Everlane
Rain boots done the old way conjure up visions of sopranos singing show tunes and tall, oversized polka-dot boots stomping through sunshowers.
But when it rains in New York City, it doesn't feel like a syrupy postwar musical. It feels like Monday, and you probably don't have the cheerful optimism to drag one clunky rubber boot around all day, let alone two — which means you definitely don't want to schlep a second pair of shoes around to change for the office. What you need is one cushiony pair that magically transitions from gritty rubber rain boot to slick Chelsea without skipping a beat. And preferably one that isn't going to cost more than you'd be willing to spend on either.
For that tall order, you should check out Everlane's $75 rain boot. It comes in five neutral colors (surplus, black, toffee, pink, and stone), and whole sizes. Currently, it's only available on the women's portion of the site, but men could conceivably get their own pair with a little help from the company's live chat box for size conversion.
The design team's goal was simple: make the most comfortable rain boot possible. Or, in other words, the rain boot they wished existed. As a result, the $75 rain boot has a versatile ankle height, grippy tread, and a custom-designed cushioned insole for bouncy comfort. The stretch panels and pull tabs make them easier to throw on and off, and the rubber is flexible and easy to clean. They've got plenty of room for thick, wintry socks, and black rubber reinforcements at the front for extra coverage — and some style points.
Before their official launch, we tested Everlane's new $75 rain boots in the grimy slush and rain that the 2019 Polar Vortex transmuted to once it touched New York City. We stomped through puddles, ran to catch trains, and rushed through hectic weekdays at the office. Before you buy a pair, we've compiled our thoughts on them below.
All in all, Everlane's team has proven themselves extremely capable in the past at giving shoppers what they want at a price they can afford. Their $68 authentic stretch jeans (which we included in our all-time favorite jeans roundup), Supima cotton underwear (which we included in our Buying Guide on the best women's underwear you can buy), and plenty of other styles we wear every day, are a few examples of this. Their new $75 rain boots fall in line nicely.
Everlane
First impression (February 2019): Rain boots are typically so big, clunky, stiff, and ugly that I don't wear them. I usually just pull on some Doc Martens and try to avoid deep puddles. Everlane's rain boots are made of such soft, flexible real rubber that they bend with you and feel like super comfortable shoes. The traction on the bottom sole is fantastic — and key for slippery wet surfaces that can be treacherous like stairs and the subway platform. These boots actually look cool, too, which isn't something I thought I'd say about a rain boot. I ordered my normal boot size — 8 — and they were slightly big, which I liked because I can wear thick socks with them. The rise of the boot is fairly short, though, so you need to judge puddle depth carefully or risk wet feet. — Malarie Gokey, senior editor
Six-month update (September 2019): Everlane's Rain Boot is just about the perfect rain boot, so I've worn it just about whenever rain is in the forecast. They remain comfortable and impervious to water. I love the thick soles and their grippy texture. I have to wear thick socks with mine, though, so they are not ideal for the summer months. I don't wear them during summer rainstorms because they really trap heat and make my feet hot.
Everlane
First impression (February 2019): I have a lot of trouble with rain boots. I'm just over 5-foot-1, so shorter boots tend to make my legs look stubby, and taller boots tend to be totally overwhelming on my frame. Everlane has somehow perfectly mastered the height of their boots, and they cut off in just the right spot to not make my legs look like short little sausages. Thanks to a slit in the rubber that's covered by elastic panels on the side, the boots have a flexible shaft that doesn't chafe your legs — an issue I've had with every past pair of rain boots I've tried. The cushioned insert is also extremely comfy, so I feel like I can actually wear these all day and not just change into backup shoes once I get to the office. Oh, and I recommend sizing up if you're a half size. More room for warm socks! — Sally Kapan, editor
Six-month update: I'm a huge proponent of rain boots as snow boots — all you have to do is add a shearling insole and they're suddenly warm enough for 30-degree weather. That's exactly what I've done with my Everlane rain boots, which are a staple of my cold-weather wardrobe.
The cushy sole is an outstanding feature of this style (something that's hard to come by with solid rubber boots) and I'm pleased to say that it's not lost with the addition of the insoles. Plus, they're easy to wear with everything from jeans to flowy fall dresses.
Everlane
First impression (February 2019): These rain boots are low, minimalist, and industrial in an avant-garde style that makes people take a second longer to look at them. They're definitely cool enough for daytime wear or keeping on in the office and functional enough to warrant it. In terms of design, they're a great rain boot. They're cushiony, the traction on the bottom is trustworthy, and the elasticized strips on the sides circumvent the dreaded chafing rain boots often incur. All in all, they're a good use of $75 if you like the look of them.
They're only available in whole sizes which wasn't an issue for me, but should be of note. They're designed slightly big, so you can easily fit thick socks inside, and a half size down shouldn't be too noticeable. This means there's a gap between your ankle and the lip of the boot if you're wearing leggings or thinner pants, though, which I worried about for downpours — however, most rainy days are accompanied with an umbrella, and, even when they weren't, my feet stayed dry. But, you may need to watch out for deep puddles before stomping in them. — Mara Leighton, reporter
Six-month update: These are still my go-to pair. They've got a unique, moon-boot-like aesthetic that makes them cooler than your average pair, and people frequently stop me to ask where they're from. The only cons are that they're slightly heavier than my other Chelsea boots, but the thick bottom also helps with grip in slick conditions. Overall, they're probably my favorite pair I've had yet.
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