Rain boots are both practical and convenient. They keep your feet super dry, easily slip on and off, and are simple to clean. We scoured the market to find the best rain boots out there, then tested them extensively to make it easy to find a pair you’ll love. Over five years testing boots, we’ve stomped through hundreds of puddles and covered over 600 miles, focusing on waterproofness, warmth, height, and durability of each model.
We’ve also covered the best rain boots for women. If you need weatherproof footwear that is better-suited for miles of hiking, our Hiking Boots Guide is where you want to go. And for a total waterproof upgrade, check out our favorite rain jackets and rain pants as well.
Quick Picks for Men’s Rain Shoes
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Best rain boots overall: Bogs Classic High ($135)
Best short rain boots: XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots ($105)
Stylish insulated duck boots for around town: Sperry Cold Bay Chukka ($118)
Best budget rain boots for cold conditions: Kamik Forester ($70)
Best rain boots for deep snow & extreme cold: Muck Boot Arctic Sport ($180)
What’s new
We’ve taken advantage of sloppy winter and spring storms to test out our top picks as well as new promising contenders:
- After putting them through their paces, the Bogs Classic High come out on top for their exceptional warmth, comfort, and durability.
- At a more affordable price point, the Kamik Forester get the job done in wet weather and stand up to big storms.
- For extreme conditions, we like the Muck Boot Arctic Sport for their warmth and comfort.
Bogs Classic High
Best rain boots overall
Price: $135
Weight (Pair): 5 lb. 3 oz.
Also Available In: Classic Ultra High (with handles)
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Good height for splash/muck protection
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Slip-on
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulky
- Loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)
Bogs Classic High Boots slip on and off easily and are awesome for tromping through deep puddles, mud, or snow. They feel incredibly cushy and comfortable on your feet. And since they’re insulated with neoprene, they’re quite warm when you’re on the move. These boots are among the heaviest we tested, so they aren’t the best option for long walks. That said, they’re less clunky than we thought they might be, and they’re our go-to’s for a range of activities. Considering how durable the Classic Highs are, they’re an excellent value and you’ll surely get a lot of use out of them.
XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots
Best short rain boots
Price: $105
Weight (Pair): 3 lb. 2.6 oz.
Also Available In: Legacy (taller, more supportive)
Sizing: If you’re on the edge, we recommend going up ½ size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Slip-on
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Antimicrobial lining
Cons
- Heavy
- Minimal traction
- Short height limits weather-proofing
- No arch support
The XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots are simple, tough, and practical for wet, mucky conditions. Designed for those who live and work around the water, the Deck Boots provide excellent protection but are still short enough to allow for mobility. The ankle height also makes them comfortable for activities like boating, fishing, gardening, and outdoor chores in warm temperatures. When you want complete shielding from the elements, it’s easy to pair the Deck Boots with thick socks and rain pants. The original XTRATUF boot, now called the Legacy, is known as the “State Boot of Alaska” since it outfits the majority of sport and commercial fishermen throughout the state.
Sperry Cold Bay Chukka
Stylish insulated duck boots for around town
Price: $120
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 13.9 oz.
Also Available In: Cold Bay Duck Boot (high top)
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Stylish
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Less suited for hiking due to heel
- short height limits weather-proofing
- Need leather treatment preiodically
Sperry’s Cold Bay Chukkas offer an excellent balance of style and functionality for cold, wet conditions. The all-rubber lowers make them bomb-proof in the muck but they still look sleek and fashionable – reminiscent of classic hunting boots. The Cold Bays are well-insulated but can still be comfortably worn indoors. The fleece lining makes them feel extra soft as well. Generally, the Cold Bays are quite versatile, but they do have a small heel so they’re better for leisurely activities and everyday wear around town rather than for hitting the trail.
Kamik Forester
Best budget boots for cold conditions
Price: $70
Weight (Pair): 4 lb. 9.6 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Affordable
- Good height for splash/muck protection
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Slip-on
- Easy to clean
- Cinch collar
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)
Kamik’s Forester Boots are one of the most affordable options for those who need a rain boot that performs well in mud, rain, and snow. The cinch collar acts as a built-in gaiter to keep snow out of the cuff when walking through deep drifts. The Hunters slip on and off easily as well, making them a convenient choice for those who go in and out of the house frequently. We found the Hunters to be a bit on the heavy/bulky side, and the quality isn’t quite as high as some, like the Bogs Classic High. If you’re on a tight budget though, the Hunters are a solid choice for working outside in cold conditions.
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Tall
Best rain boot for deep snow & extreme cold
Price: $180
Weight (Pair): 5 lb.
