Are you searching for the best rain boots to weather any storm while maintaining function and style?

　　Well, we slid our feet into some of the best rain boots on the market to produce our definitive buyers guide, a lighthouse in the storm to guide you through the turbulent waters and rocky outcroppings as you sail the seas of rain boot shopping.

　　For this exhaustive group test, we rigorously assessed seven top contenders in western Pennsylvanias bustling city streets and wet and rocky woods. Our criteria included comfort, traction, durability, and water resistance.

　　Armed with a wealth of review experience, lead tester Eric McKeegan scrutinized each boots performance under real-world conditions. We were blessed and cursed with record-setting amounts of rain and spared no effort in our quest to identify the best rain boots in these demanding conditions.

　　Shopping for rain boots online can be overwhelming, but fear not — our guide is here to empower you. Weve sifted through the noise and distilled the essential information, putting you in the drivers seat to make the right choice the first time.

　　Whether youre seeking simple function or extreme cold weather protection, weve curated a selection of top-rated boots to suit every style and preference. Scroll through our top picks to confidently navigate the world of rain boot shopping and find the perfect pair for your wet-weather recreation.

　　Explore our buyers guide, FAQs, and comparison chart to learn more about considerations when choosing a rain boot.

　　The Best Rain Boots of 2024 Best Overall Rain Boots: Grundéns Crewman Tall Boot Best Budget Rain Boots: Baffin Enduro Best Classic Rain Boots with Modern Tech: L.L Bean Mens Bean Boots 8” Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Best Cold Weather Rain Boots: Bogs Classic High Best Overall Rain Boots Grundéns Crewman Tall Boot Specs Height 14.5” Weight 4.85 lbs. Insulated No Style Slip-on, high Removable insole Yes Sole Deck, Michelin

　　Pros Very supple rubber Most comfortable of the tall boots Excellent traction, even on looser surfaces Included silicon band holds rain pants in place Lifetime warranty Cons Shallow lugs packed up with mud Expensive Not light for a lightly insulated boot Limited sizing Eric McKeegan Picking the best boot in a group like this can be difficult. The Grundéns Crewman Tall ($180) is a professional-level boot with a price tag to match. While they are easily the most comfortable tall boots we tested for walking and hiking, they don’t sacrifice durability for that comfort. 

　　The Crewman is designed for commercial fishing, one of the worlds most dangerous professions. The deck of a commercial fishing boat is a brutal place full of hazards and no protection from the weather. This is where the Crewman is designed to perform. 

　　Grundéns and Michelin teamed up to design this boot. A Michelin-branded sole is rare, but more and more brands are pairing up with Michelin for outdoor footwear. We have some experience with Michelin soles on mountain bike shoes and have been impressed. The sole on the Crewman stood out for its grip and stability. Since its low-profile sole was designed for use on a boat deck, it can pack up with mud, but all things considered, it still does an admirable job on all terrain. 

　　The suppleness of this boot stands out, even against the two uninsulated boots on test. Combine the comfortable upper with a name-brand insole (Ortholite), and these boots are third in comfort only to the Xtratuf and Bean boots, an impressive feat for a heavy-duty boot going up against a sportfishing boot and a lace-up classic. The orange stripe around each boot is a silicone band to keep rain pants in place, a feature we haven’t seen anywhere else. 

　　The only real complaint with these boots is the shallow lugs on the sole. Grundéns sells a boot with deeper lugs (the Deviation-$165) that would be a better choice if mud and loose terrain are the primary use case for your rain boots. 

　　The Crewman is for someone looking for a rain boot to cover the widest variety of uses. We didn’t make it onto a commercial fishing vessel, but we rambled all over the place in these boots, and they never failed to impress. Warm enough for cold weather but not too warm for summer-time yard work, the Grundéns Crewman Tall was the clear winner for best overall. Add in a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty, and these look like an investment rather than an expense.

