It was fun while it lasted!  After a week of lovely weather, we’re back to rainy days in the 50s here in NYC.  And so, we adapt to the changing conditions like good little Darwinian winners and pull out the umbrellas and rain boots.  I bought this umbrella on Sunday when it was still nice out in anticipation of this gloomy week.  I’ve wanted it for awhile, so I took this impending rain as an excuse to shell out the $32.  I figured for $32 it would also be decently made, but when I opened it I was pretty bummed to see that it was structured just like one of those cheap $5 umbrellas you can buy on the street and use 3-5 times before they promptly break.  So, I hope I fare better with the other rainy day necessity: rain boots.  Of course, there is the obvious choice:

1. Hunter
Hunter boots are pretty much the Standard, I believe ever since Kate Moss was photographed stomping around Leeds Festival (did I get that right?) in them a few years back.  Problem is, they are the standard, so everyone and their moms have a pair.  Also, they are $115.  For rainboots.  What the fuck?!

2. Kors by Michael Kors
Well, if we’re going to start dropping benjamins on RAIN BOOTS then let’s get some designer input here.  These look just like motorcycle boots and also come in black.  My biggest objection is the extra shiny material.  I hate shiny patent leather.  I wish these were more of a dull rubber like the Hunter boots.

3. Chooka
What is a Chooka?  I do not know.  But these boots are 70 bucks and the snakeskin texture makes them look a little bit chic.

4. Can you believe it, folks?  We’ve got another contender from Chooka.  These are $89.

5. Ok, that’s the last Chooka, I promise.  This herringbone rain boot is $66.

6. Kamik
In college I had a pair of bright sky blue rainboots with red flowers on them.  If you couldn’t tell, I’m looking for sleeker options now, but I’m still not opposed to a little color.  These mustard yellow boots by Kamik are $70, and also come in black and brown.

I’m tempted by a few of these, but I believe it’s very important to try on rainboots before you buy.  They can be very heavy and clunky, and I’ve had pairs that I’ve, ahem, liberated, from my mom before that I ended up getting rid of because walking in them was so awkward and uncomfortable.   I can’t believe how pricey these are, however.  It sucks shelling out money for necessity item that you don’t really love, you just need.  At the same time, you’re going to wear them everytime it rains, and it would be nice to have a decent pair that you won’t feel silly wearing if you find yourself somewhere where you need to look presentable.

Which pair is your favorite?  Where do you get your rainboots?  How much are you willing to spend on them?
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