The best women's rain boots you can buy

Why you'll love them: Everlane's rain boots are ethically made of real rubber to protect your feet, and they look so cool no one will know you're wearing rain boots.

Everlane makes lots of great shoes and clothing, and its rain boots are no exception. Five women on the Insider Picks team — myself included — tested these boots out during a nasty Polar Vortex in New York City, and we loved them. We've worn them in many other rain and snow storms since, and they've held up very well.

Everlane's new rain boots are made of soft, flexible real rubber that bends with you as you walk. When I have them on, they just feel like super comfortable shoes — not clunky rain boots. The traction on the bottom sole is key for slippery wet surfaces that can be treacherous like stairs and the subway platform.

These boots actually look cool, too, which isn't something I thought I'd say about rain boots. I ordered my normal boot size — 8 — and they were slightly big, which I liked because I can wear thick socks with them. The rise of the boots is fairly short, though, so you need to judge puddle depth carefully or risk wet feet.

Like all Everlane pieces, the rain boots are also ethically made in a factory with good labor practices, so you can feel good about the boots on your feet. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Made ethically, transparent pricing, real rubber, well made, stylish, comfortable, fun colors

Cons: Not tall

Buy The Rain Boot from Everlane for $75 Read our full review of the Everlane Rain Boots

Why you'll love them: While other rain boots will feel heavy on your feet, Native’s AP Rain shoes repel rain just as well while weighing only 11 ounces.

If ethical shopping is a priority for you, Native is a brand to watch. The company does not use any animal products in its collections, which is good news considering how materials like leather and sheepskin are prevalent in many high-end boots.

The AP Rain shoe is constructed out of a waterproof, dual-density EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) upper, which is the same kind of dense material that is used for the soles of athletic sneakers. It makes this rain boot both sufficiently shock absorbent and slightly bouncy, while keeping the weight down.

The insole of the shoe is rather bare bones and don’t offer much in terms of support, but it’s nothing that inserts can’t fix if you need extra support. The outsole is constructed out of standard rubber that's fairly durable.

The style is Chelsea bootie-meets-running sneaker, making the AP Rain boots one of the most versatile styles I’ve encountered. You could easily wear these boots with cuffed-up jeans or with a dress and still look polished with an effortless, athleisure vibe.

Elastic side panels make them easy to slip on and off. I particularly love the not-too-high ankle silhouette, which is perfect for basic rainfall. These shoes do the trick of looking fab and keeping your feet dry. Just don't try puddle jumping or walking in the snow with them.

Pros: Extremely light, ethically-made, stylish

Cons: Offers limited support

Buy the Native AP Rain boots at Zappos for $79.95

Why you'll love them: With a chic design and low price point, the Sam Edelman Tinsley rain boots are a favorite among fashionable women because they look like an ankle bootie.

If you’re looking for a pair of stylish rain boots that won’t break the bank, Sam Edelman's Tinsley rain boots will do the trick. Given that Sam Edelman is a purveyor of trend-forward apparel and accessories, the Tinsley is likely to be one of the chicer and more aesthetically-pleasing types of rain boots you’ll come across.

With its Chelsea boot-inspired silhouette and monochromatic all-black color, the Tinsley is ideal if looks and pricing are top priority factors. After all, we know that rain boots aren’t the sexiest kinds of shoes to wear.

Like many ankle boots, the Tinsley have stretchy elastic side panels and a pull-on back tab. These boots have a cute, one-and-a-half-inch low heel and a rather impressive five-inch shaft, which makes this a capable boot in the likes of shallow slush.

But be aware: Buyer reviews most complained about the sizing of the Tinsley. Since there are no half sizes available and the shoe runs on the narrow side, those with wider feet found this shoe uncomfortable. If you’re considering this style, you may want to order both up and down in two sizes if you’re somewhere in-between, and return the one that doesn’t work.

Also consider the thickness of your socks or inserts you might want to include, which may ensure a better overall fit.

Pros: Stylish silhouette, comes in both glossy or matte finish

Cons: Customers with wider widths found this style too narrow, no half sizes available

Buy the Sam Edelman Tinsley rain boots at Zappos for $54.95

Why you'll love them: The Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots are as iconic as they come with a generous 16-inch shank and durable latex construction that can handle anything.

