How to Save Money When Buying womens rubber wellington boots
The best wellington boots to buy in - Gardeners' World
- Best wellington boots for long walks: Joules Printed Wellies with Back Gusset
- Best wellington boots for for sustainability: Lakeland Tall Wellington Boots
- Best wellington boots for everday use: Merry People Bobbi wellington boots
- Best wellington boots for summer months: Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots
- Best wellington boots for wider leg shapes: Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2
Men's and Unisex
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- Best all rounder wellington boots: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot
- Best men’s heavy-duty wellington boots: Skellerup Red Band Knee Length
- Best wellington boots for cold weather: Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined
Our expertise
We tested a range of wellies using them through the season, in the garden for different tasks such as weeding, planting and digging, as well as for walking. Each pair has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to comfort, sole and materials, durability and value for money. Every pair of wellies in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.Jump to:
- Best women's wellington boots
- Best men’s and unisex wellington boots
- The best of the rest
- How to choose the best wellington boots
- How to look after your wellington boots
- Parts of a wellington boot
- How we tested
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wellington boots below:
Best Buy women's wellington boots
Joules printed wellies with adjustable back gusset
RRP: £59.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Country House Outdoor
Pros:
- Comfortable and light for long walks
- Very easy to take on and off
- Good grip in muddy conditions
- Available in range of colours and patterns
Cons:
- Need socks for warmth
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60% natural rubber and 40% synthetic mix, which makes them lightweight and flexible while offering good support. There’s a removable, shock absorbing insole for extra comfort, and a moulded heel and arch, which holds feet in position. Fully waterproof, they have an elasticated back gusset with popper fastening so you can adjust for comfort and to tuck in trousers, and although they have a ridge rather than a kick spur, they’re easy to get on and off. A ridged sole and block heels means they offer plenty of grip in heavy mud, as well as on loose gravel on slopes. They’re also quick to clean as the ridges aren’t too deep, so the soles don’t clog with mud. Despite not having toecaps, they’re suitable for digging as the heel and sole are strong and sturdy. However, they’re not well insulated so need a thick pair of socks for warmth in cold weather. Scuff-resistant, they come with a one-year warranty and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.
UK sizes: 3-9
Digital market & commerce executive, Angelica Wilson says:
‘I have high arches and struggle with very flat shoes, so I was really pleased these boots support my foot shape and feel comfortable.’
Lakeland tall wellington boots
RRP: £45.95
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Lakeland Footwear
Pros:
- Vegan friendly
- Made from 100% sustainably sourced natural rubber
- Comfortable fit
- Breathable, cotton lining
- Available in 10 colours
Cons:
- Need thick socks for warmth in cold weather
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for sustainability, these wellies are suitable for vegans, are made entirely with FSC certified natural rubber, sourced in Sri Lanka, and have an organic cotton lining. Light and flexible, they’ve an adjustable strap, making them very easy to get on and off and our tester wore the next size up, which allowed plenty of room for warm socks. They have a good arch support, which means they’re comfortable and don’t rub, even on long walks. Block heels make them good for digging, and the toe area is reinforced with extra rubber, offering additional structure and support for lighter gardening jobs. Gripping well in muddy woods and on icy roads, the sole doesn’t clog up with mud, which means they’re quick and easy to rinse clean too. Fully waterproof and scuff-resistant, even after walking through brambles, they come with a one-year warranty.
UK sizes: 4-8
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
'These wellies are nice and light, so well suited to long walks with the dog, as well as pottering in the garden.'
Merry People Bobbi wellington boot
RRP: £89.95
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Merry People
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Made with tough, vegan materials
- Light, easy to wear
Cons:
- Does not have protection above the ankle
- Tread not for very muddy conditions
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use, the Bobbi wellington boots are light, tough, and comfortable to wear. Easy to slip on and off, with two straps to help you get your feet in quickly, once slipped on, these boots are warm, thanks to a neoprene lining, and comfortable with good arch support. Made from natural vegan rubber they're tough, waterproof, and very easy to wipe clean. The Bobbi boot’s tread has good general grip, and there's a chunky heel to help keep you up and out of the mud but although these boots are great for everyday gardening, they don’t protect your legs from the mud so are not for wearing in very wet or muddy conditions.
