The 12 best rain boots for women, tested and reviewed

When it comes to classic rain boots, Hunter is the blueprint. The British heritage brand has been in the rubber boot business since 1856, and its iconic Wellies are built to stand the test of time too. The shoe boasts a simple knee-high (give or take, depending on your height) silhouette marked with a buckle and the brand's instantly-recognizable logo. When it comes to keeping your feet dry, Hunter is best-in-class. 

For how tall these boots are, you'd think they'd be heavier, but the natural latex rubber is surprisingly lightweight, flexible, and well-reinforced so you don't have to worry about water seeping in. Plus, they're super easy to clean when they inevitably get mucked up. That simplicity and practicality is what makes these a fan-favorite, beloved by everyone from farmers to urban explorers to the royal family alike, and our top pick for the best rain boots for women. One thing to note, these rain boots do run a bit narrow in the calf.

However, these might be a little too tall for the under five-foot-three set. "I've tried the knee-high Hunter boots and they fit a little wonky on me, since they come up nearly past my knee. But they also have a short version that has all the benefits of the durable Hunter brand, just in a height that's more suitable for petite folks," says style editor Samantha Crozier.

If you're looking for a great rain boot on a budget, the Chooka Delridge will get the job done and then some. This mid-calf rain boot boasts a plush polyester lining to keep your feet warm, a rubber outsole for added traction when walking on slippery ground, and a self-cleaning tread pattern which essentially means the sole is designed to pick up less dirt, dust, and mud than your average shoe. The design is simple in a black colorway that goes with everything. The best part is you get all of that for just $40.

Finding a pair of rain boots that are stylish, comfortable, and practical can be difficult. Enter: the Sorel Splashy. These waterproof ankle booties have a little bit of a platform, so they pair well with long, wide-leg pants.

What's most impressive about their design is the well-cushioned EVA insoles, meaning you can cover some serious ground in them without making your feet miserable — which isn't always easy for a thick, rubber shoe. The laces also allow for a snug fit that locks your foot in place during long walks.

Beware that this style runs large and wide, so unless you plan to wear them with extra thick socks, we recommend sizing down by half. You can also find them in a waterproof suede version.

I guess it's true that the British know a thing or two about rain, because here we have another knee-high rain boot from another British heritage brand. Barbour has been making countrywear (think rugged, waterproof goods to withstand the region's fickle weather) since 1894. While the brand may be best known for its waxed jackets, the rain boots are not to be missed. 

The silhouette is that of a classic wellington, tall and sleek, finished with a side buckle and the brand's logo. Vulcanized construction ensures no leakage and dry feet guaranteed. The brand suggests ordering a size down if you're in between sizes. 

Freelance writer Rachael Schultz tested 25 pairs of winter boots in the Colorado Rockies. She relied on these rubber hunting boots to keep her warm when the temperature dipped below zero and the conditions were wet and mucky:

"Made with 5 millimeters of neoprene, these seam-sealed boots proved to be 100% waterproof when I ran them under a faucet. The top-of-the-calf height gives you a lot of coverage if you find yourself post-holing through a snow bank. As for their tread, the Agility rubber outsole is super grippy on slick snow and as solid as one can expect on ice.

The Alpha Agility boots are closely molded throughout the forefoot and heel, which kept my feet anchored in place without feeling constricted. This really helped with comfort and mobility on long walks. Also, unlike most of the muck boots and Wellies I've tested, these have a cinch on the back. This allows for a more custom calf fit, plus more leeway for wide calves.

With its serious outsole and platform lift, these boots are definitely bulky — which is the main complaint among the online reviews. However, I didn't find the bulk too cumbersome, largely because they fit so securely. They weigh 4 pounds thanks to the insulation, neoprene, and outsole, but that's actually lighter than many alternatives with a similar amount of technicality. That said, I still wish the tops were able to fold down, as they don't fit underneath jeans that well (unless you're wearing extra wide-leg jeans).

While the midsole and footbed kept me pretty comfortable for long walks, my feet did start to hurt after standing in them for 6 hours straight (though with my high arches, this is pretty typical without insoles). Other reviewers found that they're not very breathable, but I didn't have this issue. Lastly, you'll definitely want to size up and, unfortunately, they don't come in half sizes."

The Vivaia Tara Pros have the ability to pose as sleek knee-high boots until you need them to work as rain boots. These knit sock boots have a water resistant upper that comes in handy when your night out is interrupted with scattered rain showers, and they're much easier to fold up and pack than big rubber boots.

