With all these flood warnings for Orono, we might have to start swimming to class. Unfortunately, the rainiest season hasn’t even hit us yet, so there are many more rainy walks to class on the horizon. Here at Her Campus UMaine, we’re on your team, and therefore have compiled a list of the best rain boots. Don’t mind splurging? Want to keep the price down? Want a fun print? We’ve got you covered:
Hunter Wellington Boots: If you are an avid reader, you know how Hunter-obsessed Her Campus UMaine is. Apart from categorizing this article “Hunters,” and “Non-Hunters,” we will do our best to take other boots into consideration. But, Hunters deserve their untouchable spot of honor, because they really are the best rain boot on the market. They are sturdy and reliable, and will not crack. I dominate puddles like it’s no big thing in my Hunters, and my feet always stay dry. They are also the cutest wellies, match everything, and are classic, so they’ll never go out of style. The $125 price tag is a little steep, but consider them an investment. You will have your Hunters forever. I love the classic colors like navy, black, and green, but I die for the lust-worthy Jimmy Choo for Hunter ones.
Designer Rain Boots: As we all know, life is one big fashion show, and the sidewalks of UMaine are our runways. Need even your rain boots to make a fashion statement? I’m with you, girl. I have a pair of Burberry nova check wellies and I love them. They play second fiddle to only my Hunters (obviously). The Burberry ones come in a short and tall style, and a variety of colors. Burberry also makes a solid-colored pair, with the logo stamped on the side. Expect to pay around $225 for a Burberry pair. Calvin Klein just came out with an over-the-knee rain boot, the “Ava,” which have buckles too. Tory Burch makes a boot with the classic pattern on the upper part of the boot, which retails for $175. Kate Spade’s answer to the wellie, the “Randi” features a pretty bow wrapping around the top, which retails for $125. Steve Madden makes a “Tsunamii” pair, which is solid, and have buckle detail on them, which retail for a reasonable $79.
Inexpensive Wellies: Rain boots don’t have to cost a fortune to look cute. Target offers a huge selection of rain boots, which all cost under $25. What a steal! Stay away from the ones covered in rainbows and stars however, the key to rocking wellies is to still look mature, and fashionable. I love the solid black pairs, which come in glossy, or regular finishes. The simple polka dots are fun, without being over the top. Retailers like L.L. Bean, Old Navy, and Kohls all sell inexpensive rain boots that are reliable, and will keep your feet try. When in doubt, stick with a basic pair that is a solid color.
Wellies That Are Well Disguised: Rain boots can often be clunky, heavy, and not all that fashionable. If you are not so into them, there are great options that don’t look anything like wellies. My friend recently bough a pair of Ilse Jacobsen short rain boots at Madewell, and they look just like combat boots, which are so right now! All throughout the day, she got tons of compliments on them, and they were such a hit. They kept her feet warm and dry. The Ilse Jacobsen boots retail for $154. Sperry Top-Sider “Hingham” Quilted Shaft rain boot is another wellie that’s well disguised. This boot looks more like a riding boot than a rubber one. These cost $98. French outdoor company Aigle also makes a rain boot that could easily pass for a riding boot. They are available online, or at J.Crew for $199.
Follow our wellie guide, and your feet are sure to stay dry when walking around campus. As for the rest of your body, don’t forget to pack a slicker and umbrella-ella-ella-eh!
Images from Madewell, J.Crew, and Bloomingdales.