雨季出行指南：Wirecutter 实测挑选最佳雨靴与防水穿搭

Rosie Guerin: I'm Rosie Guerin and you're listening to the Wirecutter Show.

It's fall and for many of us in North America that means rain from hurricanes in the southeast, the nor'easters coming up here in New York. If you've ever stepped out your front door into a sudden downpour only to spend the rest of your day with soggy socks, soggy feet, you know that bad wet weather footwear can have an effect on your day. But finding a pair of rain boots that actually keeps water out without feeling like heavy concrete blocks is not as simple as picking the cutest pair off the shelf.

So today we're diving into the wet and muddy world of rain boots with outdoor gear writer Kyle Fitzgerald. He's joining me to talk about what makes a great rain boot, the materials that actually will keep you dry, and how our team put these boots to the test in real-world mud and rain. Rain boots can be expensive, so you want to know that you're going to get what you paid for. Kyle is a Wirecutter staff writer and a gear tester, and he's joining me now from the wet woods of Vermont. Hey, Kyle.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Hey, thanks for having me.

Rosie Guerin: Okay, so to kick things off, when someone starts shopping for a rain boot, what are the core things they should be looking for? Bare bare minimums.

Kyle Fitzgerald: So, the first thing you'd look for is construction, cuz water is super sneaky. It can find its way through in a number of ways. So, generally speaking, a heavy boot is a sign that it'll last longer because it's thicker material, but there's a trade-off for comfort and walkability with something like that.

In an ideal world, a boot is molded from one piece, but I found that that's pretty rare. So, the next best thing to look for is a good seal along the seam that joins the sole and the upper part of the boot. And that just prevents water from working its way into the cracks where things are joined.

Next, I'd look for a good grippy rubber outsole. And what you'd look for depends on what you're going to be doing with your boot. So, if you're walking on city streets, you know, the soles don't have to have these big treads. In fact, flatter treads will probably help you a little bit more on pavement and sidewalks. But if you're in the mud, larger and deeper treads will keep you from slipping around.

Rosie Guerin: If you're doing a bit of both, would you lean toward the direction of bigger treads?

Kyle Fitzgerald: Probably, especially if you're going to be in mud because mud can fill up channels pretty easily. We have deck boots as a pick and there are smaller channels on those and if the mud gets lodged in there, what you're left with is a pretty flat, slippery surface. So, the bigger the treads, the less that mud's going to get caught in there.

Rosie Guerin: And then I imagine on this list of things that you you definitely want to have comfort.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Correct. Yeah. You want to be able to wear these, you know, if not all day, most of the day. So, what we looked for in a boot comfortwise was wide rounded toes, which are a lot more comfortable for walking than a narrow or a tapered toe. The cushioning is also important. You want a good cushioned midsole and insole because rubber is hard. I've walked in boots that didn't have much cushioning, and it's not a lot of fun. In general, I would say a boot's flexibility, if you pick it up and flex the sole, that's going to be a sign that it's a little bit more comfortable to walk in.

Rosie Guerin: And are you kind of foregoing style if you're looking for a rain boot?

Kyle Fitzgerald: No, really, not at all. I mean, you want to feel like you look good in them, right? Most rain boots do skew a little bit more utilitarian because of what they're designed to do, but there are a lot of good stylish options out there. A lot of them take the form of, you know, a classic Chelsea boot.

Rosie Guerin: Yeah.

Kyle Fitzgerald: But there are a lot of good tall boots, knee high boots that we recommend and that our staff love.

Rosie Guerin: Okay. Well, we're going to get into the picks in a bit. I want to talk first about materials. We're talking about rubber. Obviously, that's what you're wanting to look for, correct?

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah. You want to look for boots that are made of rubber. All of our picks are made of rubber. It's a good waterproof barrier. It's seamless. It flexes easily. It's durable and you can clean them off easily. You just hose them down. Some companies use rubber composits or PVC, and those are usually to save weight or costs, but you end up sacrificing durability and flexibility in the end.

Yeah. One other thing you'll find in rain boots is neoprene. Some boots come lined with neoprene and this gives you a little bit more softness and comfort and also helps insulate just a little bit. Others like our Hunter original boots have a light fabric lining because sometimes rubber directly against your feet just doesn't feel great.

Rosie Guerin: Yeah, absolutely. Well, so in your research and your testing, what did you find were the biggest pain points people ran into with rain boots in general?

Kyle Fitzgerald: Anything waterproof, especially a boot, is less breathable, which means it's going to trap your foot's heat and sweat. So, this makes your feet feel clammy, especially in cooler temperatures in the fall. There's not a lot of ways to prevent that from a boot standpoint, but the best advice I can give is to wear wool socks or something breathable instead of cotton. This keeps the moisture away from your skin and prevents that clammy, gross feeling.