Also Available In: Sport Mid, Tall Steel Toe
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Good height for splash/muck protection
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Slip-on
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Bulky
- Loose-fiting (clunky for long walks)
- Too warm for normal conditions
Muck Boot’s Arctic Sports are some of the best rain boots on the market for extremely cold conditions. As the name suggests, these boots are designed for muddy and wet situations when the temperature is below freezing. The Arctic Sports are a lot like the Bogs Classic High, with a comfortable stretch-neoprene bootie that hugs the calf and foot to trap heat in and keep the elements out. However, they’re less flexible and significantly warmer due to a foam underlay in the midsole, fleece lining, and a thicker rubber base. So they may be too hot and heavy for intense activity in mild conditions. Overall, the Arctic Sports are exceptionally well-made and they’re a great option for those needing a serious boot for serious weather.
What’s Most Important to You in a Rain Boot?
PRICE
If you’ll only use your rain boots occasionally, you may not want to pay top-dollar for premium quality, (though you might be surprised how often they come in handy). A pair of decent affordable rain boots will get you started.
Best value rain boots
Best budget rain boots
Best high-end rain boots
ACTIVITY LEVEL
What will you primarily be using your boots for? Walking the dog? Outdoor chores? Everyday wear around town? Having clarity on their use first will help determine how warm your boots should be and how much coverage they should have.
Best rain boots for outdoor work
Best rain boots for around town
HEIGHT
Taller boots are best for outdoor chores and any activities that involve deep mud, walking through brush, or the potential to get really wet. Lower-cut ankle boots allow greater movement and are generally more comfortable to relax or walk significant distances in.
Best tall rain boots
Best ankle-height rain boots
WEIGHT
Heavy-duty rain boots can weigh several pounds due to all the rubber, which can make them feel a bit clunky on your feet. Sometimes the level of security that substantial boots provide make the heavier weight worth it if you’ll be using them for high-intensity activities. But for lengthy walks or casual use, we prefer lighter footwear that takes less of a toll on your body and is generally more comfortable.
Best heavy-duty rain boots
Best lightweight rain boots
INSULATION & FIT
Most of the rain boots on our list have some insulation, but uninsulated boots can still be useful when the temperature dips. Rain boots without a lot of insulation are versatile because they can be worn in multiple seasons. Wear lamb’s wool insoles. Just remember to order a size that’s large enough to accommodate thick socks or insoles without restricting your circulation. Boots that are too tight will make your feet cold by inhibiting blood flow.
Best insulated rain boots
Best non-insulated rain boots
TALL RAIN BOOTS, LIKE THE BOGS CLASSIC HIGH BOOTS, ARE PERFECT FOR REALLY MUDDY CONDITIONS
THE MUCK ARCTIC SPORT BOOTS OFFER INCREDIBLE WARMTH AND PROTECTION IN COLD, WET CONDITIONS
RAIN BOOTS LIKE THE BOGS CLASSIC HIGH ARE EASY TO CLEAN UNDER RUNNING WATER
THE DURABLE Sperry Cold Bay Chukkas ARE GREAT FOR OUTDOOR WORK, AND THEY’RE ALSO STYLISH FOR AROUND TOWN USE
TALL, THICK SOCKS, LIKE THE THORLOS OUTDOOR FANATIC & DARN TOUGH BOOT CUSHION HIKING SOCKS, PAIR WELL WITH RAIN BOOTS
NON-INSULATED RAIN BOOTS PERFORM BEST WITH COZY WOOL SOCKS
Critical Footwear Considerations
SOCKS
Breathability is often limited in rain boots since they’re typically made of rubber, so it’s extra important to wear quality socks that wick moisture. Wicking socks keep your feet relatively dry and comfortable by moving sweat away from the skin. If your boots are warm or the weather is mild, a thin merino wool liner sock might be your best bet. To supplement your rain boots when it’s cold, wear thick cushioned wool socks to add warmth. To learn more about what goes into a quality sock, check out our Best Hiking Socks List.
WARMING UP
Feet can swell during long days on trail, so it’s a good idea to buy hiking footwear at least a half size larger than your normal shoes if you’re on the edge of a size. A good way to test sizing on your hiking shoes is to loosen all the laces, situate your foot so that your toes touch the front of the toe box, and then make sure you can put your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. This will ensure that your toes don’t slide forward and hit the toe box on downhill sections of trail. You should also consider which socks you’ll be wearing and if you’ll be adding aftermarket insoles when choosing a size. It’s much better for footwear to be a little big than too small.
Honorable Rain Boot Mentions
The following rain boots didn’t make our final list, but they’re very popular and they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these boots might be your perfect fit:
Hunter Original Chelsea – Stylish and versatile ankle-height slip-on
ArcticShield Neoprene Outdoor – Affordable rubber and neoprene boots available in camouflage