These Hunter rain boots are another cult favorite amongst the fashionable set, especially as a summer music festival outfit staple when outdoor events become wet and muddy. Given that these Wellington-style boots have a rise of 16 inches and are constructed out of a substantial latex upper and rubber sole, the Hunters are a lifesaver when it comes to torrential rain or snowfall.

Without a doubt, they can get you through deep puddles, slippery mud, inches of snow, and downpours with nonchalance. If you reside in a climate where rain falls more often than other areas, or if the winters are particularly brutal with blizzards, the Original Tall Rain Boots are a solid option to consider for days when the big guns need to come out.

Given their sheer height and thick materials, it should come as no surprise that these boots are a bit on the heavier side. They weigh about five pounds, which isn’t too bad considering they work extra-hard to keep most of your bottom leg dry, but they may not be the most comfortable footwear for all-day wear.

The boots are ones you slip-on and slip-off, which means that those with wider calves will want to take note of the 15-inch opening. Some reviewers have noted that the boot was too tight around the shaft. On the flip side, those with very narrow calves should also note that too much space around the opening is an unwelcome invitation for rain or snow to fall through. Luckily for you, Hunter offers other styles of this same boot, some with shorter shaft lengths.

Pros: Great for heavy rain and snow, other shaft lengths available, many color options

Cons: Customers with wide calves may find the shoe too tight, style runs slightly big

Buy the Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots on Amazon for around $79.90 - $183.68 (Prices vary by size and style)

Why you'll love them: Timberland’s Nellie Lace Up Utility Waterproof Boots are a fantastic and durable option if you don’t care for the “rubber rain boot” aesthetic and want a practical style that works for year-round weather.

When researching for this shopping guide, the top brands that kept coming up were ones that carry a legacy for their workwear-approved status. One such brand is Timberland, which is a company that innovated the waterproof workwear boot in the mid-’60s by directly attaching the soles to the uppers without stitching — thus, removing any small openings where moisture could potentially seep in.

Furthermore, Timberland is well-known for its use of waterproof nubuck leather, which is finely sanded cattle leather that begets that fine-grain, suede-like texture you see on the wheat-colored heritage Timberland styles. Nubuck is far more durable and stronger than suede because it comes from the outer hide. With decades of trust behind this company, it’s no surprise that a sleeker iteration like the Nellie Lace Up has found newfound fans.

This particular style is exclusive to Macy’s, and it is chosen simply for its impressively sleek and streamlined design, modified from the chunkier, classic men’s version, although other variations are available. The boots have a thick, one-inch heel made from the brand’s heavy-duty lug outsole that offers strong grip and traction fit for rain- and snow-based outdoor work.

The sole is also constructed with the company’s “anti-fatigue technology," which means the midsole offers phenomenal support for people who are on their feet all day. Linings and footbed covers are made of a breathable mesh material, which relieves feet from over-sweating.

Though the Nellie is a hardworking style, the company recommends that customers actively take care of the boot’s materials to further preserve the shoe. Care instructions are available on the Timberland website, for those who are interested.

Pros: Doesn’t look like a rain boot, exceptional support, ideal for outdoor work and durable in snow

Cons: Requires care and upkeep to make the shoe long-lasting

Buy the Timberland Women’s Nellie Lace Up Utility Waterproof Boots for $109.98

The best umbrellas you can buy

A rainy day can ruin your plans, your outfit, and your mood, but with a great umbrella in your hands, rain need not put a damper on the day. The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is our top pick because it's impressively rugged given its small size and affordable price tag.

We also recommend the Hunter Mustache Bubble Umbrella, because its clear design lets you stay dry and see where you're going, even when the rain is blowing sideways.

If you're looking to save money on your umbrella, the $24 Totes Compact NeverWet Umbrella is a great option because it's lightweight and compact.

Those of you who want an umbrella to take with you on vacations and trips should grab the Samsonite Windguard Auto Open Umbrella. It is compact, capable, and reliable even in windy conditions.

Sometimes you just need a bigger umbrella, and the G4Free Automatic Double Canopy Golf Umbrella is just the ticket with its wide canopy and sturdy build.

However, if you need an umbrella that can handle 55mph winds, get the BLUNT Metro Travel Umbrella. It's truly remarkable.