4 people put Everlane's $75 rain boots to the test in New York City - 2 years later, we're still wearing them

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, deputy editor

Two-year update (March 2021): 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.

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, deputy editor

Two-year update (March 2021): 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. They've held up incredibly well over time and they still look new, which is probably because they're easy to keep clean.

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.

First impression (February 2019): The first thing I noticed about these boots is how roomy and comfortable they are. Everlane definitely understands that thicker socks are the norm in cold, rainy weather, so rest assured your regular shoe size (or a half size up) will work fine. Light-colored rain boots can seem like a bad decision as you walk through dirty conditions, but Everlane's were easy to wipe down, plus the toe — which often endures the bulk of encounters with puddles and other grimy obstacles — has a black rubber reinforcement. The thick, sturdy exterior and soles made me confident to wear them in a rainstorm, but the comfort factor and cute color convinced me to keep them on throughout the day. — Connie Chen, senior reporter

Two-year update (March 2021): Though they're a tad heavy for my taste, these boots really are my most practical. As I've worn them more, the features I've come to appreciate the most are the black rubber reinforcements at the toe and the pull tabs on both sides of the shoe. The black rubber protects the pretty blush color, while the tabs make the boots easy to slip on whenever I need to rush out the door (which feels like most days).

First impression (February 2019): I hate ruining my favorite shoes in the rain, but I've yet to find a pair of rain boots I actually like to wear. At least that was the case before I tried these boots. In black, they look like a regular pair of casual, Chelsea boots. They're roomy enough to wear with thick socks, which is nice for cold days, but even with thin Peds, these fit just right. There's a soft, cushioned insert inside the shoe which is so comfortable — more so than most of my actual winter boots. They're also super easy to slip on and off, which can be a struggle with other rubber rain boots since they tend to get hot and sticky. These do their job of being great rain boots, but what I love most about them is that they actually look cool, too. You don't need to feel embarrassed showing up to work in knee-high, ill-fitting polka dot rubber boots — you can actually wear these on a rainy day, indoor and out, and feel good about it. — Remi Rosmarin, former reporter

One-year update (January 2020): I've recommended this rain boot to so many people over the past few months. I love the chunky, Chelsea boot look — it makes them feel appropriate for all sorts of occasions. The interior is soft and cushy, the thick soles are puddle-friendly, and the calf is pretty wide, which all work together to make these really comfortable.

I'm not one to wear rain boots for anything other than outdoor activities that require them, but, these have changed me. I'll even wear these on days when the chance of rain is low— they're cute and comfortable, so I don't feel silly wearing them even if it doesn't rain.