As the old adage goes, when it rains, it pours, and now your feet are soaking wet. Just kidding; that’s not the actual saying. But the sentiment reminds us to be prepared with reliable rain boots. That’s the thing about rain boots — they’re out of sight and out of mind (and not really on fashion shopping lists) until you find yourself trapped under a shabby awning while torrential rain pours down around you. It's about this time you look down at your “water-resistant” shoes that are absolutely going to get destroyed, and you think Well, here goes nothing as you make a run for it.
Instead of hoping for the best, peruse our guide to the best rain boots for women, featuring highly rated, stylish customer faves as recommended by people who have actually trekked out in storms. We hope that this roundup helps you secure at least one pair of tried-and-true footwear that's 100% waterproof before winter's dicey, wet weather sets in. And while the majority of the styles are of classic duck boots, up-the-leg Wellingtons, and rain booties disguised as Chelseas, there's surely a shoe for you right ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Dolce Vita Caster H20 Booties In Leather
Best Rain Booties With A Height
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 330 reviews on DolceVita.com
Behold the waterproof heeled rain booties that will never have you worrying about the weather when picking an outfit. They're comfortable, fashionable, and have a great height. Whether it rains or shines, these boots are essentials.
"I bought these last season and am coming back for another pair! They were by far my most-worn boot from fall into winter," raves a reviewer. "I usually prefer a heel under 3" but these are so comfortable that the heel height wasn't an issue, and the waterproof is an added bonus." Shop Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita Caster H2O Booties Leather, $, available at Dolce Vita
Stuart Weitzman Tyler Ultralift Leather Boots
Best Rain Boots With A Subtle Style
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 2 reviews on Saksoff5th.com
Don't let the number of reviews fool you, these padded leather boots are extremely popular, and they're quickly selling out. The adorable shoe also has a self-tie for a touch you won't want to miss.
One reviewer shares, "I wear a 10 and it fits perfect. However, it's not as wide enough and I'm looking for a wide boot, I love the shoe either way though." Another commented how the booties look so fancy and that they always receives compliments on it.
Stuart Weitzman Tyler Ultralift Leather Boots, $, available at Saks OFF 5TH
Jeffrey Campbell Dagget Rain Boots
Best Cowboy-Styled Rain Boots
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 14 reviews on FreePeople.com
Rain boots have a stigma of being plain and boring. However, these glossy boots from Jeffrey Campbell are here to change your mind. The sleek shoes keep your feet dry, are easy to clean, and are effortless to style. At first glance, you wouldn't even be able to tell they're rain boots because of their chic cowboy appearance.
"These are awesome. I’ve always loved Western boots and I own a few pair in different shades. I'm telling you cowboy boots are versatile in general, but the rain boots are even more so," raves a reviewer. "They’re especially good for music festivals, as they won’t get dirty and are easy to clean. I say buy them."
Jeffrey Campbell | Free People Dagget Rain Boots, $, available at Free People
UGG Tasman X Rain Boot
Best No-Fuss Rain Booties
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 342 reviews on Amazon.com
Stay warm in the light rain with a pair of UGG's laid-back booties. The lightweight shoe comes with a removable UGGPlush sock for that extra-cozy look in various playful shades, such as emerald green, orange, lime, and pink.
"They fit great and I love the removable slipper sock as well. When you first put them on, you may feel the tip of your big toe slightly pressing against the end but that “gives” within the first hour of wearing them," shares a reviewer. "It's probably my best purchase so far this spring! I love how they support my foot properly, so I can walk longer distances in comfort. Also, they're easy to clean." Side note, sizing can be a bit tricky with this one because of the insert, so reviews recommend to size up for a roomier fit.
The Hype: 4.25 out of 5 stars; 8 reviews on JCrew.com
Pair your sherpa jacket with matching rain boots from J.Crew and say farewell to the cold. The booties are created from water-resistant rubber and cozy faux-shearling to keep your feet warm and dry.
"I love the faux fur lining in this rain boot. They are lined in the whole inside all the way to the toes. It makes for a cozy alternative to plain rubber," writes a reviewer. "These run small. I am between 7 and 7-1/2 normally. I ordered the size 7 and the size 8. The size 7 is too small, the size 8 perfect with socks. I kept the size 8. More colors please!"
J.Crew Sherpa-Lined Chelsea Rain Boots, $, available at J.Crew
Hunter Play Short Nebula Wellies
Best Whimsical Rain Boots
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 26 reviews on FreePeople.com
Add a little jazz to your step with a pair of subtle holographic iridescent booties. Plus, the short wellies get a pop of color from the
contrasting Hunter logo.
