Chooka Rain Boots Review: My Experience + Are They Worth It?
I originally wrote this Chooka rain boots review after getting my first pair years ago — and apparently I’m not the only person who has been curious about them.
At the time, I had finally found a pair of rain boots I actually wanted to wear.
I’d owned rain boots before, but they were usually exactly what you picture when someone says “rain boot”: tall, clunky, heavy and often covered in a loud print.
My Chooka boots were completely different.
They looked more like a regular pair of Chelsea boots, hit right around the ankle and were comfortable enough that I didn’t feel like I was stomping around in traditional rubber rain boots all day.
So, years after originally publishing this post, I thought it was time for an update.
My Chooka Bainbridge Chelsea Rain Boots
The pair I originally owned was the Chooka Bainbridge Chelsea Boot.
Unfortunately, this exact style is no longer part of Chooka’s current collection, but the brand still makes several Chelsea and ankle-height rain boots with the same idea: waterproof footwear that looks more like an everyday boot.
What originally sold me on the Bainbridge was the silhouette.
Instead of coming up to my knees like the rain boots I’d owned before, they hit right at the ankle like a regular pair of booties.
They were sleek, simple and easy to style.
And most importantly?
I actually wore them.
That’s ultimately my test for any supposedly “practical” piece of clothing. It doesn’t matter how functional something is if it spends its entire life sitting in the back of my closet.
Are Chooka Rain Boots Comfortable?
My pair was surprisingly comfortable.
One of the things I noticed immediately was the weight. They didn’t feel like the heavy rain boots I’d worn in the past, and I could move around normally without feeling like I had giant pieces of rubber attached to my feet.
They also weren’t obnoxiously squeaky, which may sound like a small thing until you’ve spent an entire rainy day walking around in squeaky rubber boots.
The ankle height also made them feel much more like regular Chelsea boots.
Chooka’s current boots have changed since I bought mine, but the brand says its current rain boots use natural rubber, waterproof construction and molded comfort insoles.
How Do Chooka Rain Boots Fit?
My Chooka boots ran true to size with a little extra room.
I’m normally a size 8, and that’s the size I wore. They had enough room for a thicker cozy sock without feeling so large that I wanted to size down.
Interestingly, that’s still consistent with Chooka’s current sizing guidance.
The company says its footwear generally comes in whole sizes, recommends that half-size wearers size up, and notes that its boots tend to run slightly large to accommodate weather-appropriate socks.
So if you’re usually:
A whole size: I’d start with your normal size.
Between sizes: Chooka currently recommends sizing up.
And if you’re planning to wear thick winter socks, remember to leave yourself a little extra room.
Are Chooka Boots Waterproof?
Chooka specializes in waterproof footwear, and my boots were specifically something I reached for on rainy days.
The brand says its current rain boots use sealed construction and natural rubber to keep water out and are designed and weather-tested in Seattle.
One distinction I’d make, though: waterproof doesn’t automatically mean winter boot.
If you’re buying something primarily for snow, freezing temperatures or serious winter conditions, I’d look specifically at insulation and cold-weather features rather than assuming every rain boot will serve the same purpose.
Why I Prefer Chelsea Rain Boots
This is probably the biggest reason I’d still choose this style today.
A Chelsea rain boot doesn’t scream RAIN BOOT.
You can wear it with jeans, leggings or casual everyday outfits without feeling like you’ve dressed specifically for a monsoon.
And because the shaft stops around your ankle, they’re generally much easier to walk in than a tall rubber boot.
For me, that’s much more practical than owning a pair of rain boots I only want to put on during extreme weather.
Can You Still Buy My Chooka Bainbridge Boots?
Unfortunately, I can’t find my original Bainbridge Chelsea Boot in Chooka’s current collection.
But Chooka still makes several Chelsea and ankle-height rain boots.
Current options include the Marina Chelsea Ankle Rain Boot, Delridge Faux Fur Chelsea Rain Boot, Quin Storm Lug Chelsea Rain Boot and Upland Platform Chelsea Rain Boot.
Are Chooka Rain Boots Worth It?
Based on my experience with my pair, yes — particularly if you want functional rain boots that don’t look overly utilitarian.
That’s what made mine different from the rain boots I’d owned before.
They were:
- Lightweight compared with traditional tall rain boots
- Comfortable enough for everyday wear
- Easy to style
- Waterproof
- An ankle height I actually wanted to wear
And ultimately, that’s why they stayed in my wardrobe.
Where to Buy Chooka Rain Boots
Chooka still sells rain boots directly through its website, including Chelsea, ankle and mid-height styles. The company currently ships website orders within the United States only.
You can also find current Chooka styles through retailers such as DSW.
Final Thoughts
My original Chooka Bainbridge boots were the pair that changed my mind about rain boots.
Before them, I associated rain boots with tall, heavy, brightly printed styles that I bought because they were practical and then rarely actually wore.
The Bainbridge felt like a normal ankle boot that just happened to keep my feet dry.
My exact pair may be discontinued now, but I still think the concept that made me love them — a stylish Chelsea boot designed for actual rain — is the right way to go if traditional rain boots aren’t your thing.
And considering how many people originally messaged me asking where mine were from, apparently I’m not the only one.
Xx Sylvia
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