Hunter Rain Boots

Waterproof boots are usually made from rubber or polyvinyl chloride (commonly referred to as PV). Waterproof boots can be made from leather. They’ll cover the entire foot and usually all or at least part of the leg. They can extend as far as the hip. In this case they are called waders.

If a boot is truly waterproof, it can protect the foot/leg from water, snow, and mud. If made from vulcanized rubber, they can also protect against hazardous materials such as chemical spills. They can also conform to high standards of hygiene and may be appropriate to wear in food processing plants, clean rooms for technology manufacturers, and operating rooms. The most popular waterproof boots are Hunter Wellington boots. Ugg Australia makes very popular cold weather waterproof boots.

Waterproof boots are usually designed for walking through the elements, but may not protect against extreme cold temperatures. They will keep the foot dry, but not necessarily warm. Some are lined or you can buy liners for them to add warmth.

Simple waterproof rain boots are called gumboots, but most of these boots sold in stores are not actually waterproof, but water resistant. If you lingered in a puddle, you’d begin to feel the wetness seeping in. Make sure the boot you are buying says “waterproof” and not “water-resistant”.

Specialty waterproof boots have been designed and marketed for different types of sports performed in wet conditions like skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and ice-skating.

Waterproof overshoes, known as galoshes or rubbers, are rubber boots that are worn over a shoe to protect it from the elements. You can keep your shoes on and just wear the galoshes over them. When you get to where you are going, you take off the galoshes and have your shoes underneath. Perfect for dressy occasions. The most popular galoshes, are NEOS Overshoes.

There is a very wide range of waterproof boots and just as wide a range in price.  There are women’s waterproof boots, waterproof work boots, toddler rain boots, waterproof motorcycle boots, and many others. True waterproof shoes can range in price from $35 to upwards of $400.

If you buy a pair of non-rubber waterproof boots, you should take care to use a waterproofing product on the boot before wearing and each time you clean your boot. You can also waterproof your own boots. A variety of products are available, including water-based, wax, silicone, and oils.

The kind you use depends on the material your boot is made of: leather, fabric, synthetics, or a combination. Keep in mind that this type of waterproofing is meant to protect the material of the shoe from being ruined in wet conditions, not to keep your foot dry.

Buy waterproof boots from places like Lord and Taylor, Nordstrom, Uggs, and many others.