　　CHECK PRICE AT GRUNDENS$180 at Amazon Best Budget Rain Boots Baffin Enduro Specs Height 16” Weight 4.78 lbs. Insulated No Style Slip-on, high Removable insole Yes Sole Lugged

　　Pros Excellent price Good traction, even in loose terrain Made in Canada Can be found for less money Cons A bit heavy Stiffer rubber is less comfortable while walking Eric McKeegan The Baffin Enduro ($75) is an easy winner for Best Budget Rain Boot and is knocking on the door of Best Overall. It is decently comfortable, inexpensive, and has a good all-around lugged sole. The Enduro is also made in Canada, which is almost unbelievable at less than half the price of the other brand-name boots in this test.

　　Baffin gives this boot its highest waterproof rating (B-TEK™ DRY). Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) construction does its job with no hint of moisture inside the boots. The temperature rating is a lot more confusing (Elemental Rating). Baffin defines this as “Cold comfort is most successful during light levels of activity.”. It describes light activity levels as a percentage of max heart rate and suggests you consult a medical doctor before exercising outside. This is some of the most unhelpful language we’ve ever seen used to help consumers choose a product. Baffin is lucky the product speaks louder than the marketing. To be more precise, these boots are uninsulated and are just a cloth liner adhered to the rubber exterior.

　　There are some inherent insulative qualities to rubber (including operating as a vapor barrier), but these are more a four-season boot than something aimed for winter use.

　　The insole is thin and uncomfortable. But, the price offers wiggle room for replacing it with a quality aftermarket insole. The stiffer rubber folds in on the instep when walking, particularly while climbing hills. This isn’t much of an issue on short walks, but depending on your foot shape and sock choice, it could lead to chafing or blisters.

　　For the price-conscious shopper not looking for an insulated rain boot, the Enduro is hard to beat. The retail at several online retailers is under $50, which takes these from well-priced to a screaming-good deal. And they are the only brand besides Grundéns to offer a lifetime warranty. The Baffin Enduros have become the first boots we grab for outdoor work, motorcycle and bicycle washes, and muddy shore canoe launches. If the Enduro were more comfortable, they might have unseated the Grundéns Crewman as best-in-test. Color us impressed.

　　$92 at Amazoncheck price at baffin Best Classic Rain Boots with Modern Tech L. L. Bean Men’s Bean Boots 8 Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Specs Height 9” (8” to top of waterproof liner) Weight 3.17 lbs. Insulated Yes (warm rating, lowest on LL Bean scale) Style Lace-up, low Removable insole Yes Sole Chain link tread

　　Pros Comfortable, if narrow fit Laces provide a better fit for hiking/walking/active stuff Classic looks Made in U.S. Cons Just OK traction Classic look might not be for everyone Fit is different than most lace-up boots Eric McKeegan To wear the L.L. Bean Men’s Bean Boot 8″ Gore-Tex/Thinsulate ($259) is to step back in time. In 1912, when Leon Leonwood Bean grew tired of being forced to choose between comfortable but soggy leather lace-up boots or dry but uncomfortable rubber boots, he merged the comfort and support of a leather upper with a waterproof lower. He came up with what was initially marketed as the Maine Hunting Shoe. Bean overcame initial production issues to create a genuine legacy product.

　　As the only lace-up boot in the test and the most expensive, the Bean Boot has its work cut out. However, while the boot design might be over 100 years old, a Goretex membrane and Thinsulate insulation are a modern touch of technology in an unassuming package. The Bean Boot is a family of boots with various heights and levels of insulation, but all are still made in Maine.

　　These boots might seem more fashionable than functional, but their comfort and performance delivered in all kinds of conditions. They work well anywhere the other boots did (except for deeper water), but they also had the comfort and support to tackle rocky hikes in the rain. They were an easy choice when packing space was limited, as these can go from woods to brewery without missing a beat.

　　The sole is an odd chain link pattern, which did much better in most conditions than expected. But, it still wouldn’t be our first choice as a boot designed for stomping around in the woods. The heel is surprisingly narrow. We would love an update or option for a wider, more stable heel. The thin sole provides a lot of tactile feedback about what was going on underfoot, perhaps too much feedback during a long day, especially compared to the sole of a more traditional hiking boot. Some of this might be due to the very thin insole, but the low-volume forefoot doesn’t leave much room for a thicker one. Bean dropped its lifetime warranty in 2018 but still offers a very affordable resole service for these boots.

