7 Best Men’s Rain Boots for Walking, Commuting and More
Stay dapper and dry, even in the face of a downpour.
Tested by Grace WuTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
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When it comes to wet conditions — yes, rainy days, but also yard or farm work or even fishing or hiking — the best men’s rain boots are the key to keeping feet dry and comfortable. Unlike most winter boots or hiking boots that only have water-resistant finishes and include ties and zippers that can let in water, this type of footwear is made from entirely waterproof materials, plus they have soles with added traction for stability on slippery surfaces.
To help you find the best men's rain boots to suit varying conditions and lifestyles, we researched the top-selling shoes on the market, reading hundreds of reviews to understand what real users like and dislike about the most popular styles. We also leaned on our analysts' years of experience testing all kinds of footwear, including the best rain boots for women, in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab.
Pros
- Comes in short and tall styles
- 100% rubber for complete waterproofing
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- Limited color selection compared to the women's style
Shaft height: 6 3/4 in. | Material: Rubber
When it comes to rain boots, Hunter dominates the market. Since 1956, the brand has manufactured boots known for both style and function. We've tested both tall and short styles, but found the shorter styles to be more comfortable.
Reviewers liked how easy the shorter ones are to get on. In tests, users complained about the heft of the taller styles. The taller style would, however, be better for those who want more coverage, say, for farm work.
The men's style comes in far fewer colors than the women's — only matte black, blue and gray (for comparison, the women's style comes in 29 colors and both matte and glossy finishes) — but we think the selection will satisfy most shoppers. And you can't beat the functionality: In our Lab testing, the women's version of this 100% rubber style outperformed every other brand.
Pros
- 100% rubber for complete waterproofing
- Cushioned foam EVA footbed
Cons
- May not be as durable as some other options, according to reviews
Shaft height: 13 in. | Material: Rubber
Considering the 100% rubber construction and the traction on the soles, these rain boots offer an excellent overall value. The brand says the outsole is also oil- and acid-resistant — great for those using who depend on the waterproof pair for more rigorous jobs like farm work.
Reviewers said the boots fit mostly true to size and are more lightweight than other similar shoes they've tried. They also have a comfortable EVA foam footbed that makes them more suitable for all-day wear. They may not be as durable as other options, though — one reviewer said a branch pierced the sole of their boots.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Men
Muck Boot Mens Arctic Ice Mid Boot & Vibram Arctic Grip A.T.
Pros
- Great traction
- Lightweight and comfortable despite rugged design
- Comfort-rated for winter weather from –40 °F to 40 °F
Cons
- Not ideal for warmer climates
Shaft height: 13 in. | Material: Rubber, neoprene
In wet winter weather when both water and ice can pose a threat, reach for these Muck Boots, which are specifically designed to provide excellent traction with their Vibram Arctic Grip sole. They're warmer than other rain boots, thanks to a neoprene and fleece lining.
The stretch-fit top lining also keeps the boots snug to your calves to keep the cold air out. The brand says the pair is comfort rated from –40°F to 40°F. While this pair isn't ideal for those in warmer climates, it's great for people who find themselves outdoors for long periods of time during the winter.
One GH editor who personally owns the women's version of these boots said, "these are the shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry through snow, slush and sleet." Another tester was blown away by how lightweight and comfortable they are, despite their ruggedness.
Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot
Pros
- Roomy toe box for wide feet
- Comes in 18 colors
Cons
- May not be suitable for narrow feet
Shaft height: 6 in. | Material: Rubber, neoprene
When we tested women's rain boots, this Xtratuf style excelled in water-resistance tests, despite its shorter and more comfortable design. One tester loved the ample room in the toe box — something another staffer's husband appreciated about the men's style, noting the pair is particularly good for those with wide feet, though they may fit a little big on those with narrow feet.
The roomy design, combined with the two big pull tabs on the front and back, make these rain boots some of the easiest to put on and take off. We also like that they come in 18 colors, including fun color combos like green, orange and navy — it makes them part of the outfit rather than a last-minute addition to keep the elements out.
RELATED: Best Men's Slippers
Pros
- Great ankle support and stability
- Comes in a warmer lined version
Cons
- Sizing isn't conventional
Shaft height: 8 in. | Material: Leather, rubber
L.L.Bean's Bean Boots are another classic for both wet weather and winter (the brand also makes an insulated style that's best suited for the colder months). One GH editor has owned the latter style for 10 years, citing no leaks and great warmth. Testers of the women's style also appreciated the 8-inch height and lace-up design. They said it offers superior ankle support and stability in slippery conditions.
Our analysts say Bean Boots are known for great traction too, but they do offer a heads-up on sizing: These shoes are sized differently than most winter boots — the brand actually recommends sizing down by a full size, so be sure to check the size chart on the website prior to purchase.
