The Top 16 Waterproof Boots for Women in 2024: Tested and Reviewed

Top Choice

Waterproof boots don't have to sacrifice style, and these chic Sam Edelman Chelsea boots are a perfect example. Crafted from fully waterproof leather that wards off even the muckiest city puddles, they also feature synthetic fabric that adds to the waterproofing, ensuring your feet stay dry. Their thick, supportive lug sole enhances stability and grip in slippery conditions. While the leather felt a bit rigid initially, it softened after a few hours, providing comfort and support for extended wear. Available in neutral shades like brown, black, and white, these boots also come in medium and wide sizes. After six months of use, they still appear and feel brand-new.

Specifications: Available sizes range from 5 to 14 | Made with leather and rubber

Best Value

Traveling with boots can be tricky, but these rubber rain boots are compact enough to fit perfectly in a carry-on. The lightweight rubber ensures they won't feel bulky or heavy, yet they remain thick and durable. With these completely waterproof boots, our feet stayed dry in wet conditions, and the soft fabric lining provides warmth and insulation. While we would have preferred more arch support, using inserts could enhance comfort for extended periods on your feet. After six months, the boots still had a faint rubber scent, but it was minimal and didn't deter us from wearing them, as they remained in excellent condition.

Specifications: Sizes 4 to 12 | Rubber | 1.5 pounds

Top Choice for Mid-calf

Taller rain boots provide enhanced protection compared to ankle styles while remaining easier to pack and wear than knee-high versions. Bogs' waterproof boots deliver exceptional comfort, protection, and style, achieving top marks in our tests. After months of evaluation, including a slushy winter, they showed minimal wear and tear. With their classic rain boot look, these are suitable for nearly any setting. The mid-calf height and waterproof side gussets ensure a snug and flexible fit without letting any water in. While half sizes aren't offered, we found some extra space in the full size, but they never chafed or caused discomfort.

Specifications: Sizes 6 to 11 | Rubber | 1.1 pounds

Top Choice for Chelsea Boots

These boots may appear bulky, yet they are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear. In our tests, we discovered that the thick lug outsole provides excellent stability and grip on various surfaces, while the subtle heel adds a touch of style compared to standard hiking boots. Inside, you'll find an incredibly cozy memory foam footbed, lined with soft, recycled PET fabric that resists odors for added comfort and durability. Initially, the leather felt a bit rigid, but after a few wears, it softened nicely for a snug yet flexible fit. However, after six months of regular use, we're mixed on the overall fit—while stylish, they may not be ideal for those prioritizing support and comfort.

Specifications: Sizes 6 to 11 | Leather, memory foam, rubber | 12.2 ounces

Top Arch Support

For those requiring additional arch support, The North Face’s Hedgehog 3 hiking boots feature an extra 5 millimeters of cushioning compared to previous models. The added cushioning and ankle support were greatly appreciated, delivering ample comfort during hikes and yard work. After six months of testing, they became even more comfortable as they molded to our feet. The combination of upper leather and synthetic materials is remarkably durable, effectively repelling water, mud, dirt, and moisture. Additionally, these boots are significantly lighter than many hiking options available, boasting a sleek and modern aesthetic.

Product Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Mesh, leather, synthetic leather, EVA, rubber | 1.8 pounds

Top Choice for Outdoors

For outdoor lovers, waterproof hiking boots like these from Hi-Tec are the ideal choice. These boots offer immediate comfort and feature slow recovery foam cushioning along with Ortholite sock liners for enhanced comfort compared to other options we tested. Over six months of use, we found the rubber outsole provided exceptional traction for stability in slick, icy, and snowy conditions, while the high-top laces ensured a secure fit during hikes. Crafted from durable materials, we’re confident these boots will endure for years, and at under $100, they offer unbeatable value for a quality waterproof hiking boot.

Specifications: Available in sizes 6 to 11 | Microfleece, rubber

Top Choice for Rain Boots

After rigorous testing, we can confidently say that Hunter rain boots truly deserve their reputation. Although they come with a higher price tag, the quality justifies the investment, as we believe these boots will serve you well for years to come—after six months, they remained in excellent condition. The thick rubber is completely waterproof, yet the boots remain comfortable for walking and don’t feel bulky. They provide excellent traction, and the adjustable buckle at the top is a unique feature not found in other boots we tested. However, keep in mind that these boots aren’t particularly breathable, so consider alternatives for summer wear.

