Come snow, sleet, or torrential downpours, the best waterproof boots for women aren’t nice-to-haves; they are necessities designed to keep your feet warm and dry—a far better option than sloshing down the street in waterlogged shoes when the weather is ugly.
Unfortunately, plenty of boots will claim to hold up to the elements when they’re not as waterproof as they promise—and many of us find this out too late: when our socks are sopping wet our toes have turned into icicles, or water or melted snow has entered our shoes.
To help narrow your choices, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best waterproof boots for women, including three recommendations from Angela Denae Lynch, personal stylist and founder of Angela Denae Style Studio. Whether you’re looking for stylishly functional boots that you can wear every day, a pair for outdoor use, or an option that is versatile enough for rain and snow, there’s a boot on this list for you. Find picks from brands like Merry People, Sperry, Vessi, and more below.
The Best Waterproof Boots for Women, at a Glance
- Best Overall Waterproof Boots: Merry People, Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot, $130
- Best Waterproof Rain Boots: Seavees, Bolinas Off Shore Boot, $115
- Best Waterproof Rain Boots Under $100: Everlane, The Rain Boot, $85
- Best Budget Waterproof Boots: Asgard, Waterproof Chelsea Boots, $32
- Best Knee-High Waterproof Boots: Barbour, Bede Wellington Boot, $130
- Best Waterproof Booties: Bogs, Sweetpea Boot, $85
- Best Waterproof Sock Boots: Vessi, Weekend Chelsea, $160
- Best Waterproof Sneaker Boots: Ugg, Lakesider Heritage Lace, $160
- Best Waterproof Leather Boots: Blundstone, Thermal Chelsea Boot, $250
- Best Waterproof Suede Boots: Overland, Calib Shearling-Lined Waterproof Suede Boots, $279
- Best Insulated Waterproof Boots: The North Face, ThermoBall Lace Up Waterproof Boots, $135
- Best Waterproof Deck Boots: Sperry, Cutwater Deck Boot, $100
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boots: Merrell, Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex, $170
- Best Orthopedic Waterproof Boots: Orthofeet, Florence Boot, $130
- Best Splurge-Worthy Waterproof Boots: Chloe, Betty Shearling-Lined Rubber Boots, $675
What To Look For When Shopping for Waterproof Boots
If you want waterproof boots that you can rely on no matter the weather, there are a few main things to consider as you shop for your perfect pair.
Material
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for shoes made from materials that absorb no water. Lynch usually recommends materials like rubber and polyvinyl chloride (or PVC). “Rubber is usually more expensive, but it tends to last longer because it’s thicker and won’t break as easily as PVC,” she says. You will also find ones made with waterproof leather and suede uppers—and for the most part, which option you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Whichever boot you choose, you ideally want one with a tread pattern on the outsole to give you a more secure grip on slippery, wet surfaces.
Lining
The inside of your boots is as important as the outside, and you’ll typically come across boots with and without alining.
Lined boots area saving grace for snow and freezing rain—and if this is your preferred option, just be sure to select a pair with removable lining so you can wash it or one that features a lining made from natural fibers, like shearling and wool. Conversely, you’ll want to avoid lining made from synthetic fibers. “Synthetic materials just soak up every scent and smell,” says Lynch. On the other hand, waterproof boots without lining are versatile enough for year-round use. When paired with the right socks, you can wear them in rain or snow. “In the winter, you can have a shearling or wool sock to keep your feet warm and dry,” says Lynch. “In the spring, you can wear a thinner sock.” With this in mind, you’ll want to choose an option that can accommodate both thin and thick socks—not too wide or narrow, but just right.
Style
While waterproof boots primarily protect your feet, style doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of performance—and there are so many options that combine the best of both worlds. Lynch’s preferred style of shoe is a Chelsea boot. “It’s just so classic, and it goes with everything,” she says. “It’s very gender neutral as well—as a queer personal stylist, I am always looking for pieces that can translate any essence, [whether] masculine, feminine, or nonbinary.”
Of course, style is subjective. As you shop, you’ll want to consider your aesthetic and lifestyle. As importantly, “buy as best as you so that it can last through the seasons,” says Lynch. As you shop, thinking about cost-per-wear is helpful, too. If you come across seemingly expensive waterproof boots, divide the price by the number of times you intend to wear them. Using this calculation will help to determine whether the options you’re considering are worth the price.
With all these in mind, here are the best women’s waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry, no matter how the weather shakes out.
Shop the Best Waterproof Boots for Women
Sizes available: 5-14
If you’re looking for waterproof boots that you can wear all year round, consider the Bobbi Ankle Rain Boots from Merry People. The Chelsea-style boots are made from rubber, making them fully waterproof, and they have outsoles grooved like a vehicle tread so you won’t slip and slide. The pair also features pull tabs on the front and back, allowing for easy on and off. On the inside, a neoprene lining keeps feet warm and dry, and, according to the manufacturer, even in “below-freezing temperatures”—something we can attest to.
“I’ve worn them in all four seasons at this point, in everything from humid summer thunderstorms to winter ice and sleet, and can honestly say they’ve kept my feet dry, happy, and cute in all sorts of weather,” says commerce editor Francesca Krempa. The wide toe box and cushioned innersoles provide added comfort, which makes it ideal for walking long distances. As a bonus, it’s available in 17 colors, ranging from neutrals to bright pops of color, so there’s something for every style.
Read our full review of the Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots.
Colors: 17
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- Removable cushioned insole
- Features stretchy side panels and pull tabs for easy on and off
Con:
- Expensive