Top Outdoor Boots | Waterproof Styles for All Season

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From Alaskan rainforests to sloshing after dogs along New England’s seacoast, we trudged through muck and mire in search of the best women’s rain boots. Our goal was to keep our feet warm, dry, and comfortable–and we achieved that goal.

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The author and our testers work and guide in their rainboots, whether it be on rivers, by the ocean, or on soggy rainforest trails.

Focusing on waterproofness, fit, comfort, and traction, we narrowed the contenders down and chose top winners for every type of outdoor activity and budget. 

Whether you’re looking for the best waterproof hiking boots, the best rain boots for traction, or great waterproof boots to wear around town, our list includes more than a dozen options to keep your feet happy until spring.

Looking for men’s rain boots? Read our Best Men’s Rain Boots guide.

Sizes available: 6 - 11
Shaft height: 15”
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Rubber/neoprene
Footwear closure: Pull on
Best for: Wading in rivers or puddles, chores, spring hiking, running errands, working on boats, slogging through marshes 
What we liked: waterproofness, durability, ease of walking, comfort, versatility, temperature and height adjustment with roll-top, arch support, excellent traction on slippery surfaces
What we didn’t like: not as warm as other boots (if your feet get cold, go for the insulated version)

The Xtratuf Legacies are an Alaskan staple that have worked their way up and down coastlines, from fishing boats pulling in from the Bering Sea to lobstermen (and firefighters, actually!) in Downeast Maine. 

Designed for commercial fisher folk on the brutally cold seas off of the Alaska coast, these boots are as waterproof as you’re going to find. They’re made with pliable yet durable rubber (yes, the brown is a classic color) that can withstand abrasions, rough underbrush, sharp rocks, and ice. They’re the ultimate rainboot for those who live in Seattle-level rainy climates –– that’s why they are considered the unofficial footwear of Alaska.

These boots also work well in a variety of temperatures –– the author spends 200+ days a year in them, from 80º F when the rivers she worked in were reading 34º F, to the low teens in a snowfall. To say these are her go-to boots would be an understatement –– they are a way of life. 

Sizes available: 5 - 12
Shaft height: 5”
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Rubber
Footwear closure: Pull on with tabs
Best for: Running errands, working in the garden, heading to work in the rain, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, walks around town 
What we liked: budget-friendly price, waterproofness, pliable and comfortable feel
What we didn’t like: flaps can catch and bend when pulling shoes on, narrow footbed 

For those looking at a stylish and functional Chelsea rainboot on a budget, Amazon’s #1 rainboot might be your perfect match. The Asgard Women’s Ankle/Chelsea Rainboots are the price of a large pizza, and will last you significantly longer than the pizza will. Although there are a few design snags that didn’t make this our overall favorite boot, we couldn’t ignore how well the Asgard boot functions for less than $40. 

Sizes available: 5 - 11
Shaft height: 6”
Waterproof: Yes
Materials: rubber/neoprene, EVA, SRA non marking rubber
Footwear closure: Pull on
Best for: Checking the mail, scrubbing decks, mucking stalls, stacking lobster pots, chasing after toddlers
What we liked: hands-free slide on, comfort, temperature moderation, waterproofness, durability, anti-slip
What we didn’t like: Feet get wet in downpours or rocks get into toes from wide entrance

Take the XtraTuf Legacies’, well, legacy. Shorten them, make them easy to slide on, and make them slick enough to wear out on the town. XtraTuf’s Deck boots took some of the best qualities from the 15” tall Legacy collection — anti-slip, waterproof and durable rubber or leather, comfortable to wear on long days on your feet — and made them comfier for town-wear or hotter days. 

Deck boots were made for being docked –– working on the boat, running errands in town, and grabbing a bite to eat while the drizzle persists or the puddles abound. We tested the Deck boots for more than four years and they have proven themselves sea and puddle worthy.

Sizes available: 5 - 11
Shaft height: 15”
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Latex
Footwear closure: Pull on
Best for: Rainy walks through cities, fields, and marshes — or out to the grocery store 
What we liked: waterproofness, aesthetics, adjustable calf, shaft height, thick sole 
What we didn’t like: Tight calf in true sizes

We knew these boots were popular, but were hesitant to believe they could live up their fame. However, after 7+ years of testing, we can confirm that these boots fit the hype: they are comfortable, chic, and completely waterproof. From the riding arena to the barn to the streets of Boston, these boots tackle puddles and slick surfaces like champs.

