If you live in the UK, a critical piece of your shoedrobe is something waterproof. Forget loafers that never quite regain their rigidity after a soaking, as well as soft-leather ballet pumps that get soggy as soon as the heavens open. What you need is a rundown of the best waterproof shoes that, crucially, combine style and substance.
For the weekend, I would personally opt for a lace-up hiking boot, even if your plans don't revolve around a hill climb. With their criss-cross frontage, creating a chic profile whether you're wearing them with barrel-leg jeans or tracksuit bottoms, they'll be able to withstand mud splatters and light showers as long as you spray them with something protective before leaving the house (I recommend Liquidproof Labs' Premium Protector). For particularly icy conditions, you might also want to consider what you might think of as snow boots (waterproof, insulated, you know the drill) or a good old-fashioned wellington (with a thick pair of thermal socks, obviously).
It becomes more difficult to serve in waterproof footwear when you're en route to work. My advice is to look for practicality; a leather riding boot that, okay, isn't technically waterproof, but has a sturdiness that should hold its own. If practicality just isn't your middle name, however, why not try something patent? Like a vinyl mac that's not 100% waterproof but still does a fairly decent job at keeping you dry, they could be the answer when it's raining but not pouring.
The Best Waterproof Shoes
Patent Boots
A patent boot that might be a) heeled and b) point-toed is unlikely to carry a waterproof certification, let's be honest. But for drizzly office days when your footwear needs to register as smart and soggy-proof, it will most likely pass muster as long as you're careful in the vicinity of puddles. Their beauty, of course, lies in the fact that you can pair them with a multitude of bottom halves, especially mid calf-length skirts.
Annabel Rosendahl
Material: patent leather
While these knee-high boots aren't waterproof, the patent finish means they should technically be able to withstand a little drizzle, making them perfect for rainy commutes.
Material: patent leather
Russell & Bromley's patent boot is not billed as waterproof but it does have an extra-shiny finish that's likely to repel mild raindrops.
Material: leather
Saint Laurent patent knee-highs might be heeled, but with its sturdier cone silhouette, you should be able to get from A-B.
Material: patent leather
Made with a petite block heel that will help you navigate puddles, this patent boot, again, will be your best friend on less-than-balmy office days.
Loafers
A loafer might not sound like a shoe that's particularly suited to soggy conditions, but a loafer with a chunky sole is a different proposition altogether. Designed with a sturdy block heel, as well as cleats in some cases, it's a shoe that, while not being strictly waterproof, should keep you relatively dry as you go about your business.
Jenny Tsang
Material: leather
The structured shape and glossy leather finish of these loafers is ideal for wet forecasts when you still need to look smart.
Material: patent leather
Patent leather may not be fully waterproof but if you need to wear a shoe and not a boot, a patent leather finish is the way to avoid damage and soggy feet.
Material: leather
Seek out loafers where the sole is ever-so-slightly more bulky than usual to raise your shoes (not to mention hemlines) off the floor.
Snow Boots
If you're venturing outside in wet conditions, chances are it's also cold. That's why a waterproof snow boot—with a sizeable rubber sole and perhaps even an insulated lining for extra snug points—will be your best friend for wintry days that also feature a stormcloud.
India Cardona
Material: rubber and Nylon
Moon Boot's paired back version of a snow boot, is everything you need for cold and wet weather without the bulk of the snuggliest examples of waterproof footwear we've found in the market, with an upper that's specially designed to repel water so that nothing seeps through.
Material: rubber and neoprene laminated with Nylon
Tretorn's boot offers high levels of insulation as well as water-resistance, all while adding cosiness to whatever you're styling out in the bleak midwinter.
Material: rubber and leather
Whilst Arket's zip up boots aren't a snow boot per say, they're the perfect example of how a boot with all the qualities of a snow boot can work for city life and the weather.
Riding Boots
Like patent boots, a riding-style boot doesn't necessarily have waterproof credentials. Thanks to its practical original purpose, however, it's a boot that should withstand light showers, as well as having a flat sole that's good on rain-slicked pavements. (FYI, if you do go for a heeled boot like Ellie Delphine, try and choose something with a track sole for extra grip.)
Ellie Delphine
Material: leather
Massimo Dutti's riding boots are the definition of smart and, while they're not water-resistant, the leather is most likely durable enough to pass the puddle test.
Material: leather
Perfect for pairing with stirrup leggings or slim-fit jeans, the slightly looser calf on these boots means that you can tuck your hems away for safe keeping when it's stormy.
Material: leather
With their flat but not too flat silhouette, Dune's riding-style boot will be a whip-smart addition to any rainy-day outfit.
Lace-Up Hiking Boots
For rainy days when you need to zip around, a lace-up hiking boot is a safe bet. Grenson's has become the gold-standard, not least because of its ability to go with everything from denim skirts to ankle-length corduroy trousers.
Ingrid Wilkinson
Material: leather
Grenson's Nanette hiking boot is a countryside-favourite in the world of fashion editors courtesy of its sleek cut, lightweight feel and statement criss-cross laces. While its construction will keep out rain, the suede will need spraying before leaving the house (rain or shine).
Material: rubber and leather
Hogan's thick soled combat boots give this chunky, functional boot style a smarter feel.
Material: rubber and leather
The 'Hudson Lite' boots are inspired by classic hiking styles. Made from durable leather, this functional style has been adapted for city life without losing any of its waterproof credentials.
Wellington Boots
Wellies, of course, don't need an introduction when it comes to waterproof footwear, but what you might have missed is some rather delicious collaborations: Tretorn x Kassl Editions and Aigle x Rouje, both of which have produced rubber boots that will most definitely stand out the next time you go on a rainy dog walk. And psst: you can also find short wellies that, on inclement days, can easily replace your Chelseas (Thandi Maqubela's are from Merry People).
Thandi Maqubela
Material: rubber
Made in France, and featuring a partnership between two homegrown brands, these rubber boots combine the technical nous of one (Aigle) with the "French-girl chic" of the other (Rouje).
Material: rubber
Whether it's raining or not, you could do a lot worse than slip on these rubberised (and shiny in extremis) boots from Tretorn x Kassl Editions, two brands that marry style and substance.
Material: rubber
Stitched and featuring a gold hardware logo, Lauren's wellies are worth the investment if you plan on being somewhere chic but muddy.
Trainers
A technical sneaker made with Gore-Tex, a membrane that provides a windproof, breathable and water-resistant to durably waterproof protection, is probably one of your safest bets when the weather decides to unleash the waterworks—and thanks to brands like Salomon, a fashion-editor favourite, you can easily still look stylish while staying dry.
Pernille Rosenkilde
Material: Gore-Tex and rubber
Salomon's Gore-Tex sneaker means it delivers all-terrain grip as well as waterproof protection, while pairing brilliantly with your city-slicker wardrobe when you're not trail-adjacent.
Material: leather and rubber
The Samba rendered in silver is a surprisingly versatile replacement for the white trainers you've been wearing on repeat.
Material: Gore-Tex
Swap your sleek black trainers for something a little more functional courtesy of Asics, whose trail-running shoe is crafted to withstand rain and wind.
