No matter how many times we sing “Rain, rain go away, come again another day,” the storm clouds refuse to budge. This summer, it’s safe to say, has been underwhelming. We’re packing away our sun hats and sunscreen in favour of wet weather gear: rain hats, rain macs and rain boots. You’d be forgiven for thinking that wet-weather shoes are purely functional but allow us to convince you that they can be fashionable, too.
Just like hiking boots, now firmly installed as stylish winter footwear thanks to labels like Grenson, Danner and Sorel, the rain (or rubber) boot has shaken off its stuck-in-the-mud shackles to claim its rightful place in our wardrobe, and not just for festival season. The trusty waterproof boot has been embraced by designers — think Prada and Bottega Veneta, Ganni and Chloé — and the high street alike, meaning that now there’s a host of options to choose from, whether your taste runs to UGG’s in-your-face colourways or Everlane’s more muted designs.
To complete the trifecta of wet-weather dressing, we’re wearing ours with co-ordinating raincoats and waterproof hats and a pair of trusty jean shorts (we’re not completely giving up on summer just yet).
Click through to find our favourite rain boots, from luxury labels like Burberry to more affordable brands like Matt & Nat.
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Everlane The Rain Boot, £78
Everlane is a go-to for fashion essentials like T-shirts and wide-leg trousers and its rainwear is equally fantastic. These ankle boots come in a range of six neutral shades (stone is our favourite) with a contrasting toe cap to add an extra element of interest. The upper is crafted from 100% rubber and finished with a slip-resistant tread so you can wear them anywhere, safe in the knowledge your feet will be dry and comfy.
Everlane The Rain Boot, $, available at Everlane
UGG Drizlita Boot, £85 £58.99
You probably know UGG for its fleece-lined slippers or celeb-favourite suede boots but the brand also excels when it comes to rain shoes. This hot pink pair really stands out from the crowd and will get you noticed on the greyest of days. Inside is the sheepskin lining synonymous with the brand, ensuring your feet are not only dry but warm, too.
Ugg Drizlita Boot, $, available at Ugg
FitFlop Wonderwelly Short Wellington Boots, £90
Forget everything you know about wellies. These may be one of the most comfortable pairs we’ve ever worn, beaten only slightly by Le Chameau’s Giverney Wellington, £130. Designed to absorb shock, you can walk, hike, run or rave in these without a hint of leg ache. And they do all this while keeping you nice and dry.
FitFlop Wonderwelly Short Wellington Boots, $, available at FitFlop
NA-KD Profile Sole Calf Boots, £44.95 £22.47
For a fuller coverage rain boot, take a look at this knee-high NA-KD pair. Leaning into the XXL trend, the chunky sole helps prevent any slipping while adding a modern feel. Go for the khaki colourway to break up the sea of black footwear.
NA-KD Profile Sole Calf Boots, $, available at NA-KD
Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boot, £84.95
We’re as guilty as the next person when it comes to choosing shoes in black or brown, time and time again. Merry People’s smorgasbord of shades — magenta, lime, mustard…the list goes on — makes for a refreshing change and it’s the baby blue that has really caught our eye. We already have a pair in our wardrobe and can safely say they’re among the most comfortable rain shoes we’ve ever tried.
Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boot, $, available at Merry People
Chloé Betty Rubber Ankle Boots, £420
Many a fashion fan will have these Chloé boots on their wish list. Despite being a few seasons old now, they remain quite the coveted item. Injecting the everyday rain boot with a shot of luxury, this block-heeled style can be worn in all weather and for that price, we should think so too.
Chloé Betty Rubber Ankle Boots, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Matt & Nat Lane Women’s Vegan Rain Boots, £90 £36
Vegan-friendly Matt & Nat are experts in leather-look materials and these Chelsea rain boots are quite the cop. Now better than half price, thanks to the brand’s summer sale, this all-black style is effortlessly chic and if you look after them carefully, they’ll last you for years to come.
Matt & Nat Lane Women’s Vegan Rain Boots, $, available at Matt & Nat
Crocs Classic Boots, £54.99
Love them or loathe them, Crocs aren’t going anywhere. The classic clogs might stand up in a storm but they certainly aren’t going to keep your feet dry, which is where these boots come in. Small grooves in the toe nod to Crocs’ signature detailing without letting any water through, while actual punctures around the top allow you to personalise them with pins.
Crocs Classic Boots, $, available at Crocs
Ganni City Boots, £215
Ganni is synonymous with cool-girl chic and these rain boots are no exception. Made from 50% recycled rubber, they’re a slightly more planet-friendly pick than some of our other options yet sure to keep your feet just as dry. The chunky, clunky hiking boot style will see you safely through any terrain.
Ganni City Boots, $, available at Ganni
Hunter Refined Stich Rubber Chelsea Boots, £150
Hunter is famous for its wellies but it’s the Chelsea boots we’re lusting after this season. With a chunky sole and contrast stitching, they look a little like our favourite Dr. Martens and will work in even the wettest weather thanks to the rain-ready rubber sole and upper.
Hunter Refined Stich Rubber Chelsea Boots, $, available at Selfridges
Tommy Hilfiger Block Heel Chelsea Boots, £160 £96
Similar in shape to Chloé’s Betty Rubber Ankle Boots yet markedly different in colour, these Tommy Hilfiger rain boots are real statement-makers. The chunky heel adds height while a longer leg fit will make sure even your socks stay dry.
Tommy Hilfiger Block Heel Chelsea Boots, $, available at Tommy Hilfiger
Barbour Wilton Boots, £50
A Barbour jacket is a staple of any country bumpkin’s closet. Warm, waterproof and hardwearing, they work for almost any occasion and the boots seem to be following suit. This ankle-length pair will keep your feet dry without the weight of a full welly, while the tartan lining evokes that coveted English heritage style.
Barbour Wilton Boots, $, available at Schuh
Burberry Vintage Check Neoprene & Rubber Rain Boots, £420
Burberry’s famous check isn’t reserved for scarves, hats and bags. If it’s a taste of luxury you’re after, you’ve come to the right place — these classic rain boots are the very definition of not-so-stealth wealth.
Burberry Vintage Check Neoprene & Rubber Rain Boots, $, available at Burberry
Mountain Warehouse Printed Wellies With Rain Guard, £31
If the thought of wellington boots delivers a hefty hit of nostalgia, then this Mountain Warehouse pair will appeal. The playful floral pattern leans into a childlike sense of fun that often gets forgotten with black and brown ‘adult’ boots. A drawstring tie at the top stops any water running down your leg while the thick tread will keep you upright when you’re splashing through those muddy puddles.
Mountain Warehouse Printed Wellies With Rain Guard, $, available at Next
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