Rain boots are usually made of synthetic rubber, not natural rubber, and have a simple thin nylon or cotton lining, or no lining at all. The fancier the design, the more perks or accessories to put in, such as buckles or laces. Sometimes you'll come across hybrids that add significant insulation for cold weather.

Most of the boots we've tested have a more traditional mild-weather approach, ideal for temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basic shaft and little insulation. Their fairly simple and straightforward construction rarely includes all the preferred comforts of everyday footwear.

Traditional rain boots are often a very noticeable category due to their sleek look, rubber or neoprene shaft, minimal outsole, and often bright or patterned colors. Specifically for rainy days, these types of boots are not made to compete with boots made for heavy snow or hiking.