Sharing 10 things you need to know before buying your first pair of Hunter rain boots.
Rain boots are a staple shoe to have in your closet. And there’s no better rain boot than Hunter Original rain boots. Are they a bit more pricey than some other rain boots? Yes. But I bet they’ll last you much longer, if not forever, than other cheaper versions because Hunter’s quality is so good.
Typically, I wear them on an as-needed basis on a very rainy day. If it’s a rainy workday, I usually throw a pair of flats into my bag and change when I get inside. It’s worth it to protect my shoes, pants, and keep my feet from getting wet. Nobody likes to have soggy shoes and feet at the beginning of a workday you know? They’re also great to wear if you know you’ll be in a muddy area to avoid ruining your shoes.
Hunter Boots Review: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Hunter Boot Sizing:
As far as sizing, Hunter boots are only offered in whole sizes. If you’re between sizes, I would recommend going down a half-size. Hunter boots are a little clunky, and I think the boots fit better a little snug versus too big! I’m typically a 7.5 or 8, and I sized down to a 7. They offer an adjustable buckle, but I really don’t see it as a useful feature other than for appearance.
On Hunter’s website, they have a sizing section to help you determine the best size option for you by showing you how to measure your foot. They also include measurements like maximum calf area and leg height. Hunter has free shipping and free returns too. So if the pair you first purchase doesn’t work, send them back to try a different pair.
Hunter boots are not meant for snow/wintry weather
Despite all the cute photos on Pinterest in the snow (I’m guilty of wearing them in the snow here!), the Original Tall Hunter boots aren’t meant for snowy weather. I don’t live in a snowy climate. If there’s a snow shower in Georgia, I wear mine with thick socks to play in the snow for a short period of time.
If you live in a climate where snow is more prevalent, I’d recommend insulated boots from Hunter. They have a variety of boots made with a sherpa lining to keep your feet dry and warm for temperatures down to 23 degrees.
They aren’t the most comfortable shoe.
Hunter boots have a nice cushion on the bottom and are comfortable to wear, but the boots themselves are very stiff and limit a normal heel-to-toe gait pattern. If you have foot problems, like plantar fasciitis, you may want to avoid walking long distances in the Original Tall boots because of this.
Don’t wear them without socks.
Take my word for it, you don’t want to slip these on without socks. The rubber will basically suction to your skin, and you will burn at least 500 calories trying to get them off. A rubber boot slides on and off much easier with socks. It’s especially important if your skin is sensitive to rubber and/or you’re allergic to latex.
They have an antibacterial fabric lining.
I’ve had mine for years and haven’t had any issues with them smelling. This is definitely a perk to investing in a pair of Hunter boots over other brands. Rubber can make your feet sweat and stink, so it’s a good added measure.
Don’t be alarmed when they bloom.
Hunter boots go through what’s called “blooming” – when they get a powdery white film on them when you first get them. It’s a common process for natural rubber and nothing to worry about.
I noticed my black pair definitely went through a rougher phase when they bloomed, and it was a lot harder to shine them up. Hunter sells a boot care kit that might be worth purchasing, especially with black boots or other darker Hunter boots where the blooming is more noticeable.
After the first blooming, I haven’t noticed either pair doing it again. Some people prefer the “character” the blooming brings to the rubber boots – to each their own.
Cleaning tips and tricks
I bought a cleaner on Amazon that worked just fine, but I would definitely recommend the Hunter boot shine sponge as well to shine up your Hunter boots as needed. I haven’t had to clean mine in years since they bloomed. I’ve also heard you can shine them up with olive oil and a nonabrasive cotton towel or old shirt.
If they simply have mud or other remnants on them, you can use mild soap and water to clean them up. They’ll look good as new. Hunter’s website suggests storing them in a cool, dry place where they won’t bend or fold. They also suggest not putting them in direct sunlight to dry after cleaning them.
Matte or glossy finish?
I have always been drawn to the shiny version, but lately, I wish I had one of each. The matte pair look more natural/outdoorsy to me, but the shiny pair works better dressed up. I think it depends on your personal style as to which you’ll be drawn to!
Hunter offers a variety of different colors too from black to hot pink to kelly green. There are even some with two or three different tones.
shop matte hunter boots
shop glossy hunter boots
Consider a kid’s size if you’re on a budget.
