These Rain Boots Are Tough Against the Elements, and Easy on Your Feet

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Style doesn't take rain checks, and neither should your footwear. The best rain boots for men will keep your feet dry and comfortable through rain, sleet, hale, and snow, and will look good doing so. Their ample insulation, waterproof shells, and minimized seams will have you trudging through puddles and powering over snow drifts with ease. Best of all, men’s rain boots look pretty stylish these days. There are Chelsea boot-inspired options, tough military boot designs, and old fashion duck boots with grooved rubber toe boxes. You don’t have to worry about some big, clunky monstrosities ruining your vibe when you have to head out in inclement weather.

What sets rain boots apart from most other winter boots is the combination of waterproof materials and watertight construction. Most of the best rain boots for men are built from one or two main sections that are sealed together instead of stitched. Many options have a high ankle to stay above puddle height. While you’ll predominantly find pull-on designs, there are some laced models that have gusseted tongues to keep out water.

With so many great options available, the best rain boots for men are something every guy should have on hand. If you live in a city and walk pretty much everywhere, stylish waterproof footwear is an absolute necessity. Even if you live in the burbs and drive most of the time, your footwear game could still use some weatherproofing. As for anyone living in more rural areas, you know full well how important it is to keep your feet dry in unpaved terrain. Whether you’re exploring nature or heading to the office, it’s better to be safe than soggy. We highly recommend investing in one of the best rain boots for men listed below.

Original Short Rain Boot

Hunter is synonymous with rain boots. The high ankle slip-ons, often referred to as "wellies," are made from a solid piece of 100% rubber. Originally developed for famers, the British company became fashionable in the '80s. A new silhouette with a toe cap, reinforced ankle, and flex point at the mid foot, is even sleeker than ever.

Our Deputy Editor for Commerce Christian Gollayan has been wearing Hunter rain boots for years and swears by them. He wears them to the office, to parties, and just to grab a cup of coffee on rainy days. The solid matte black color is so easy to style with everything.

When styling the Hunter Original, think of it like a black Chelsea boot. A smooth toe in an all black finish that looks great with jeans, chinos, or dress pants. If you wear khakis and denim often, go with the navy blue color.

Deck Boot

Relatively new on the fashion radar, Xtratuf has been a go-to clothing brand for fishermen and boat crews for a long time. The traction, flexibility, and waterproofing are all top notch. Even though the 6" ankle is low for a rain boot, the elastic cuff keeps moisture out. It also allows your foot to breathe better than a high ankle boot.

If you're dealing with constantly wet surfaces, like a boat or slick city streets, these are great shoes to have on hand. The unique outsole design provides exception grip, even on the wettest conditions. Plus, these are so light and flexible that you can wear them all the time.

The flat sole and low ankle provide a sneaker look. That means they can be styled like a sneaker. The elastic cuff allows you to tuck your pant leg in to keep the water out. Wear them with a straight or wider fit pant for a more casual look.

Maine Hunting Shoes

At this point, the Bean Boot may be the most famous item that L.L. Bean makes. What is less well know is that the legendary Main Hunting Shoes come in a few different ankle heights. If keep your feet dry is the priority, then level up with the 10" ankle. Those two additional inches will make a noticeable difference.

The real secret to keeping the Maine Hunting Shoes waterproof is a signature triple stitch connecting the solid rubber bottom to the leather upper. Not only does this provide a water tight seal, it allows you to resole the boot. L.L. Bean will do this for you by putting a whole new rubber bottom onto the leather upper.

Originally designed for tackling the great outdoors, the Bean Boot has since become a fashion icon. You can wear these rain boots with anything, from canvas work pants to your best fitting jeans. Our style editors can attest that you can wear this to just about any casual function.

#1320 Chelsea Boot

Most Blundstones are great rain boots, but the #1320 is a gorgeous color design made exclusively for Huckberry. A two-tone tan sole on a nut brown upper will match just about everything in your closet. All of the Australian boot maker's weather proof features are on full display, including waterproof leather uppers and slip resistant traction outsole.

Blundstones boots are so popular because of their superb comfort and style. What doesn't get enough credit is how easy these boots are to maintain. The treated leather uppers just wipe clean of dirt and dust with a wet towel. No need for polishes or creams, easy as can be.

Our style editors are fans of Bludstone rain boots across the board. If you're looking for a comfortable, easy to wear, and easier to style every day boot, look no further. We tend to favor the darker colors, but this Huckberry exclusive might be the best looking pair we've come across.

Classic Rain Boot

Slip-on Crocs are as comfortable as they are functional, but they are not great in the cold rain. Fortunately, Crocs makes a rain boot to deal with that. The look is very similar to the brand's signature sandals, but with a high ankle and and all the holes filled in. You've got the same super grippy outsole to handle any slippery surface.

Sticking closely to the original Crocs look that has made the brand so popular means that you can style these boots in much the same way. Wear them for a casual look that places comfort fist and foremost. Of course, you can't use any jibbitz on these Crocs.

These are great rain boots for anyone who has to work in wet conditions. Crocs' proprietary Croslite material is light, flexible, and supportive. It will keep you comfortable on your feet for long stretches

Digger Slip On Shoe

When the weather is wet but also warm, you want something light and breathable. The Digger Slip On Shoe is an ankle rain boot that wears like a sneaker. It is water tight up to your ankle, so you won't have to fear any puddles. A super grippy outsole design will keep you sure footed on slippery surfaces.

