Cole Haan Weatherproof Newburg Bootie
Choosing the proper footwear for unpredictable weather is a challenge. Whether you're commuting in your home city or traveling to a new place, wearing rain boots all day is a big commitment. But getting caught in the rain without waterproof shoes is also far from an ideal scenario. In a quest to see if I could get the best of both worlds (cute shoes and dry feet), I tried out the Cole Haan Newburg Bootie and put the brand's weatherproofing technology to the test.
I've worn the Newburg Booties in several New York City rainstorms and I've been pleasantly surprised with the shoes' ability to keep my feet dry, resist slipping on wet sidewalks, and dry off quickly and easily.
To buy: zappos.com, $200
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The boots feature a leather upper that's treated with a waterproof outer layer to protect your feet against rain and snow. They also have a fully padded sock lining, but the boots still took a little time to break in. After wearing them twice, the leather felt much softer and the boots were perfectly comfortable to walk in.
A thick sole and padded footbed make them easy to walk in without feeling bulky, like many other rain and snow boots do. The leather Chelsea boot style is incredibly versatile, allowing you to wear these boots with everything from dresses to jeans to leggings. Wearing rain boots without looking like you're wearing rain boots is a major perk of the Newburg Bootie.
I also appreciate how easy these boots are to slip on and off. They include stretchy side panels and back pull-on tabs, making them the perfect all-weather shoe that you can easily take off the moment you get home to avoid bringing the rain and snow inside with you.
Based on their comfort, style, and ease of wear, the Newburg Bootie makes a great weatherproof shoe, especially for travel and city life. But Cole Haan has a whole line of weatherproof shoes for men and women if this particular boot isn't your style.
To buy: zappos.com, $200
