Once you’ve outgrown the childhood desire to splash in muddy puddles, rain boots move pretty far down your fashion wish list.
Generally, gumboots don’t scream “style” – they seem more like something to buy if you live in the English countryside and spend your days plodding through marshy fields in perpetually drizzly weather.
But even if you’re a city dweller a solid pair of rain boots can serve you well. No more trying to leap over puddles in a leaky pair of sneakers, gingerly tiptoe across wet ground in unsteady heels, or spend an uncomfortable day in soggy socks after an unexpected rainstorm on your way to work.
Rather, you can splash your way through the streets in style, keeping your feet cosy and dry all day long.
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST RAIN BOOTS FOR WOMEN
From tall styles ideal for the wettest of weather to the fashion-forward Chelsea boots you’d never suspect are gumboots in disguise, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best rain boots to suit women of all tastes.
Tully Gumboot, $169.95 at Merry People
The popular rain boot brand has done it again. Merry People has just released the Tully Gumboot, their first new design in three years. With a stylish chunky platform sole and a higher ankle cuff, this rainboot was made to be seen. Plus, it’s available in three new colour-combos; teal, sunshine yellow and black.
Fans went wild on Instagram when the brand announced the new style. “In love,” one wrote immediately. “Omg I can’t wait to see the Tully boot I have a pair of Bobbi’s and I loooovvvvveeee them,” wrote an excited customer. Another said, “Yessss!! I have been waiting for this moment! I got the sunshine pair and I CANNOT WAIT!”
Bobbi Gumboot, $149.95 at Merry People
The Bobbi Gumboot is one of the best selling styles on Merry People for good reason, with more than 10,000 five-star reviews and an average rating of 4.9 stars from customers.
They also come in a variety of colours and get rave reviews.
“Worth every cent,” one person wrote, while another said the boots are so comfy it “feels like wearing slippers”.
Some shoppers have even taken to wearing them when it’s not raining, with one five-star reviewer saying: “These boots are great, I wear them when walking my dog now and they’re so much easier to clean than my runners.”
Kidspot’s Parenting and Podcast editor Claire Haiek has a pair of the Bobbi Gumboots and says her only regret is “not buying them sooner”.
“They’re so comfortable, I wear them everywhere and I love how easy they are to slip on and off,” she said.
“I even wear them to work when there’s even the slightest hint of rain. Paired with a hooded raincoat, it means my hands are free and there’s no need to cart around an umbrella.
“I also bought a pair for my daughter, she loves hers too.”
BEST SHORT RAIN BOOTS FOR WOMEN
Hunter Original Play Short Wellington Boots, $180 at OzSale
We couldn’t have a list of rain boots and not include Hunter.
The British brand is famous for its gumboots and these shorter wellington boots are ideal for city living. While the tall boots style is what they are known for, don’t sleep on these super cute ankle gumboots.
Featuring the Hunter logo and a pull tab, these boots have a textile lining, waterproof rubber upper and a moulded outsole.
“They are so comfy, feel sturdy like they wont bust, but a bit stretchy and foamy almost, really comfy and warming,” wrote one five-star review on Google. They continued, “Love the little wedge, so they feel feminine and can put them on to go out as well as gardening, bus runs, and nature walks.”
Another wrote, “Very comfy very waterproof and very easy to put on and take off. They don’t take up the room standard wellies do but are just as practical for walking dogs in all weathers.”
Ravella Rainy Boots in Black Smooth, $48.97 (down from $69.95) at Myer
Want a pair of rain boots that don’t look like rain boots? These Ravella boots are just the ticket. With a rounded toe boot and a low heel, these are comfy enough to wear all day while not looking out of play with your usual outfit.
They’ve also racked up an average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Myer website, with five-star rating customers describing them as “comfortable, lightweight and waterproof”.
Country Road Xanthe Gumboot, $99.95 at THE ICONIC
A chunky sole is not only a fashion statement but also an effective method of keeping your feet dry from puddles. We love how these gum boots can easily be worn with regular clothes as well as wet weather gear.
They also come in a deep green if you’re after a bit of colour in your life.
Crocs Women’s Jaunt Shorty, from $69.81 at Amazon Australia
With over 3,700 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say the Crocs Jaunt Shorty Boot is one of the most popular styles on the web – and it’s been described as “comfortable” by countless reviewers.
Crocs is a trusted shoe brand, with this boot promising to be both soft and super supportive. The pull holes means you can easily pop these on and off, especially when you’re in a hurry in the pouring rain.
We also love that they come in a multitude of colours, including navy blue, pink, yellow and more.
BEST TALL RAIN BOOTS FOR WOMEN
Hunter Original Refined tall vegan gumboots in black gloss, $220 (down from $239.88) at ASOS
We told you it was hard to go past Hunter boots. These high gloss Hunter boots are a chic addition to your winter wardrobe and feature a chunky sole with moulded tread for extra comfort.
