Looking for a pair of rain boots to help keep your feet dry? Here’s what we recommend.
Serious weather demands serious footwear, and even though you may think you can get away with wearing your good old chukkas, you’ll probably regret your choice once your feet are soaked.
If you’re going to be trudging through puddles, you’ll need a proper pair of rain boots.
While the phrase “rain boots” may conjure up images of the classic Wellington style, today, there are all kinds of rain boots available on the market. More boots are bridging the gap between function and fashion, so you no longer have to settle for extra-chunky boots.
Read on to check out our full list of the best rain boots for men in 2023.
Quick Take
Here are our top three recommendations from the list:
L.L. Bean boots are waterproof, durable, and comfortable, which is just about everything you want from a rain boot. The Bean boot is hard to beat if you need a stylish boot for everyday use.
Crocs All Cast Rain Boots has simple all-rubber construction that keeps water out and is cushioned for comfort. At around $50 mark, these are the most budget friendly boots you can find.
Blundstone Thermal Chelsea pair the classic Blundstone look with adventure-ready performance. They’re fully waterproof and insulated with a thick sheepskin lining that keeps your feet toasty.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
Best Rain Boots for Men
Here are the best rain boots for men in no particular order.
Hunter Men’s Original Tall Rain Boots
What better place to start than with the original Wellington boot? The British brand began producing its iconic green Wellington in the mid-50s, and the boot has been a footwear staple ever since.
The Original Tall Rain Boot (as it’s known stateside) is now available in seven colors, but not much else has changed. The hardy vulcanized rubber is protective yet flexible, and the sole sports the company’s original tread pattern.
Based on various reviews, these seem to hold up best in milder weather. They have standard rain boot performance, and not in a bad way — these are truly the standard against which other rain boots are measured.
Functionally, there are better all-around options out there, but if you want the OG Wellington style, look no further.
Muck Boot Company Chore Classic
As its name suggests, the Muck Boot Company is all about making hard-wearing boots that are “100% muckproof.”
The company’s Chore Classic boot embodies that ethos with its rugged yet flexible construction. Featuring a 5mm neoprene liner for comfort and a durable blown rubber outsole, the Chore boot will withstand just about anything you throw at it.
These are performance boots that are best for intense tasks or arduous journeys. While they’re not ugly, they’re not particularly stylish, so opt for these only if you’ll often be working in wet weather.
XTRATUF 6” Ankle Deck Boot
XTRATUF (which is owned by the same parent company as Muck) created its Ankle Deck Boot with anglers in mind, but you don’t need to fish to net the benefits of this boot.
It’s immediately obvious that the Ankle Deck Boot was made with more than functionality in mind. The design is surprisingly stylish and almost looks more like a slip-on shoe than a boot.
But it doesn’t compromise on quality, either — the Ankle Deck Boot features hand-layered rubber, a slip-resistant outsole, and a breathable mesh liner.
The balance between style and durability makes the Ankle Deck Boot an interesting choice. You probably won’t want to pair these with jeans, but you can get away with a broader range of outfits than what chunkier rain boots allow.
Kamik Icebreaker
Kamik makes a range of acclaimed rain boots, and you’ll see the brand pop up on almost every “best rain boots” list. This list is no exception because I’m spotlighting the versatile (and affordable) Kamik Icebreaker.
With its sleek silhouette and cinched top, the Icebreaker is quite stylish for a rain boot. It’s also one of the warmer boots on this list, thanks to a full-felt liner. But that benefit may also be a drawback, as the boot foregoes a traditional insole (which you may like or dislike).
The Icebreaker is pretty tough, and you can easily work it into all kinds of outdoorsy outfits. It’s also a bit cheaper than many of the other options on this list, which definitely gives it some bonus points.
Bogs Men’s Classic High-M Waterproof
The Classic High-M from Bogs is another rain boot that’s focused on performance and durability, but you may have already sussed that out just by looking at it.
While the Classic High-M won’t be making it into any fit pics, it’s one of the toughest boots on this list.
It’s not only fully waterproof but also heavily insulated, so much so that it’s suitable for sub-zero conditions. These boots are also consistently rated as some of the most comfortable heavy-duty rain boots.
If you are thinking about picking up a pair, be sure to review the sizing — many reviewers recommend going up a size.
This is especially important if you’ll be wearing them in extremely cold conditions because to stay warm, you need extra room inside the toe of your boots, even when layering two or more pairs of socks.
