Ask Belle: Rainbows for Under-$75
Mar 15, 2016
Hi Belle,
As it warms up in DC, I find it increasingly difficult to wear my Bean boots in rainy or wet conditions. What are some rain boot options to wear while commuting that I can also wear into the office before I change into heels at my desk? I’m on a tighter budget, so something $75 or less would be much appreciated.
Thanks so much, and best of luck with finishing out law school! KG
If you live in a wet climate and spend any time outside, rain boots are a must. Ask anyone who has ever sat through a morning meeting with wet feet or dried her trousers using the hand dryer in the bathroom. Here are a few pairs in your price point that are office-appropriate.
Joules Field Welly ($75) // Jeffrey Campbell Stormy Rainboot ($55) // Riff Raff Rain Boot ($59)
If you want an incognito rain boot, stick with black, navy and grey. These Joules wellies are a classic, and I like the bright yellow accent. There an affordable alternative to the classic Hunter boots. (For a bit more color, I love these blue-grey Hunters.)
Shorter boots are a good choice if you want to avoid hot calves–particularly important in hot, humid climates. These Jeffrey Campbell boots are so chic, and they come in seven fantastic colors. I love the black and navy. The L.L. Bean ballet flats are also a good choice for staying dry.
I love the look of these modern Riff Raff boots. They’re a knock-off of these chic Burberry boots. These Sloosh rain boots are also a good choice. These Dav navy boots are also stylish.
Prefer color? These eggplant-colored Helly Hansen boots are fab. These green Kamik boots are also a good choice.
I like tall boots as much as the next girl, but I added a pair of Frye chelsea boots to my wardrobe this winter and find that if it’s cold or wet I’m more likely to reach for those now that I have them. They go with more outfits and are very sophisticated looking.
I need to get mine waterproofed though because they’re leather, but it’s not like i’m jumping in puddles or anything.
Can anyone speak to how supportive and sturdy the l l bean ballet flats are? I’m looking for something up for a daily walking commute that won’t fall apart, or cause me to fall apart. Thanks!
Another idea is Hunter boots from the kid section. They are basically the same as the adult ones but half the price. I wear a ladies size 8 shoe and the kids 6 fits just fine.
Another option is to check Nordstrom Rack- I found a pair of Hunters for about $60 (the same style and color that is still for sale in the regular store).
Any advice on wide calf boots that aren’t completely awful?
Meant to reply — See below
I also love the Hunter boots with the adjustable calf, although I don’t think you can get the glossy colors in that style.
For rain boots for wider calves, Hunter boots has the Huntress, which I found to be perfect to accommodate my wide legs!
Thanks so much!!
Ahh, Kamik. Super comfortable, and mine have lasted 10 years. Which would be awesome except I bought them in college in a pattern I’m no longer thrilled about, and I keep hoping they’ll fall apart so I have an excuse to replace them. Hasn’t happened yet, and it looks I’ll be wearing purple and green plaid rain boots for the foreseeable future, but at least my feet are dry and happy.