Sometimes you don't realize you should be wearing your neoprene boots until you're in ankle-deep mud after a heavy rain or snowmelt. This number doubled for areas around gates or where animals congregated for food. Having some of the best neoprene boots can be your lifesaver on those mornings.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that was originally a DuPont proprietary name but has since become a generic term for the material. It is polymerized from chloroprene, which can be either solid or liquid. It is a favorite material for mud boots by many companies because it is stable and waterproof, and neoprene itself is not considered toxic.

If the soles of your neoprene boots are made of a durable, thick rubber material, you'll get extra stability and traction, whether in the water or outdoors. Neoprene shoes with solid soles will protect your feet when you move around in the water, if you encounter marine animals, rocks or slippery terrain.