How practical, rainproof footwear had a fashion makeover

The answer to the unseasonably chilly weather is, for the fashion set, rainproof shoes. Here are the best

You’ve had a pedicure. You’ve worn those weird gelatinous socks that peel your skin off and promise to return your feet to a baby-soft state. You’re ready. Alas, the weather is not, meaning your summer sandals have probably been stuffed back to the back of the cupboard in favour of something that can withstand the rain, wind and - let’s be honest - a chill that has had me reaching for my bed socks to “take the edge off”.

In fashionland, where they’re made of sterner stuff and a bit of summer mizzle is no excuse for totally covering up, the answer has been rainproof shoes. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not talking about wellies, which can not only make your legs sweaty but are a nightmare for blisters. Instead, think clogs and mules - the sort of practical footwear that’s had a resurgence in recent years, repurposed to withstand even the soggiest summer. Yes, waterproof footwear is where it’s at - it turns out, my mum knew what she was talking about all along.

Take Alexa Chung, who has returned again and again to JW Anderson’s collaboration with Wellipets, the 1980s wellie boot brand favoured by Princess Diana. Yes, they’re frog clogs and not unlike the rubber boots you wore in primary school. Yes, they cost £370. But there’s no denying that, made from waterproof rubber and with practical ladder-grip soles, they’re made for the current damp-yet-horribly-humid conditions. Wear with a sense of irony and embrace the nostalgia value, much like putting a Barbour jacket over a floaty dress. Emma Corrin and Romeo Beckham are also fans.

The fashion set’s favourite florist, former model Christie Leigh - who has arranged displays for the likes of Burberry, Dior and Loewe - spends much of her working life knee-deep in foliage and with her feet in protective gardening shoes. But, in recent rainy weeks, her Instagram posts have shown the 35-year-old wearing her nut-brown rubber clogs with silk slips and cotton dresses in lieu of sandals.

“My style is a mix of garden-centre chic meets slinky silks. Gardening mules are my go-to for this,” says Leigh. “I love putting my gardening mules with unexpected pieces like dresses. There’s no reason why practical clothing can’t be beautiful.” She picks up pairs on her travels around gardening centres, but her favourites are from Wolf and Gypsy Vintage. The Brighton-based shop, which sells online, tells me that its £25 French waterproof clogs have been “flying out of the door” and with more wet weather expected they’re restocking pronto.

Birkenstocks have been back for a while as evidenced by Margot Robbie’s Barbie wearing a pair in pink (obviously). But - almost as though it knew how temperamental the British summer can be - this year the brand released a new waterproof version of its bestselling Boston clog, made from the lightweight waterproof synthetic material EVA. Google searches for the style have peaked over the last fortnight and style influencers on TikTok rave about how comfortable they are. Not to mention that they’re easier to clean than the traditional leather styles and cost £60. Meanwhile, the rubber clogs by fashion’s favourite Scandi brand, Ganni, are currently on sale for £113 at End Clothing.

I almost dare not mention Crocs, knowing how divisive the original ugly shoe can be. The mainstays of small children and enthusiastic allotment types, in recent weeks my social media feeds have been filling up with genuinely stylish people unboxing fresh pairs for “gardening” - then being pictured wearing them with their summer wardrobes in every subsequent post.

Former fashion editor and influencer Katherine Ormerod is one of them, although she hasn’t worn them outside… yet.

“So far I haven’t worn them out of the house aside from to get milk, but I have to say they are invaluable and I have barely taken them off,” she says. “Considering I only wear trainers at the gym and don’t own a pair of tracksuit bottoms, it is a big deal that they are even touching my feet.”

The brand reported a nearly 34 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue in the first quarter of 2023. Even Victoria Beckham - a vocal hater - was pictured wearing a pair of yellow Crocs boots made in collaboration with fashion brand MSCHF and available from next week, priced at £350. Thankfully, for the rest of us they start at £54.99. Dodging puddles never looked so stylish.