Available in a wide range of colours they come with a one-year warranty. We recommend buying your normal shoe size, but rounding down if you’re at a half size.
UK sizes: 3-10
Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Le Chameau
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Jersey lined to wick away moisture
- Supportive sole and heel
- Easy to clean
- Available in seven colours
Cons:
- Need thick socks for warmth
- No toe cap reinforcement
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for summer months, Le Chameau’s Iris women’s wellington boots are made from 80% natural Chamolux rubber, sourced from a mature rubber plantation in Vietnam. The additional 20% is synthetic rubber to improve durability. Light and flexible, they’re a great fit, despite not having an adjustable strap, and offer plenty of support. They’re lined with jersey cotton, which prevents slipping or rubbing and wicks moisture away from feet, keeping them dry and making them ideal for hot weather. However, our tester needed to wear thick socks for warmth on colder days. They grip well in muddy conditions and the heel feels solid and balanced, although there isn’t reinforced toe protection. Available in seven colours, they’re 100% waterproof, scuff resistant and easy-to-clean. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
UK sizes: 3-8
Picture editor, Sarah Edwards says:
‘My feet never felt wet or moist thanks to a jersey lining.’
Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2
RRP: £90.00
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Aigle
Pros:
- Soft, supple and flexible
- Excellent grip
- Good support
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Big for size
These rubber wellington boots are handmade and easy to get on and off. They feel soft and supple and have a handy quick dry lining. They were comfortable to wear with generous room around the calves and feet and have a firm grip underfoot. There is a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wider leg shapes.
Sizes: UK 2-8
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘Really easy to get on and off and great for tucking in your jeans so they stay clean and dry too.’
Read the full Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 review.
Best Buy men’s wellington boots and unisex pairs
Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots
RRP: £120
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Hunter
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Pros:
- Adjustable calf
- Foot support
- Good for digging
- Strong and sturdy
Cons:
- Block heel unpopular
Hunter’s original rubber wellington boots offer a comfortable and flexible fit and are easy to get on and off. The boots don’t rub, making them ideal wellington boots for walking or digging in. There’s a good grip and a range of colours for both men and women. A two-year guarantee is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy as an all-rounder choice.
Sizes: UK 3-12
Gardening editor, Emma Crawforth says:
‘Hefty price tag but they’re sturdy, supportive and stylish.’
Read the full Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review.
Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot
RRP: £75
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Granite Workwear
Pros:
- Helpful kick spur
- Robust and heavy duty
- Distinct heel and deep tread
Cons:
- Bit big around the calves
Skellerup’s thick rubber wellington boots are cotton-lined and feature a kick spur so are easy to get on and off, although they are little big for size. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable while the reinforced toe ensures sturdiness. There’s a good grip, so the boots are ideal for muddy conditions and warmer weather. A one-year warranty is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for men’s heavy duty wellington boots.
Sizes: UK 4-14
Deputy editor, Kevin Smith says:
‘They are wide around the calf (so good for those with bigger calves) but a little gappy around the ankle.’
Read the full Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot review.
Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons
RRP: £220
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Le Chameau
- Exceptionally warm
- Shoe like fit
- Easy calf adjustment
- Good support
Cons:
- Can be hard to get off
Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, these wellington boots by Le Chameau are very warm and have an adjustable calf for a better fit. Although easy to slip on, the pair can be harder to get off. They have a comfortable fit with a shoe like feel, although they may be snug for wider feet. There’s a wide range of sizes and colours and they are available for men and women. There’s a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for cold weather.
Sizes: UK 2.5-15
Senior reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘Good fit and the lining of these boots keep feet warm and dry.’
Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons review.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Niwaki Rubber boots - Unisex
RRP: £69
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Niwaki
Pros:
- Steel toe cap, so useful for heavy duty jobs
- Washable inside and out
Cons:
- Snug fit
- Need socks for warmth
- Comparatively expensive
Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber lined so don’t need thick socks to keep feet warm, which is just as well as they’re a snug fit. The chunky soles grip well in muddy conditions and stony slopes, and given the substantial heel, work well when using garden spades and forks. They also feature steel toe caps, which means they’re good for other practical gardening and DIY jobs, but are still light enough for walking. There’s a soft rubber hood at the top of the boot, which is designed to make them watertight, but had a tendency to flop down on test - though this could be to do with calf size rather than design. We also like that they’re easy to wash, both inside and out, but you must remove the insoles first. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 5.5-10.5
Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:
‘I love the look of these boots, and they’re also a practical option if you want a sturdy pair that’s ideal for all sorts of gardening jobs.’
Buy Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki
RHS Muckster II Boots
RRP: £120
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from The Original Muck Boot Company
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Pros:
- Easy to get on/off - so perfect for a backdoor boot
- Waterproof but breathable
- Sturdy toe protection
- Lightweight so not tiring
Cons:
- Slightly wide in the foot
- Soles could be sturdier to enable extended digging
- The pale colour, which may not age as well as a darker shade over time.
These half-height boots are easy to slip on and off, thanks to moulded heels and flexible neoprene boot cuffs at the top, which can be rolled down for ease of access but are high enough to tuck-in for trousers. Lined and warm, even in cold weather, they’re reasonably true to size, and good for wider feet, so if you’ve narrow feet, you may want thicker socks. Sturdy and lightweight, they have a padded insole with some arch support, which makes them comfortable for a long day in the garden. They also have a band of reinforcement over the tips of the toes, for protection during lighter jobs. However, they’re not cushioned enough for prolonged digging, or distance walking, where you’d also want firmer ankle support, and shallow treads means they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean - either sponging off or brushed clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after 2 months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repels water. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-9
Contact us to discuss your requirements of womens rubber wellington boots. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Former Editor, Lucy Hall says:
‘They are a good second boot for me - as they’re easy to keep by the backdoor, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.'
LBC Explorer ultralight boots - unisex
RRP: £59.99
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from Amazon
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Pros:
- Very lightweight, but built to last
- Removable lining
- Kick spur, so easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- Wide fit, no support for calves or arches
- No toe cap reinforcement
- Only available in green and black
These short-style wellington boots from Leon Boot Company are surprisingly light. A great option if practicality is at the top of your wish list, they feature deep, thick soles that grip well, even in muddy conditions, a kick spur on the back to help remove the boots, and a removable liner. Made from a solid piece of rubber, they’re also completely waterproof, durable and simple to wash as there’s nowhere for mud to collect. A loose-fit design, it’s easy to put them on and take off, however, this generous sizing means they don’t support the calf, and as the heel is relatively low and the sole flat, people with high arches might find them uncomfortable. They also don’t have toe protection and aren’t breathable, which means feet can get hot and sweaty. They come with a one-year warranty for the boot, but the internal sock has no warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-14
Senior content creator, Miranda Janatka says:
'They definitely deliver on their promise - surprisingly lightweight and yet still feel strong, solid, and flexible.'
Ariat Burford Waterproof Rubber Boot
RRP: £140
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from Ariat
SQUIRREL_TEXT_- Very light and bouncy
- Breathable
- Toe protection
Cons:
- Rub on back of heel
- Adjustable calf more for decoration
This pair of long wellington boots are light and springy to wear and ideal for walking. Made from a combination of rubber and leather, the pair offer good grip and support although they can rub on the back of the heel for some wearers. There’s a choice of three colours available and they are guaranteed for one year.
