Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News, writing and editing footwear trend stories for all seasons. Chwatt has recently updated this guide to women’s rain boots for the 2023 wet weather season.

According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon of Progressive Foot Care in New York state, if you feel pressure on the sides of your feet while wearing boots, then you likely have wide feet. Dr. Pinker suggests purchasing shoes that come in wide sizes. “The width should be snug, but not tight,” he says, while Dr. Fishkin also stresses there should be 3/8 of an inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. “The forefoot of a pair of shoes should have ample room for toes,” he says, advising you to wiggle your toes when your try on shoes. If your toes feel confined, the shoes are too tight. “They shouldn’t feel like they’re pinching or squeezing the feet adversely.” The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Rain Boots While I’ll admit that some of the brand’s styles can look a bit orthopedic, this sleek, lightweight boot isn’t one of them. Its roomy shaft and moderate hemline make for a cute, relaxed look when paired with jeans or leggings. Anyone suffering from flat feet should look for wider-lasted shoes, “which means they shouldn’t have an hourglass shape on the bottom,” says Dr. Fishkin. “Instead, they should have a straight-across design underfoot.” These types of shoes offer more space around the forefoot and ball of the foot. Additionally, since people with flat feet tend to overpronate (meaning their feet roll inward as they walk), he suggests looking for shoes that provide enhanced stability and motion control. Heel spurs, “a growth of bone on the bottom of your heel,” per Dr. Rushton, grow in the contour of your feet. “If your foot doesn’t have adequate padding beneath it, as you roll forward, you’re more likely to pinch between the bottom of the foot and the ground,” Dr. Rushton says. A cushioned heel and anatomical arch support will help promote healthy foot alignment, so the entire foot will absorb the impact of every step rather than just the heel.

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While we love many of the innovative aspects of these boots, we wish they could provide more support underfoot Tall Rubber Boots: When most people think of rain boots they think of classic tall rubber boots that take up a majority of the leg. Typically these knee-high styles are made entirely of rubber which helps the feet and legs to stay warm and dry. Michael Fishkinis a certified pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. He has been trained and certified in the design, manufacture, and fitting of orthopedic footwear and related devices. This includes custom-made shoes, shoe modifications, arch supports, and other foot orthotics.

Hiker-Style Rain Boots: If you’re not into the traditional rain boot look, waterproof hiking-inspired boots are a perfect option. They offer the look of trail-ready pairs, complete with features like D-ring eyelets, in slightly sleeker constructions that fit right into current street style trends.For a silhouette that looks less like a classic rubber boot and more like a core style in your wardrobe, try this hiker-style boot from Kodiak. A luxe leather upper and gold D-ring accents give these boots street style appeal, but they’re more than just a pretty exterior. Dr. Cunha notes that the one-inch heel makes the boot look good but also helps take stress of the Achilles tendon to help with your alignment and posture. Meanwhile, the lace-up details keep the foot in place as a durable rubber tread enhances stability. Feet will also stay cozy in these, thanks to the inclusion of an insulated liner. When shopping for the best rain boots for women, there are many important factors to consider, like the difference between waterproof and water-resistant rain boots. The main difference between the two terms is that waterproof materials are unaffected by water, whereas water-resistant materials resist moisture to a certain degree. Dr. Mark Mendeszoonis a podiatrist and the owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. He specializes in trauma, sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including Total Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery. These boots performed highly in every test we threw at them, and we're confident they'll keep you dry and happy

This impressive boot will keep you toasty when all else fails, though they'll be far too warm for normal conditions You should also choose a rain boot depending on your foot type or any conditions you suffer from. Experts suggests the following types of rain boots for women: Mid-Calf Rain Boots: A mid-calf rain boot is a nice hybrid between a tall and ankle rain boot. They’re best for people who live in areas where dogging puddles is a bit difficult. The best part of this style of rain boot is that they’re versatile and pair wonderfully with so many different bottoms. When it’s time to start shopping for your rain boots, New York-based podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha urges shoppers to keep the fit and shape top of mind.Chelsea Rain Boots: Like everyday Chelsea boot styles, these are defined by their side elastic goring for easy on and off access. However, what makes them different from the classic leather design is that Chelsea rain boots are made with waterproof materials. Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder and leading podiatrist of Gotham Footcare in New York City. He is a trained foot and ankle surgeon with experience in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery as well as treating more minor foot problems. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud updated this article. She has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. Along with writing about beauty, she also frequently covers fashion, wellness, and lifestyle topics.

Another veteran in the rain boot business, Kamik doesn’t disappoint. This high-gloss style from the brand not only looks great but is also supremely functional with its fully waterproof upper, grippy Atrium outsole and plush EVA footbed that can be removed to accommodate custom orthotics. Additionally, the style is all-vegan and composed of 100% recycled materials. Plus, it’s great to wear after dark, as it features reflective panels to keep you more visible within your group or oncoming traffic on the road. If you suffer from ankle pain or weakness, ankle support should be a top priority. “High-top shoes are great for additional structure and support to prevent ankle injury,” says Dr. Dan Geller, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear. “Running shoes may not always be the best for folks with weak ankles as some can actually roll you out.” Those who suffer from ankle pain or injuries should always consult a doctor first but generally, look for “a stable wide platform and deep heel cup to stabilize the foot and ankle better.”Foot Volume: How much foot material do you have? This is determined by your bone structure and the height of your foot — do you have a high-volume foot or a low-volume foot? This is more of an informal spectrum — footwear shops don't have a way to easily measure this, but it's a good variable to keep in mind. If you often get heel blisters (like our testers do), chances are you have low-volume feet. And if you often have trouble fitting into shoes, you probably have wider, higher-volume feet.