Sizes available: 5 - 11
Shaft height: 6”
Waterproof: Yes (neoprene ankles)
Material: Rubber
Footwear closure: Pull on
Best for: Cleaning up the deck, grocery runs in sleet, trekking from one end of town to the other, and winter airport travel
What we liked: comfort of wearing slippers with thick insole, easy on-and-off, anti-slip tread, waterproofness, anti-odor lining
What we didn’t like: no half-sizes, heavier than XtraTuf Deck Boots

One diehard XtraTuf-loving Alaskan tester proclaimed, “The Grundens are infinitely more comfortable than any rain boot I’ve ever worn.” As someone who spends 300 days a year in rain boots, that might be the highest praise we heard during this years-long testing process. 

Grundens wanted to find their own corner in the niche world of ankle-height rain boots, and they stood out from the crowd with their thick insole that adds additional comfort for long days on your feet. Compared to the XtraTuf Deck Boots, which do not sport the same level of sole comfort in their ankle boots that their Legacy boots offer, Grundens’ Deck Bosses are like slipping into a pair of slippers. We couldn’t ask for much more on slick, muddy, and drizzly days.

Sizes available: 6 - 11
Shaft height: 4.5”
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Weather-sealed leather
Footwear closure: Pull on
Best for: City walking, wearing to the office, short hikes, walking dogs 
What we liked: waterproofness, comfort on extended walks, style, durability, quality materials 
What we didn’t like: tight to pull on/take off, pricey 

We are big fans of a city boot that gets down and dirty on the trails, as evidenced by our other Blundstones winners — the All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots won Best for City Walking category in our Best Men’s Winter Boots article, and we wrote an in-depth review of the same style. While the aesthetics of the Blundstone Chelsea boots will turn heads on a sidewalk, the traction, waterproofness, and comfort will keep you out walking even longer.

For this guide, we tested out the All-Terrain Thermal versions of these classic Chelsea boots more recently alongside the uninsulated-yet-mighty Blundstone Classic 585for years. We tested in Boston and Portland, Maine all the way to rainy Portland, Oregon. The quality, durability, and downright comfiness of Blundstones speak to our reasoning for choosing this boot as a category winner in both our Rain Boots and our Winter Boots stories. These boots were meant to be worn in the wettest, wildest, and wackiest of weather from town to trail. 

Sizes available: 6 - 11
Shaft height: 6"
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Waterproof leather, waterproof elastic
Footwear closure: Pull on

The Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal is a more robust version of the Blundstone Originals that we recommend for best rain boots for the city. As with the Blundstone Originals, they are waterproof. The All-Terrain are insulated, making them less suited for three-season conditions than the Originals. They're also nearly $100 more for that insulation. We think most people looking for rain boots (as opposed to winter boots) will be happy with the Blundstone Originals and find they offer all the waterproofing you need. But if you like the Blundstone look and need more warmth, consider the All-Terrain Thermals. You can learn more in our in-depth review of the Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal boots.

What To Look For In Rain Boots

Material

When you’re looking for hardy rain boots, make sure to utilize three main criteria: comfort, durability, and waterproofness. Most rain boots involve some form of rubber, which is waterproof and used in many shoes to protect you from moisture. Sometimes this can mean the entire boot is made of rubber, such as the Xtratuf Legacy Boots, or sometimes just the lower foot and toes can be encased in rubber, like the classic L.L.Bean Duck boots. 

Like the Bean Boots or Blundstones, some boots use leather or suede for the uppers, which is generally waterproofed and seam-sealed. Nylon can also be waterproof-treated, but generally isn’t as durable as rubber or suede. When in doubt, we suggest a fully waterproof boot. 

Waterproofing

The most important aspect for rainboots is the waterproofness! Not every rain boot will be waterproof, and there are varying levels of waterproofness (or water resistance) that you should look out for when making your choice. 

Water-resistant boots will initially repel water, but prolonged submersion (think walking through puddles or steady rain) will soak through quickly.   