Sizes: UK 3-8
- Buy the Burford waterproof rubber boots from Ariat
Ariat Kelmarsh rubber boot
RRP: £110
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Ariat
SQUIRREL_TEXT_Pros:
- Very bouncy and comfortable
- Very light
- Easy to get on and off
- Good grip
Cons:
- The straps are hard to adjust and close
- The fit is wide around the foot and the ankle
- Colours won't be for everyone
- Expensive for lack of thermal lining
The new Kelmarsh rubber boot from Ariat come up a bit big and are quite wide in the foot and ankle, which, together with a slight but effective bump on heel, means they’re very easy to take on and off. There’s also an adjustable strap at the back, but it's quite awkward to use and needs both hands to close the clip fastening. Lightweight and bouncy - thanks to a cushioned, shock absorbing sole - these boots are comfortable for walking and prolonged use. Strong and sturdy, they also grip well, and the soles don’t clog up with dirt as they push mud out to the edges as you walk. Fully waterproof, scuff-resistant, and warm, thanks to a jersey lining, they don’t feature toe protection. Disappointingly, there’s a choice of just two colours - blue or grey - as well as a large logo on the back, which might not appeal to everyone. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.
Sizes: UK 3-8.5
Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:
‘These are bouncy and light and very comfortable even after a day in the garden, and are great for walking the dog too.’
How to choose the best wellington boots
- Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and fit well. In our descriptions of each pair of wellingtons, we’ve noted if the sizing is particularly large or snug. We’ve also highlighted features that we found improved or impeded the comfort of each pair.
- The material the boots are made from will also affect how they feel to wear. For instance, neoprene may make the boots more flexible, while fleece linings will improve comfort and warmth.
- Every pair will have a slightly different grip and heel size and some may also have features such as reinforced toes, which are useful for heavy duty work. In any wellington boot, a good, strong grip is important to keep you steady on your feet in wet, stony, or muddy conditions.
How to look after your wellington boots
Always clean your boots regularly, preferably after every use, but especially when they’re very muddy. Wash them with cold soapy water, make sure they’re dry, then store them out of direct sunlight, somewhere cool and dry. Don’t leave them near a radiator or fire to dry, or store them outside in a cold shed or garage, as this can cause shrinking, splitting and cracking. With rubber boots, consider investing in a silicone spray or boot buffer, which will help to prevent the rubber degrading
Excess heat or sunlight can cause blooming on rubber wellies – when a white powdery finish forms on the surface of the boots. It should come off by wiping a wet cloth downwards across the rubber, but if it doesn’t shift, then try a rubber buffer spray.
Parts of a wellington boot
Lining: can increase warmth and comfort. Cotton, quick-dry jersey, neoprene or leather are the most common.
Calf adjustment: a built-in adjustable strap at calf level helps boots fit a range of leg sizes.
Material: predominantly natural rubber but can also be PVC or leather and suede.
Kick spur: an extra spur of rubber on the back is a useful aid for getting the boot off.
Heel: gives extra grip but also helps support the arch of the foot for added comfort and to relieve strain on the back.
Sole: a deep grip or cleats will help boots to stay anchored on slippery surfaces and in mud.
How we tested wellies
We tested a range of women's and men's wellington boots for several months over the winter and into spring. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
- Comfort. Looked at how easy they were to put on and take off, general size and fit, as well as suitability for a range of gardening jobs and walking.
- Sole and materials. Focused on grip and how well they coped with mud. We also assessed the heels and soles for digging, as well as if they featured toe caps, were warm and finally, if they were easy to clean.
- Durability. Assessed if the boots were sturdy and built to last, as well as if there were waterproof and scuff resistant.
- Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.
For more information on our testing process see How we Review.
This review was last updated in April . We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
The 8 Best Rain Boots for Women, Tested and Reviewed
These classic pull-on boots are practical, comfortable, and come in a ton of colors.
They don’t have a lot of arch support and can get a little sweaty.