"I've worn them throughout the especially rainy stretch of weekends we've had in New York City, and falling raindrops would bead on the uppers and brush off with a simple swipe. I also tested them by pouring water over them before putting them on, and the knit fabric wicks moisture so effectively that I was honestly impressed. You couldn't wear these as waders, but they're a more stylish alternative to rubber rain boots. They fit true to size, but beware that the toe box runs narrow." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review.

For years, I've had the same stiff rubber rain boots sitting untouched in my closet. Even on downpour days, I'd be hesitant to take them out for dread of walking around in those uncomfortable bricks. Now that I've met Quince's super comfortable waterproof ankle rain boots, I'm tempted to put them on at the first sight of a drizzle. 

The natural rubber outsole provides extra grip and durability, while the interior is lined with cushioning for maximum comfort. The waterproof Chelsea boots have stretchy side panels that hug (but not squeeze) your ankles, to keep any stray drops from making their way inside. Convenient pull tabs help you get into the kicks, which come in olive, black, and stone colorways. I recommend sizing down since these run a bit large. — Talia Ergas, contributing author

Dubbed the "Alaskan Sneaker", the XTRATUF Legacy Boot has earned a reputation for providing top-notch durability through even the most rugged conditions. The shoe is a go-to for commercial fishers, dockhands, and all sorts of outdoorsy types at the whim of extreme weather. 

While most rain boots promise to be 100% waterproof, XTRATUF takes that a step further. The brand uses a triple dipping technique to reinforce the boot's exterior shell and provide watertight protection that ensures nothing gets inside. Not only is it waterproof, but it offers protection against acid, corrisives, and other contaminants. The outsole is slip-resistant and provides serious traction on wet surfaces. Not only are they super-durable, but they're comfortable too. If you're in-between sizes, size up for this boot.

If you've ever weathered an East Coast winter, congratulations, you probably recognize the classic Bean Boot. While a slew of brands now make duck boots– which consist of a thick rubber sole and leather upper – L.L. Bean was the original, and still stands as a go-to choice today. 

The brand still makes these boots just like they did in 1912, hand-sewn right in Maine. With a waterproof leather upper and rubber bottom, Bean Boots are truly up for whatever comes your way. A chain-tread outsole provides serious traction and minimizes risk of slipping, which is great for icy, slushy environments. This iteration of the Bean Boot is lined with insulation for added warmth, but if you're looking for even more serious weather protection go for the GORE-TEX insulated option. These boots are what powered me through four years of Upstate New York winters and I can't recommend them enough.

A tall, rubber rain boot will do an amazing job at keeping your legs and feet dry, but it's also prone to causing sweat and stickiness on hot days. On a warm and wet day, you'll want something that lets your extremities breathe a little, like this low-profile rain boot clog from UGG. 

This ankle-grazing rubber bootie has an platform sole for some added height and puddle protection. The Tasman X is water resistant, though the removable sock liner it comes with is not. For those chilly days, you have the option to slip the plush, moisture-wicking sock on for some added coziness. You can even wear the socks on their own or with other shoes, but we're talking about the boots. These days, chunky shoes are all the rage so this shoe is not only practical but oh-so trendy as well. As someone who currently lives in Southern California, where it's perpetually warm and only sometimes wet, I am adding this pair to my cart as we speak.

Imagine it's a rainy Sunday morning. You need to get the paper but you don't want to get dressed, let alone go through the effort of pulling on a knee-high rain boot. That's where a rain shoe, like the L.L. Bean Storm Chaser 6 Slip-Ons, comes in. They come in half sizes and extra wide fits.

These rain-ready slip-ons are built to endure all sorts of weather including rain, snow, and slush. Like any good rain boot, these shoes have a waterproof leather upper and rubber bottom, but they also have an EVA midsole to deliver on sneaker-level comfort.

They won't help you in flood conditions since they're a low-top, but if you're looking for a comfortable walking shoe that can tread through puddles, these are it.

With over 5,900 5-star reviews, these rain boots are a favorite among Amazon shoppers. And it's no wonder– these wellies are a well-balanced blend of utility, affordability, and cuteness. The mid-calf silhouette offers a roomier fit that suits wide and narrow calves alike. A thick rubber outsole brings the grippiness needed to stay stable while walking on recently-drizzled sidewalks or pulling weeds in the garden. 

Wellington boots may not be what you envision when you think of stylish footwear, but there's definitely something charming and nostalgic about these rain boots. The Molly Welly comes in playful patterns including bumblebees, polka dots, and floral prints.