"[M]y favorite rain boot. It's super comfy and I wear them to work when it’s raining or snowing. I walk all day and my feet never hurt," shares a reviewer. "Highly recommend if you’re looking for a rain boot!" Just make sure to size down as all the customers reported that the shoes are big.
Hunter Play Short Nebula Wellies, $, available at Free People
Everlane The Rain Boot
Best Ankle Rain Bootie
The Hype: 4.61 out of 5 stars; 1,922 reviews on Everlane.com
Leave it to Everlane, our go-to for elevated basics, to create a no-frills, pull-on rain boot that is both cute and practical. It's a solid option for those wintry-mix days when you're not in dire need of anything too high-rise or heavy.
"I’m in love with these boots! The color is gorgeous and they are very well-made. They feel substantial without being heavy. Also they're extremely comfortable with a cushy sole," exclaims a reviewer. "I have muscular calves and knee-high rain boots never fit well, so these are absolutely perfect. I’m a size 10, regular width, and the 10 fits perfectly with the medium-weight socks I wear in the PNW winter. I know I'll be enjoying these for years to come."
Best Shearling-Lined Rain Boots For Extremely Cold Weather
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars; 733 reviews on LLBean.com
When it comes to outdoorsy life, L.L.Bean knows what's up. It's no surprise, then, that the outdoorsy company would offer a cult-favorite rain boot made to withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (seriously), thanks to lightweight but powerful insulation and genuine natural sheepskin shearling.
"It's very warm! I wore the boots to a football game in 35 degree weather. They stood up for almost 12 hours of tailgating, watching the game, and I was the only one without frozen feet! I couldn't be happier with this purchase," raves a reviewer.
L.L. Bean Women's Bean Boots, 10" Shearling-Lined, $, available at L.L. Bean
Hunter Original Tall
Best Knee-High Wellington Rain Boot
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars; 447 reviews on Zappos.com
If memory serves correctly (and it does), Hunter Original Tall wellies were the preferred rain boot by the likes of Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne, and Suki Waterhouse at the very muddy grounds of 2016's Glastonbury Music Festival. And, six years later, these knee-high classics are still protective as ever from super slushy, sloppy, schleppy weather.
"I got these to walk in the waves at the beach in colder weather and they're AWESOME! I'm super super happy," writes a reviewer. "I think they're adorable and they're more comfortable than I’d imagined. I'm so happy I can walk near the water all year long now! The boots are well made and look great."
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 3,156 reviews on LLBean.com
The most reviewed waterproof shoe on L.L.Bean is this Rubber Moc, stylized to slip on easily like a moccasin. Over 3,000 happy customers say this rain shoe is an absolute dream for keeping feet dry. Sturdier and more substantial than a regular garden shoe, the Rubber Moc can take on muddier, wetter grounds.
"These shoes are great for mucking about outside. They slip on and off easily but have enough of a heel to keep most pooling water or mud out. I keep them by my back door when I need to take the dogs out or run over to the neighbors," writes a reviewer. "However, they are such classics that I've worn them out and about with the right outfit. They run quite large (I usually wear an 8 and sized down to a 7) and you need to use the laces to really dial the fit in. Great arch support. I'm on my second pair and will always have a pair on hand. Like I said, a classic!"
L.L. Bean Women's Bean Boots, Rubber Moc, $, available at L.L. Bean
Sperry Saltwater Quilted Nylon
Best Quilted Duck Rain Boot
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 144 reviews on Zappos.com
A bit more luxe and fashion-forward than the standard duck boot, this Sperry boot also has a micro-fleece lining for keeping you extra cozy from very inclement cold weather.
"What can I say... Sperry makes an amazing boot! I LOVE this boot so much that this year I also bought the shiny black, the brown tan, the pink and the gray. In the winter I live in leggings and these boots go perfectly with them! I wore these at least three times a week during the entire fall and winter last year, and they still look brand new," shares a reviewer. "The fit is perfect. It's extremely hard for me to find comfortable footwear because I have both a hammertoe and bunion on my right foot, but I can still wear boot socks with these boots. If you need a pair of boots for nasty weather and love to wear jeans and leggings then look no further."
