The Best Rain Boots to Avoid Wet Feet
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Hunter Women's Original Short Rain Boot -
L.L.Bean Wellies Rain Boot -
Sperry Men's Watertown Duck Rain Boot -
TRETORN Women's Wings Vinter Rain Boot -
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Ankle Boots -
Buyer's Guide
Rain boots will always be a necessary staple in any closet. Even if your area rarely sees rain, on the occasion that skies are unfriendly, a pair of rain boots can save your socks and save your day.
The criteria in which I judge a pair of best rain boot in 2022 are durability, functionality, weight, price, and style. Each of the categories are equally important factors in determining which rain boots you should purchase. As a city dweller, I find boots essential for navigating the streets on a rainy day.
Here are five of my favorite pairs of rain boots, that will keep you out of the puddles.
Here are the best rain boots of 2022
Hunter Women's Original Short Rain Boot - Best Rain Boots Overall
I see people walking around in Hunter Boots daily. They are popular because Hunter Original Boots combine effortless style with its range of colors and functionality. Its multi-layered insole makes comfort a priority, and the height of the boot sits below the knee to keep rain from entering. Add the seemingly impenetrable natural rubber exterior combined with its light weight, and you have the perfect rain boots for a stormy day.
L.L.Bean Wellies Rain Boot - Runner Up
LL Bean Wellies are classic rain boots at an affordable price. They are Hunter Original Boots minus the price tag. They have a reinforced insole to aid in comfort and a nylon lining to help you slip the boot on and off your foot. The nylon lining also dries quickly if rain gets into the boot. The Wellies also have a deep tread which makes them ideal in snowy conditions. The affordability combined with the functionality of a deep tread, make these rain boots ideal if you are on a budget.
Sperry Men's Watertown Duck Rain Boot - Honorable Mention
Sperry Top-siders are perfect for the fashion conscious. The quilted nylon covers the shaft of the rain boot making beauty functional. These are boots that you can wear without having to pack an extra pair of shoes as they are stylish enough to work with any outfit. The Top-siders also slip on easily and aren’t as heavy as most tall boots. They run a half size too big and have a narrow fit, but securing the correct fit will secure you a reliable and fashionable rain boot that works in all occasions.
TRETORN Women's Wings Vinter Rain Boot - Consider
Skerry Tretorn boots are a fashionable, affordable, and are a great boot for moderate rain climates. The thick sole keeps you out of puddles, but the lower height of the boot makes it possible for rain to enter the shaft, wetting the inside of the boot. The Skerry boots come in a variety of colors, and the tabs make it easy to pull the boot on and off. Most likely to be seen on the feet of hipsters, these boots are a stylish alternative to clunky, heavy boots.
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Ankle Boots - Best Rain Boots
These boots are a fun, funky way to spend a day in the rain. If style is your biggest concern, these comfortable boots will keep you dry while being fashionable. They are lightweight, have a slight heel, and run rather narrow. Because they are ankle boots, they are not adequate in heavy rain or snow. If fashion is your determining factor, these boots are a suitable solution for rainy days.
Buyer's Guide
Why do you need rain boots?
Rain boots are must-have footwear, especially for those living in rainy places like Seattle. These magical boots make life ten times easier!
Honestly, nobody enjoys having wet mud all over them when out in the rain. The rain boots are sturdy and completely waterproof. So, no water or dirt splashes onto your feet as you walk through a wet path. You can even walk through a puddle without worries.
Certain boots are knee-length or longer, which protects your pants too. What’s more, these rain boots are easy to put on and remove. The slight looseness, coupled with structure, makes them quite convenient.
Choosing the Best Rain Boots
Hopefully, you must’ve found the idealistic rain boots in the compilation above. In case you haven’t, do not worry because there is still a plethora of rain boots to explore.
But, before you dive into the saturated marketplace, there are some things you need to consider for the best purchase possible. Read more to unravel!
Type
There are hundreds of different styles of rain boots available today. You’ll find dual-colored, printed, hand-painted, and many others. But, all these boots differ from each other in terms of aesthetics.
