The rainy season has arrived — comparing rain boots for comfortable footing

A morning when rain has been falling steadily since last night.
On days like this, today's outfit starts from the feet up.
Rain shoes and rain boots are the best choice
for walking without worrying too much about your footing, but you don't want to give up on looking stylish, either.

Whether you want to keep walking energetically despite the rain,
or want footwear that won't look out of place once the rain has stopped,
the right shoe depends on the scene.
Let's introduce a comparison of rain shoe and rain boot brands
to help you choose.

The rain shoe and rain boot brands featured this time are
these five, each with a different character.

1.UMO
2.ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK
3.FOX UMBRELLAS
4.OPANAK
5.BLUNDSTONE

Rain coat: Curve Jacket Sand

A type that covers the calf
is a wonderful choice, letting you walk in the rain without worrying about wet feet.
Easy for rain boot beginners to wear well,
this simple design with minimal decoration
pairs with any outfit, so you'll likely find plenty of chances to wear it.
Even within its simplicity, the belt detail on the side becomes an accent,
making it fashionable enough that at first glance you might mistake it for a leather boot.

Whether paired with a mini skirt or tucked jeans,
it coordinates naturally without looking out of place.

UMO took inspiration from the beach sandals
that were hugely popular around 1946, and by using a material that was water-resistant, soft,
and durable, created a one-piece molded rain shoe
that became a massive hit within France. It swept away the previously plain
designs of rain shoes and now manufactures colorful rain shoes
with a high degree of fashion sense.

Top: Border high-neck cut-and-sew

For those who still want to incorporate a design-conscious piece
and go out feeling good even on rainy days.
Since the boot's main color is basic, it's surprisingly easy to coordinate.
The design features white laces woven up from the instep,
and the switch partway up is very stylish.
Each eyelet is carefully attached by hand by a craftsman,
creating an elegant, classic presence.
Paired with a knee-length skirt, it shows just the right amount of leg,
giving a refined impression even in rainy-day fashion.

ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK is a brand based
in a beautiful seaside area in northern Copenhagen.
Along the coast, highly waterproof shoes are a necessity.
From this environment came high-quality rain boots with a strong focus on wearing comfort.
To achieve a sneaker-like softness against the foot,
the lining uses a felt material made from a proprietary blend
of cotton and viscose (a type of high-grade rayon).
This unique lining absorbs sweat and helps regulate humidity inside the boot.

With its cute, plump toe design,
this is a short-length boot.
ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBÆK's rain boots
are made using the vulcanized construction method, in which heat bonds the rubber
to the sole, resulting in a pair that combines strength and comfort
in equal measure.
This short-length style comes in sizes 36 to 42,
so men can choose it as well.

For the short type, balance the length
with the length of the bottoms you pair it with.
Showing a bit of leg gives a neater impression, which we recommend.

A jellyfish motif on the ankle is the trademark.
The rubber is relatively thin, so it lacks the stiffness
often found in rain shoes, and its slim shape looks great
whether worn or taken off, making it perfect for everyday use.
For those who find the weight of long-type boots a bit much,
a short type like this one is recommended.

The silhouette is beautiful, and the instep area gives a neat impression.
Since the sides are elastic, putting it on and taking it off is effortless.

Coat: Garage Coat NAVY / Long umbrella: Women's Long Umbrella Malacca / CE LAGOS LAUREL

It looks like it might rain, but the chance of precipitation is low.
It's raining now, but it should clear up by afternoon.
On days like these, we recommend a shoe type that
can be worn comfortably even when it's not raining, yet still offers a minimum
of protection for your feet if the rain does start.

This loafer type, which feels like an unusual find,
looks quite structured, but since it's made of rubber,
once you actually put your foot in, the comfort is exceptional.
And it's lighter than a rain "boot."
Since its shape is that of a loafer, it naturally suits formal looks,
while also being easy to pair with casual outfits.

The brand FOX UMBRELLAS is a long-established
British rain-item brand.
While its main focus is long umbrellas, it also creates
rainwear and other items designed to make rainy days more comfortable.
This rain shoe loafer was manufactured under specifications
set by Japan, known for its technical skill,
and is notably designed to fit Japanese feet.

This one, too, is designed to be worn naturally whether or not it's raining, but
since the instep is covered, it offers stronger protection against rain.
Originally created as a waterproof shoe for farmers,
it also boasts excellent durability.
Casual, yet with attention paid to functionality as well
—these are truly practical shoes.
Take the belt, for example. It runs all the way around the opening,
so you can adjust it to fit your own size.
And by using cotton for the lining, dampness and humidity
are reduced—another nice point suited to how they're worn.
They pair beautifully with rolled-up pants styles,
giving off just a touch of mannish flair.

