Ditch the bulky wellies and give these comfortable barefoot rain boots a try. These lightweight waterproof boots feature a wide toe box and a flat and flexible sole.
When the rainy season hit, it used to mean pulling out my heavy, heeled, and narrow rubber rain boots. Traditional rain boots, while effective at keeping your feet dry, often come with bulky designs, rigid soles, and a lack of flexibility that can negatively affect your foot health. This is where barefoot rain boots come in, offering a more natural, comfortable alternative. With minimalist designs that mimic the shape and movement of your feet, barefoot rain boots give you the waterproof protection you need without sacrificing comfort or agility.
In this post, we’ll explore the best options for barefoot rain boots, starting with your classic rubber rain boots. I’ve also included a whole list of other waterproof options, so you can pick the boots that best fit your lifestyle.
Looking for kid’s sizes? Check out this post for the best barefoot rain boots for kids.
Barefoot Rubber Rain Boots
These barefoot rubber rain boots check all the boxes, including an anatomically shaped toe box, and a thin, flat and flexible sole. They’re a minimalist version of your classic wellies.
Saguaro Brisk Barefoot Rain Boots
These tick all the boxes for a solid barefoot rain boot: they’re fully rubber and they have a taller shaft cinches at the top. They also perfectly align with the criteria I use for a healthy, comfortable boot, including a wide toe box, and a flat and flexible sole.
The rubber shaft is waterproof but pretty thin—if you get the unlined version, it’s a little floppy. But if you get the lined version, it’s warmer and has more structure. They recently updated the sole for more tread.
Use code KELLY15 for 15% off at Saguaro Shoes. This makes the unlined version $51, and the lined version $60.
Xero Shoes Gracie Short Rubber Rain Boot
This short rubber rain boot is a cute slip-on style. They can take some effort to get on as the elastic insert at the ankle isn’t super stretchy, but that also helps them stay on better.
The Gracie rain boot is currently only available in women’s sizes, from women’s US 5 – 12. I wear a women’s US 7 based on my 23.3 cm foot measurement. The fit is comparable to other Xero Shoes, which I find runs a little narrow in the toe box. These barefoot rain boots are $80 and come in four colors.
Textile Waterproof Barefoot
- Koel Rana: These feature a waterproof textile upper that cinches at the top. They’ve withstood plenty of puddle jumping and wading in streams. The also come in a fully lined wool version, so they work well for both rain and cold weather. Available in sizes EU24- 41 at PedTerra in the US. Use code KELLY for 10% off.
Leather Waterproof Barefoot Boots for Rain
These aren’t your classic wellies, but all of these leather barefoot boots are fully waterproof with an integrated membrane. Some waterproofing is better than others, so I’ve only included the ones that I’ve found reliable to keep my feet dry. Leather does need more maintenance to keep it waterproof and help it last. I recommend regularly using a waterproofing wax, which both protects and conditions the leather.
Learn how to waterproof your boots for winter.
- Lems Waterproof Chelsea Boots: These aren’t rubber rain boots, but they are pull-on and waterproof thanks to the oiled leather and separate membrane . I like to think of these as a great barefoot replacement for Blundstone boots.
- Lems Boulder Boots: There are several different waterproof options when it comes to the Boulder Boot. We’ve like both the Boulder Boot Grip and Summit for a more rugged hiking boot with moderate cushion. I’ll also use these for work in the yard as the extra cushion is helpful when using a shovel.
- BeLenka Winter and Ranger Boots: BeLenka has an extensive range of barefoot boots, and I’ve found the Winter and Ranger boots to work best for wet weather. They both have treated leather and a separate water-resistant membrane. Use code KELLY5 for 5% off at BeLenka.
- Feelgrounds Patrol Boots: This Vegan option uses a waterproof membrane and a gusseted tongue to make them fully waterproof barefoot boots.
- Vivobarefoot Tracker boots: The Tracker FG has been Vivo’s main waterproof barefoot boot, and previously included a waterproof membrane. Known for their innovation and sustainability, the newest version of the trackers are touted to still be waterproof, though they did remove the membrane. These are another rugged barefoot hiking boot that is meant to get you through any type of weather. Use code KELLY20 for 20% off at Vivobarefoot.
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