The selection of boots based on looks greatly varies from person to person. And so, we’ll discuss some other fundamental types that break or make your purchase. These include:
Boots based on Age
One prominent thing that you should be considering is your age. Some boots are for kids, and some are for adults. In between, you’ll find various divisions like boots for teenagers, the elderly, etc.
Boots based on Gender
Another important classification you’ll find is gender. Certain rain boots cater to the need of a woman’s foot structure, while some are suitable for men.
Boots based on Coverage
The coverage refers to how much area a pair of rain boots will protect. We have three major types in this; ankle-length, standard, and knee-length.
Knee-length rain boots provide the best coverage, whereas ankle-length boots offer the least. However, it is the opposite regarding convenience.
Ankle-length rain boots are more comfortable than knee-length ones. Most people prefer standard rain boots as these offer moderate coverage and convenience.
Material
The materials used in the rain boot’s composition affect your wearer's experience and durability. Although different brands may use different materials, the commonly-used ones include PVC and rubber.
PVC, also called polyvinyl chloride, is a lighter and cheaper material. It makes the rain boots lightweight and easy to use. These are quite good for kids and the elderly.
Comparatively, rubber is heavier and more expensive. But, rubber rain boots tend to be more durable and flexible. Unlike PVC boots, they aren’t stiff and hard.
Insulation
The insulation refers to the inner lining of the boots that keeps one warm and comfortable. Usually, summer rain boots do not come with a lining while winter counterparts do.
Most rain boots have a cotton lining. These provide more warmth, comfort, and flexibility than the alternative cotton-polyester blend. However, it is also more expensive and has a longer drying time.
Comfort
Lastly, opt for rain boots that offer you optimal comfort. Ensure there is considerable space on the front for you to wiggle your toes. Pick ones that aren’t abrasive on the inside.
Try the boots out and walk a few steps before finalizing your decision. If you’re purchasing online, then choose a brand that offers a warranty and guarantees.
How do I know what size rain boots to get?
Sizing is perhaps the most difficult task of all. And since many people do not measure their feet, they end up buying the wrong size. Here is how to measure your feet to select the right rain boot size:
- Measure the Foot Width
Using measurement tape, determine the width of your feet. Put the feet together, and place the tape on the widest of regions (near the toes). Note the value.
- Measure the Calf
If you’re purchasing knee-length rain boots, then measuring the calf is an important step. Keep your legs straight, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part, and note the value.
- Check the Brand Sizing Chart
Once done, use these values to compare with the sizing chart of the particular brand. They will have a chart with the range of values against the boot sizes (s/m/l).
In case you’re unable to find the sizing chart, then find the size of your current shoes. It will be present on the inside or on the back. Then, select rain boots that are a size larger than your current shoe size.
But, do not purchase way too big ones. They should be large enough to let you wear socks comfortably.
Taking care of your rain boots
Rain boots become quite dirty after a single-use. There’s mud, dirt, and water all over the surface. You need to clean it regularly for a better wearing experience and durability.
To clean, invest in a quality rubber conditioner for boots. It will work for both rubber and PVC rain boots.
Apply it on the boots and gently rub using a cloth. You can use a brush for the backside. Wash the boots with water if the manufacturer recommends.
Dry the excess using towels, and let the boots rest in an airy place. Do not keep rubber boots directly under blazing sunlight or in heat.
Best Rain Boots FAQS
Should rain boots be tight or loose?
Rain boots should be somewhere between tight and loose. They should be tight enough not to make your foot slip. But also loose enough to let you wear socks inside comfortably.
Are you supposed to wear socks with rain boots?
Yes, you should always wear socks with rain boots to protect your feet. Some rain boots are abrasive and stiff. Also, certain boots make your feet slide. All these things can cause blisters and injuries.
How do you break in rain boots?
You can break in rubber rain boots, but not PVC boots. To break-in, simply wear the rain boots with a pair or two of thick socks. Then, walk around for 30-minutes.
In case this doesn’t work, use a hairdryer to heat regions you want to expand. The heat causes the rubber to stretch and makes boots more comfortable.