Sperry Saltwater Quilted Nylon, $, available at Zappos
UGG Sienna
Best Mid-Calf Wellington Rain Boot
These mid-calf UGG wellies come especially highly rated for the brand's signature sheepskin-lined PU insole. Needless to say, the fluffy footbeds make even the rainest, coldest days feel cushier and comfier with every step.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 2,020 reviews on zappos.com
What Puddle Hoppers Are Saying: "I just got my rain boots and I am very impressed! I used my new boots to take my dog on a walk through the woods behind our house. The trails are tricky to walk on this time of year because of snow, ice, slush, mud, and water. I was so surprised by the boot's amazing traction! I didn't miss a step or slip once, even when going up a fairly difficult slushy, snowy and icy incline. My feet stayed dry and warm (I wore a pair of thin wool socks inside). What a great purchase! I couldn't ask for a better boot."
A mind-boggling 15,000+ buyers have rated these $30 waterproof Chelsea boots a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. With 13 color options available (including neutrals like black and brown, bold solids like hunter green and canary yellow, and unexpected turns like this all-over silver glitter seen here), this trendy wet-weather offering is a runaway hit.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 15,119 reviews on amazon.com
What Puddle Hoppers Are Saying: "I wear these boots literally all the time and cannot stop recommending them to everyone I know. They are amazing. I don't know how, but they are SO comfortable - the sole is sufficiently flexible to afford easy walking but durable enough to make walking on snow or gravel comfortable. They are 100% waterproof (up to the elastic part), and yet they don't make my feet sweat during vigorous walking (how??). They are flat-footed, so it's easy to slide them on, yet my high arches never hurt - and I once stayed up overnight in an airport because of a flight delay. That's about 36 hours of comfortable continuous wear! I rarely experience a product that just so absolutely nails it, and Asgard nailed so many dimensions. I hope I die in these boots."
Asgard Women's Waterproof Chelsea Boots, $, available at Amazon
Chooka Market Rain Shoe
Best Slip-On Rain and Garden Shoe
These Chookas are great for those light, on-and-off drizzly days that don't require a full-on rain boot. Or, as many reviewers have noted, they're also perfect for quick errands in rainy weather or for the garden. This shoe also comes in a cute yellow with an allover bee print.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 70 reviews on dsw.com
What Puddle Hoppers Are Saying: "I bought these shoes to keep my feet dry when I walk my dog in the morning and the grass is covered with morning dew. They are perfect!"
Best Heeled Chelsea Rain Boots (That Don't Look Like Rain Boots)
If you can't stand the look of actual rain boots — hey, we get it, they're big and chunky and not the most fashion-forward shoe — then get yourself a pair of these sleek Jeffrey Campbells rain Chelsea. These have a matte black finish, but they also come in patent black, patent red, and patent light blue.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 131 reviews on nordstrom.com
What Puddle Hoppers Are Saying: "I got the black matte, which are actually pretty comfortable for being made of rubber. They look really cute on and don’t even look like rain boots unless you look at them very closely. They look great with jeans or leggings! These are a great boot if you live in a rainy area, you can dress them up and not worry about your shoes getting wet or ruined."
Jeffrey Campbell Hurricane Waterproof Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe
Best Lightweight Rain and Garden Shoe
Don't be fooled by the affordable price tag — this rain shoe delivers when it comes to wet days! Sloggers are also offered in many prints and colors (including a chic standard patent black), so be sure to take a peek at the Amazon page for all the cute options. An "all-day comfort" insole additionally makes this shoe extra comfy.
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We’ve shopped for a lot of hard-to-gift individuals in our lives — our picky sister, the colleague you only see on Zoom, the “I don’t need any gifts” mother-in-law — but the greatest head-scratcher of them all has got to be The Guy. Whether it’s your S.O., fantasy football buddy, or just your impossible-to-buy-for father, he is, without a doubt, the “cool dude” in your life, the one who seems to be on top of the next thing before everyone else is.
No matter who this cool guy is, his mile-high standards and sixth sense for the latest gear make him impossible to shop for. But don’t worry — if you’re determined to defy the odds and knock it out of the park this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. We observed some of the coolest guys in our own lives for inspiration for all the best Christmas gifts for men. With items that range from a deep Sopranos reference to a pair of luxury loafers, everything on this list should pass muster with your hard-to-please fellow.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog
Behold: the perfect winter house slipper. It's easy to slip on for the indoors, substantially soled for quick outdoor errands, and completely lined with shearling for toe-wiggling coziness.
Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog, $, available at Nordstrom
STMNT Grooming Goods Beard Oil
If your guy's facial hair is a bit rough, show him the ways of beard-softening oil.
STMNT Grooming Goods Beard Oil, $, available at Nordstrom
J.W. Anderson Pigeon Jacquard Zip Fleece
A statement fleece for the fashion guy who aims to stand out.
J.W. Anderson Pigeon Jacquard Zip Fleece, $, available at Shopbop
Lululemon Commission Slim-Fit Pant 37" Warpstreme
These performance pants from Lululemon sure look like regular trousers, but they're breathable with a hint of stretch. What guy wouldn't love this comfort?
