The best rain boots for men typically look more at home on a farm than sleek urban streets or suburbia. But they’re crucial to your wardrobe. It ain’t fun getting caught in a sudden downpour, we know. We dare you to find someone who wouldn’t go completely mad finishing off their day with soggy feet. It’s a different story in the summertime if you’re wearing flip flops or sandals that can dry off in minutes. But as the fall chill sets in and rain clouds linger overhead, leaving home with the best rain boots is paramount when inclement weather is in the forecast.
You could be armed with an umbrella, or wrapped in a weather-resistant trench, but unless you’ve slipped on fully waterproof rain boots, those little piggies are going to cry “wee wee wee” all the way home. The foolproof solution is out there, folks: Just invest in a pair of solid rain boots.
We’re not necessarily advertising your grandpa’s galoshes either. Through the brilliance of innovation, materials that would have otherwise drowned in water can fully repel it when treated and lined (thank you, GORE-TEX!). And with trendy waterproof materials like neoprene showing up more and more in footwear, a massive catalogue of rain-appropriate boots is out there for you to sift through.
There are no more excuses for squeaking down the street in soaked shoes. From hiking boots to leather Chelseas to duck boots, here are the best rain boots for men to keep feet dry in style.
Best Rain Boots for Men to Buy Right Now
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1. Sorel Men’s Ankeny II Mid Boot
Brave rainstorms and blizzards with Sorel’s rugged yet streamlined Ankeny II, which has a waterproof leather upper and OutDry membrane that works magic to keep feet dry. The comfy boot also has removable EVA insoles, 100g insulation to keep toes toasty, and rubber soles to grip slick surfaces.
2. L.L.Bean X Todd Snyder Waxed Canvas Bean Boots In Olive
Leave it to one of our favorite American menswear designers to reinvent an iconic duck boot so it looks just as much at home on a fashion runway as it does on a slushy sidewalk. Crafted in Brunswick, Maine, Todd Snyder’s limited-edition Bean Boot is available in two versions: a weather-resistant waxed canvas and camo-printed leather. Both have the same grippy rubber chain-tread bottom as the 1912 original.
Justin Bieber, ASAP Ferg, and Lil Yachty have all been spotted rocking Bottega Puddle ankle booties, but if you’re going to splurge on these designer galoshes, go knee-high with a quartet of colorways to choose from. This futuristic boot is made from a single piece of molded biodegradable rubber. It’s lined with cotton, and has a Nappa leather footbed for ultimate underfoot comfort.
What makes Muck Boots Originals stand out from the rest of the pack? It’s a bouncy, neoprene bootie at its core with a wrap of durable hand-laid rubber for comprehensive waterproofing. Inside is a molded polyurethane footbed topped with BioDEWIX antimicrobial odor and moisture management—a miracle for sweaty feet that struggle to breathe in rubber shoes.
5. Polo Ralph Lauren Oslo Low Waterproof Leather-Suede Boot
Polo’s version of the classic duck boot has several features that lend a more contemporary look, including a patchwork of waxed suede and tumbled leather on the exterior, plus a buckled strap that fastens over rawhide laces. The Oslo is also fortified with a HydroGuard waterproof lining to keep moisture from seeping in.
A full-grain leather Chelsea armed with UGG’s proprietary enerG Comfort System insoles? Count us in. The UGG Biltmore doesn’t just offer superb arch-hugging support, but a bunch of all-weather innovations, too, like waterproofed uppers and a pliable White Spider Rubber outsole for ample traction on slippery pavement. These boots are a hit, rain or shine.
Don’t sleep on these Timbs. Though this shoe might not look like it belongs under the rain boot umbrella, TimberDry waterproof lining gets the job done. More than that, this particular boot claims a slew of eco-friendly characteristics. It’s constructed with sustainable leather and lined with ReBOTL fabric made from recycled plastic. It also has a GreenStride comfort sole made using 75 percent natural sugar cane and rubber from trees.
Yes, sir, a hiking boot can certainly double as a rainboot when it has waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX liners like the Danner Mountain Pass. It looks pretty cool, too, with a sanded top-grain leather that lends a velvety feel and shortened break-in period. A unified platform and low-profile Vibram outsole help contribute to the boot’s out-of-box comfort.
9. Hunter Men’s Balmoral Field Hybrid Chelsea Boots
Whether you’re stomping through muddy fields or wading through flooded urban intersections, Hunter’s new Balmoral Hybrid Chelsea fits the brief. The chunky silhouette is a welcome revamp to the standard frame. The handcrafted style also has a flexible neoprene backing and shock-absorbing sole for enhanced comfort. It also has a subtle kick-spur for frustration-free removal off your feet.
Chunky is in, guys. And with Jil Sander’s waterproof Chelsea, you’re certain to be noticed even through sheets of pouring rain. The buff leather boot hugs the lower calf with a snug neoprene collar, giving ample clearance to shield from inclement water.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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