So you're one of the tens of thousands of individuals who have recently moved from sunny California to the dampness of the Pacific Northwest? Or, you have finally retired, moved to Florida and now truly realize what the saying means "when it rains, itpours!" Maybe you're just a hardcore gardener and actually want to be able to take advantage of every day of the year, not just the nice ones. Or you want the kids to be able to play outside regardless of the weather. Whatever the reason for your wet weather concerns, there's a solution for you. In this article we'll explore how fashion marries function with wet weather footwear, focusing on the top brands/designs on the market today.
If your only desire is to keep your feet dry in wet weather, you could obviously wrap a plastic bag around each foot and call it good. Not exactly the most durable solution and certainly not one that's going to win you any fashion awards, but it will (temporarily) get the job done. Luckily, affordable alternatives exist. Most wet weather footwear is constructed using some amount of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or latex fabric. PVC and latex fabrics are cheaper than a natural rubber alternative, similarly malleable and just as waterproof. There are rain boots that are effectively just PVC with a rubber sole shaped into a shoe or boot, and can be purchased for less than $10 (with a bit of shopping savvy). However, the footwear that we examine in the following paragraphs is characterized by more sophisticated engineering and heightened attention to fashion.
Hunter - Original
Hunter Boot Ltd. has been in the business of making waterproof boots for well over a century. Originally known as the North British Rubber Company, Hunter made its name in the apparel business crafting boots for soldiers in both the first and second World Wars. Since wars come and go, Hunter has also satisfied civilian demand in between and has long been known as the manufacturer for boots worn by Europe's middle and upper-classes. By the end of World War II, Hunter had firmly established its preeminence and their boots were widely worn by men, women and children. Since then, Hunter hasn't rested on its laurels, but trends come and go and so do owners. The company saw a slew of corporate ownership changes from 1966-2006, when it reemerged from bankruptcy.
Since then, the Hunter Original Rain Boot has become a wet weather behemoth. The Hunter Original is constructed of a single piece of latex rubber, which gives it a strong, flexible water tight seal. The boots are made by hand, crafted with an orthopedic design that includes a cushioned insert and a woven nylon lining for added strength. A traditional buckle at the top complements the design while also enabling you to create a tighter seal against the leg. There is a variety of colors to choose from; aubergine (purplish) to white. There's a reason that this boot has been around for almost 200 years. Kate Moss, Tara Reid, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Ritchie (the list goes on) have all been seen sporting Hunter Originals.
Merrell - Spire Peak
The folks at Merrell decided to head in a different direction from the classic designs of the Hunter Original with the Spire Peak. Where the Hunter Original looks like a boot you could plow around in the garden with, the Spire Peak looks like something you'd wear to your favorite French bistro. Since it's made of leather and not Latex, that's pretty much on point as far as function is concerned. Make no mistake though, the boot is made for wet weather (the waterproof barrier works). Tapered, the Spire Peak incorporates an elastic stretch panel for a snug fit against the leg and a zipper runs from the ankle upward for easy removal. The Spire Peak is also designed for the cold, with Thinsulate insulation and a Polartec lining. An injection molded archbridge, Ortholite anatomical footbed with a heel cushion and more arch support and insole cushioning than you can shake a stick at make this some serious footwear. The 1 and a half inch heel add to the elegance and remind you that you're probably better off taking a walk through Central Park than hoeing the back patch if you're wearing this shoe.
Steve Madden - Tsunamii
That's right, two "i's." The Steve Madden Tsunami makes for a good balance between the classic styling of the Hunter Original and the over-the-top elegance of the Merrell Spire Peak. Much like the Spire Peak, sporting two buckles (one at the base and another at the top), a full length zipper and an elastic patch up top, the Madden is a bit more fitted than the Hunter Original. However, unlike the Spire Peak, the Tsunamii is made of rubber, giving it a bit more "concert in a field" functionality. I'd still prefer the Original for tromping up and down wet hills all day in this boot, but if you're looking for footwear with a modern design yet old-school functionality, the Tsunamii performs well.
Above are just three examples of the myriad of wet weather footwear on the market today. Designs are varied, and as with all apparel, it's necessary to consider how it will be most often used. Will you be walking from the restaurant to the salon or ranging across fields for a walk on the beach? Do you need to be able to strut through the snow or is it shorts year round? Whatever your needs, there's a style of boot designed perfectly for you. Today's craftspeople have pretty much covered all of the bases.
Don't forget about colors and design as well. Beyond the high-tech engineering discussed above, once you've selected the style, the next question is color and design. Red's my favorite for putting some cheer into a dreary day, what about you?