In 1935, at a time when agricultural footwear was still mainly made of leather,
OPANAK began when, in order to meet the needs of people
in Serbia's rural farming areas, a rubber material—unusual for footwear at the time—
was used to make agricultural shoes.
Nearly a century since its debut, it continues to be made with almost no change in form,
and is said to still be beloved by people in its home country of Serbia today.
There's something captivating about products that have been made the same way
for so long, still cherished by the local people.

Top: Waffle Half-Sleeve Cut-and-Sew Top / Pants: Linen Ramie Gaucho Pants
Long umbrella: Women's Long Umbrella Malacca / CE LAGOS LAUREL

Blundstone's side gore boots
are, in fact, not "rain shoes" but boots meant for fair weather,
made with leather uppers.
However, they use oil-treated waterproof leather, and thanks to
an injection-molding process, the connection between the sole and
the upper is strong,
built to keep water from getting in,
so wearing them in a bit of rain poses no problem.

Because they're leather, they'll last a long time with proper care,
and you can enjoy the way they age over time—something rubber
rain boots simply can't offer.
Long enough to cover the ankle, they look right at home with
cropped styles like gaucho pants, and pairing them with a short, breezy dress
to show off a bit of leg is lovely too.

Blundstone could be called the originator of the side gore boot,
a long-established brand specializing in work and safety footwear.
It's well known for being lighter than ordinary side gore boots, with a feel
almost like sneakers. The durable polyurethane sole
makes walking easy and reduces fatigue, and a patented construction ensures comfortable walking.
It's surprising to learn that the quality is such that it absorbs 90% of impact.

Because rain boots are made of rubber, some degree of deterioration is unavoidable,
but by understanding the causes and how to deal with them, you can extend their lifespan.
Please take good care of your favorite pair so you can enjoy them for a long time.

Common problems with rain boots include the following.

With repeated wear, rubber inevitably becomes harder over time.
If long-type boots are left standing for a long time in a misshapen state,
they can harden into that deformed shape and never return to normal, so please
be careful. When storing them, it's important to keep their shape
using boot keepers or newspaper.

▼Sumikusabana Boot Keeper Short

 

As hardening progresses, cracks are more likely to form at the bending points while walking.
Once cracks appear, the boots no longer function as rain boots,
and they become unusable.

Light-colored rain boots in particular can develop yellowing,
caused by the oxidation of the rubber. Washing them with detergent or drying them in direct sunlight
causes oxidation, leading to fading and discoloration.

Since rain boots are watertight and highly airtight in construction,
they trap moisture and sweat easily, and over time the odor can become noticeable.
Along with airing them outdoors in the shade on the next sunny day after wearing them,
it's a good idea to place a deodorizer or desiccant inside while storing them.

Rain boots are used in harsh conditions—water, mud, humidity, and more.
Take care of them properly after each wear to keep them looking good and lasting long.

Removing mud and dirt after wearing
After returning home, first wipe your rain boots down with a cloth.
Removing moisture and dirt as soon as possible helps prevent deterioration.
If you have the time, rinsing them off with a shower before wiping them down
will let you remove dirt even more thoroughly.

Pay attention to drying
As mentioned earlier, since rain boots are built to keep out rain,
they naturally have high airtightness inside.
The sweat your feet produce has nowhere to escape, and you'll likely notice
that the inside feels damp when you take them off.
Long-type boots in particular tend to trap moisture, so
after returning home, it's best to wipe not just the outside but also the inside of the boots thoroughly.
After that, place newspaper or a desiccant inside.

Also, on the next sunny day after wearing them, be sure to air them out
in the shade in a well-ventilated spot.

Caring for them with dedicated cleaners
There are dedicated cleaning agents, polishes, and protectants
available for rain boots. Using them regularly helps maintain their beauty while
preventing deterioration, so we recommend them.

How did you like this comparison of rain boot brands and introduction to care methods?
If reducing the stress of rainy days can make going out more enjoyable,
that would make us very happy.
Depending on the day's forecast and your outfit, the ideal length and
design of rain boots will vary.
On days of continuous rain, rather than overworking just one pair, giving them a rest between wears
helps you take good care of each pair and use them for a long time,
so for that reason too, it seems like a good idea to have rain boots and shoes
of different types on hand and use them according to the situation.