Keep your feet high and dry in these hardworking, stylish, and waterproof pairs of rain boots
We won’t sugar coat it: The weather is only going to get more fickle. You can start the day with a string of bright sunshine emojis in your weather app and then end up getting drenched in a rush-hour downpour. The skies—and, um, climate change—don’t care about your loafers, chukkas, or sneakers. You’ve got to be prepared with the best rain boots—ones that can handle any puddle or sudden storm that comes your way.
Rain boots for men have one job: Keep your feet dry. They should also provide some traction on slippery ground. And keep your feet relatively warm. And look cool. And anchor your fit. Okay, they actually have to do a lot for what may seem like a pretty straightforward addition to your whatever-the-hell-season-it-is footwear lineup.
The best rain boots have a sturdy rubber sole and some kind of waterproof—or at least, water-resistant—upper. We’ve included a few lace-up options here, too, but largely they should have as few seams as possible. This is not the time to bring out your Cuban heels or even your well-worn hiking boots. You’re looking for a barrier between your feet and the elements. Luckily, there are a whole bunch of rain boots in the market that’ll ward off any water—and we’ve gathered the best of the best below.
Best statement-making rain boots: Prada Monolith Duck Boots
Every time Miuccia Prada deploys her signature nylon in a new and thoughtful way, we can’t help but tip our hats to her. Here, we’ve got it encasing the upper of these aptly named Monolith boots with a neoprene (another Prada regular) inset to keep things comfortable and waterproof. Are the hulking soles actually carved from stone as they appear? Based on their light weight, no. But they definitely provide a solid foundation.
Materials: Neoprene, nylon, and rubber.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid.
Waterproof: Yes.
Best classic rain boots: Hunter Original Tall Boots
Hunter’s OG Wellington boots—aka “Wellies”—are about as iconic as it gets. They hold two Royal Warrants of Appointment from the British royal family, garnering greater renown for their protection from the elements throughout the decades. Whether you’re walking through mud at Glastonbury or tending to your garden back home, it just makes sense to have a pair (or two) waiting by the door.
Material: Vulcanised rubber with polyester lining.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid-calf.
Waterproof: Yes.
Best thick-sole rain boots: Off-White Logo Sponge Rubber Boot
A solid base is a key attribute of a good rain boot. Off-White delivers a foundation and then some with these rubber boots that sit atop a beefy sole. You’ll also get some street cred with the brand’s signature zip tie hangin’ out in the back.
Materials: Rubber.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid.
Waterproof: Yes.
Best high-fashion rain boots: Bottega Veneta Puddle Boot
These Bottega Puddle boots made a big splash (sorry) when they debuted during Milan Fashion Week, ushering in an era of hulking stompers that we’re still wading through (again, sorry)—and with good reason! They are waterproof, feature a cool, curvy silhouette, and come in a bunch of excellent colors.
Materials: Rubber with cotton lining.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Ankle.
Waterproof: Yes.
Best handcrafted rain boots: Diemme Balbi Suede Rubber Boot
Taking a cue from duck styles, Diemme ups the ante and brings its performance-meets-craftsmanship approach to these Chelsea boots; each pair is handmade in the brand’s Italian workshop. Sure, there’s some damn rich suede up top, but they’re not getting anywhere near the ground, because of its lengthy and heavy-duty rubber soles. Rest assured, these guys are built to perform.
Materials: Rubber and suede.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid.
Waterproof: Sole only.
Best luxury rain boots: The Row Greta Textured Leather Chelsea Rain Boots
Sometimes the best kind of luxury is the one only you (and some eagle-eyed jawns enthusiasts) really know about. Take the Row’s Greta boots, for instance. They may look like a sturdy utilitarian pair, which they are, but they’re also constructed from impossibly supple textured leather set on top of a beefy Vibram sole. And the proportions are perfect. It imbues both fashion cred and function.
Materials: Leather and rubber.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid.
Waterproof: Sole only.
Best cult-status rain boots: Suicoke Alal Rain Boots
The duck boot is ripe for riffing, and it makes sense cult Japanese brand Suicoke would step up to the plate: EVA rubber soles and technical materials are part of its ethos. This tonal black pair combines rubberized leather uppers with high-coverage lightweight soles capable of keeping you super dry and super fly through the rain.
Materials: Rubber and rubberized leather.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Mid.
Waterproof: Yes.
Most unique rain boots: Moncler Aqua Rain Boot
Moncler’s Aqua Rain Boots will not be categorized. The brand somehow created a hybrid sneaker, boot, and galosh with a few mountain bike chromosomes thrown in. Undulating foam uppers and waffly recycled rubber soles, along with a cozy lining, all add up to foot coverings that repel water.
Materials: Recycled rubber, recycled EVA foam and synthetic lining.
Fit: Regular.
Height: Low.
Waterproof: Yes.