L.L. Bean Men’s Bean Boots
An article about rain boots isn’t complete without L.L. Bean’s famous duck boots. These iconic, always-in-demand boots have barely changed over the last hundred years, and to this day they’re still handmade in Maine.
Bean boots are waterproof, durable, and comfortable, which is just about everything you want from a rain boot. The rubber bottom protects against water, while the leather top provides comfort. These won’t withstand extreme conditions, but they hold up well for regular daily use.
The aesthetic is a bit divisive, but I’d argue that these boots look great with just about any hike-ready outfit. (You can also go for the “preppy lumberjack” look if you like). The Bean boot is hard to beat if you need a stylish boot for everyday use.
Blundstone Thermal Chelsea
If you’ve got a pretty penny to spend on rain boots, then you should seriously consider the Blundstone Thermal Chelseas.
These boots pair the classic Blundstone look with adventure-ready performance.
They’re fully waterproof and insulated with a thick sheepskin lining that keeps your feet toasty. They don’t perform as well as some of the options on this list, but unless you need to regularly wade into deep water, you’ll be fine.
And since they’re insulated, the Thermals are also great boots for winter. For that reason, they’re some of the best rain boots for men in NYC and other places where cold temps are common.
Few boots achieve this combination of aesthetics and sturdiness, which is why the Blundstones are on the more expensive side at around $250. But price aside, the Thermal Chelseas deliver on all fronts.
Crocs All Cast
Even though Crocs is best known for its polarizing yet practical clogs, the company makes other types of footwear that aren’t nearly as controversial.
The All Cast rain boots fall into that category with their standard boot design. The simple all-rubber construction keeps water out and is cushioned for comfort.
The only downside is that the sizing can be tricky, so make sure you take that into consideration. On the whole, these are solid rain boots that hover around the $50 mark, making them some of the most budget-friendly boots on this list.
SOREL Madson Chukka
If style is high on your list of priorities, then the elegant Madson from SOREL should be on your radar.
Even though the Madson is called a chukka, it’s closer to a “sneaker-ified” boot. But with seam-sealed waterproof construction and a molded rubber sole, it can withstand a lot more than a sneaker. An EVA footbed and midsole round out the spec list.
The Madson is a fantastic option if you need a sturdy rain boot but don’t prefer the Wellington style. At $175, they’re not the most budget option, but they’re arguably the most handsome ones here.
Lems Men’s Waterproof Boulder Boot
At first glance, the Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot seems to be a typical hiking boot. However, this unique boot is zero-drop, which means that the heel and toe are level for a barefoot-like experience.
That seemingly small change makes a big difference, so if you’re not used to zero-drop shoes, it may take a while to get used to. But if you’re familiar or curious, you’ll be pleased to know that the waterproof Boulder has a lot going for it, including an oiled leather upper, flexible rubber outsole, and moisture-wicking lining.
The Boulder also gets some serious fashion points. While it’s not as refined as the Blundstone Chelseas or SOREL chukkas, it’s an appealing boot that’s easy to style.
Rain Boot FAQs
Here are the answers to come common questions about rain boots.
What Are the Best Rain Boots for Men?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a stylish boot to keep you dry on rainy days, then the Blundstone Thermal Chelseas and SOREL Madson Chukkas are both great options. If you need a heavy-duty performance boot, consider something like the Bogs Classic High-M.
What Boots Are Better Than Muck Boots?
Boots from the Original Muck Boot Company are extremely rugged and can withstand fairly extreme conditions. For intense conditions, you can’t do much better.
What Is the Difference Between Rain Boots and Muck Boots?
Technically, muck boots are boots produced by the Muck Boot Company. However, some of their boot styles have become associated with use in muddier or “muckier” conditions, so people sometimes use “muck boots” to refer to a hardier boot that can withstand more than just rainy weather.
Are Rain Boots Okay for Snow?
Not all rain boots can handle snow, so be sure to read the spec list and check reviews. Generally, the thicker and more insulated a boot is, the better it will tackle snow. In addition, snow may ruin the outsides of some rain boots (especially ones with leather uppers). It also depends on the amount of snow.
Which Rain Boot Is Right For You?
When choosing a rain boot, think first and foremost about your needs. Do you need a boot that will survive just about anything, or do you just need some waterproof footwear for going around town?
The type of performance you need will heavily inform the kind of rain boot you end up with. You should also consider how important style is, which should be secondary to performance.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Ask Me Anything