Fit, function and the cute factor: What to consider when shopping for rain boots

Studying in a vast campus full of muddy fields taught me the importance of having a pair of trusty rain boots to see you through storm and stress—and even after moving to a clean and dry office building, I still find myself looking for excuses to bring out the boots.

Rain boots, like many other kinds of special-purpose footwear, require a bit of background knowledge if you want to get a good pair. And given that they tend to be on the pricier side of things, gathering as much background knowledge as you can before you buy is important.

You need to consider three things, said Frankie Say of the John and Frankie Store: “Functionality, comfort, and attractiveness.”

Sizing it all up

The thing about boots is they don’t just cover your feet—they got your calves covered as well. Thus, sizing can be a bit trickier than usual.

“[Boots] come in different heights. The most common are the tall rain boots, which are generally below the knee. Others are mid-calf-high, and other kinds are ankle-high,” said Say.

“Most US- and UK-branded rain boots are big, so purchase a pair which is one size smaller than usual,” she continued. “Other rain boots, though, are true to size, which are similar to your regular shoe size. If you are concerned though with rain boots that have too-wide shafts, you may want to choose a style that is tapered near to the foot, like equestrian rain boots. If you have wider calves, on the other hand, pick rain boots that have adjustable tops.”

At pioneering online store Ready for Rain, the boots are designed to be worn “in the same size as your regular shoes,” but if you want to allow for socks, you could choose to go a size up.

“A great fit is important, because you are looking for comfortable shoes while battling the different elements like rain, wind, flood, etc. It will also keep you from pinching your toes or slipping off,” said Ready for Rain managing director Risa de Sagun in an email interview.

Boots don't have to be big. “On those days when sturdy waterproof footwear is needed, but it is unnecessary to wear a full-length boot, we have ankle-length booties as well,” de Sagun added. “These rain booties sell so fast; they’re almost out of stock!”Â

Another thing to consider is the weight and portability factor. “Some rain boots may be too heavy that it feels like working out your thighs when you walk long distances in them,” said Say, whose store also offers lightweight foldable rain boots that you can store “in your handbag, or office drawer.”

It’s what’s on the inside that counts

Lining is also very important, whether or not there are socks involved.

“[Most] plastic rain boots...don't have an inside lining, which may hurt your feet if you don't wear socks or if you wear them for long walks,” said Say. “So choose a pair with an inside lining. Rain boots with soft fabric lining or microfleece lining are really good to protect your feet.”

(If slipping your feet straight into the boot is not your thing, you may opt instead for galoshes, which you wear over your actual shoes.)

Looks matter

“I hate to say this, but 'cute' matters,” said de Sagun.

“You want pieces that will help you look forward to your day, despite the gloomy skies, or something that will make you feel good when you’re walking under the rain.

“Each of our designs is inspired by places around the world or unique experiences—fashionable Paris, preppy Florida, funky Japan, or exotic Morocco. The designs are a result of collaborations with different artists from around the world, she continued.

If you’re looking for a go-to pair and don’t intend to buy more than one, the safe choice would be to go for neutral or subdued colors or prints like plaid or houndstooth. These are sure classics that you can easily match.

But if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, you can venture into bolder colors like red, yellow, or even hot pink—you’d be surprised how many outfits can actually work with these colors.

With their playful prints and creatively themed designs, Plueys (available at Ready for Rain) are the footwear epitome of sunshine on a rainy day. But with a price range of P2,250 to P2,450, the thrifty Manila commuter may want to consider other options.

At the John and Frankie Store, their soon-to-launch line of Lucy Wellies will be sold exclusively on Zalora, with a price range of P1,500 to P2,895. They also carry equestrian rain boots in classic colors starting at P1,700.

Thanks to Manila’s fast-changing fashion landscape and brands like Ready for Rain and the John and Frankie store, stylish rain-ready apparel is becoming more and more accessible and it’s no longer strange to wear boots, trenchcoats, or other pieces usually associated with colder climates.

So leave your shyness behind and take those boots out for a walk. If anyone asks, you can tell them all the details about your pretty-and-practical purchase and it won’t just be because you’re having a Singing-in-the-Rain moment. — BM/VC, GMA News


Visit The John and Frankie Store's Facebook page and Ready for Rain's website.