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Welcome to the Well+Good SHOP
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping!
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The Best Waterproof Boots for Women
Come snow, sleet, or torrential downpours, the best waterproof boots for women aren’t nice-to-haves; they are necessities designed to keep your feet warm and dry—a far better option than sloshing down the street in waterlogged shoes when the weather is ugly. Unfortunately, plenty of boots will claim to hold up to the elements when they’re not as waterproof as they promise—and many of us find this out too late: when our socks are sopping wet our toes have turned into icicles, or water or melted snow has entered our shoes. To help narrow your choices, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best waterproof boots for women, including three recommendations from Angela Denae Lynch, personal stylist and founder of Angela Denae Style Studio. Whether you’re looking for stylishly functional boots that you can wear every day, a pair for outdoor use, or an option that is versatile enough for rain and snow, there’s a boot on this list for you. Find picks from brands like Merry People, Sperry, Vessi, and more below.
What To Look For When Shopping for Waterproof Boots
If you want waterproof boots that you can rely on no matter the weather, there are a few main things to consider as you shop for your perfect pair.
Material
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for shoes made from materials that absorb no water. Lynch usually recommends materials like rubber and polyvinyl chloride (or PVC). “Rubber is usually more expensive, but it tends to last longer because it’s thicker and won’t break as easily as PVC,” she says. You will also find ones made with waterproof leather and suede uppers—and for the most part, which option you choose is a matter of personal preference. Whichever boot you choose, you ideally want one with a tread pattern on the outsole to give you a more secure grip on slippery, wet surfaces.
Lining
The inside of your boots is as important as the outside, and you’ll typically come across boots with and without alining. Lined boots area saving grace for snow and freezing rain—and if this is your preferred option, just be sure to select a pair with removable lining so you can wash it or one that features a lining made from natural fibers, like shearling and wool. Conversely, you’ll want to avoid lining made from synthetic fibers. “Synthetic materials just soak up every scent and smell,” says Lynch. On the other hand, waterproof boots without lining are versatile enough for year-round use. When paired with the right socks, you can wear them in rain or snow. “In the winter, you can have a shearling or wool sock to keep your feet warm and dry,” says Lynch. “In the spring, you can wear a thinner sock.” With this in mind, you’ll want to choose an option that can accommodate both thin and thick socks—not too wide or narrow, but just right.
Style
While waterproof boots primarily protect your feet, style doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of performance—and there are so many options that combine the best of both worlds. Lynch’s preferred style of shoe is a Chelsea boot. “It’s just so classic, and it goes with everything,” she says. “It’s very gender neutral as well—as a queer personal stylist, I am always looking for pieces that can translate any essence, [whether] masculine, feminine, or nonbinary.”
The Best Waterproof Boots for Women, at a Glance
Best Overall Waterproof Boots: Merry People, Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot, $130
Best Waterproof Rain Boots: Seavees, Bolinas Off Shore Boot, $115
Best Waterproof Rain Boots Under $100: Everlane, The Rain Boot, $85
Best Budget Waterproof Boots: Asgard, Waterproof Chelsea Boots, $32
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