Not Your Usual Wellies: 16 Excellent Alternatives to the Traditional Rain Boot

by Elana Fishman


When I first moved from Miami Beach to New York City nine years ago, a pair of rubber rain boots was at the very top of my "Things I Need To Survive In Manhattan" list. In this city-and in most metropolitan areas, honestly-rain doesn't fall straight down, but rather blows sideways. That means that a standard-issue umbrella, while helpful, just won't cut it-in order to remain relatively dry in a downpour, it's necessary to slip into waterproof footwear too. And once upon a time, that left you with the sole option of clunky, heavy galoshes that did little to elevate the rest of one's outfit.

Not anymore, folks! Today, you can certainly still go the traditional wellies route, but there are also tons of cool, unexpected and (dare I say) slim-lined options on the market. From Scandavian lace-ups to studded biker styles to knee-skimming equestrian boots, click through to shop 16 pairs of rainy-day footwear that are likely way cooler than your go-to wellies. Because sometimes-let's face it-you just don't want to look like a Glastonbury-goer.

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