Lululemon Commission Slim-Fit Pant 37" Warpstreme Online Only, $, available at Lululemon
Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic-Coated, Mini Fry Pan & Sauce Pan Duo
A great set for the guy who's just getting into the kitchen and needs reasonably sized wares.
Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic-Coated, Mini Fry Pan & Sauce Pan Duo, Non-Toxic, $, available at Caraway
Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask
Designed to rest those tired eyes.
Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask, $, available at Saatva
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic For Men
Tell him to splash this on his face before his moisturizer for a next-level morning routine.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic For Men, $, available at Sephora
Union Corduroy Shirt Jacket
This gem from Nordstrom Rack is wild affordable, utilitarian, and is offered in an array of colors.
Union Corduroy Shirt Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Perry Co. Unisex Sunglasses
These square frames are just unique enough to feel fresh but classic enough to transcend the trend cycle.
Perry Co. Unisex Sunglasses, $, available at Perry Co.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter
This nifty gadget allows your dude to keep using his wireless headphones even while on the plane. Plug the dongle into the jack, connect it to the earpiece via Bluetooth, and it's good to go for (air) miles.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter, $, available at Amazon
Merrell Men's Hydro Moc
Maybe it's time to upgrade your guy's Crocs to something more interesting.
Send him on a global culinary adventure without ever leaving his kitchen with this sampler box of Southeast and East Asian starter sauces — each one offering hard-to-get quality ingredients and complex flavors that are normally pretty tricky to conquer unless you travel to a ton of specialty stores. All are vegan and gluten-free.
Los Angeles Apparel Polar Fleece Half Zip Pullover
This can't-go-wrong pullover also happens to be one of those "steal at any moment from his closet" pieces.
Los Angeles Apparel POLAR FLEECE HALF ZIP PULLOVER, $, available at Los Angeles Apparel
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
If he doesn't already have a pair of premium headphones, this one is certainly worth the splurge.
Bose Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, $, available at Bose
Goldilocks Utensil Set
If you've been keeping up with our kitchen recs, you know that we're all about the easy-to-use pots and pans. But, so often, chefs can't get by on stovetop wares alone — they also need the proper tools. Enter: the ultimate 12-piece utensil set from Goldilocks, all for under $100!
Goldilocks Utensil Set, $, available at Goldilocks
Jenni Kayne Men's Cashmere Beanie
It's a cashmere beanie from the cashmere queen herself Jenni Kayne, so you know it's bound to be super-warm.
Jenni Kayne Men's Cashmere Beanie, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Sonos Move
This portable speaker is a must for any guy who loves to entertain. It can also be toted to parks, beaches, camping trips, and more.
If your stylish guy is in need of everyday bling, this chain is a golden choice.
Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
Tod's City Gommino Leather Penny Loafers
A pair of beautifully designed men's loafers for the refined guy in your life.
Tod's City Gommino Leather Penny Loafers, $, available at Mr. Porter
Warby Parker Winston Glasses
When it comes to specs, classic tortoiseshell is always a solid choice. Consider a new pair of glasses for the guy whose eyewear could use some fine-tuning.
Warby Parker Winston Tortoise Collage I, $, available at Warby Parker
Salomon Trail Running Shoes
Take our word for it — Salomon shoes are set to gain some traction this holiday season.
Can you think of a better way to while away the cold months than hunkering down on this 1,326-piece kit that assembles into the Seinfeld TV set? We thought not.
LEGO Ideas Seinfeld 21328 Building Kit, $, available at Amazon
Gerber Lockdown Drive Pocket Knife
A sleek and compact pocket knife is always a useful gizmo to gift — and this one is equipped with eight handy tools, including a bottle opener!
This pen writes upside down and in zero gravity. It also writes underwater and in both below-freezing and hellscape temperatures. Not sure why anyone would need to be writing a memo in those aforementioned conditions, but if you've got a wordsmith on your list, this pen will surely stay with them till the end of time.
Space Pen CHROME BULLET SPACE PEN, $, available at Space Pen
StubHub eGift Card
Take him out to the ballgame...or the concert...or the show...or whatever entertainment event he has locked in on the cal.
StubHub StubHub eGift Card, $, available at StubHub
Apple AirTag
If a guy in your life is always misplacing his things, these nifty AirTags are a savior.
Get this for the guy who travels a lot or is constantly commuting to the office. This tech case organizes all the essentials like cords, a wireless mouse, chargers, earbuds, and more.
