While their reputation has long been one of practicality and comfort over style, the best rain boots for women aren’t devoid of fashion appeal these days. Many chic versions exist at every price level and are well-equipped to handle heavy rain or slick city streets. With this in mind, our top pick overall is the Hunter Short Back Adjustable Rain Boots, which are a shorter, more flexible version of the brand’s signature tall boot. For a more affordable option, your best bet is the Planone Mid Calf Rubber Boots (which you can easily order on Amazon), and there are several more worth considering.

The best rain boots for women keep your feet dry without sacrificing style.

All in all, the type of rain boots you choose depends on your needs, the level of waterproofing you require and where you intend to wear them. To help you find the right pair for your needs (and style), we rounded 10 of the best rain boots for women based on research, customer reviews and guidance from our resident style expert, deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar. These picks are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function, even in bad weather.

Hunter Boots

Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 3 total, including Oxblood and Green | Materials: Rubber, faux shearling upper

This Chelsea style has a round toe and sturdy block heel that marries fashion with function and it keeps you warm on chilly, rainy days thanks to the faux shearling lining. The flocked traction sole also provides solid grip and the elastic gores on the sides make this pair is easy to pull on and off. 

What you’ll love:

Keep in mind:

Amazon

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 4 total, including Olive and Gray | Materials: Rubber, micro-fleece lining

A cross between a Chelsea pull-on boot and sneaker, Sperry’s rain boots have deep indentations to improve traction and a micro-fleece lining to keep your feet warm. The waterproof upper is balanced by a thick platform lugged outer sole, similar to those found on hiking and utility work boots for stability.

What you’ll love:

Keep in mind: 

Amazon

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 8 total, including White and Taffy Pink | Materials: Rubber, neoprene, wool and Tencell lyocell lining

UGG’s Droplet rain boots feature a durable rubber upper and a neoprene collar that guarantees a snug fit around the ankle. The lining consists of UGGplush wool blended with Tencell lyocell, creating a cozy, moisture-wicking layer between your foot and the boot. Opt for neutral white or taupe shades or go bold with fluorescent pink or yellow.

What you’ll love:

Keep in mind:

The Forbes Vetted team has collectively researched and written dozens of footwear stories, connecting readers with the best sneakers, hiking boots, loafers and more. Natasha Silva-Jelly, the author of this article, is a regular contributor who has over 20 years of experience as a fashion and lifestyle journalist. In addition, Forbes Vetted deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar oversaw the publication of this shopping guide as well as all successive updates.

Speaking of which, this article is regularly updated to ensure our picks are still the best in their respective categories. In its most recent January 2024 update, fashion writer Claire Epting added two new picks to the list: the Merry People Fergie and the UGG Droplet.

To determine the absolute best rain boots on the market, we interviewed New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, on the most important features to consider when choosing a comfortable and functional rain boot. (You’ll see her insights below.) We also bore in mind different styles for various climates and activities, whether you’re walking in light rain or standing in a downpour. Finally, we researched outdoor brands with a reputation for making high-quality rain gear, taking into consideration the length, materials, price range, waterproof level, tread and traction of their boots. We cross-referenced all contenders with actual shopper reviews, ensuring that each selection has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars or higher.

When shopping for women’s rain boots, you’ll want to consider the functionality of each style in addition to how it looks. Here’s what you should specifically keep in mind:

Generally speaking, rain boots are made of rubber, which is hardwearing, durable and easy-to-clean material, though you may find the same is true of waterproof leather and foamed neoprene. Keep in mind that rubber can be heavy and, on average, the weight of a rain boots varies between 2.5 to 4.5 pounds per pair—whereas a casual sneaker, for example, only weighs about 1.5 pounds.

Rain boots are typically slip-on, and many come with pull tabs to help ease your feet into them. Most pairs are stiff and not designed to feel like a slipper, so for maximum comfort, look for thick cushioned or latex foam inner soles and boots made with shock absorbent technology. You may also want to prioritize good arch support, as a boot that’s too thin or flat can cause foot pain, according to board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Jacqueline Sutera of City Podiatry in New York.

If you need to stay dry in heavy rain and deep water, or wade through the muck, a knee-high ankle boot is the best option. If you want a more casual lightweight style, a low Chelsea boot is good for navigating the city in light rain, sleet and small puddles, as long it has good grip. For a middle-ground option, a mid-height worker boot is ideal for situations like camping, farming, boating and walking through mud. If you prefer a tighter fit overall, look for boots with laces or adjustable tabs and gussets, or wear them with thick socks.

Given that many rain boots are made of rubber, they don’t always breathe that well, especially if the weather is warm. A layer of moisture-wicking insulation can help prevent excess sweating, and reduce unwanted odors inside your boots. The tread is also very important if you’re navigating wet, slippery surfaces. All rain boots come with some type of high-traction sole, but for the best grip, look for those with large and deep-lugged soles.

The choice between tall, mid-calf and ankle rain boots all comes down to your intended use, so consider where you plan on wearing your boots and what the weather conditions are mostly like. Everyone’s feet are different, so when looking at all the different options, take into account your shape, arch and width of your feet. If you have wider calves, you should opt for an adjustable boot like our mid-calf pick from Hunter or our tall pair from Bogs.

“Always look for high-quality shoes that have good cushioning and arch support on the inside,” says Sutera. “Avoid platforms and, as with any shoe, replace your rain boots if they are old or worn out.” If the rain boot is flat, she recommends placing a podiatry-designed insole inside for extra cushioning and support. “You can also wear moisture-wicking, comfortable socks and make sure you change them as soon as you take off your boots,” she adds.