inspired boots feature a waterproof rubber material that fully covers the foot for the ultimate protection, with a cozy micro-fleece lining for a warm and fuzzy feel inside. The treaded bottoms are ideal for activities involving wet or slippery surfaces like hiking, boating and even gardening. Duck boots don't offer the same amount of protection as a knee-high rubber pair, but they're a trendy, preppy style that many GH editors and analysts have sported over the years as everyday boots.

Not only does the leather upper have an adjustable lace-up design, it also has a zipper on the side, making the boots that much easier to slide on and off. We also love that the boots are available in half and wide sizes, while many rain boots have more limited size ranges.

Online reviewers said the boots are durable and last for years of wear during outdoor adventures and cold, wet weather. One reviewer shared, "I love these boots! I can wear them all day, and I have plantar [fasciitis]. They keep my feet dry...If these ever wear out, I'm buying another pair."

Shaft height: 6.5 in. | Weight (per shoe): 0.59 lb | Material: Rubber and leather with fleece lining

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate all kinds of footwear including hiking boots, winter boots and rain boots. These are the main tests we conduct to find the top-performing rain boot styles.

✔️ Water resistance: Rain boots must keep out water, first and foremost. To assess water-repellency, we place a pre-weighed piece of filter paper in the toe box of each boot. Using our rain tester (pictured), we spray the boots with a set amount of water at a standardized pressure and temperature for five minutes. We then remove and weigh the filter paper to see if any water made its way into the boot. Most rain boots we tested aced this test with flying colors, staying completely dry inside.

✔️ Weight: We weigh each rain boot — all in the same size — to consider how heavy it will feel on your foot. We compare the weight to its height and the materials used to nix extra bulky pairs.

✔️ Drying time: In a heavy downpour, it may be inevitable that a bit of water will end up in your boots. To evaluate how quickly the inside of the boot dries, we pour a standard amount of water inside and weigh and re-weigh the boot until it returns to its original weight.

✔️Consumer testing: To ensure each pair is comfortable to wear, we have consumer testers of varying shoe sizes wear each pair in their daily lives. They give feedback on comfort, fit, traction, waterproof capabilities, appearance and more.

✔️ Material: Rubber is the most popular rain boot material, as it is completely waterproof. Many boots incorporate a bit of neoprene or stretch material around the upper of the boot for flexibility when putting the shoes on and taking them off. Some boots may advertise as being designed for rainy weather, but use only water-resistant materials. Water-resistant materials will allow in some moisture in heavy rains unlike waterproof materials, which offer better protection.

✔️ Shaft height: Rain boots are available in all heights from tall styles that go up to your knees to short booties that hit at the ankles. Generally, the taller the boot, the heavier it'll feel, but the boot will offer better coverage. Shorter boots are lighter weight and typically easier to slide on and off, yet leave you more exposed.

✔️ Traction: Look for deep lugs and treads on the bottom of your rain boots to ensure they have decent traction to prevent you from slipping in wet conditions.

✔️ Warmth: Most rain boots aren't lined so they can be worn year-round. Some brands sell liners to be worn with the boots for added warmth. In the summer months, rubber boots may feel a bit sweaty as they tend to trap body heat and lack breathability.

✔️ Style: Rain boots can be a pricey purchase, so make sure to choose a style that you'll want to wear long term and maybe even incorporate into your wardrobe when it's not raining. If rain is rare where you live, a pair of low ankle booties may suffice. In rainy climates, a taller pair of boots is likely preferred.

Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she is a leading expert on footwear, testing all types of shoes from sneakers to winter boots. Seymour has a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. She updated this article based on testing by Grace Wu, who has been a textiles analyst at Good Housekeeping since 2022. She tested over a dozen waterproof boots and rain boots for this story.

Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst who joined the Textiles Lab in 2022. She has tested rain gear of all kinds, including rain coats and jackets for men and women and umbrellas. She referred to former boot testing data, reviewed some boots herself and used her relative expertise when updating the picks for the best rain boots.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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