We Tested Rain Boots in our Lab to Find the Pairs that are Actually Waterproof

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Rainy days may come and go, but a reliable pair of waterproof rain boots will be a long-lasting staple in your wardrobe. Say goodbye to wet socks and drab boots with our top-tested rain boots that proved to be waterproof, comfortable and stylish. Rain boots are made with completely waterproof materials, unlike most winter boots or hiking boots which only have water-resistant finishes and include openings (like ties and zippers) that let in water. We put 17 different waterproof boots and rain boots to the test, using a Rain Tester in the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab as well as sending pairs to consumer testers who gave feedback on comfort, fit and appearance.

Leading experts in footwear for decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put a variety of different rain boots to the test, including tall traditional boots, ankle booties, Chelsea boots and more. In our Lab, we evaluate each rain boot's waterproof capabilities by following standardized testing methods with our Rain Tester. Testers with different shoe sizes wore the rain boots in rainy weather to ensure each pair is comfortable to wear, slip resistant and stylish.

Shop through our top-tested rain boots before reading our shopping guide at the bottom of this article to find the best pair for you. Pair these boots with an umbrella and a rain jacket to stay completely dry, even in a downpour.

Original Short Rain Boot

Synonymous with "rain boots" since 1956, Hunter continues to be a leading brand for attractive, functional waterproof boots. This best-selling pair is available in 29 shades, including matte and glossy finishes. The shorter height keeps you protected from rain and puddles without weighing you down (the brand offers a taller height if you want more coverage too). Pair with the brand's boot liners for added warmth in the winter. Our testers found this pair to be very comfortable when wearing them all day. In our Lab testing, this pair proved to be completely waterproof. Although the buckle is just for decoration, Hunter does offer an adjustable width version.

Shaft height: 10.5" | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb 11 oz | Material: Rubber

Women's Ankle Rain Boots

A #1 best seller on Amazon with a whopping 23,000 reviews, these Chelsea rain boots are popular for good reason. They have a classic design that's chic enough to wear on non-rainy days too. Online reviewers say they are easy to take on and off, thanks to the stretchy side panels and the convenient back tab. Many reviewers were also impressed with the affordable price point for a waterproof shoe with one reviewer saying "I wasn't expecting much for the price but have worn these a few times now and am really impressed. I have walked for 6+ hours in the rain and found them to be pretty comfortable. I have worn them in the mud and they cleaned off easily."

Shaft height: 5.5" | Weight (per shoe): 0.7 lbs | Material: Rubber

Jennifer Tall Rain Boots

Stay fully covered in inclement weather or flooding with tall rain boots. This pick from Kamik has a removable EVA footbed for arch support and cushioning. One tester especially liked the arch support, calling this pair "the most supportive rain boots I've ever tried." We appreciated the fitted calf that helps prevent water from seeping in, but may be too snug on people with wider calves. Available in just a few shades, this boot has a classic look with a decorative buckle and patch.

Shaft height: 15.75" | Weight (per shoe): 1.25 lbs | Material: Rubber

Muckster ll Mid-Height Women's Rubber Garden Boots

When working in the mud and dirt, you need a pair of boots that'll keep you clean and dry while staying in good condition wear after wear. These sturdy boots from Muck Boot are designed specifically for gardening. The neoprene upper is more flexible than traditional entirely rubber rain boots to move with you when you're squatting down. For more versatility, the upper can also be rolled down to wear as an ankle bootie. Online reviewers especially like how lightweight are, so they are comfortable enough for all-day wear. Because of the neoprene upper, they don't offer as much protection from rain as tall fully rubber rain boots do.

Shaft height: 9" | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb | Material: Neoprene and rubber

Bobbi Rain Boot

Just because it's gloomy out, doesn't mean your footwear needs to be glum too. Merry People offers rain boots in bright, fun shades like lavender, pink and neon green that add a bit of sunshine to your waterproof wardrobe. These shoes have fans worldwide, amassing thousands of online reviews. Testers found these boots comfortable to wear everywhere (including indoors) and appreciated the two pull tabs on the front and back of the ankle for easy on/off. These boots have a chunky design that testers loved the look of, but some found a bit clunky to wear.

Shaft height: 7" | Weight (per shoe): 1.25 lbs | Material: Rubber and neoprene

Surplus Rain Boots

Everlane is a reliable brand for elevated, stylish wardrobe staples like these boots, which are a favorite among our fashion editors. The ankle boot style is on-trend, but they're also functional shoes: They're made with 100% rubber, have stretch panels and tabs so they're easy to pull on, and use treads to give you traction. There's also cushioning in the soles to make them extra comfy. Testers appreciated the roomy toebox to accommodate thick, cushioned socks. "They fit really well, without feeling bulky, and looked stylish. And my feet didn’t tire after wearing them for hours," said one tester.

Shaft height: Not listed | Weight (per shoe): 1.37 lbs | Material: Rubber

Sweet Pea Boot

Avoid lugging around a huge pair of rain boots when it's just a light drizzle with these ankle boots from BOGS. Although they don't offer as much coverage as taller boots, they proved to be waterproof in our Lab testing. They have a rubber exterior with a cushioned textile footbed for added comfort. Testers liked this pair's simple, casual look and they all reported that they fit true to size, but some found them a bit narrow compared to similar styles. They were especially popular for being very easy to take on and off.

