The CF Guide to Stylish Rain Boots
Throughout my years in California, I was able to evade the prospect of buying a pair of rain boots. Sure, it rained in December, but I wasn’t ready to slip on a pair of rubber galoshes. However, I knew I would need a pair of rain boots once I moved to New York City — and now that I’m here, I’m so glad I have my pair of Burberry checkered rain boots to keep me dry in the wet and freezing cold (okay, I know it’s only November, but it’s freezing enough for me!).
Interestingly enough, many of my friends found the need to buy rain boots once they arrived on their college campuses — from my fellow friends here at Columbia University to my friends at University of California Berkeley. Many of them asked me for advice on where to purchase stylish rain boots and what shoes could work as rain boot alternatives.
While I originally despised rain boots, I’ve discovered them to be a practical necessity. After all, one always looks better in dry clothes than soaking wet clothes! Here are some fabulous rain boots that will keep you dry and stylish this season.
I recently tried on these boots at the Kate Spade SoHo store, and the two-inch heel does not add any discomfort at all! These dainty-looking but durable rain boots are completely waterproof (yes, including the ladylike ribbon) and are the perfect galoshes for the sky-high stiletto wearing crowd who can’t bear to part with their heels for a day!
Available in a vast variety of colors, these boots are the classic rain galoshes for any college student looking for simple style and functionality! They have a cushioned footbed for extra support and a stylish buckle at the side. If you’re not interested in bold embellishments and want something stylishly practical, these boots are the way to go.
For the daring girl who wants to make a bold statement in the rain, these boots are perfect for adding a bit of hard edge to a dreary day. The laces spice up the rubber exterior — and the one-inch heel adds some height. Who says high fashion can’t be functional too?
Available in dozens of fabulous prints (including a super-girlie Barbie 50th anniversary print!), these boots are also cheap enough that you could possibly purchase multiple pairs. Buy a variety of different prints to suit your different moods and outfits — whether you’re looking for a classic houndstooth or a retro illustration, Target has you covered.
Yes, these riding boots are made of wool and rubber! If you’re reluctant about wearing typical rain boots, rest assured that these boots, though they have rubber soles and are made to last through all weather conditions, do not look anything like galoshes at first glance. The tweed adds a worldly and sophisticated touch.
Whether you’re interested in sharp lace-ups or the classic Burberry print, these rain boots have you covered (both literally and figuratively)! It seems that Burberry rain boots have become norm on college campuses — and it’s not a surprise. After all, these boots are comfortable, classic, and perfect for a New England backdrop.
If the Kate Spade rain boots are too dainty for you, but you’re still looking for a high-heeled rain boot, check out these taupe patent boots with stacked heels. They have an adjustable tie so you can have the perfect fit — and easily adjust them to your jeans underneath.
What do you think?
While shopping for my rain boots this past summer, I learned to buy rain boots a half-size to one full size bigger in order to allow for room when wearing warm wool socks in the winter. I guess I’m still getting used to wearing rain boots — but it’s comforting to know that there are so many stylish options out there!
Do you wear rain boots? What do they look like?
Posted on on November 10, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Boots, Burberry, Chloe, Hunter, J Crew, Kate Spade, Rain, Rain Boots, Shoes, Shopping, Target, Weather
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Priya
These are fab! Thanks for doing this. But it’s icy where I live and I need a pair of boots with good grip but I always seem to find ugly pairs! Any suggestions?
Thanks.
K
Really really like the Chloe’s and they’re not as over popular as the Burberry/Hunter boots (I do like those, too, just hard to stand out when every girl has them). Too bad they’re not in my budget.
Kellie Huish
Rain boots really have become a necessity. I should have purchased them a long time ago but finally did a couple weeks ago. I got a great discounted pair of Burberry boots at Nordstrom Rack :] I’ve been in love with them ever since! GREAT ARTICLE!
Natalie
Love this post! Since I’ve moved from Southern California to the rainy Pacific Northwest I’ve had to make some major adjustments.
I bought my first pair of rainboots a few weeks ago and I’ll be the first to say that they’re a little out there and you’ll either love them or hate them. They’re cowboy boot style boots (with a heel!), in a blue, green, and white pattern that’s similar to something Vera Bradley would make.
I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them, and they definitely stand out from everyone else around here! Most people either go without boots or they wear something black or brown.
I figured since I’m only going to be here for a year I might as well have fun with my boots. I really like the Kate Spade boots, and I think if I decide to get another pair I might get those! They’re still fun, but a little more conservative.
Kim - Cal State
great post noel! i’ve always been pretty iffy about rainboots, they’re just too clunky. but i really love the ones you chose, especially the chloe and burberry ones. if only they did not have such a high price tag… and if only it rained in socal more.
Emily
Kamik makes amazing rainboots in pretty patterns with fantastic grip. They also make fleece and shearling lined ones for added warmth. Those are the BEST.
Samantha
Great post! And well-timed. The Kate Spade ones are really cute. I’d like to add that I bought half-calf printed rainboots from J. Crew before, and the rubber actually tore. Not on a seam, but right through the middle of the rubber on the surface of the toe. Like the way Forever21 cotton shirts develop holes right in the fabric, not at a seam. Needless to say my feet got really wet. So I gritted my teeth and bought a pair of Hunters and am in love. Seriously, knee high does a lot more for my legs than half-calf.