If you’re between a size 5-7, you can buy a kid’s Hunter boot if you’re on a budget. The kid boots are $75 versus $150 for an adult pair. Here is how to convert between women and kids sizes: size 5 to 5.5 = size 3 kids, size 6 to 6.5 = size 4 kids, size 7 to 7.5 = size 5 kids. This is honestly a great trick for other shoes like athletic shoes too!
Opt for the shorter version or the packable tour boots if you need to walk long distances:
If you have to walk long distances because you live in a city or are planning on traveling in a wet climate, I’d recommend the Chelsea boot or the Play boot, which are two of the shorter Hunter boot styles. Because they’re not a tall boot, they’re much easier to walk longer distances in, yet they give you the protection you need from rain.
The Chelsea boots come just above the ankle and feature two elastic gussets on each side for easier on and off, and helps your feet move more comfortably. The elastic makes the shoes look a bit more modern because of the different texture it gives the boots.
The Play boot is made with a lighter material than the original boots. The Play boots come just above your ankle and are perfect for city-living. They’re still 100 percent waterproof too. Win-win if you ask me.
If you have your heart set on the tall version but want them to feel lighter, they also make an Original Refined Tall boot, which has a thinner design. They look like the Original Tall boot – just a lot lighter! 🙂
shop Hunter boots on sale
I have two pairs of Hunter boots in lipstick (pink) and black. Generally, the black boots rarely go on sale. I normally see the colored versions go on sale the most.
The pink boots were my first purchase, and I wear them a lot more than I thought I would, given they’re so bright and pink. A few years later, I picked up a shiny black pair. Between the two colors, I like and wear my pink pair a lot more than black. They’re definitely a fun statement on a rainy day!
Side note: Hunter’s website offers a 20 percent discount to students and health care workers. So if you fall into one of those categories, take advantage!
rainy day outfit ideas with hunter rainboots
Looking for outfit ideas to wear on a rainy day with your Hunter rain boots? Here are 5 ways to style them.
Layer up your Hunter boots with fall wardrobe essentials, like this green sweater and a leopard beanie. I love how the white jeans keep this look fresh for the fall season. And yes, you can definitely wear white past Labor Day. 😉
I’m a dress girl at heart, so I love to pair my rain boots with floral dresses.
For a classic and casual fall outfit, pair your rain boots with a fall plaid-flannel, button-down top and a camel coatigan.
Have somewhere to be on a rainy day, but you still want to look cute and put together? Pair your Hunter rain boots with a plaid skirt and sweater to look and feel put together, even when it’s raining.
One of my go-to outfits throughout fall and winter is a dark wash jean with a striped basic tee and poncho sweater. I love adding a pop of red Hunter boots during the holidays.
As you can see, there are so many options Hunter offers their customers from the colors to the fits to the styles. There’s a Hunter boot for everyone!
This was SO helpful!!!! Thank you!!
Thx so much for the boot review! I seen a pair of ankle hunters for $99 @Costco wondered if they’d be comfy as I do have plantar fasciitis & my gait is off, this was helpful! I think they’re jus so cute!
Hello thanks for the review … do they happen to cause static ? Since they are made out of rubber …!
Thanks
This was very helpful! Thank you!
Yes this WAS helpful thank you, love your pink boots!
Does the strap make them looser around the calf? I tend to have an issue in this department.. So ive been there burning a million calories trying to get them off. ! Just don’t want to buy them if they wont work
No, it doesn’t, the width of the boot stays the same. The strap doesn’t really do much to be honest! I think it’s to tighten them if you want to avoid heavy rain from getting inside.
I prefer LeChameau to Hunter. I have muscular calves and it’s a freaking nightmare to put on and take off Hunter boots. LeChameau’s rubber is softer and has more flexibility and they come in wider calf widths and some styles with adjustable gussets.
This is so wonderful post for me. I was thinking to buy hunter boots and suddenly I reach your article which is become great and helpful for me to buy new good quality hunter boots online. Thanks… It works really well for me. Keep it up..!
Are the Hunter boots in the US the same as the UK? The US definitely feel flimsier and crack easily across the heels. My English ones were much sturdier and lasted much longer. Both are still comfortable. Two friends have commented with the same complaints.
Great information!