<p>You have probably been in that unfortunate situation when suddenly your shoe choice is no match for wet weather conditions. This is especially unlucky when a surprise rainstorm rolls in during a hike or another high-intensity adventure. That’s why we researched and tested the best waterproof boots available on the market today. </p><p>In the <a href=” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Textiles Lab, our experts test <a href=” target=”_blank”>women’s boots</a> and shoes of all categories including the <a href=” target=”_blank”>best rain boots</a>, <a href=” target=”_blank”>hiking shoes</a>, <a href=” target=”_blank”>walking shoes</a> and more. To find the best waterproof boots, <strong>we tested</strong> <strong>17 popular styles in the Lab.</strong> We used our rain tester plus standardized testing methods and sent pairs to <a href=” target=”_blank”>consumer testers</a> of various foot shapes and shoe sizes. From there, we narrowed down the best waterproof boots to the following picks. </p>”/>
A top-selling style on Amazon, these boots come with the backing of more than 24,000 reviews and an average 4.4-star rating. They have a simple Chelsea boot silhouette that’s versatile enough to pair with a range of outfits. Online users especially like how easy they are to slip on and off, thanks to the elasticized sides and convenient pull tab. Many do note that the thin sole doesn’t offer much cushioning but suggest using an orthotic insole for better support.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber | Shaft height: Ankle
2
Best for Hiking
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
Now 42% Off
If you hike in rainy conditions or wet areas, waterproof women’s hiking boots are a must, and this pair from Columbia is one of the best. Beyond their excellent traction, they offer much-needed protection and stability, making them great for experienced hikers and beginners alike. One tester shared, “I hiked through so many muddy trails with 2-inch puddles and even slipped in a stream [in these boots] and my feet always stayed dry.” Another tester described them as “forgiving” and noted that they “meld with the movement of [her] foot.”
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 0.90 lbs | Material: Leather, suede, metal, rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
3
Best Lace-Up
Dr. Martens 1460 Trinity Wintergrip Waterproof Boots
The iconic Dr. Marten boot was first created in 1960 and has since grown from just a work boot to a timeless staple customers shop to express their style. Although the Trinity Wintergrip boots are not your traditional waterproof boots, they perform just as well. “I liked the high traction outsole that wasn’t slippery and also didn’t make any noise like other waterproof boots I’ve tested,” reported Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. She found them to be a warm and cozy boot during fall and winter weather and we like the classic lace-up style.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Water-resistant leather and PU-coated nylon | Shaft height: Not listed
4
Best Casual
Sperry Women’s Saltwater Boots
Now 51% Off
A key consideration in any boot that is designed for bad weather is durability. Sperry boots have performed well in our water–resistance testing and won over our testers with its classic Duck Boot style. These #1 best-selling shoes have over 16,000 Amazon reviews that back up their performance in wet and rugged terrains. They are made to be comfortable and long-lasting, and you’ll appreciate the micro-fleece lining for warmth. Plus, the casual design makes this a versatile shoe that looks nice for everyday excursions but can handle nastier conditions.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber and leather | Shaft height: Not listed
5
Most Stylish
VIVAIA Regina Pro
While waterproof boots are primarily designed with functionality in mind, you can still find stylish shoes that will help protect your feet from the rain. The Regina Pro from VIVAIA is made from water-resistant materials and can be put through the washing machine for easy cleaning after you walk through a muddy puddle. The shoes feature a modern block heel and square toe and our tester said, “I can’t get enough of this versatile bootie that can go from day to night.” The shoes can run big, so our tester sized down a half-size.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Are the Trendy VIVAIA Shoes Worth It?