　　The L.L. Bean Men’s Bean Boot 8″ Gore-Tex/Thinsulate quickly proved why it’s an enduring design. The rubber lower is easy to keep clean, blocks the wet and wind, doesn’t absorb water, and holds up better than an all-leather boot. The leather upper is much more comfortable and supportive than an all-rubber boot. These boots leave us feeling that in a few years, they will still be breaking in rather than wearing out.

　　Check price at L.L Bean Best Cold Weather Rain Boots Bogs Classic High Boot Specs Height 14” Weight 4.62 lbs. Insulated Yes, rated to -40F Style Slip-on, high Removable insole Yes Sole Lugged

　　Pros Lightest of the tall boots in this test Great sole for all-terrain use Excellent comfort standing and walking Sizes up to 21! Cons Upper can be a tight fit for tucked-in pants and larger calves Won’t win any fashion awards Eric McKeegan The Bogs Classic High Boot ($135) could easily have won the best overall if we weighed cold weather more in our decision. They combine much of the warmth of the Muck Arctic Ice with great traction from the lugged sole.

　　Bogs uses a 7mm Neo-Tech bootie wrapped in a rubber lower. There isn’t much info about Neo-Tech, but it seems similar to neoprene. The rubber only goes halfway up the boot, but the Neo-Tech had no issue keeping water out, even in the bathtub soak test. The lugged sole doesn’t look aggressive, but it kept us surefooted on wet wood, rocks, and mud.

　　The top opening is an inch wider than the Muck Arctic (17.5” versus 16.5”), which leaves more room for calves, clothes, and comfort, but it can still feel tight. The thick algae-based insole is impressively comfortable, and the upper is easier to flex than the Arctic, but we still wouldn’t grab this boot for a long walk or hike.

　　For many folks, these boots could serve as a three-season rain and snow boot. Even without a full rubber upper, they shed mud well. Of all the boots we tested, these are the hardest to find complaints about. If they wear out, Bogs will even send you a shipping label to recycle them. If it is under 40 degrees, it’s almost impossible to go wrong in the Bogs Classic High Boot.

　　$135 at REICheck price at Amazon Best of the Rest Muck Arctic Ice Tall + Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain Specs Height 16” Weight 5.53 lbs Insulated Yes (-60F) Style Slip-on, high Removable insole Yes Sole Lugged, Vibram

　　Pros Very warm Excellent traction on all surfaces Protectively stiff toe area Room for thicker socks Decently easy on and off for an extra tall boot Cons Snug around calf Tall height can cause chafing with extended wear Stiff construction is tiring to walk in Eric McKeegan Without a doubt, in the coldest weather, the Muck Arctic Ice Tall Boots ($205) are the easy choice. We know the Bog’s won the best cold weather award. But these are your best bet if you plan to spend an extended period outside, not moving around much, and money is no object. The Arctic Ice combines 8mm Neoprene with a thin fleece layer to provide tremendous warmth. Muck claims these will keep you warm between 30F and -60(!)F. We didn’t get to test that low rating, but we found these to be unbearably hot, much over 35F.

　　Muck uses a lot of jargon to describe the outsole (Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole with Vibram XS Trek Evo). The lugs combine a soft center compound designed specifically for wet ice with a harder all-terrain compound that surrounds the outside. A mild late winter didn’t provide much chance to test on ice, but these boots are the most surefooted on all surfaces of any we tested.

　　All that insulation and thick soles make this the stiffest boot in the test. While they weren’t uncomfortable to walk in, we got tired when needing to push past the flex of the tall upper with every step. The narrow opening at the top caused some issues with thicker calves or tucking in pants. The top of the cuff and pull loop jammed behind our knees while squatting or kneeling. Thankfully, rolling the tops of the boots down improved comfort while walking and kneeling.

　　These Muck Arctic Ice Tall Boots could be a lifesaver for more sedate outdoor activities like ice fishing, watching winter sports games, and tree-stand sitting. However, their weight and stiffness make them a hard sell for more active pursuits.