Joules Women’s Rain Boots, from $86.74 at Amazon Australia
With loads of colours and prints available, if you’re looking for a variety of rain boots, this is a good place to start. While the Joules Rain Boot isn’t as tall as others we’ve seen on the market, the mid-calf height gives you some length while not swallowing your whole leg.
The natural rubber is 100 per cent waterproof and we love that it’s got an adjustable side strap and buckle.
This humble pair of rain boots have racked up over 1,700 five-star ratings on Amazon, with happy reviewers calling them “so perfect”, “so practical” and “amazing for wide calves and wide feet”. Win!
Juicy Couture long gumboots, $81 (down from $147) at ASOS
If you’re just after a simple, black pair of gumboots then look no further. The brand may be famous for its classic tracksuits in the early noughties but don’t let that fool you. This pair from Juicy Couture is perfect for rainy days whether you’re on the side of the soccer fields or dredging through the mud in the countryside.
With free delivery and free returns, buying these boots is a no-brainer.
BEST COLOURFUL RAIN BOOTS FOR WOMEN
Miss Shop Yasmin Boot in Black with Green, $59 (down from $99.95) at Myer
Can’t stray away from wearing black in the cool, rainy weather? If a brightly coloured pair of rain boots is a bit too much for you, opt for this black pair with a subtle bright green detailing. The boots themselves offer a rounded toe and a medium block heel, so they’ll give you some height without feeling like you’re going to topple over in the rain.
The Rain Boot, $144 at Everlane
OK, we think we’ve found our favourite rainboot. Arriving in a fabulous khaki hue and featuring that trendy chunky design, this is a pair we’d wear even when it’s not raining.
Plus, these shoes are actually comfortable too. With a custom-designed cushioned insole, your feet will be as comfy as they are dry.
The boots scored a 4.6 out of five from almost 2,000 ratings, with one reviewer saying “the sole is very slip resistant and the boots are super comfortable. Excellent and easy to slip on to get out the door fast.”
AUS WOOLI Doublebay Rainboots, $59 (down from $79) at THE ICONIC
We love these gumboots for their classic navy colourway – and at $79 they are seriously affordable. Made by Sydney brand AUS WOOLI, these gumboots have a sheepskin insole for extra warmth and comfort, as well as a full leather suede upper that’s water resistant.
Free shipping paired with The Iconic’s fast delivery times, you’re sure to be ready to go the next time the rains comes.
BEST DESIGNER RAIN BOOTS FOR WOMEN
Axel Arigato Cryo leather and rubber rain boots, $289 (down from $554) at The Outnet
A classic pair of black rain boots from the luxury Swedish brand, Axel Arigato. Crafted from a premium soft calfskin leather and sitting atop a rubber sole, these rain boots are made to last.
They’re black, with a round toe and a pull tab, so you know they’ll go with everything.
The best part? They’re on sale for a limited time, discounted by almost 50 per cent off – score!
Rag & Bone Shiloh rubber-trimmed neoprene rain boots, $371 (down from $807) at The Outnet
Rag & Bone has been worn by the likes of Kate Moss and Hailey Bieber, so if you’ve always wanted to try something from the designer brand, now’s the perfect time.
This gorgeous pair of bright yellow rain boots are on sale at The Outnet for over 50 per cent off.
They’re made from a recycled polyester and feature a chunky heel to give you some extra tread in the wet weather.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN RAIN BOOTS?
Here’s what to consider before you hit add to cart:
• Height: An ankle-height rain boot is suitable for those wanting a subtle everyday gumboot, but for outdoorsy types wanting to tackle particularly wet conditions, a tall style will offer the most protection.
• Material: Natural rubber boots are more flexible and therefore more comfortable than synthetic options like PVC, although the latter are likely to be cheaper.
• Tread: A fairly grippy sole on a rain boot is essential, so double check that the tread has deep enough grooves to provide traction and minimise slips.
• Lining: Lined gumboots are cosier and more comfortable to wear for extended periods, but may come at a higher cost.
• Colour: Neutral or statement? Choose a design and colour that will suit your wardrobe well.
SHOULD YOU WEAR SOCKS WITH RAIN BOOTS?
Absolutely. Many rain boots are made from rubber or plastic, which aren’t always the most comfortable materials, despite their superior rain protective qualities. To combat the discomfort, size up when purchasing your boots and wear them with a thick pair of socks that will prevent chafing.
ARE RAIN BOOTS WORTH IT?
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Considering that you can buy them for quite affordable prices, we’d certainly say that rain boots are a worthwhile purchase to make. If you’re sick of ending up with soggy, cold feet at the end of a rainy day, you’ll feel much better stomping around in a pair of waterproof boots that keep you warm, cosy, comfortable and well supported no matter the weather conditions.
Still keen to expand your shoe collection? We’ve got you. Check out the best white sneakers that go with everything, and our review of the R.M. Williams boots that are always selling out.
If you’re a bargain hunter at heart, don’t miss the News.com.au Coupons page. There, you can find discounts on top brands from The ICONIC, ASOS, Country Road and more.
Originally published as Best rain boots for women to buy in 2023
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