09/16/08

Rubber Souls
Rain Gear for Your Feet

Fashion saved your life on more than one occasion, so we're pretty certain it'll help you through our nextbout of inclement weather.
Even though things have dried out a bit, keep these rubberized waders near.

THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Hunter Original Wellington

We can almost see Prince William now, roaming the Balmoral heath in a pair of these Scottish classics. Like the 1856 original, today's version sports a vulcanized rubber exterior and cozy cloth interior, presenting no trouble when it comes to protecting your royal toes.

411:: 411: $115, at His Stuff, 3162 N. Broadway, 773-281-6111 and 5314 N. Clark St, 773-989-9111

THE RAKISH ONE

Argyll Farming Wellington

Also made by Hunter, this mid-calf boot is more of a Prince Harry. It's shorter, sportier and, thanks to a lower profile, a better choice if you think you'll need to outrun the paparazzi.

411:: 411: $85, at His Stuff, 3162 N. Broadway, 773-281-6111 and 5314 N. Clark St, 773-989-9111

THE PROTECTOR

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rubber Boots

True, these tallboys are not the only rubbers being sold at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store in Bucktown. But they're the only ones that will do when it's your feet needing protection in a sudden rainstorm—and after this weekend, they're going fast.

411:: 411: $26, at Marc by Marc Jacobs, 1714 N. Damen Ave (between St Paul and Wabansia), 773-276-1698

THE ITALIAN WAY

Gucci Boot

You want to look good at all times, especially when you've decided to be a gentleman, wade through that puddle and hail her the last cab in sight—which is precisely what Gucci envisioned you doing when it produced its version of a classic rubber zip-up boot.

411:: 411: $295, at the Neiman Marcus online store

THE DARK AND STORMY

Chooka Dueling Skulls Rain Boots

There are times when the weather turns your mood less gentlemanly. Those are the times when you need these fashion-forward boots. The skulls say, "Clear a path," and the heavy-duty rubber says, "I really enjoy dry feet."