I Scoured Secondhand Sites and Outlets for These Rain Boots. They Were Worth It.

New York Times

a day ago

These rubber boots can be expensive, but I found them for $50. After using them for a year, I'd pay full price for them, due to their perfect mix of performance and style.
These rain boots became ubiquitous in 2020 when they filled Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards alike. Through pure osmosis, they got stuck in my mind for years after that.
When you think of a rain boot, most likely you picture the classic Wellington boots; originally popularized by brands like Hunter (which makes one of the picks in our guide to the best rain boots), they have been dominating the space since the 1950s. For decades, the category has remained largely unchanged fashion-wise.
But the Ganni boots emerged at a time when other brands were also noodling with the classic design — opting for chunkier lug soles and exaggerated silhouettes. Some examples include Bottega Veneta's bubble-shaped rubber boots or Prada's candy-colored treaded versions. Ganni's boots were cheaper and mimicked a more-classic look, so I knew they would prove to be a better investment.
These boots are made from recycled rubber, sourced from the post-industrial waste of rubber-sole production, per a Ganni representative. They have a matte finish and a sleeker, more minimalist knee-high silhouette than something like a Hunter boot, and they're contrasted by a rugged, chunky footbed.
I'm not one to buy into hype, but there was something about the look of the Ganni rain boots that made me believe all of my rain-related anxieties would disappear if I just wore them.
There was one glaring problem, however. Although Ganni boots are cheaper than their designer counterparts, they still range between $200 and $400, depending on the color. And while I have no issues with spending three figures on clothing and accessories that I know I'll wear forever, dropping that amount for a trial pair of rain boots didn't seem wise.
I was — and still am — a determined shopper, so I was eager to get my hands on the boots and pay less, no matter how long it took. My hunt got serious in 2022. I scrolled through The RealReal, eBay, and Vestiaire Collective for months, searching for the perfect used pair (minimal scuffs, well-maintained soles) at the right price. I knew my Goldilocks pair was out there.
In 2024, I found them for $50 in the Ganni store at the Woodbury Common outlets in New York. After wearing them for over a year, I'm certain the hunt was worth it. And now, if I had to, I would pay the full retail price for a new pair. Rain or shine, I reach for my Ganni Country Boots for their minimalist and fashion-forward take on the classic rain-boot silhouette. Frances Solá-Santiago/NYT Wirecutter
Since that momentous day at Woodbury Common, I've worn my Ganni boots without fail. Whenever there's rain in the forecast, I find a way to wear them. This past spring, I often paired them with my pull-up leather shorts, styling the combo with a white T-shirt and a black trench coat. Due to their knee-high silhouette, I can wear them without getting my legs wet, even when I pair them with shorts. The treaded soles and pull tabs are two of my favorite features on these boots. Frances Solá-Santiago/NYT Wirecutter
The Ganni boots also survived a snowy winter, and they were my go-to shoe during New York Fashion Week in February. Tired of the same winter-outfit formulas, I challenged myself to wear these boots with a dress. I grabbed a black maxi dress (which I had to layer over a fleece long-sleeve top, to accommodate the cold conditions), and I paired it with the boots and a leather jacket.
More recently, I wore the boots through a particularly rainy spring, styling them with a wide assortment of clothing: with a boho blouse, corduroy shorts, and barn jacket for a visit to a nearby stable; with knee-length black shorts and a white T-shirt for the office; and with a white maxi skirt and a ribbed tank top for a more summer-appropriate look.
The Country Boots have transformed my disdain for rainy days, simply by keeping my feet and legs dry, and keeping my butt from hitting a dirty New York City sidewalk due to an untimely slip. Sure, other rain boots could do the same job, but I find that my excitement is more about aesthetics than function — look good, feel good, you know? Plus, unlike with regular rain boots, with these boots I don't feel the need to change out of them when I get to the office (or for any indoor activity) because they blend in with ease. The Country Boots are easy to style with anything from barn jackets and shorts in the spring to maxi dresses in the winter. Frances Solá-Santiago/NYT Wirecutter, Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa for NYT Wirecutter
That being said, the Ganni Country Boots are actually good at their job. I'm especially grateful for the cushioned soles, which have saved me from foot pain on long errand days. I'm also fond of the pull tabs: They make slipping into the boots a breeze while providing an added edge to the overall look.
These boots were also comfortable right out of the box. Though the vibe is very different from that of Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots, Wirecutter's top rain-boot pick, the Country Boots also have a round, wide toe box, so they're more spacious and comfortable for long days and adventures. As writer Eve O'Neill explains in our rain-boots guide, a narrower box can be hard on your toes. I have found that these boots, due to their wide legs and flexible construction, don't restrict calf and ankle movement; this is something that made the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots stand out as a top pick, too.
Also, the Ganni boots include many of the details that make Hunter's short boots a Wirecutter pick for stylish rain boots, including a rubber-heavy design and a tread pattern that makes it hard for debris to accumulate. The style team was hesitant to test the knee-high Hunter boots because reviews often revealed that wide-calved customers found them hard to wear. However, I found reviewers on TikTok who've highlighted that the Ganni Country Boots are suited for people with wider calves.
Unlike most rain boots, the Country Boots are lined with canvas. I find this particularly helpful as an added layer of warmth during the winter months, though thick socks are still required to make the boots work through frigid temperatures. While Wirecutter's top-pick boots have flat-footed bottom soles, the Ganni boots have an arch-shaped space between the front and back platforms; I expected it would provide less support for my feet, but that has yet to be an issue.
Of course, nothing is perfect, and sometimes fashion does come at a price. These boots are great for urban and suburban rainy days, but I wouldn't recommend them for extreme-weather events or long, muddy hikes. The matte finish can start to show scuff marks quickly, and the chunky platforms can begin to peel with heavy use. They're also taller than regular rain boots, with a 2-inch platform, and that can lead to ankle pain or twists if they're worn on uneven terrain.
And they run big. Amid the sheer joy of finding these boots for $50, I tried on the smallest size the store had (a size 37, or a US 7, which is my usual size), and I found that they were slightly loose. I rationalized my purchase, figuring I could remedy this by simply wearing thicker socks, and I was right. When I have worn the Country Boots with thinner socks, I've found that my foot slides around too much and the heel comes off as I walk, making a strange slapping sound with every step. I'm okay with wearing thick (often fuzzy and cozy!) socks to make the boots fit properly, even in the summertime. If you're not willing to compromise, however, I'd go with a smaller size than you usually wear.
The Country Boots are, unfortunately, not sold by Ganni anymore (though some inventory is still available elsewhere on the internet). And thanks to the ever-growing secondhand market, plenty of pairs are available — for much less than the original price tag — on sites such as The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective. They still hold up in style and quality, since much of the secondhand inventory that's available seems in good condition.
Considering the environmental impact involved in the making of rain-boot materials (listed in our guide to the best rain boots), buying a secondhand pair may be a more responsible choice. This is a tip that travel and outdoors editor Ria Misra backs — with some considerations: You should look for any signs of cracking or breaking, which might lead to water and debris filtering through the boots. Ria also recommends closely examining the soles for wear and tear, to make sure they're still slip-resistant.
I love these boots so much that I'm considering buying a second pair. I've been eyeing a burgundy set for a while, and I'll likely get them pre-loved. But knowing me, it'll probably be another two years before I find the right deal.
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