17 Rain Boots You’ll Want to Wear Even When It’s Not Raining
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My fashion-related pet peeve is walking in wet socks. And as a New Yorker, I know that if I don’t check the weather app in the morning before I leave the house, it’s a very real possibility. Enter the rain boot. It saves me the inevitable rage (sorry, we are not all Drew Barrymore) of walking through puddles or sprinting from my subway stop to my final destination while praying that my umbrella will keep me somewhat dry.
I know what you’re thinking, though: Rain boots are the No. 1 way to ruin an outfit. Not true! If the resurgence of lug boots taught us anything, it’s that functional footwear doesn’t have to be ugly. There are many different boot styles apart from your average clunky wellie. If you hate the idea of a tall rain boot, try a sleek ankle style. If you like to make a statement in the rain, go for a bold color or an edgy sole with an added heel. And if you don’t mind sporting tall wellies in a downpour or on sleet-covered streets — but prefer to wear more of an everyday, water-resistant boot for drizzly days — try a cool patent boot.
So whether you’re a fan of British countryside wellies or a more discreet water-resistant look, there are plenty of pairs that won’t make you feel like those of a fisherman or a toddler, and I rounded up the best options below.
So, you’re shopping for rain boots?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
Updated on October 22, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Our Top Picks
The Classic Hunter Boot
Hunter Original Tall Boots
When it comes to wellies, there’s nothing more classy than the original Hunter Boot. The tall rubber boots (or, as we like to call them, the official rain boots of Glastonbury) are an all-weather staple and a necessary addition to any wardrobe. These boots can withstand the most torrential downpours, plus you can buy matching boot liners and insoles for colder, snowier conditions.
The Updated Classic
Barbour X Farm Rio Thais Ankle Wellington Rain Boots
You can’t go wrong with classic Barbour Wellingtons, which were originally designed to hold up in the rainy British countryside. This mid-calf western-inspired pair was designed in collaboration with Farm Rio and features a pink print, durable leather, and plenty of traction.
The Non-Rain-Boot Rain Boots
Jeffrey Campbell Torrential Rain Boots
These could easily pass for regular knee-high boots. If you don’t like the clunky, quirky look of most rain boots, you’ll love the sleek and clean design of this pair.
More Tried-and-True Options
The Preppy Ones
Sperry Saltwater Boots
Sperry’s Saltwater boots are a nice alternative to the pervasive tall wellie. Reviewers say these boots are a more comfortable, cuter take on the ever-popular L.L.Bean boots which sell out every year. The boots also come in two different size widths, so you can find the best fit.
Rain Boots to Channel Coraline
DKSUKO Women’s Tall Rain Boots
Halloween might be months away but consider these tall rain boots if you want to channel one of our fave stop motion characters. And even if you’re envisioning a whole other costume, these are available in a slew of other colors that will surely match your current wardrobe.
The Pop of Color
Boden Chelsea Wellie Boot
Because rainy days can be quite depressing, a pop of pink will boost your mood.
Not Your Typical Uggs
Ugg Droplet Waterproof Rain Boot
These rain boots from UGG are the perfect pick-me-up for a rainy day. The boot has a rubber shell and flexible neoprene collar on the outside and a moisture-wicking wool-rich blend on the inside made to feel like genuine shearling.
A Refined Chelsea Boot
Hunter Women’s Refined Slim Fit Gloss Chelsea Boots
For a different version of the classic Hunter boot, try these wellies in the shorter, Chelsea style. The height of the boots will protect you from puddle splashes without causing dreaded leg sweat. And if you prefer a pop of color, they also comes in a bright fire-engine red.
The Other Glossy Pair
Melissa Welly
In true Melissa fashion, these bubblegum-scented rain boots are nostalgic and reminiscent of the ones you wore to splash around in puddles as a kid. They’re made from 100 percent recycled PVC and come in playful colors like iridescent blue and silver glitter.
The Hard-core Rain Boots
Moncler Kickstream Waterproof Rain Boot
Serious weather conditions call for serious rain boots. The traction on this lug-sole pair is superior and the drawcord-toggle nylon cuff will keep your feet nice and dry.
Statement Chelsea Boot
Merry People Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot
Why opt for a neutral toned rain boot when you can buy these chic mustard ones instead? If you want an option that screams “fun,” these are the ones for you. These boots are made from natural rubber and a neoprene lining for all-day comfort. Plus they’ve been tested to be freezeproof so you’ll be good even if you don’t check the weather app.
The Rain Boots for Fashion Girls
Maison Margiela Tabi Rain Boot
Yes, Tabi rain boots exist. And yes, they are at the top of our wish list.
$990 at Forward by Elyse Walker
The Hunter Dupe
Kamik Women’s Waterproof Jennifer Rain Boot
These boots give off classic horse-girl energy, and the thick rubber is equally good at keeping out stable gunk and urban mystery water. Reviewers said that the rubber material isn’t a flashy patent, but rather a more muted and versatile matte.
The Utilitarian New York Classic
Timberland Women’s Nellie Double Waterproof Ankle Boot
These boots are less heavy than Timberland’s original six-inch boots, and, even if they don’t look it, are 100 percent waterproof. They are the perfect blend of rugged and feminine and feature premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers. If you really don’t like the look of rain boots, these are a good alternative. But size up a half size if you plan on wearing these with thick socks in winter.
For Your Next Target Run
A New Day Women’s Chelsea Rain Boot
These ankle boots may not be the best to wear if it’s pouring rain, but they’re easy enough to throw on for your next Target run. Plus the waterproof construction will still keep your socks dry.
The Pair for People with Sweaty Feet
Canada Goose Vancouver Rain Boot
If your feet tend to sweat, these lightweight rain boots that are designed with a breathable, moisture-wicking foot bed will be your new best friend in inclement weather. They will keep your feet dry without sacrificing on warmth, comfort, or durability.
The Trendy Heeled Ones
Chloé Betty PVC Rain Boots
These boots made it big on TikTok for being both practical and stylish. If you still want these rain boots even after the hype died down, this is your sign. With their sleek and glossy design they’ll be a great investment purchase.
Our Experts
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