　　$190 at AmazonCHECK PRICE AT MUCK BOOT US CLC Plain Toe PVC Rain Boots Specs Height 15.5” Weight 5 lbs. Insulated No Style Slip-on, high Removable insole No Sole Lugged

　　Pros Very, very inexpensive Cheaply made Can be found even cheaper with an easy web search Cons Off-gassing/smell Uncomfortable Heavy Slippery sole No liner or insole Eric McKeegan Rain boots’ number one job is to keep the rain out, and these CLC PVC Rain Boots ($28) do a fine job with that—and they do it for not many dollars. Unfortunately, that is where these boots positive attributes stop.

　　CLC is mostly a tool bag company but has a small line of inexpensive foul-weather gear, including PVC rainwear and boots. PVC is a waterproof synthetic material that is stiffer, less durable, and widely considered terrible for the environment.

　　These unlined boots are sweaty from the get-go, good socks are a must if you need to wear them for more than a few minutes. Steep hills have these folding and digging into toes. The sole is the slipperiest of the boots tested. We dropped in an aftermarket insole and comfort improved considerably, otherwise more than a few minutes standing around in these is a recipe for an aching back.

　　All of this could be somewhat understandable for the price. But the smell/off-gassing from these boots we experienced when we first took them out of the box was a deal breaker. Even after a week outside, the smell remained noticeable. Anyone who has been inside a Harbor Freight tool store will know the smell. We can’t say for certain what the odor is, but there is no way it is a good thing to breathe regularly.

　　The CLC PVC Rain Boots could be fine for occasional use if the smell wasn’t an issue. If you buy them, we recommend storing them in a garden shed or the back of a work truck. Available in some places for just $20 online; we understand the draw if you only use rain boots every once in a while. If you need something more often, we recommend you skip a few take-out coffees and spend more on the Baffin Enduros.

　　$28 at Amazon Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport Specs Height 5.5” Weight 2.14 lbs Insulated No Style Slip-on, low Removable insole Yes Sole Deck, foam

　　Pros Pillow-soft comfort Excellent wet-surface traction Reflective pull tabs Lightweight Cons Foam sole lacks durability “Stormtrooper at a BBQ” looks Expensive for this style of boot Questionable durability Eric McKeegan If there were a “Biggest Surprise” award, it would go to these Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport ($135). They combine true waterproofness, minimal weight, and Croc-level cushy comfort. Xtratuf has an amazing reputation for its rubber boots, earning its tall Legacy gumboot the unofficial title of “Alaskan Sneaker.”

　　Marketed as a sportfishing-specific silhouette, these boots felt closer to a sneaker than anything else in the test. They were always the boots we grabbed for wet bike rides or longer walks in the city. When we did our testing, the reflective stripes on the pull-loops were a welcome bit of safety in the early spring low-light conditions. For straight-up comfort while walking, these were tops in the test. The only thing that comes close is the LL Bean boots.

　　These boots would also win the “Most Specialized” award. The sole is soft foam, which claims to provide exceptional grip on the slippery deck of sport fishing boats, but they are soft enough to pull off bits just by pinching it between my fingernails. Think of these as similar to bowling shoes. You bring them to the activity(bowling/sport fishing) in a bag and only wear them on the activity surface (bowling lane/boat deck). We’ll keep wearing them to see how they hold up, but the 6” deck boot version of Xtratuf’s Legacy Boot would be much better suited to use on land, or for $30 less the non-sport version of this deck boot has a sturdier rubber sole.

　　In many ways, this type of rain boot is all we need to keep our feet dry the vast majority of the time. With a more sturdy sole and more subdued color these boots would cover most use cases for a “rain boot”. One caveat while researching the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport, we discovered an abundance of negative reviews on Xtratuf’s website. Xtratuf is not taking them down, which leads us to believe that they are improving things and standing behind the products, but the reports of sole separation and cracks after just a few months are worrisome.

　　$134 at AmazonCheck price at Xtrauf Rain Boots Comparison Chart

　　We put in the time with all these rain boots so you dont have to; (photo/Eric McKeegan) How We Tested the Best Rain Boots We extensively evaluated seven top-notch rain boots over a rigorous two-month period. Our testing ground was the diverse landscapes of western Pennsylvania, where we traversed city streets, wooded trails, and everything in between, from leisurely dog walks to rain-soaked hikes and even a few wet bike rides.