Rosie Guerin: I know it will.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah. Another trade-off is convenience versus durability. So, we have a pick that's really easy to slip in and out of. It's an ankle height boot, but they're more like a sneaker. They can kind of wear out over time. On the other hand, we have a pick that's a classic duck boot. Takes a little bit to break them in. You have to tie and untie them every time you step outside, but they'll last you a long time.

Rosie Guerin: So, is the idea that you're going to want to narrow down what you're going to use this boot for exactly and how often maybe you're going to use it.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah. And if you're going to be transitioning from inside to outside a lot, then something that's easy easy to slip off will be less of a headache. We've also found that the taller the boot, the more annoying it is to pull off. It's pretty obvious, but if you've ever sat on a bench and tried to take a huge boot off, you kind of know what I'm talking about.

Rosie Guerin: Definitely. The other part about tall boots is if your calves are wider or the opening in the boot is too small for your calves, they are difficult to get into and out of.

Kyle Fitzgerald: And out of Yeah. It creates that suction effect.

Rosie Guerin: Vacuum sealed onto your calf and you're just

Kyle Fitzgerald: Exactly. Exactly.

Rosie Guerin: wrenching him off.

Kyle Fitzgerald: You know, on the other hand, if the opening's too big and you're walking around a lot, it's flacking against the back of your knee. And that is also very annoying. Something I've experienced in my testing. Gets old very fast. So, no suction, no thacking. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot.

Rosie Guerin: Totally.

Kyle Fitzgerald: And then the last thing I'll say is that rain boots lack insulation. You can buy some with thicker insulation, but for the most part, they're not going to keep your feet warm in winter temps.

Rosie Guerin: Okay. So, if you're wanting to wear them into maybe colder temps, that's when you're going to want to adjust your sock choice, your wool sock choice ideally, right?

Rosie Guerin: How did you test these boots? What was the testing process like?

Kyle Fitzgerald: So, I looked at all the factors that we've talked about before, materials, use case, all that other stuff, but I'm also standing on the shoulders of giants here. We we've been testing these for 8 years, and we've had people all over the country test boots. Seattle, California, upstate New York. They've been through floods and mud and tall grass.

But in my daily life, in my testing, I try to integrate it into everyday life. So, I live in Burlington, Vermont. It gets cold and dreary here in the fall. It's currently that weather right now. I walk about 5 miles a day with my dog. And on a typical day, I'll walk a gravel path, you know, to a sidewalk to get to a nature area. So, I'm seeing how these boots work on pavement, mud, wet grass, uneven terrain. I've tested tall boots in the fields and back woods. And I'll also just stand around in them. Like, I'll go to my niece and nephew's soccer games and just see how it feels to stand. Occasionally, I'll wear two different boots at the same time on a walk to compare how they feel.

Rosie Guerin: Nice.

Kyle Fitzgerald: It's a new look. I'm trying to get going.

Rosie Guerin: Have you done a tall boot and a Chelsea boot yet? [laughter] Have you really pushed it?

Kyle Fitzgerald: No, just Chelsea boots. Just two different colors of Chelsea boots. It hasn't really caught on yet, though. And we also have staff that test them long term and give me feedback, you know, over the years how they've held up, what they've used them for and how they like them.

Rosie Guerin: So before we break, a lot of people use rain boots in the snow or winter boots in the rain. You've mentioned that rain boots generally are not going to be well insulated. To what extent can they be interchangeable?

Kyle Fitzgerald: I would say you can wear rain boots down to about like 40°, maybe 35 depending on your cold tolerance. Anything lower than that and I'd switch to winter boots. You might get away with wearing a classic pair of duck boots like the LLBAN bean boots in light snow. Those treads are meant for a little bit more varied terrain, but they don't have a liner, so you'd want to wear some thicker wool socks with those. Otherwise, your feet are going to get cold really fast.

Rosie Guerin: Okay, we're going to take a very quick break. When we're back, Kyle's going to walk us through Wirecutter's top rain boot picks for every situation from city sidewalks to the deep, deep mud. We'll be right back.

Rosie Guerin: Welcome back. My guest today is Wirecutter staff writer Kyle Fitzgerald and we're talking about how to find and decide on rain boots you'll actually like and that will keep you dry. So Kyle, let's jump right into the picks. If someone wants a stylish, comfortable boot for walking on city pavement, what's the top recommendation?

Kyle Fitzgerald: I really like the Merry People Bobby. It's a, you know, really simple, cute Chelsea boot design. They have a lot of great color options. So, if you want something bright, fun, they've got that. If you want something more earthtoned and subdued, they've got that, too. I've worn them quite a bit. I find them to be really supportive. They have a thick neoprene lining, so they're softer and they're also warmer than some of our other picks. The treads are a little bit bigger than our ankle deck boot pick.