The side gussets are super stretchy so you can slide your feet right in and out, with a pull tab to help you put them on. Since the upper is not only water proof but super durable, these are great work shoes for all manner of yard work and outdoors chores. A moisture-wicking design also prevents sweaty feet.

We like how you can style these like a pair of slip on sneakers. Rock them with jeans or chinos like you would your go-to sneakers. They also work great with shorts for the summer time.

Waterproof Duckboot

All duck boots are optimized for the rain, but these duck boots from All-Weather are optimized for comfort as well. From the padded ankle to the sneaker-style outsole, these rain boots will keep you light on your toes. The high gusset and waterproof materials will keep you dry on your toes as well.

These boots are built for outdoors adventures with strong grip, high ankle support, and a shock-absorbing midsole. All these features come in handy for traversing the city as well. Pretty much anywhere there is rain, you'll be happy to have these rain boots on your feet.

Our style editors like how sporty these duck boots are. Where most options lean towards hunting boots, these are closer to a hiking boot. That means that they stye well with more casual everyday apparel like chinos, wool sweaters, and hoodies.

Lawrence N Snow Boot

Classified as a snow boot, but really more of an all-weather boot, the Lawrence from Kamik is rugged and comfortable. It is a duck boot with a high ankle and triple stitch welt. On the inside, there is a cushioned EVA insole and a thermal fleece lining. This Canadian made boot can handle everything the winters up north have to offer.

The lining on this boot is warm but not bulky, so it has a sleek silhouette. There is a tactical look to the all black color design and tough outsole. It looks good with dressier clothes like slacks and a blazer, or even a full suit. You can always wear them to the office and change into a pair of loafers as well.

Explorer Next™ Boot

Part boot, part sneaker, the Explorer Next Boot from Sorel is a weather resistant casual shoe. The flat and flexible sole provides easy movement. An insulated high ankle will keep you dry and warm all winter long. We love the super grippy outsole that will keep you moving in the wettest conditions.

As weird as it sounds, we like this rain boot because it doesn't look like a rain boot. All the features that define a rain boot are there. A high gusseted tongue and sealed welt will keep you nice and dry. There is ample insulation to boot. Yet, when you have a pair of pants pulled over the top, the Explorer Next Boot looks more like a fashionable high top sneaker.

We think you can rock these all winter long as a stylish pair of shoes that goes with jeans or chinos. If you ever get stuck in the rain or snow, you're covered.

Marshall Boot in Military Olive

Not just a sneaker company, SeaVees makes some great boots too. The Marshall Boot is an all rubber take on a military boot that is built to handle the wettest of conditions. A high ankle, gusseted tongue, and deep treaded outsole will keep you dry and sure footed. A soft 100% recycled polyester fleece lining adds some comfort and insulation.

For an extra styling flare, SeaVees provides a two laced option for these rain boots. Thick leather laces provide a more rugged look, similar to what you find with work boots. The other option is a recycled polyester in orange that provides a little flashier look.

In fitting with with the California footwear brand's coastal aesthetic, the Marshall Boot goes well with denim and chinos. Style it with flannel shirts, chambrays, and your favorite broken-in tees. Go with a rain parka or a nice warm peacoat when the temperature drops.

What to Look for in Rain Boots for Men

Material: Leather is by far the most preferred material for boots overall, but when it comes to rain boots, you want some rubber or synthetic materials involved. Synthetic rubbers and similar compounds can be molded into shapes that minimize seams and openings in the boot. These materials are 100% waterproof so without any openings, there is nowhere for water to get in.

Seam Construction: This is how each part of the boot is attached. Many rain boots minimize seams all together by using one or two pieces per boot. If there are seams, look for taped seams. That means a piece of tape covers the seam stitching on the inside, making it water tight.

Welt: The welt is how and where the upper part of the boot is attached to the sole, running around the entire exterior at the base of your foot. This is by far the most vulnerable part of the boot to moisture. If the connection is not water tight, then your foot will get wet. That's why many rain boots either have the sole and upper as one solid piece of material, or the two parts are sealed together with glue. Even the best sewn welts, like a 360 Goodyear welt, are vulnerable to moisture over time.

Insulation: If you're planning to wear rain boots all year, another factor is insulation. A thick boot will leave your feet sweating in the summer, while a thinner option in the fall may have you pulling out your winter boots a little early. Luckily, rain boots come insulated or non-insulated. Insulated boots will keep you warm in cold weather, but mind the weight—it'll also make the shoe heavier. Meanwhile, lighter, non-insulated alternatives may suit you better in warmer weather.

Tongue Gusset: A gusseted tongue is when the full or partial length of the tongue is attached to the upper of the boot. Tongue Gussets are a part of the tongue, meaning that it is all one piece of material, which folds over and tucks in when the boot is tied. This is an important feature to look for because it creates a solid barrier that prevents moisture and dirt from getting into your boot.

How We Selected the Best Rain Boots for Men

Brad Lanphear is a style pro with more than a decade of experience testing and styling men's shoes, including rain boots. For this story, he and Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan tested over 15 rain boots and evaluated their waterproofing features, comfort, grip, and just how great they looked. They also combed through hundreds of five-star reviews from e-commerce sites they trust, and also scanned through countless Reddit threads like r/malefashionadvice, for unbiased opinions on the best rain boots to shop now.

Shop More of the Best Boots for Men

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Shop More of the Best Rain Gear for Men

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