Rain boots come in all sizes, shapes, and materials, depending on their intended use. Sometimes, a good pair of rain boots will be the only thing that can keep your feet warm and dry when dealing with rainy weather, so they’re an essential item to have in your closet.
With so many types of rain boots available, there are almost too many to choose from. In this article, we’ll help you determine what makes a good pair of rain boots, which can change depending upon your needs. So read on to learn how to find the best pair of rain boots for you!
How Do I Choose Good Rain Boots?
Rain boots are slip-on footwear usually made from rubber, neoprene or both. Every rain boot is designed differently: some are knee-high, while others only are ankle-high. There are also insulated and uninsulated boots for different weather.
Rain boots are designed to be comfortable, and many offer non-slip soles, which provides enhanced traction and helps prevent the wearer from slipping when walking on wet or slick surfaces. There are a few things to keep in mind before buying a pair of rainboots to make wearing them as pleasant as possible:
- If your feet sweat when wearing your rain boots, it can cause quite an unpleasant odor, so be mindful to wear good quality breathable cotton or bamboo socks even if you don’t feel like you’ll need them.
- Since most rain boots slip on, rather than lace up, it’s important to get your sizing as close to accurate as you can. That way you can avoid getting scrunched toes or blistered ankles.
Keep these two things in mind and you’re ready to start finding your perfect pair of rain boots, but you’ll need to keep in mind the following factors in order to make the right decision.
Factors To Consider When Shopping For Good Rain Boots
Comfort
Comfort is hands-down one of the essential factors to consider when looking for a good pair of rain boots. If you intend to wear your boots for extended periods of time, then you must invest in a pair that feels great on your feet, so never short change yourself here! Look for the perfect fit and don’t settle for less. If you’re feeling unsure about what size you should get and are worried your boots might be too small, you can learn more about stretching rain boots here.
Warmth
Those who live in colder climates may prefer insulated rain boots because they help keep your feet warm, beyond what a pair of socks will do. Most manufacturers will have a predefined temperature their boot is intended to be worn in, so be sure to check that if you’ll be needing your boots in uncomfortably cold weather. However, if you're not a fan of how insulated rain boots feel, or if you want a pair that you can wear in multiple seasons, then you can always go for a shorter ankle rain boot!
Traction
The traction of a pair of rain boots depends on the outsole, intended substrate, and the type of tread pattern used. For instance, rain boots designed for casual use will not have the traction needed for heavy-duty use. If you work in snow, muddy areas, or high water, you’ll need ones with large and deep lugs. Ultimately, it’s best to try them on to determine your preference and speak with customer service if you need more clarification and what sole type you should purchase.
Style
While the function of rain boots is the most crucial consideration, we understand that you’re still gonna want to look good, so go ahead and buy a pair in your favorite color. Good quality rain boots will keep their color and design for years if well-cared for, so you won’t need to worry about your boots fading with regular wear and basic care.
Final Thoughts
Aside from having fun colors, the top priority of a good pair of rain boots is to protect your feet and keep them warm and dry. Thus, the pair you buy should at least be water-resistant or waterproof. Water-resistance means that your boots can repel or block moisture, but they might not keep your feet completely dry. Waterproof rain boots are ideal for torrential downpours because they’ll protect your feet completely.
Plus during rainstorms, it may be muddy and slippery, so it’s important to look for a rain boot that has a good tread, to prevent you from sliding and skidding across the ground.
You should also look for a pair that you can easily slip on or off, and that fit comfortably, but when standing still and walking around. Loose-fitting boots can cause you to slip and fall, and improperly fitted ones can be painful.
Overall, a good pair of rain boots will provide you with unique advantages that regular shoes do not have when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry whenever bad weather strikes. But make sure you take your time before deciding on which pair to buy, by taking into account everything we’ve written about above. Then you’ll be sure to find the perfect pair.