If you’ve walked around any city in the rain, you’ve probably encountered a pair of Hunters, so you won’t stick out on your travels with this style. We wore them multiple times a day, sometimes even without socks and over pajama pants for quick walks, and stayed comfortable all the while thanks to the cushioned liner. There isn’t a lot of arch support, and they do get a bit sweaty during prolonged wear, but they feel high-quality and well-balanced weight-wise so you don’t have to worry about any punctures when you’re out in nature. You also won’t feel weighed down on long days of walking.
The traction holds up against wet grass and pavement and despite being short, they’re still high enough to block out any puddle splashes. A slip-resistant sole keeps you sturdy on cobblestone streets, they’re easy to get on and off, and the adjustable buckle gives them a little more customizability. Plus, their color selection numbers in the double digits, though they don’t come in half sizes.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Rubber | 1.69 pounds per shoe | Pull-on
Why We Love ItThese boots are supportive, stylish, and comfortable for all-day wear.
The insoles tend to come out when you take them off.
Merry People’s Bobbi boots are comfortable and versatile enough to wear even if the forecast doesn’t necessarily call for rain, so you won’t be squandering suitcase space on them. We experienced some slight pinching on wider feet at first during our initial testing period, but they loosened up after a few hours of breaking-in and felt like a hug on our feet from there. There was no soreness or discomfort even after four straight hours of wear.
They’re easy to slip on thanks to the neoprene lining, and the cushioned sole provides a good amount of arch support. The length hits right above the ankle so you’re protected from puddles, and they are still comfortable even with thick socks (though your calves will still be exposed). They’re a little heavy but have lots of traction, so there’s no need to worry about slipping. The insoles did slide out whenever we took them off which was a minor nuisance but not enough that we won’t still consider wearing them even if it’s dry outside. There are also 17 different color combinations to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.
The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Rubber and neoprene | Pull-on
Why We Love ItDurable and completely waterproof, these boots can also be tightened for extra protection from rain.
The laces are a little difficult to cinch because the rubber is so stiff.
We wore these lace-up boots several times around the rainy streets of Seattle and were thoroughly impressed with their comfort and waterproofing abilities. They fit true to size and leave enough room for a thick pair of socks you might want to wear on colder days. These felt comfortable right out of the box and didn't require much breaking in. Designed like a traditional rubber rain boot, these have relatively flat soles but enough padding to keep feet comfortable. We wore these on walks as short as 20 minutes and as long as two hours and never experienced any pain or discomfort. With a rubber outsole and upper, these boots offer superior protection from moisture — we splashed in as many puddles as we could find, and our socks stayed completely dry. They also have excellent traction on dry and wet surfaces, including wet grass and sloping pavement. The laces are adjustable, but we found them hard to tighten because the rubber material that makes up most of the boot is so stiff, but we do like that we can cinch them around our ankles a little bit if we need to. After several rainy outings, these still looked and felt brand-new, so we're confident they'll last many years.
The Details: Sizes 5-16 | Rubber, neoprene | Lace-up
These solid rubber boots are easy to put on and give you plenty of mobility when walking.
Not every size is available in half sizes, and they don’t have a lot of internal support.
Maybe you’d rather spend your money on souvenirs, or you live in a dry climate and are simply traveling to a damp one. In that case, Asgard’s Chelsea boots are your best bet. We found they run true to size when wearing regular socks, though they did get a bit warm when we were indoors. The insides are fairly basic in terms of comfort, without very much padding or support, but are still comfortable enough and ready to wear out of the box.
They felt sturdy but not heavy and had a good amount of traction even in a muddy field and when tramping through flowing gutters, and they kept our feet dry the whole time thanks to the thick rubber. The pull tabs to get them on were especially helpful, as were the elastic sides. Bonus: they come in more than a dozen different colors, and you can't beat the price.
The Details: Sizes 5-13 | Rubber | 11.8 ounces per shoe | Pull-on
Why We Love ItThese boots are attractive, durable, and fully waterproof.
They’re only available in whole sizes and in two colors.