Specifications: Sizes 5 to 11 | Rubber | 1.69 pounds

Top Pick for High Heels

Finding waterproof boots that are also suitable for dressier occasions can be challenging, which is why we recommend these stylish leather booties from La Canadienne. Crafted by hand, they boast a sleek black leather exterior and a soft microfiber lining, with waterproof side zippers proven effective during several rainy outings over six months. With a 3-inch heel and a refined leather finish, these booties exude a premium feel, and we’re confident the high-quality materials will stand the test of time. The leather may require a brief break-in period, but it quickly softens for enhanced comfort after just one wear.

Specifications: Available in sizes 5 to 11 | Made from leather, microfiber, and rubber

Top Knee-high Option

Traveling with tall boots can be a hassle, but the knee-high La Canadienne Paton boots feature a stretchy leather shaft that is incredibly soft and flexible, making them easy to fold for packing. The pliable material hugs the calf perfectly, ensuring the boots stay up without any bunching. Despite the slight heel, these pointed-toe boots are remarkably comfortable for extended wear, and their waterproof leather effectively repels the elements. After six months of regular use, a few scuff marks appeared but came off with light spot cleaning, leaving them looking like new.

The Details: Sizes 4.5 to 10.5 | Leather, rubber | 1.19 pounds

Top Duck Boot

These L.L.Bean duck boots are ideal for traversing rain, snow, and slush (though caution is advised as the traction could be better). Crafted in Maine by “L.L.” himself, these boots are impressively waterproof due to their sturdy rubber and leather construction. After wearing them in wet conditions for six months, we found their traction to be as reliable as their waterproofing, offering solid stability while walking. Cleaning them is easy—just hose them down to restore their fresh look. Our favorite feature is the availability of narrow, medium, and wide size options for the perfect fit. Since duck boots tend to be roomy, we recommend wearing thicker socks for extra warmth as well.

Specifications: Sizes 5 to 11 | Leather, rubber | 1.06 ounces

Most Adaptable

Blending functionality with style, these lace-up leather boots from Bogs serve as the ideal waterproof footwear for a range of events. Equally suited for outdoor adventures and casual errands, we found them to be comfortable even after long hours on our feet. The boots provide excellent traction for navigating through mud or wet terrain, while the higher ankle shaft enhances stability compared to standard rain boots. Although the leather felt somewhat rigid initially, it quickly softened after being worn in wet conditions, delivering ample comfort and support for extended walks. Our only drawback during testing was that the lighter shades tended to show water stains and scuffs quite easily—next time, we’d choose a darker hue.

The Specifications: Sizes 6 to 11 | Leather, EVA, PET

Top Color Choices

Looking for a vibrant set of rain boots? The Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots are offered in a wide range of bright and neutral hues, catering to all style preferences, including classic black, slate gray, lime-and-olive green, lavender-and-navy, mustard yellow, dusty pink, and more. Beyond their fun colors, the boots provide a comfortable and lightweight fit straight out of the box. They feature removable inserts for extra comfort, which, while a bit tricky to remove, significantly enhance coziness. When we tested them on slippery city streets, the traction was excellent, keeping our feet completely dry. Whether you choose a bold magenta-and-navy combination or a more understated sand shade, you can't go wrong. After six months of use, we found ourselves eagerly anticipating rainy days to wear them.

Product Specifications: Available in sizes 5 to 14 | Made from neoprene and rubber

Top Traction

Engineered for performance, these waterproof boots excel on all terrains, featuring the brand’s Missiongrip jagged traction and reliable waterproofing. From the start, we found them comfortable for long wear, aligning with the brand’s promise of cloud-like comfort. After six months of use, we appreciated that thick socks aren't necessary for a snug fit. The boots are warm and breathable, making them suitable for any season, and we believe they'll excel in snow, rain, or shine. Although they have a rugged appearance, which limits their versatility compared to others on this list, they are ideal for hikers or outdoor enthusiasts.

Specifications: Sizes 5 to 11 | Recycled polyester, rubber | 1.76 pounds

Ideal for Chilly Conditions

It's surprising that suede can be waterproof, yet the Overland tall boots proved completely waterproof in our tests. While keeping feet dry is crucial, we also appreciate the incredibly soft shearling lining that offers ample warmth in chilly environments. With a 2.5-inch block heel and solid traction, they remain stable and comfortable for walking. During our initial tests, we walked over a mile and found the arch support to be excellent, even better than some flat boots excluded from this list. After months of frequent wear, we were still pleased with these boots, though they were a bit tricky to clean. They run true to size, but the shaft isn't very forgiving, which may not accommodate larger calves comfortably.

