Rain boots are essential footwear across so many walks of life. The everyday commuter cherishes them during those grey and wet weeks when the sun has taken a bit of time off. The agricultural farmer slips theirs on at the beginning of each day before getting to work. The hunter and their tinier hunters in the making plop them on for an entire morning of wading through the muck of the outdoors. Rain boots are multipurpose wonders, so if you’re looking for a new pair, here are a few options that we recommend.
Boots That Survive More Than a Few Puddles
Consider these factors ahead of your selection:
- Weatherproof Abilities: Like their name would suggest, you want a pair of rain boots that know how to repel water 24 hours a day. Most can handle that task, but not all are made from notable materials. Boots designed with weatherproof materials like rubber and neoprene, the same synthetic material found in diving suits, are good indicators of boots built to keep liquids at bay.
- Mobility: The give-and-take relationship you’ll encounter when picking out a pair of rain boots is just how limited your walking can get when they’re in use. “Weatherproof” can often refer to boots that are thick, bulky, and downright uncomfortable. Of course, if you put too large of an emphasis on easy movement, then you may end up with a pair that doesn’t protect enough of your feet from the outside weather. The right balance of protection and mobility often involves boots that give way to you before all else, so consider lighter, thinner materials.
- Stylish Appeal: Finally, don’t be afraid of a snazzy purchase. The right choice for you should combine weatherproof abilities with a stylish appeal because no one wants to feel uncomfortable in the boots they wear.
Top Choice: Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot
Forged from 95% rubber and 5% nylon material, these Kamik Men’s Snow Boots are designed not only for keeping the rain, snow, and sleet out but for locking in heat as well. A removable 8-mm thermal guard lines the boot’s entrance, while the thick rubber-nylon construction typically extends to just below a wearer’s knee. These boots are waterproof throughout and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kamik Men's Hunter Snow Boot, Black, 10 M US
A moderately priced pair of boots that can withstand extremely low temperatures.
Best Budget: Dunlop Chesapeake Boots
More in line with the traditional kind of work and rain boot, this pair of Dunlop Chesapeake Boots is 100% Waterproof and offers a thin, lightweight design that doesn’t hinder mobility on the job. Its PVC upper and outsole design is 25% lighter than standard PVC boots, ensuring that a comfortable design is just as important as a weatherproof one. Overall, of course, this is a waterproof option that encourages users to get a bit dirty. Whether you’re in a field or headed down the street, these boots will surely keep you dry and for a low price, too.
DUNLOP Men's Modern, Black, 9
This pair of rain boots features energy-absorbing outsole channels that repel water from the boot entirely.
Most Durable: TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots
Undeniably designed to be the boot choice of outdoor hunters everywhere, these TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots are solid, waterproof, and anti-slip throughout. These rain and muck boots feature a 6-mm neoprene upper that’s extra durable and capable of repelling water from the surface. A deep tread pattern integrated into the boot’s rubber soles also delivers the kind of water resistance a user wants while also providing non-slip traction over smooth, rocky, and mushy terrain. Moreover, these boots are easy to work with. The user-friendly design is easy to slip in and out of, utilizing pull-on and kick tabs to get you to work in a hurry.
TIDEWE Rubber Boots for Men Multi-Season, Waterproof Rain Boots with Steel Shank, 6mm Neoprene Durable Rubber Outdoor Hunting Boots Size 11 (Realtree Edge Camo)
A rain, work, hunting, fishing, and camping boot that's easy to take on and off.
Most Stylish: Sperry Men’s Cold Bay Boots
The boat shoe craze might have come and gone, but the Sperry’s brand still knows how to make a good-looking boot, rain or shine. This pair of Men’s Cold Bay Boots is crafted from 100% leather materials extending to just above the ankle. It’s lined with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation for extra warmth when the sun isn’t shining. Its full-grain leather materials still offer plenty of waterproof capabilities, while its non-marked outsole offers plenty of anti-slip traction on wet sidewalks.
Sperry Mens Cold Bay Boot Boots, Tan/Brown, 9
Weatherproof boots don't need to be big and bulky, as this handsome pair indicates.