For a straightforward, easy rain boot, go for the Bogs Sweetpea. These held up against intense flooding in Vermont without any slipping, and they gripped solidly on gravel, pavement, wood, and stone, so you can wear them wherever your travels may take you. The design is also unobtrusive and easy to blend with whatever you’ve packed.
They don’t come in half sizes, and we found ours to be just a bit on the large side but believe the size down would have been too small. That said, they didn’t rub anywhere or create any hot spots, and they didn’t require any breaking in. The thick material feels long-lasting without being heavy, and they have excellent traction. And most importantly, no moisture snuck in at any point while wearing them.
The Details: Sizes 6-11 | Nylon and rubber | 2 pounds per shoe | Pull-on
Why We Love ItThese hemp-based boots feel durable and look cute.
They only come in one color and are unlined.
Salter’s Hemp Wellies aren’t just sustainable: they also feel supportive and run true to size. They do require a break-in period, but they offer support for both the ankles and arches, and their tighter calf helps prevent any moisture from sneaking into the top of the boot. They’re also a little heavy, but they have good traction, with no slippage occurring. The construction feels sturdy and long-lasting, and while they only come in one color, it’s an attractive neutral that will look good with whatever you pair it with, so you don’t need to worry about it clashing with the contents of your suitcase. These are your best bet if you want a pair of tall boots to trudge through the mud with — perfect for rainy festival days.
The Details: Sizes 35-46 | Hemp plastic | Pull-on
Why We Love ItSorel combines unique style with excellent traction and build quality.
The tight ankle opening can cause some chafing — wear them with long socks to stay comfortable.
If you want a trendier rain boot for city travel, check out this edgy Chelsea boot platform from Sorel. The Brex run true to size but are on the tighter side, so they’re a bit tricky to get on. But once you’re in, your feet feel comfortable and supported. The high-quality rubber and thick sole mean they’ll be able to stand up to whatever mileage your agenda throws at them. Both the rubber body and elastic panels repelled all the water we trudged through, and the grooved soles provide both style points and excellent traction. We did find that the upper edge rubs against the ankle if you aren’t wearing long socks, so make sure you pack socks that will keep your ankles chafe-free.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Leather, EVA | 1.12 pounds per shoe | Pull-on
Why We Love ItThese feature a grippy rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces.
We would like to see a little more arch support for comfort.
When you need to be assured you won't slip while walking in the rain, reach for these boots from Xtratuf. We didn't experience any slipping or sliding during testing, even when walking in wet conditions. The nonmarking chevron rubber outsoles provide excellent traction while still keeping the bottom of the boot flat, which makes them more versatile to wear in different conditions. We loved that these boots were comfortable upon our first wear and remained comfortable even after several hours of standing and walking at a time. They passed our waterproofing tests with flying colors and didn't show any signs of wear and tear after several days of regular use. We did find that the wide ankle opening allowed some debris to get into the boots when we wore them in nature, so we recommend wearing long pants that can go over the top of the boots if you're going to be walking around sticks, small pebbles, or other things that could get inside. Overall, we think these are sturdy, slip-resistant boots that will keep your feet nice and dry in rainy weather.
The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Rubber, neoprene, EVA | 1.25 pounds per shoe | Pull-on
Other Women’s Rain Boots We Liked
The following boots fell a bit short of the others on this list during our tests, but were still worth an honorable mention:
Hunter City Explorer Short Neoprene Boots: The City Explorers are well-constructed and provided good arch support during testing, but we noticed scuff marks after the first few wears, as well as some dulling on the color of the platform. The traction was excellent, but we felt the extra space in the heel made them a little uncomfortable to walk in.
Ilse Jacobsen Rub Rain Boot: Contrary to their name, the Rub boots are extremely comfortable, with just the right amount of room and a soft cotton lining. We appreciate that they're handmade, but this meant we unfortunately noticed a few minor quality control issues like irregular cutting on the tongue and some split rubber near the heel pull.
