If you’ve ever had to plod around in water-soaked shoes with sopping wet socks, you know the value of waterproof boots. As spring quickly approaches, many of you will start to see more rainy days in the forecast (depending on where you live). Luckily, many brands have created rain boots that keep your feet dry and keep you looking good. You don’t have to slonk around in oversized yellow rubber boots (unless you want to) if you want to keep your feet dry. We’ll review the top five options for stylish men’s rain boots, depending on your personal style and everyday attire.
Classic – Original L.L. Bean Boot
Made by Maine-based outfitters L.L. Bean, the iconic Bean Boot shows that pure functionality can create its own style. The design keeps your feet dry even in the worst rain storm, while the chain patterned outsole will keep you from slipping on most surfaces. The one piece rubber sole and base, matched with full-grain leather uppers, keep these shoes watertight. If you want a completely waterproof shoe, even for wading in standing water, they also have a Gore-tex version.
They also offer flannel and shearling lined versions for more extreme weather. This boot style works great with most casual clothing, matching anything from technical wear to jeans/t-shirts to chinos/button-downs.
Rugged Casual – Huckberry All Weather Duckboot
The duck foot design makes another appearance on our rugged casual recommendation. A more updated take on the L.L. Bean version made for more outdoor/hiking versatility. These offer a little more style for your casual looks. While the L.L. Bean’s would look out of place when it’s not raining, these All Weather Duckboots would not. Plus the more rugged tread allows you to wear them for light hiking and other outdoor activities.
Great versatility for running some rainy-day errands before going on a hike then hitting or local bar for a quick drink (depending on what the weather does…).
Rubber – Xtratuf Deck Boot
Speaking of rubber rain boots, this style does offer the best waterproof functionality. And this updated design from Xtratuf can match your casual looks for any rainy-day or boat-related activities without looking like you’re about to go fly fishing. These are perfect if you live near the water or somewhere especially rainy. Plus, the color and style allows you to wear them with most of your technical or casual gear. These will keep your feet completely dry in any situation where the water doesn’t go over the top of the boots.
Smart Casual – Blundstone
Blundstone sets the standard for stylish all-weather casual shoes. Although they come in a little pricier than the options above, they will turn heads while keeping your feet dry for your casual rainy-day needs.
The classic, sleek chelsea design and full-grain leather means you can dress these up quite a bit – they wouldn’t look out of place with some nice dark denim or chinos and dressier outerwear (like a pea coat, mac coat, or casual sport coat). Bring along a nice umbrella, and you have hit the sweet spot for smart casual rainy-day attire. These stylish men’s rain boots can pull a lot of duty in your clothing lineups.
While listed as “water resistant”, in my experience these keep your feet dry for extended periods in anything less than a downpour.
Dressy – Allen Edmonds Hamilton Boots
Dress boots that could match a suit while offering all the waterproof functionality you’d need while dressed up? The Hamilton Boots from Allen Edmonds exude class. Everyone will know you have disposable income, along with the sense to spend it wisely. And they look razor sharp with suits, trousers, and your dressier outerwear. These also wouldn’t overpower a nice pair of chinos, a casual button down, and a sleek mac coat.
Now, these will set you back almost half a grand. You should probably only make this splurge if you wear dress clothes multiple times per week AND live somewhere rainy. Or if you have the cash and like nice things for specific circumstances.
These boots will keep your feet warm and dry, while making sure you don’t slip on wet pavement. They feature a fully sealed storm-welt construction and weatherproof uppers, while the Dainite soles provide all-weather traction.
If these are too spendy, the Silva boots from Beckett Simonon are a bit friendlier on your wallet and look almost as good.
Conclusion
Unless you live in an actual desert, every man should have a pair of stylish men’s rain boots to match the types of clothes they wear the most. A gentleman should be prepared to match every weather scenario with the appropriate items in his wardrobe. Being ready for the rain will let you focus on other, more important things you have going on that day.