Women rain boots

Top Brands and How to Choose Them

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Rain boots are the ultimate in practicality, but there's no reason they have to be boring.

Below, I've listed some of my favorite manufacturers of waterproof boots for women, along with a few tips on what to look for, and how to choose the best pair for your lifestyle.

Nigel Roddis / Stringer / Getty Images

How to Choose a Pair of Rain Boots

Obviously, rain boots need to be waterproof. But, there's more to it than that. Let's face it, you're not going to wear a pair of hiking boots with your new pencil skirt, even if they do keep you dry.

So, how do you choose?

Think about how and when you're mostly going to where the boots.

If they're just going to be used for casual outings -- like trips to the grocery store or the post office -- then you can go for something completely casual and colorful. Think splashy graphics, vivid hues, whatever ticks your boxes.

You can also choose a pair of dynamic wellies if you're prepared to carry a spare pair of shoes with you to the office.

But, if you need a pair of boots that will keep you dry and dressed to kill, then look for a pair of dress boots that feature waterproof construction and materials.

And finally, if the boots need to keep you warm as well as dry, then you may want to consider a pair of winter or snow boots instead.

Now, on to a few of my favorite brands, with additional tips below.

Image: Zappos. com

Bogs: Fun and Functional

Super-cute, and just as practical, women's rain boots from Bogs feature a 100% waterproof construction, and come in classic solids or vivid prints. If all of that weren't enough, they also feature a handy handle on each side that makes them easy to pull on.

Perfect for working outside in the garden, or for just slipping into before running errands on a rainy day, Bogs come in lots of different heights and patterns, and they're also available in kids' and men's sizes and styles. (Buy Direct)

Image: Zappos. com

Hunter Original Wellington Boots

If you love wellies, then there's a good chance you're already familiar with Hunter boots, and with good reason: they've been around for more than 150 years.

But, don't let any mental images of waterlogged hunters in tall green boots dissuade you from checking out this brand. Today's Hunter boots are as chic (and popular) as they come. They come in a vast array of colors and prints, including matte and glossy versions; metallic styles; and color-blocked models; yet, they haven't sacrificed their functionality.

Available in several different styles and heights, there's even a folding version of Hunter boots that are easy to transport -- making them great for festival-goers, as well as frequent travelers. (Buy Direct)

Image: Zappos. com

Kamik: Cute Rain Boots for Less

Most rain boots aren't terribly expensive, but it can be difficult to justify spending $100 or more on a pair if you're not going to wear them a lot.

Fortunately, there are lots of cute, cheaper rain boots out there. Kamik is one of the first brands that springs to mind. They're simple, they're cute, and they are pretty reasonably-priced.

Ranging in price from about $50 to $65 per pair, Kamik rain boots come in loads of solids and fun patterns. And, they're generally well-reviewed also. (Buy Direct)

Image: Nordstrom. com

Aquatalia by Marvin K. - Dressy Rain Boots

If you're looking for a pair of weatherproof boots that are more on the dressy side, I suggest taking a look at weatherproof boots from Aquatalia by Marvin K. Depending on the season and current collection, you'll find attractive short and tall styles; heels and flats; as well as casual and dressier models.

But before you do, let me warn you: they aren't cheap. And by "not cheap," I mean that they're what a lot of people would consider expensive, at about $400 - $700 per pair. But I also mean, they're not cheap as in they are extremely high-quality.

Manufactured in Italy, the craftsmanship of this footwear is evident. And the weatherproofing process that materials used in the Aquatalia collection undergo actually helps protect and increase the longevity of the boots and shoes. So, they're more of a future investment than some cheaper alternatives.

In short, if you can afford them, you'll definitely want to check them out. And, even if the suggested retail price is too rich for you, then you may want keep an eye out for sales. I've seen them as much as half-off once a new line or two is released. And, since so many of their styles are classics, its rare that any of them would seem outdated. (Buy Direct)

Don't Limit Yourself to JUST 'Rain Boots'

Some of us buy rain boots because, well. we just really like rain boots. I'd certainly put myself in that category.

But for those of you who need to protect yourself from water, and would prefer being able to wear your boots for other tasks as well, you may want to start thinking along different lines.

For example, hiking boots. athletic boots, and even dress boots that aren't necessarily billed as "rain boots," can still feature waterproof construction, and be made from water - or weatherproof materials.

Brands like Timberland, Merrell, The North Face, and Rockport all come to mind as companies that offer a few options in casual and sporty waterproof boots. And the upshot to most of these models is that they can be worn day-in and day-out, no matter what the forecast is.

Winter boots offer yet another option. While full-fledged snow boots are probably a bit of overkill for most rain showers, winter fashion boots -- the ones without added insulation -- are often styled for multiple seasons, and are available in casual, sporty, and dressier styles.

One Final Tip

No matter how rugged, sturdy, or protective a boot looks, you want to insure that they actually are designed to be waterproof or weatherproof before purchasing.

Diesel Women’s Hadad Rain Boot

by Jane on October 12, 2013

Diesel Women's Hadad Rain Boot

Diesel Women’s Hadad Rain Boot These boots are made of leather and have a rubber sole. They range from sizes 6-10 and come in the color Black.

Diesel has long been a leading pioneer in denim and casual fashion, known for moving outside and ahead of trends in its industry.

Renzo Rosso created the Diesel brand in 1978, choosing the name because it is easy to understand, pronounced the same way around the world, and has a rugged feel about it; at that time, diesel was also considered an “alternative energy” so it was representative of an alternative taste in casual wear.

These are stylish, comfortable and ready every time you are to play in the puddles all day long. Or just wear them as part of an outfit.

They will go with just about everything you have in your closet and you will turn heads while walking down the street. Just think when you were a kid, how great it was to run outside to go play in a water puddle.

Now think as you are wearing these comfortable, water proofed boots how you will feel as an adult running thru a water puddle. Feels like a kid again.

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Winter-Rain-Boots

Make a fashion splash with winter rain boots in vibrant patterns and colors that will make the rainy season just a little more bearable. With durable rubber uppers and strong sturdy soles designed to step through practically any puddle, you’ll stay dry in even the most inclement of weather!

Want a pair of rain boots with added style? Look for a wedge boot with a covered heel that will put the fashionable element back into your fall and winter wardrobe. Whether you’re wearing jeans or trousers, you can easily tuck the bottom of your pant legs into the boots so your pants stay dry as you head to work or run errands.

Looking for boots that don’t feel bulky? Rain booties are just what you need to maintain a lightweight feel while still maintaining your chic style. An ankle strap with a buckle detail lends added flair to the look, hitting at just the right level to showcase with any pair of pants.

Lace-up rain boots put a different spin on the traditional pull-on rubber boots. Fun embellishments like zippers and buckles punctuate the boots with natural polish, while a fleece lining means your feet will stay warm and dry no matter how hard it’s raining outside!

In search of riding boots with a waterproof edge? You can have the sophisticated look of this in trend shoe any season of the year when you opt for rain boots in the style of riding boots. Features like fleece lining, a buckled strap across the vamp and a quilted shaft mean that you’ll have boots that are as fashionable as they are functional.

When you want an ultra cozy, yet stylish selection of winter rain boots to choose from, browse the options at Macy’s today and never get left out in the cold again!