Kamik Heidi 2 Rain Boot: While the Heidi 2 fit great at first, after walking more than a mile, we found they became less comfortable due to the lack of cushioning and no arch and ankle support. They weren’t very breathable and left the bottoms of our feet a little sore, so we think they're best for short jaunts.
Our Testing Process
We tested a total of 38 pairs of waterproof boots in our quest to find the best women’s rain boots. First, we examined them out of the box, checking out the build quality and weight as well as features like laces, straps, and soles. Then we wore them inside for at least an hour to break them in.
Once they were ready for their outdoor debut, we wore the boots on at least two outings of at least one to two hours each. We focused on fit, comfort, traction, and durability. We also stuffed the boots with paper towels or tissues and ran them under a steady stream of water, then let them sit for five minutes to see if any of the paper inside got wet, just to make sure they were extra waterproof. We continued to wear them for six months and updated our findings accordingly.
Tips for Buying Women’s Rain Boots
Prioritize comfort
Rain boots are designed to serve a purpose, and while many pairs may look cute in the process, you’re still here for function more than form. And because they’re often made of rubber, they won’t stretch the same as leather or canvas would. Make sure they’re comfortable out of the box, because the fit probably won’t change all that much over the course of wear.
Consider traction
Wet ground is usually slippery. If you’re frequently going to be walking in mud or over uneven stone streets, make sure your rain boots have sufficient traction so you aren’t sliding around. Usually that’s indicated by larger lugs and more texture on the soles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best way to pack rain boots?
Since they’re usually made of thick rubber, rain boots aren’t always the easiest item to pack. If the tops can roll down or the boots can fold, that will help them fit better into your luggage. If they can’t, you can also stuff them with smaller items like underwear, socks, or rolled-up shirts to optimize your packing space. As with any other pair of bulky shoes, rain boots should go into your bag early in the process so you can put them on the bottom and work around them. If the boots are not too tall, you can also pack them in shoe bags to keep them from touching the rest of your clean items.
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How do I clean rain boots?
The best way to clean anything is by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Luckily, your rain boots should be pretty sturdy by default, and most dirt and other ick should easily come off with a wipe or wet cloth, especially if the boots are rubber. We also recommend spot-cleaning over putting them in the washing machine, which could damage both the boots and your machine.
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How should rain boots fit?
Comfortably! Rubber doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, so you’ll want to make sure you have room to wiggle your toes and walk comfortably from the first wear. Most rain boots only come in full sizes; check the manufacturer’s advice for sizing, but most recommend you size up rather than down if you’re between sizes.
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Can I wear rain boots in the snow?
While you can wear rain boots in the snow, they probably aren't the best footwear options. True, the waterproofing capabilities of rain boots will prevent your socks from getting wet, but rain boots are not designed to add much warmth. Even with a cozy pair of socks, your feet will probably get too cold after being outside in the snow for a while. While rain boots can hold you over for a run to the mailbox, stick to insulated winter boots when you're spending long periods of time outside in freezing temps.
You May Also Need
Heading out in the rain? Don't forget these other items that will help you and your stuff stay dry.
Kari Traa Women's Voss Jacket The buttery-smooth jacket is lightweight and breathable yet durable and thick with impressive protection from the elements.
Weatherman Travel Umbrella: The best travel umbrella we've ever tested, this one from Weatherman will keep you protected from the wind and rain. It's also impressively sturdy and won't get blown inside out easily.
Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack: This simple, stylish backpack is as waterproof as it gets, completely protecting your things from any kind of moisture. It's our best overall waterproof backpack out of all the ones we tested, and it also has a fair price point considering its features.
Casetify Bounce Extreme: A convenient and versatile waterproof case for those who want to avoid the bulk of traditional waterproof cases, this case boasts a snug fit, secure seals, and shock-absorbing corners.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, Travel + Leisure editors tested nearly 40 pairs of waterproof boots. T+L contributor Rena Behar compiled their notes and added additional insights based on her years of experience as a professional gear reviewer and shoe enthusiast.
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