Waterproof boots can mean two things, as evidenced by our testing: 

1. That the bottom of the boot is waterproof, like the rubber on L.L. Bean duck boots, but the uppers of the boot are not fully waterproof. This can happen on duck boots, even if the boot has been treated with a waterproofing solution, including sealing seams. The boots can still have leakage-access points, like tongue gussets, laces, or not-so-sealed seams. Even sturdy boots like Blundstones can have water-resistant spots, like the deep ankle spots, where water can permeate with submersion.  

2. The boot is waterproof-treated and molded in one contiguously-shaped structure with minimal or no seams for water to access, or made from one external material for the upper shaft and lower part of the boots, like the Xtratuf Legacies. This gives little opportunity for water to permeate through seams or transitions to different materials. 

Essentially, manufacturers can claim that their boots are waterproof for simply having a waterproofing treatment and waterproof bottoms. Our testers know moisture, however, and take the statement “waterproof” seriously. If they can’t withstand submersion in a river bank, deep puddle, or boggy mud for an hour at a time, we won’t call them waterproof. 

Traction

Traction is a key factor in rain boots, as rain tends to make surfaces slick and dangerous. Not every boot we tested had a mud tire-esque grip like Blundstones or the Grundens Deck Boss, but others were made with tread in mind, like the Xtratuf Legacy and Hunter’s Original Tall Rain Boot.

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If you’re just looking for a good rain boot to get you from the car to the coffeeshop, tread might not be your first priority; however, if you use your rain boots as work boots or shoulder-season-into-snow boots, tread could save you a bruised tailbone. 

Many of our testers work and guide in their rainboots, whether it be on rivers, by the ocean, or on soggy rainforest trails. Their biggest tips? “Your rain boot tread should kind of look like snow tires. You want enough to grip through the mud down to dirt, and to catch if you step on a slippery root.” 

Insulation and lining

Some rain boots come with insulation, as rain can also drop the temperature — or at least the humidity will make it feel colder. A light insulation can add comfort to the boot, but if you’re like the author and run warm, you may not want any insulation in your mid-summer rain boot. 

Keep an eye on the sizing chart and description as you research your new rain boots. Some insulation may pack down, but it may also give you a more snug fit. If you need more insulation than offered by the rain boots in this guide, see our guides to the Best Women's Winter Boots and Best Men's Winter Boots.

Comfort and fit

You won’t wear the boots if they aren’t comfortable. The author knows that from experience when she showed up to downpours in Southeast Alaska in cheap, hard rubber Walmart rain boots. She quickly coughed up the money for pliable local favorites, Xtratufs. 

Look for rain boots that will fit your feet, ankles, and calves (if they’re taller) comfortably, but leave room for different thickness of socks. Too much room in the heel and ankle will give you blisters as the boot moves around on you, but the same can be said for too snug of a fit. Too loose of a boot will also trip you more easily as you fight to maintain balance as you walk.

Women’s boots generally have a slimmer heel and narrower foot, along with a narrower calf, but some women’s feet and legs fit better into wide options or men’s boots. 

Trust us, measurements count towards comfort! Measure your calf circumference for tall boots—some boots will even have a wide calf option, such as the Xtratuf Wide Calf Legacy with an adjustable strap and buckle. 

One of our powerhouse lady testers sports muscular calves, and loves the adjustability of the strap and buckle that doesn’t detract from your ability to wear tall boots. If your desired boot doesn’t have a wide calf option, make sure that the ankle fit is still snug but not overly loose if you size up. Your boots should fit your calves comfortably, but not at the expense of ankle support! 

Try them on

Seriously. Try them on before you slog through floods in your new boots. Put on both boots and stand up to assess your comfort level just hanging around. Ensure your toes have room to wiggle and the heels fit snugly, but don’t already start to rub. If they aren’t comfortable standing, they won’t be comfortable walking. If you can't make it into a store, we recommend purchasing from a place that has easy and free returns like Zappos.

Walking comfortably 

Check to see if boots allow for natural foot movement. If they grip too tightly or slip around too loosely, you won’t walk comfortably. Not walking comfortably can lead to blisters and rolled ankles, both of which should be avoided. 

Adjustable features

Some rain boots, like the Xtratuf Wide Cuff Legacy, sport adjustable features like buckles, laces, or straps for a comfier and more secure fit where it counts. These may prove useful for a more comfortable fit. However, lace-up rain boots may also prove helpful to give you size variation or add a little extra ankle support by lacing up tight. 