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber and water-resistant yarn | Shaft height: 6.10 in
6
Best Rain Boots
Hunter Original Short Rain Boot
Now 43% Off
Hunter boots are a classic staple on rainy days, but, according to several editors, the original tall version can feel heavy and bulky. This shorter silhouette offers excellent waterproof protection without weighing you down. Testers gave it high scores for its comfort and noted it felt more flexible than the standard knee-high style, but some found that their feet ran warm in 70-degree weather. For a different look, the brand offers them with a glossy finish. Note that the buckle on this style is for show, but Hunter has an adjustable-width version too.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 1.55 lbs | Material: Rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
7
Most Popular
Merry People Robbi Rain Boot
Offered in a variety of colors, these rubber boots have taken the world by storm, earning tens of thousands of reviews from a global audience. While rain boots can sometimes feel like a chore to wear indoors, this pair received high praise for its comfort. In fact, one tester commented, “I really like how flexible the sole is; it makes it so easy to walk naturally.” Plus, when she first tried them on, she didn’t feel the urge to immediately change back into her sneakers but noted they still felt a bit clunky.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 1.25 lbs | Material: Rubber, neoprene | Shaft height: Not listed
8
Best Work Boots
Timberland Premium Waterproof Lug Sole Boot
This iconic lace-up boot has a long history. Originally intended for outdoor work, its popularity soared in the ’90s as the boots became associated with hip-hop culture. Since then, they’ve become a fashion staple, especially as streetwear. Some of our editors have worn their Timberlands for years through rain and snow, highlighting the excellent traction and insulation in cold, rainy weather. Note that these boots have a partially attached tongue, so there’s a chance rain can still sneak into this otherwise waterproof shoe.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 1.40 lbs | Material: Leather, insulation, rubber | Shaft height: 5.5 in
9
Best Tall
Kamik Jennifer Rain Boots
When walking in heavy rains or flash floods, tall, knee-high waterproof boots are essential, and this pair from Kamik was the best we’ve tested. In fact, one tester called them “the most supportive rain boots I’ve ever tried,” and highlighted the notable arch support in the insole. On top of that, the boots felt lighter than similar styles we tested and had a snug, fitted shaft. This may be a downside for those with wider calves, but it did prevent water from seeping in, according to our testers.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 1.45 lbs | Material: Rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
10
Best Ankle
Bogs Sweetpea II Chelsea
On days with light rain, you don’t really need heavy-duty waterproof boots. Luckily, this pair is both light and protective, allowing you to breeze through shallow puddles and drizzling rain without the fear of wet socks. Testers appreciated how easy they were to slip on and off and the inconspicuous, casual look for wearing on damp days. We found they fit true to size, although some testers noted they felt a bit narrow compared to similar styles.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 0.80 lbs | Material: Leather and rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
11
Best for Walking
Sorel Women’s Out ‘N About III Classic Waterproof Boot
When we evaluated Sorel boots in the Lab, they proved to be waterproof after a few minutes in our rain tester and earned high scores. Our analysts recommend the Out ‘N About Boot for walking because they are designed with comfort in mind. An EVA foam midsole provides cushioned support and the lace-up design ensures a secure fit. We also like the rubber outsole for durability and traction. The boots have over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one satisfied shopper writing: “I walk anywhere from 6-10 miles per day at work and I never had any issues with fit or comfort.” Note that some shoppers found the boots to run small.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Leather and rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
12
Best for Wide Feet
Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots
Now 29% Off
Even if you don’t have wide feet, a shoe with a too-narrow toe box can feel uncomfortable after a long day, especially if you wear a thick pair of winter socks. Xtratuf’s Deck Boots were a favorite among testers with wider feet. One highlighted how comfortable they felt and said, “Most [boots] I have worn in the past have been snug but these have a good amount of room in the toe box.” Plus, they also have a slip-resistant sole and come in a wide range of colors and prints.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 1.00 lb | Material: Rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
13
Best for Winter
Blundstone 566
Blundstone’s boots are known for their long-lasting, durable construction and have soared in popularity in recent years because of their understated practicality. This particular style is fully waterproof and designed for cold weather. To help keep your feet warm, the shoe has a shearling-lined footbed with added insulation. The caveat is that some testers found the footbed limited their sock options, fitting snugly around their feet despite the wide toe box. But none could stop talking about how comfortable and high-quality the boots felt.
RELATED: The Best Winter Boots for Women
Weight (per size 8 shoe): 0.90 lbs | Material: Leather, insulation, shearling, rubber | Shaft height: Not listed
14
Best Insulated
Cougar Ignite Waterproof Winter Boot
Cougar boots performed well in our Lab tests and consumer testers found the brand to have stylish yet comfortable boots that kept their feet dry even in heavy rain or puddles. The Ignite Waterproof Winter Boot features a cozy lining that will help keep your feet warm during the colder months — the brand claims the boots are comfortable in temperatures as low as -14ºF! We appreciate the removable insole if you need a more spacious fit with thicker socks. Online shoppers found the boots to run small, so you may want to order a half or full size up.
Weight (per size 8 shoe): Not listed | Material: Rubber and faux-shearling lining | Shaft height: 6 in
How we test waterproof boots
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we’ve tested all kinds of footwear. Here’s what we do inside and outside of the Lab to find the best waterproof boots.
✔️ Weight: We weigh each style in a standardized size to see how heavy or light they’ll feel on your feet.
✔️ Water resistance: To quantify their water resistance and verify any waterproof claims, we first weigh and place a piece of filter paper in the toe box of each boot. One boot is then placed in our rain tester, which sprays a set amount of water at a standardized pressure and temperature for five minutes. We then remove the filter paper, weigh it and note the difference to see how much water (if any) made its way into the shoe.
✔️ Drying time: Sometimes, it’s inevitable (especially in heavy rain) that a little water will make its way into your shoe. This is why we check how quickly each boot dries. We pour a standard amount of water into each boot and weigh it. We re-weigh it after an hour and then again after a longer period of time to see how quickly the boot dries.
✔️ Consumer testing: Beyond in-Lab testing, we have consumer testers wear the boots in their daily lives on both rainy and dry days, to assess real-world performance. Testers rate everything from fit and support to comfort and traction. They also share where they wore them, how the boots responded to water and any notable likes or dislikes.
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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