When it’s merely drizzling outside, you probably don’t want to wrestle on a pair of clunky rubber rain boots. Maybe they clash with your carefully considered outfit, or maybe you’re headed to the office and need something sharper than “commercial fisherman.” The good news: Plenty of handsome boots can handle a little wet weather without looking like rain boots. Just maybe don’t submerge them in a puddle for too long.
Some of our favorite stylish pairs are sneakily rain-ready, especially those made from full-grain leather, which retains the leather’s outermost water-resistant layer. Though none of these will ever be truly waterproof, a temporary waterproofing treatment at the end of a shoe care routine can keep them good to go. From polished Oxford boots to classic Chelsea silhouettes, these are the pairs we trust to keep your feet dry—and stylish—when the forecast gets damp.
These Esquire-favorite boots are dressy enough to wear to the office, and they also do surprisingly well in the rain. One editor swears these boots could replace every other pair of shoes he owns because of how versatile they are. They look nicer than Blundstones, thanks to the heel, but are just as rugged and durable.
With naturally water-resistant Yearling smooth leather and an option for a rubber sole (which you’ll want to choose over the leather sole if you’re looking for something rain-ready), you can wear these in almost any weather. Plus, there’s a huge range of sizes and widths so you can find your perfect fit. Like I mentioned earlier, full-grain leather is naturally water-resistant since it retains the outermost layer of the hide, which has tightly packed collagen fibers and natural oils.
So if you find a boot with a full-grain leather upper and a rubber sole (which you can opt for here), you can trust it’ll be able to stand up to some rain. These Oxford boots are just that—and they look so polished you’d never realize you could wear them on a rainy day. They also come in five gorgeous colorways, so you might as well get an extra pair in tan or burgundy.
SeaVees makes some of our favorite sneakers, but the brand also makes a great boot. The Braddock Desert boot is SeaVees’ newest boot—and the most refined water-resistant silhouette it carries. With a water-resistant, rugged oiled leather upper and a Vibram rubber outsole (as opposed to classic Chukka boots with leather soles), these boots are prepared to take on some rain.
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