Orthotic consideration 

If needed, consider using orthotic insoles for comfort. With that said, you may need to size up on your boots if you’re looking at using orthotic insoles—they can eat up space in generally narrow boot designs. For more recommendations, see our guide Should I use insoles with my hiking shoes?

Test on various surfaces

Take a longer walk on different surfaces to evaluate comfort. Check your boots out on sidewalks, mud, roots, rocks, and slick grass to make sure they hold up against all conditions. Don’t forget to splash through a few puddles to make sure they hold up! 

Use size charts and reviews

Refer to the brand's size chart for guidance. However, in our experience, reading customer reviews for insights on fit is immensely more helpful. As someone who wavers between half sizes, customer reviews on narrow or large fit can make a huge difference. We're a big fan of retailers like Zappos that show whether shoes run large, small, or true to size in length and width.

Drying properly 

Wipe boots dry with a clean cloth after use. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators for drying, as this can damage or even melt your boots. Make sure to place the boots in a well-ventilated area to avoid mold and mildew after rainy sessions. 

Interior care 

Turn boots upside down to allow water to drain. Use boot shapers, crumpled newspaper, or liter bottles to maintain the shape of taller boots. Use a boot dryer, fan, or hair dryer on cool to dry out interiors of boots. (Don’t leave the hair dryer unattended, though!) 

Preventing odors 

Allow boots to fully dry before storing to avoid funky odors, mold, and mildew. If they continue to smell after drying, sprinkle baking soda inside the dry boots to absorb odors. Although designed for apparel, see our guide to Best Sports Detergent for some detergent options that may help. 

Storage tips 

Keep rain boots in a cool, dry place. Excess heat (like next to a radiator) can damage your boots and permeate funky smells. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight to prevent material damage.

Conditioning the material

Apply rubber conditioner to prevent cracking before storing for drier weather. Use specific products recommended by the manufacturer for specific materials.

Regular inspection 

Check for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage, and make sure to do so especially before putting away your rain boots for the drier weather. Timely maintenance can extend the life of rain boots.

To ensure that we reviewed the best boots for the rainy season, we researched the most popular rain boots and came up with over 30 different choices. We sorted the top contenders into our six groups: Best Overall, Best Affordable, Best Ankle Rain Boots, Best Tall Rain Boots, Most Comfortable Rain Boots, and Best Women’s Rain Boots for Walking.

The six winners were popular and well-reviewed across different platforms, from third parties such as Outside Magazine, New York Times/Wirecutter (written in an early version by a Treeline Review Founder), and Outdoor Gear Lab.

In addition, each of these winter boots was thoroughly reviewed and highly recommended by everyday users on platforms such as REI, Backcountry.com, and Amazon.

From these latter sites, we verified reviews against FakeSpot, a site which flags falsified or tampered reviews, to verify authenticity.

After review of outdoor media, real-life customer feedback, our own expertise, and comments from outdoor professionals who make their living on snow, we narrowed a list of over 50 promising boots down to our top eight winners.

To be considered for each of these categories, we measured each pair of boots against standardized criteria: good tread, waterproofness, great fit, and ease of pulling on and taking off. Most importantly, they had to be considered waterproof by a majority of customer reviews and our own testing. From there, we narrowed our criteria to our specific categories — best overall, best slip-on/ankle boot, most comfortable boot, best tall boot, best for city walking and best budget boot.

Rain is a welcome commodity for this author. I spent years in Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest, hiking, and rafting daily in inches of water a day. Moving to rain-soaked New England reinforced that. I wouldn’t give up the rain for a bone-dry desert day, ever—but I do prefer to keep my toes warm. And having owned 4 of the 6 chosen boots for years, I can confidently say that I know what works and what doesn’t.

I’ve been a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north involved more inches of rain than people in town. Spending 3 years on volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine has sent me out on Search and Rescue calls in downpours, ambulance calls in snowdrifts and lake-sized puddles, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.

My gear expertise stems from 6 years of gear reviews for Backpacker Magazine, 6 years of guiding, years of wet-weather adventures, and a plethora of gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.) 

Let it be known: no one in my family (including myself) is sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned here. This is unbiased, and we do this to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.

You can read all of my articles on my author page.

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