RELATED: Best Hiking Boots
Pros
- More stylish than typical rain boots
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- May take some time to break in
Shaft height: Not listed | Material: Leather, rubber
If you're looking for boots you can wear on your commute to work — something that doesn't look totally out of place with a more elevated outfit — we recommend this style from Blundstone. They're pricier than the other picks on our list, but the brand has soared in popularity over recent years, thanks to the long-lasting, durable construction of its boots.
Though fashionable, this style is made of water-resistant leather that we found actually kept water out when we tested the women's version of the shoe. The elastic sides and back pull tab make them easily to slip on and off, so you can change easily when you arrive at the office. Reviewers said they take some time to "break in," but praised the comfort from there on out. Just note: For longevity, you should regularly care for these boots with a leather polish.
BOGS Men's Classic Mid Boot
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Comfort-rated for temperatures as low as –40°F
Cons
- On the heavier side
Shaft height: 11 in. | Material: Rubber, neoprene
In our previous Lab tests, both Bogs tall and mid boots have performed well in water-resistance tests — ideal for yard and farm work, which is exactly what they were designed for. In terms of comfort, though, users seemed to prefer the mid style, since they slid on and off more easily and didn't rub against the ankle.
Even though they aren't lined, you can wear the pair year-round since they're comfort-rated for temperatures as low as –40°F. The brand also claims they're easy to care for, thanks to a non-slip, self-cleaning outsole and a "DuraFresh bio-technology" that helps fight odors. On the downside, some users say the nearly 4-pound weight of these shoes is heavier than other rain boots.
How we test rain boots
While we haven't yet conducted a category test of men's rain boots, we have tested a wide range of women's rain boots. In our latest test, we evaluated 17 different styles, including options from many of the top-rated brands above.
When testing rain boots, water-resistance is — of course — our top priority. GH pros place a pre-weighed piece of filter paper in the toe box of each boot, then using our rain tester, we spray the boots with a set amount of water at a standardized pressure and temperature for five minutes. We then remove and weigh the filter paper to see if any water ended up in the boot.In a heavy downpour, it may be inevitable that a bit of water will end up in your boots, so we also evaluate how quickly the inside of the boot dries. To do this, we pour a standard amount of water inside and weigh and re-weigh the boot until it returns to its original weight.
To assess how heavy a boot will feel on your foot — a factor that could affect comfort — we also weigh each rain boot (all in the same size). We compare the weight to its height and the materials, eliminating excessively bulky pairs.
Finally, to get real-user feedback on both function and comfort, we have consumer testers of varying shoe sizes wear each pair. They provide feedback on comfort, fit, traction, waterproof capabilities, appearance and more.
What to look for when shopping
✔️ Material: Rubber is the most popular construction, since it's completely waterproof and holds its shape well. Many boots will also use neoprene, a flexible, synthetic rubber, in combination with standard structured rubber. Like rubber, it’ll help keep water out, but it also helps insulate your feet in colder temperatures. Other boots advertised as suitable for wet weather may be made of water-resistant materials like nylon, but don't offer the same protection as waterproof materials. They will allow in some moisture during a heavy downpour.
✔️ Shaft height: Rain boots are available in a variety of heights, from short ankle styles to tall boots that go up to your knees. Generally, taller boots offer better coverage but feel heavier; shorter boots are lighter, but leave you more exposed.
✔️ Traction: To prevent slips, look for deep lugs and treads on the bottom of your rain boots. This is particularly important if you plan to rely on your rain boots in winter weather when ice may be present.
✔️ Insulation: Most rain boots aren't lined for more comfortable year-round wear, but some brands sell liners that can be worn with the boots for added warmth. It's also worth noting: In warmer weather, rubber boots may feel a bit sweaty since they tend to trap body heat.
✔️ Style: Most people don't stock more than one pair of rain boots, so make sure to choose a style that you'll want to wear for quite some time. If rain is rare in your area, a pair of low ankle booties may suffice. In rainy climates, a taller pair of boots is likely preferred. Consider your lifestyle too. Those taller boots may be more ideal for farm work, while a short Chelsea-style will be more suitable for walking to work in a more urban environment.
What's the difference between Muck Boots, Bogs and rain boots?
Muck Boots and Bogs are both brands that carry farm and rain boots. Their shoes have been popular for a long time and both companies make styles that resemble your average rain boot, though Muck Boots and Bogs both feature a neoprene upper for comfort (near the calf) attached to a classic rubber ankle boot.
Because of the similarities and the fact that many use Muck Boots and Bogs as rain boots, some have begun to use the brand names interchangeably with the category of shoe — kind of like how a Crock-Pot is a type of slow cooker, but many refer to all slow cookers as Crock-Pots.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience. She has extensively reviewed consumer products of all kinds, including footwear. For this round-up, she thoroughly researched the market and worked with textiles experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to review prior testing data and compile this list of the best rain boots for men.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who oversaw recent tests for waterproof boots and rain boots. Based on this rigorous testing and data analysis, she's written several stories on footwear, including winter boots and hiking boots. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