　　At the helm of our testing endeavors is Eric McKeegan, a veteran reviewer with a track record spanning 20 years. With a storied career that includes a distinguished tenure as Tech Editor for two leading cycling magazines, he brings expertise and insight to the table. Beyond his expertise in the realm of bikes, Erics passion for outdoor pursuits extends to boating, camping, and hiking, making him highly qualified to assess the performance of rain boots across a spectrum of activities and environments.

　　We combined real-world use and controlled testing to provide you with the most accurate and trustworthy recommendations. From waterproofing and traction to comfort and durability, each boot is meticulously evaluated to ensure that only the best earn our seal of approval. With our experience and dedication, you can trust us to guide you toward the perfect pair of rain boots for your next adventure, knowing that our recommendations are backed by decades of experience and a passion for delivering the best buyer’s guides. Check out our Best Rain Boots for Women guide if youre looking for women-specific choices.

　　Testing Specifics Our testing focused on the following aspects:

　　Waterproofing: All boots spent time in the rain and some late-season snow. We also used a 100-year-old clawfoot tub for immersion tests. Waterproof boots float, so we submerged them for an hour using bricks inside the boots and stones on the toes. All boots passed this test, and no leaking was detected.

　　Comfort/Fit: The boots were worn on pavement, trails, and along the shores of rivers. Driveways were shoveled out, and bikes and motorcycles were washed. Comfort was evaluated for both standing and walking. We noted stiffness, sizing, and insole quality.

　　Traction: Traction was evaluated on multiple surfaces including pavement, rocks, dirt, mud, and wet wood. Other than the cheapest boots on the test, all the boots handled a wide variety of slippery surfaces well.

　　Durability: All boots were examined after the test period to check for excessive wear, delamination, or defects. We will continue monitoring durability over the next year and update this guide periodically with our findings.

　　At this point, the L.L. Bean Mens Bean Boot is an American classic with a stylish profile; (photo/Eric McKeegan) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Rain Boots Style of Boot The classic tall rubber boot is the default rain boot for good reason. The 12-16” stack height protects clothing, allows for walking through deep puddles or shallow streams, and is easy to keep clean. But tall boots are heavy and must fit more loosely to slip on and off. This looser fit makes them less suited for long walks or hikes. Also known as gum boots, wellingtons, wellies, or in Welsh as “esgidiau glaw”. The Baffin Enduro is a good example of the most basic of this boot style.

　　A shorter boot (6-8”) won’t provide the same level of protection as a tall boot but will be substantially lighter, fit more snugly, and work better for longer walks. The Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport is a slip-on example of this boot.

　　Rain boots are rarely lace-up, but the L.L. Bean Mens Bean Boot (not a typo, L.L. Bean is the company, Bean Boot is the boot name, maybe we should just call it the LLBBB, or 2L3B) is an interesting hybrid of hiking and rubber boots. This is the original that has spawned many knock-offs. If comfort and support are important shopping considerations, these are worth a serious look over slip-on styles.

　　The Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport looks and feels a lot sportier than anything else in this test; (photo/Eric McKeegan) Materials and Construction Rubber and neoprene are used in most of these boots. Both are proven to be durable and resilient. Rain boots are usually constructed with a glued-on outsole and some type of liner. As with most things, the connection points are the most common failure location. Before wearing them check the seams and liner for peeling or improper adhesion. All boots we tested passed visual inspection. The L.L. Bean Mens Bean Boots have a few loose ends on the seams, but nothing turned into an issue.

　　Boot stiffness is affected by the liner and rubber. The Grundéns Crewman Tall combines thinner rubber and a thicker liner to be the flexiest tall boot. The Muck Arctic Ice Tall is by far the thickest and is easily the stiffest as well. The CLC Plain Toe PVC Rain Boots are an odd blend of stiff yet floppy. They had to be stuffed to support the stack for photos.

　　Also, keep an eye on the rubber uppers for cracking. This seems to be the most common complaint across all brands. Even a tiny crack can ruin the waterproofness, and with a single-year warranty on most of these boots, pay attention and act quickly if something appears.