Rosie Guerin: Okay.

Kyle Fitzgerald: So, they're a little bit better in variable terrain. They might not hang on to as many rocks and pebbles, and they'll be a little bit better on gravel, probably.

Rosie Guerin: And then any downsides for that? Anything you didn't like about that particular boot?

Kyle Fitzgerald: So, it's a lower ankle height, which means you're not going to want to step into any deep puddles with these. Also, one thing you get with lower ankle height boots is mysteriously somehow defying the laws of physics, a pebble will find its way into your boot and under your foot. So, if you're walking on a lot of gravel, just be prepared for that. That comes with pretty much any ankle boot. And the last thing I'll say is they're they're definitely warmer than most rain boots. So if your feet are prone to sweating, these might make things worse for you.

Rosie Guerin: How much do these cost? Generally speaking,

Kyle Fitzgerald: they're 140.

Rosie Guerin: That seems expensive.

Kyle Fitzgerald: They are expensive, but they are really high quality. They're durable. They've lasted a long time for me. So I think they're worth it. And especially you get a less utilitarian look with them. They're stylish. You know, they can cross over pretty well. You can wear them into the office. I think most places. Um, so you get that value, too.

Rosie Guerin: I think a lot of people would find that worth it. What about someone who wants a lightweight, easy step-in boot for maybe quick trips outside, rainy errands, maybe not as heavy a downpour type situation.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah, for something like that, I'd recommend the extra tough ankle deck boots. These have been a pick of ours for a while. They're great for people who want a lightweight boot, something that's great for transitioning into and out of the house. For example, you step into the house, you got a handful of groceries, it's got a kick tab on the heel, you can kick them both off really quickly and walk into your kitchen. It's great. And I haven't found another boot yet that are as easy to step into without using your hands or bending over. And I'm someone who can't be bothered to tie my shoes, so this is wonderful for me.

Over the years, they've also tested the best for traction on sidewalks and pavement. There's something about that tread. They were designed for fishermen to stay, you know, stay put on wet boat decks while they're fishing, and they do a great job of keeping it on the ground.

Rosie Guerin: Downsides to this,

Kyle Fitzgerald: they have a more sneaker-like look. So, if that's not your thing, then these probably won't appeal to you. And much like sneakers, it sort of pains me to say this with these boots, but they are not buy it for life. They've worn out for me. I've owned three pairs personally over the last decade. I put a lot of miles on them, but they eventually start to fail. The trade-off is that these are lightweight. If you've dealt with really heavy rain boots, you know that they're a pain. And so, these are great for walking around and and keeping things easy. So, you trade off some convenience for durability, sadly.

Rosie Guerin: And what about cost for these?

Kyle Fitzgerald: So, these are definitely cheaper than the Merry People, Bobby. They are about 115. They'll go on sale as well. So, if 115 is too much, then I'd keep an eye out for a sale.

Rosie Guerin: How about folks who are looking just for the classic buy it for life option? It can handle mud, it can handle rain, it'll keep you comfy while walking. Just a pretty classic pick that you can hopefully have for a long time.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah, you can't go wrong with the LLBAN bean boots. Um, they're rugged.

Rosie Guerin: I love a bean boot.

Kyle Fitzgerald: They're long lasting, excelling lots of terrain, pavement, mud, gravel. They also have ankle support. Some of these deck boots, Chelsea style boots, don't have as much ankle support. A lot of people on staff love these boots, and they're classic for a reason. They're utilitarian looking, but I think they've taken on a timeless charm over the years, too.

Rosie Guerin: I think every few years, young people rediscover them, and it's like, "Oh, these are chic. Look at these. Look at these in the winter time." quintessential New England look. I can guess the downside because I've owned these over the years. The lace.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yes, you have to lace them.

Rosie Guerin: You got to lace them up.

Kyle Fitzgerald: That takes extra time if you're going in and out of the house. That's annoying. They also can take a long time to break in. You know, they're leather. They're pretty stiff right out of the box, but once you break them in, they're great for rain. The bottom is rubber and they're stitched with three very strong stitches to the leather upper.

They do make an insulated version of them and I believe you can find that in our winter boots guide, but we didn't love those versions compared to other winter boots.

Rosie Guerin: Got it. And how much are the classic bean boots?

Kyle Fitzgerald: The classic bean boots are 150. So definitely a great value in terms of how long you're going to be able to use them.

Rosie Guerin: So, if someone wants that iconic tall rain boot look, what's your pick in that category?

Kyle Fitzgerald: We love the Hunter original. And those come in two options, short and tall. They're great for people who want that stylish, classic, tall boot. They've got a heritage look. Hunter made military boots for the British military in the First and Second World Wars. So, they've got that kind of old, timeless look. I mean, if anybody is going to perfect a tall rain boot, I imagine it would be the British.