Product Details: Sizes 36 to 42 | Made from suede leather and Merino wool | Weighs 3 pounds

Top Choice for Platform

While platform boots may seem impractical, these Uggs proved to be just as functional as other rugged options we tested. The 2.5-inch lift might not appeal to everyone, but they were surprisingly comfortable for city adventures. Initially, the leather upper needed a bit of breaking in, leading to some blisters, but once they loosened up, the fit became much more comfortable. Though they are on the heavier side, the robust, high-quality materials justify the price for a stylish and durable choice. After six months of use, they still appeared nearly new.

The Specs: Available in sizes 5 to 12 | Leather, wool, rubber

Best Lightweight

These Vessi boots feel like wearing a protective, waterproof sock—exceptionally lightweight and fully waterproof. The knit upper effectively repels water, while its thickness allows it to conform snugly to the foot for protection, comfort, and warmth. All materials used feel high-quality and robust, and even after six months of use, they maintain a like-new appearance. While half-sizes aren't offered, sizing up yields a comfortable and secure fit.

Specifications: Available in sizes 5 to 11 | Material: Knit, rubber

Additional Waterproof Boots We Recommend

We tested a variety of waterproof boots that excelled, making it challenging to narrow down our selection. While these didn’t make our primary list, we still highly endorse the options below.

Sorel Brex Boot Chelsea: These stylish platform rain boots are impressively durable and entirely waterproof. We suggest pairing them with crew socks to prevent any rubbing around the ankle area.

Our Evaluation Method

To assess 37 pairs of waterproof boots, we dedicated several weeks to testing them in diverse terrains and weather conditions to evaluate their performance. While waterproofing was a key focus, we also carefully considered fit, comfort, traction, and durability. The boots accompanied us through various activities, including commuting in rainy cities, hiking muddy trails, running errands, and performing household tasks, as we noted aspects like breathability, arch and ankle support, how long they took to break in, and any discomfort experienced.

We aimed to wear the boots in wet conditions whenever feasible, and when that wasn't possible, we conducted an at-home waterproof test. This involved filling the boots with towels or tissue paper and placing them under a stream of water for five minutes to check for leaks. The boots that achieved the highest scores impressed us with their true-to-size fit, exceptional foot support and cushioning, and, most importantly, their ability to keep our feet completely dry in the wettest environments.

Advice for Purchasing Waterproof Boots

Understand the distinction between waterproof and water-resistant

A waterproof boot guarantees that no water can penetrate the shoe's interior, regardless of how heavy the rain falls. In contrast, water-resistant boots can repel moisture but only up to a certain level; beyond that, they may allow some dampness to seep in.

Consider how and where you intend to use them

When purchasing waterproof boots, it's essential to evaluate your surroundings to choose the style that best meets your requirements. Outdoor enthusiasts should select a rugged boot designed for activities such as hiking or navigating rough terrains. In colder regions, look for boots with insulation or at least a microfiber lining for added warmth, while those in warmer areas might prefer an unlined rubber boot. For city dwellers, a more polished leather boot suitable for work, dining, or other formal occasions may be ideal.

Think about portability

Boots can be quite challenging to fit into a carry-on. If you're comfortable wearing them during the flight, that’s usually the best way to save space. Otherwise, think about their weight and how much room they'll occupy. Knee-high or calf-high styles tend to take up more space, while rubber boots are often bulkier and heavier.

Common Questions

• Do I need to spray my waterproof boots?

  If your boots are crafted from waterproof materials, they probably don’t require any additional spray. Over time, however, the waterproofing may wear off, so reapplying a spray could be beneficial. Check out our Top Five Waterproofing Sprays to Safeguard Your Boots from Rain and Snow, tested and endorsed by the Dinogo team. Always perform a patch test first to ensure the spray doesn’t alter the shoe color.

• How should I clean waterproof boots?

  Generally, waterproof boots should be easy to wipe clean to restore their appearance. Rubber boots can often be rinsed off and require minimal upkeep. If your boots are leather, refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines to ensure you follow any specific care instructions for the material.

• Should I size up or down for rain boots?

  Shoes often only come in whole sizes, so in that case, it's advisable to size up to the next whole number. Be sure to check reviews or the product description, as many brands or users provide fitting advice.

Why You Can Rely on Dinogo

Anna Popp serves as a Commerce Writer for T+L, focusing primarily on the team’s tested content. Hailing from Oregon and currently residing in New York City, Anna has evaluated numerous waterproof boots suited for both outdoor adventures and urban settings. She leveraged her expertise in footwear testing and reviewed her notes to compile this list of the top waterproof boots for every season.

Enjoy fantastic offers? Subscribe to our T+L Recommends newsletter and receive our top travel product picks every week.