　　The no-nonsense look of the Grundens Crewman comes with a comfortable amount of flex;(photo/Eric McKeegan) Comfort and Fit We had good luck following the manufacturers sizing guides for rain boots. It’s rare to find rain boots in half sizes, and everyone recommends sizing them up. Erring on the large size leaves room for thicker socks and more room for the rubber to fold and crease while walking.

　　We ordered all boots in size 10 except for the Bean Boots and found the fit to be consistent across the board. Most were a little loose on size 9.5 feet but worked OK with thin and thick socks. The Bean Boots actually recommend sizing down, and the size 9 fit decently well lengthwise. The volume felt small across the forefoot and toes on an admittedly high-arch, high-volume foot.

　　If you can’t try the boots on in person, make sure you can return them for a different size if needed. Also, keep in mind your calf size. There are tall boots with gusseted shafts or drawstrings that can help fine-tune that fit or snug up to keep out the elements.

　　Bogs offers sizes up to 21 in a few models, but most brands tap out at size 14. Bean offers D and EE widths.

　　If youre looking for a three-season rain boot, the Baffin Enduro is a great option; (photo/Eric McKeegan) Warmth Most rain boots are three-season items. Uninsulated boots, such as the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Sport and Baffin Enduro, will keep your feet coolest in summer. Combined with a thicker sock, they should also extend well into the spring and fall.

　　Insulated boots like the Muck Arctic Ice, Bogs Classic, and L.L. Bean Boot Gore-Tex/Thinsulate are the ticket for winter but will become uncomfortable as the temperatures approach the 40s.

　　The Grunden’s Crewman Tall is lightly insulated and works best in spring and fall, but might be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter.

　　There are no industry standards for warmth and everyone reacts to cold differently. So, what might work for one person in the cold (uninsulated boots and thick socks) might quickly leave someone else with frozen toes. If you are shopping for cold-weather protection, err on the side of being too warm rather than risking it with a less-insulated boot. And for big hikes where you need to stay warm, explore our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide.

　　The Bogs Classic is a warm option for winter; (photo/Eric McKeegan) Traction Wet surface grip is very important for rain boots. A good lugged sole is the most versatile choice here, but a lower-profile sole can work well on most surfaces besides snow and mud.

　　Commercial fishing boats are notoriously slippery, and brands like Xtratruf and Grundéns are well known for making great boots for use in those conditions. If they will work well on a slippery wooden boat deck, they should also be excellent on land.

　　If traction is paramount, look for name-brand outsoles such as Vibram on the Muck Arctic Ice Tall or Michelin on the Grundéns Crewman Tall. Both of these boots provided excellent traction.

　　The full name of these Muck Arctic Ice Tall soles is Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole with Vibram XS Trek Evo. The performance stands up to that mouthful of a name; (photo/Eric McKeegan) FAQ Are rain boots good for your feet? Rain boots can be hard on feet due to a looser fit, not enough support, and stiff construction. A good insole and proper sizing can fix these issues.

　　Should you size up or down in rain boots? When in doubt, size up. Leaving room for a thicker sock can make your boots more comfortable at colder temperatures.

　　How do I keep my rain boots from cracking? A good rubber conditioner (Gear Aid Revivex is recommended by Grundéns) will keep the boots supple. Apply every few months. Some brands recommend olive oil as well.

　　Why do my feet get wet in waterproof boots? Some peoples feet sweat more than others, so switching to Merino wool socks will absorb sweat and odors. If the wetness is coming from outside the boot, check for any leaks, and make sure water isn’t sneaking on over the top of the boots in deep puddles or streams.

　　Do pants go over or under rain boots? Rain pants always go over rain boots to keep water from running down and into the boats. Non-waterproof pants are often tucked into the boots to prevent the hems from dragging on the wet ground or getting splashed from puddles.

　　The Best Rain Boots for Women of 2024 We tested the best rain boots for women with options for every budget. Top picks include Grundéns, XTRATUF, and more!

　　The Best Water Shoes of 2024 We tested the best water shoes of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Astral, Xero, NRS, and more!