Rosie Guerin: It's the British. Definitely the British. This is testing in the perfect weather.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah. And in our guide, we we recommend the short version. And the reason for that is the ones that go up to your knee. If the opening is too small for your calf to get through, they're going to be really annoying to put on and take off. So, this calf height, while it's called short, it goes up to about midcfe. Okay? But if you prefer the tall, which goes up to just below the knee, we think that's a great boot, too. But just be aware that they're tougher to get into into and out of.

Rosie Guerin: Downsides for these? Are they are they longlasting?

Kyle Fitzgerald: They've lasted long for a lot of our testers. They're heavy, so it's a lot of thick material. Plus, you you think about all the added material when they go up your leg as well.

Rosie Guerin: Sure.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Our testers found the insoles to be less comfortable. I wouldn't recommend them for a lot of walking. So maybe trapesing but not walking.

Rosie Guerin: Just light trapesing. How much are these?

Kyle Fitzgerald: So the short ones go for around 165. Occasionally they're on sale for a little bit less, but that's about the range.

Rosie Guerin: That's the priciest on this list so far.

Kyle Fitzgerald: It is the priciest. It's a lot of material. You're paying for a brand that's been around for a long time. They're welldesigned. They should last you a long time. And they've got that, you know, little style extra to boot.

Rosie Guerin: I see what you did there.

Rosie Guerin: Kyle, did we miss anything? Are there alternatives for other situations that we want to touch on?

Kyle Fitzgerald: You know, on the topic of style, my colleague Francis Solas Santiago wrote a great piece about some kneeh high boots that she loves called the Gany country boots. In her words, they they have a more of a matte finish. They're sleeker, minimalist kneeh high silhouette, and they have a more rugged kind of chunky footed.

And on the other side of the spectrum, if you don't care about fashion and you just want something that's gonna function for you in thick mud, farm work, or you're even worried about ticks, I love the Bogs Classic seamless tall. One of the biggest advantages of these boots is that the outsoles are curved, so it prevents that suction effect when you step into muddy and wet ground. It keeps you Yeah, it's a really great design. And they also have really thick treads.

Rosie Guerin: Also good for mud. Are those coming up to knee or just below the knee?

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah, you can get ones that go up to below your knee or you can get a midcafe version, but I like the tall that go up to just below the knee.

Rosie Guerin: So, how about a non rain boot solution? This is I've often found myself in this decision point where I'm trying to decide, do I want to go full rain boot or do I want to go a little bit chicer? Something that I know I will wear through fall, even winter on the less cold days and certainly in spring.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Totally. You can treat leather boots with a weatherproofing. There's a lot of spray weatherproofing. That's great. I personally use a beeswax weatherproofing on my Blundstone boots. And I also would say like these make them water resistant but not waterproof. So they'll hold up pretty well in light rain and wet sidewalks. I wouldn't necessarily go stepping in a bunch of puddles in them.

But they'll do great in most conditions that aren't a full-on downpour. They're also just a lot easier to wear like in the office. You don't have to bring an extra pair of shoes if you don't feel like rain boots in the office, you know, if you know there's only going to be light rain. What I do is I'll put the weather proofing on in the fall, so like right around this time of year in October, and then I'll put it on again in the spring. So, a couple times a year.

Rosie Guerin: Anything else that we're missing as far as boots are concerned?

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah, one last fun one I'll say is cowboy boots. I interviewed Judson Jones, who's a meteorologist for the New York Times, about what he wears in the field, and he takes Tokova cowboy boots out through mud, tornado chasing, fording rivers. So, if you want to add a little twang to your rainy days, the Takcoa cowboy boots will suit you well.

Rosie Guerin: That surprises me because they're presumably leather, treated leather.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Yeah. And he he also waterproofs them as well.

Rosie Guerin: Well, there you go. The world is really your oyster in terms of rain boots is what I'm understanding.

Kyle Fitzgerald: It is.

Rosie Guerin: Kyle, thank you for your reporting. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for coming on the show.

Kyle Fitzgerald: Thank you for having me.

Rosie Guerin: We will link to Wirecutter's full guide to rain boots and all of Kyle's picks in our show notes. And if you happen to be interested in kids rain boots, we'll link our guide to the best kid rain boots as well. And as always, you can find much, much more on Wirecutter's website. Thanks for listening. Peace.

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by me, Rosie Guerin, and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Mattie Maziello and Nick Pitman. Today's episode was mixed by Catherine Anderson. Original music by Dan Powell, Marian Lozano, Alicia Eup, Rowan Nisto, Katherine Anderson, and Diane Wong. Cliff Levy is Wirecutter's deputy publisher and general manager. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter's editor and chief. And I'm Rosie Guerin. Thank you for listening.