Shaft height: 4.75" | Weight (per shoe): 0.8 lbs | Material: Rubbers

Iggy Rubber Rain Boots

Wearing heels out in inclement weather may lead to slips or falls. This pair of rain boots from Cougar has a 2" heel with a platform for a bit of extra height without sacrificing rain protection. They are made of rubber, which proved to be waterproof in our Rain Tester, but the elastic sides may let in some water. Available in black, white and cream, these stylish booties are easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe from skirts with tights to wide-leg jeans — we even wear this pair when it's not even raining!

Shaft height: 5" | Weight (per shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber

Women's Ankle Deck Boot

With two big pull tabs on the front and back, these rain boots from Xtratuf are super easy to put on and slip off at the end of the day. This pair was especially popular among our testers with wider feet. Loving their comfy fit, one tester said "Most [boots] I have worn in the past have been snug but these have a good amount of room in the toe box." They are available in 30 colors and patterns, including bright reds and floral prints.

Shaft height: 6" | Weight (per shoe): 1 lb | Material: Rubber and neoprene

Caribou Waterproof Boot for Winter

Stay cozy and warm with a pair of waterproof winter boots. This pair from Sorel has a rubber bottom that covers the whole foot and a high-traction outsole for great protection during rainy weather. The leather upper has a water-resistant finish. With 9mm of felt insulation and a fuzzy lining, this pair was the warmest winter boots we tested. They go up to your mid-calf to keep you covered without feeling too bulky. This pair runs big as they are designed to be worn with roomy socks so the brand recommends sizing down if you are between sizes. We love the sherpa cuff and felt lining that is removable and washable too.

Shaft height: 9.5"| Weight (per shoe): 1 lb 6 oz | Material: Rubber and leather with felt lining and sherpa cuff

Tall Printed Rain Boots

If you're on the search for classic, reliable rain boots, look no further. These rain boots from Western Chief have over 11,000 reviews on Amazon and are available in over 30 colors and patterns that are sure to help brighten up any rainy day. They're a good deal as they are significantly less expensive than other picks. The adjustable side buckle offers a good fit on a range of calf sizes and the bottom sole has grips for traction but is less rugged than other picks' outsoles. There's also a cotton lining inside the boots that dried quickly when we wet it in our test.

Shaft height: 11.5"| Weight (per shoe): 0.9 lbs | Material: Rubber with cotton and polyester lining

Extra Wide Calf Rain Boots for Women

Because rain boots are made with stiff materials, they are not well suited for people with wider feet or bunions. These rain boots from Jileon are specifically designed for people with wider feet and calves. They can fit calves up to 16"-23” in circumference with two adjustable buckles. Some online reviewers found the buckles a bit stiff when adjusting the width. The brand recommends going with your normal size as these boots are wide throughout the foot and ankle for a comfortable fit (no pinching or squeezing!). They're made entirely of rubber with a high traction outsole to prevent slipping. One satisfied online reviewer said "I couldn't be happier with them and I expect to be able to wear them for quite some time since they are pretty sturdy. I do love them so much and I am super happy I was able to finally find tall rain boots that fit extra wide calves."

Shaft height: 13.5" | Weight (per shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber

Saltwater Rain Boots

Duck boots are like rain boots on the bottom, but they have a lace-up design and are used in activities with wet surfaces like boating, gardening or casual hiking. These boots from Sperry have waterproof rubber covering the entire foot and microfleece lining to give you warmth. In addition to the laces, there's a zipper so the boots are easier to get on and off. We appreciate that this pair is also available in wide sizing. Just note that if you're in a torrential downpour, they're not going to be quite as water-resistant as tall, fully-enclosed rubber rain boots.

Shaft height: 6.5" | Weight (per shoe): 0.59 lbs | Material: Rubber and leather with fleece lining

How to choose the best rain boots

✔️ Material: Rubber is the most popular rainboot material as it is completely waterproof. Some boots may advertise as being designed for rainy weather but use water-resistant materials. Water-resistant materials will allow in some moisture in heavy rains unlike waterproof materials, which offer better protection.

✔️ Shaft height: Rain boots are available in all heights from tall styles that go up to your knees or short ankle booties. Generally, the taller the boot, the heavier it'll feel but it'll offer better coverage while shorter boots are lighter weight but leave you more exposed.

✔️ Traction: Look for deep lugs and treads on the bottom of your rain boots to ensure they have decent traction to prevent slipping in wet conditions.

✔️ Warmth: Most rain boots aren't lined so they can be worn year round. Some brands offer liners to be worn with the boots for added warmth too. In the summer months, note that rubber boots will feel a bit sweaty as they will trap your own body heat.

✔️ Style: Rain boots can be a pricey purchase, so make sure to choose a style that you'll want to wear long term. If rain is rare where you live, a pair of low ankle booties may suffice while in rainy climates, a taller pair of boots is preferred.

Why you can trust Good Housekeeping

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she is a leading expert on footwear, testing all types of shoes from sneakers to winter boots. Emma has a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. She updated this article based on testing by Grace Wu. Grace has been a textiles analyst at Good Housekeeping since 2022. She earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. She tested over a dozen waterproof boots and rain boots for this story.

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