Becca
Love the article, you girls always do such a great job! But being the anal English major that I am…watch mixing up words like “bear” and “bare.” (Kate Spade paragraph) I have so much trouble with that sometimes! :)
Kelly
Awesome post! As a native California going to school on the east coast I’ve never owned rain boots before, but I defiantly need them now. However, as someone who will be going back to California very soon, do you think it’s worth it to buy the more expensive rain boots like Hunters? Because I like them the most, but I can’t justify the expensive if I’ll never wear them again.
Liza - University of Minnesota
Love love LOVE this, as usual Noel! The Burberry boots are definitely on my xmas list–gorgeous!
Angela
I love my hunter boots that I got for Christmas last year, but I think some of these options are too pricey! Other than the target boots, is there anything else thats more affordable?
Reneé
They look cute but I don’t think I would wear them maybe the 1st burberry one or other floral patterned ones.. Actualy last night in my dream I saw myself wearing a bright yellow pair of rain boots with a yellow raincoat and they were terrible :)
However it’s useful maybe I can change my mind :) thanks!
maryN
I love this list but i think this list (with the exception of target) is a little too $$$ for an average college student. I was on the hunt for a perfect pair of rain boots since I moved to Seattle two months ago. The target ones are affordable , but look cheap in-person. However, I did find a perfect pair @ http://www.6pm.com/tretorn-plask-w-cypress-gum for $30 bucks on Sale!!
Shannon
Just moved to Boston from California…love the post!!! Wish there were some more affordable options though. I dd luck out and find Michael Michael Kors rainboots (with a cute wedge heel!) for $20 at a shoe store in Boston. =]
clair
I have a pair I LIVE in from Coach. I think they were $108- which is spendy. But I get so many compliments and since it seems to rain every single day here during the winter they are a great investment!
hannah
awesome =] i have the gray ones with the pink bird from target.
Nina
I’m from Serbia and rubber rain boots have been a HUGE hit here since last year. I also detested them at first, but now I have a pair in leopard print! They are so funny already so why not go with a totally hilarious option! And they come cheap too. The only down side is that the rubber tends to get really cold and my feet freeze. That can be fixed with some very thick socks though :)
Good girl gone blog
I just got a pair of Hunter boots from Rue La La. They’re black with little red details. I’m looking into buying “wellie socks” so I can turn them into warm winter boots. Dual functionality? I say that’s a score.
Lalalina
I seriously heart my Target rain boots (school fish pattern)!!!! For anyone that is looking for another place with more affordable one try Laila Rowe http://www.lailarowe.com/accessories/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3194, they have ones with a heel in the stores but apparently not availible online. These are around $35, so only a little more than target. The other nice thing about Target’s rainboots is that they work for is girls who were cursed, i mean blessed with large calves. I wouldnt be able to wear Hunter rainboots even if they were in my budget:(
Lalalina
And one other place to check for more budget friendly rainboot options is DSW.com…..shoe heaven!
Kayly
Thanks for the post.
COULD YOU PLEASE DO A POST ON WHAT TO WEAR WITH RAINBOOTS?
I already have a really cute plaid pair but I never know what to wear with them. Do I wear my jeans tucked in? Overtop of the jeans? Should I match them to my coat? Or to my actual outfit?
Some inspiration would be great!
Thanks again!
Kristen
I also didn’t like rainboots at first, but we’re friends now! I got a pink pair with purple polka dots at a local store in Santa Cruz. I also have a black pair from Target that has gray tweed (kinda) like the J Crew boots you posted. My mom keeps stealing my pink boots, so she needs to get her own! Haha!
Isabelle
the Kate Spade ones are absolute and total love!
Kate
I just bought a pair of Burberry boots at the beginning of the year. Pricey, but I’ve been getting so much use out of them during this especially rainy autumn. Love ‘em. And I look getting envious looks around campus, haha.
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I do not personally wear rainboots because they’re not really popular where I live and theyre not my personal thing.
Cara
I am in love with the Kate Spades but unfortunately rapidly draining my budget for the rest of this semester already. Where might I acquire Kate Spades at a discount? Nordstrom Rack? Online somewhere? Other? Thank you!
Gwendolyn Guillotine
They’re definitely useful as to oppose to sheepskin boots, and these rainboots are quite pretty. I’m not sure whether we’ll be getting enough rain in Northern California (Wine Country), but winter sure does get wet. Plus, I do quite some garden and muddy yard work…this should be handy! Hopefully they’ll have it in stock in my town.
Evelina
The J. Crew ones are so cute! I love the mixing of textures.
I love the Kate Spade ones as well, but I am also another girl ‘cursed/blessed’ with large calves. :(
Carol
Are they comfortable? I have this idea it will be hard to walk, will get bruisers because of the rubber :(
Leira
I’ve got a pair of dark purple rain boots with light purple polka dots from Target. I’ve only worn them twice so far, but I’m pretty happy with them. :) I also bought fleece rain boot liners, but I haven’t tried them out yet.
Katespade!
I bought the Kate Spades because I’d been so in love with them even before this article – they arrived today, and I’m bursting with happiness – absolute and total love.
josie
I love rain boots soooo much but I was looking for some a few weeks ago and the only place I could think of that had some was Target. I went on their website to double check and so I went to one of their super Targets only to find that they didn’t sell them. :( It rained the next day and well lets just say I wasn’t a happy camper. but great post!