Posted in Fashion

Hunter Rain Boots, a Meghan Markle Favorite, Are on Sale for October Prime Day

Author Hailey Brooks Estimated read time 7 min read
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There’s a reason you keep seeing Hunter’s Original rain boots in street-style photos, soggy stadium parking lots and, yes, on royals. Meghan Markle has been spotted in them; Princess Diana wore them decades earlier; and the silhouette barely changed in between. Trends come and go, but a good rubber boot is practical in a way fashion can’t fake. Below, a practical deep dive—history, techy details, real-world comfort, how to size them right, and when to buy for the best price (hint: Amazon’s October savings event—Prime Big Deal Days—often brings the deepest discounts, historically as much as ~40–50%).

The short version

  • Still the icon: Hunter’s Original Tall boot is handcrafted from natural rubber, designed to be fully waterproof, with a grippy outsole for wet and slushy streets. Sources: Hunter Product Page; Hunter Boot Ltd (Wikipedia).
  • Who it’s best for: Urban commutes, dog walks, muddy sidelines, festivals and everyday rain. Not insulated—pair with warm socks for true winter.
  • Comfort: A cushioned footbed and flexible construction help, but the fit is roomy and the boot is heavier than sneaker-style rain options. Consider insoles if you’re on your feet all day. Sources: NYT Wirecutter Rain Boots.
  • Price watch: The MSRP typically sits around $165 in the U.S., but we’ve seen dips well under $100 during major sales. Track it: CamelCamelCamel. Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days (2024 dates were Oct 8–9) is historically strong for rain boot deals. Source: About Amazon.

Why this boot became a classic (and stayed one)

Founded in 1856, Hunter built its rep supplying rubber boots to the British army during WWI and WWII and later to farmers, gardeners and anyone braving British weather. The Original Tall, the brand’s most recognizable boot, is assembled from multiple rubber components (famously “dozens of parts,” hand-laid and vulcanized) to create a fully waterproof shell with a slightly flexible shaft and a matte or glossy finish. Sources: Hunter Boot History; Hunter Product Care.

Functionally, you get three big wins: waterproof construction (natural rubber outer with a recycled-polyester lining), a treaded outsole for wet traction, and a shaft tall enough to keep slush and puddles out. Hunter also notes a cushioned, shock-absorbing footbed for comfort underfoot. Sources: Hunter Product Specs; Hunter Sustainability.

The royal-effect is real—but the utility is what sells it

Celebrity sightings are fun, but they don’t get you to the train on a cold, rainy Tuesday. The reason these boots endure is that they keep water out and wipe clean, full stop. If you like style receipts, though, Diana wore her Hunters with oversized sweaters and straight-leg denim in the 1980s and 90s; Meghan has been photographed in them on more rugged, outdoorsy days. Sources: Town & Country on Princess Diana’s Hunters; Harper’s Bazaar.

Fit, sizing and the “will they be comfy?” question

Real talk: rubber boots aren’t running shoes. The Original Tall runs in whole sizes with a roomy, straight shaft and adjustable side strap. Many people who are between sizes go down half a size (or add a supportive insole) for a snugger fit. Calf circumference and shaft height vary by size; if you have athletic calves, look at Hunter’s wide-calf offerings or the Original Short to avoid pinching. Always check the Hunter Size Guide and measure your calf over pants you’d actually wear.

Comfort notes from the field: the cushioned footbed helps for errands and commuting, but if you’re walking miles a day or standing long shifts, a molded insole (Superfeet, SOLE, etc.) can make a night-and-day difference. For winter, add a warm sock liner or merino socks because these aren’t insulated (that’s by design). Sources: REI Expert Advice on Insoles; REI: How to Choose Socks.

Field-tested in the cold: I’ve used the Original Tall in slushy Northeast winters. With thick wool socks they’re surprisingly warm walking the dog, but I wouldn’t pick them over insulated snow boots for sub-freezing, all-day wear. Honestlly, they shine on wet 35–55°F days.

Editor’s own experience

Traction and safety on slick surfaces

The lugged rubber outsole is designed for wet sidewalks and mud. That said, no uninsulated, smooth-rubber rain boot is perfect on black ice; add traction cleats if you’re in icy conditions. Sources: Outside: Best Ice Cleats; CDC Winter Safety.

Care, cleaning and how to make them last

Natural rubber “blooms” (develops a whitish film) over time—totally normal. Use a rubber buffer/spray and a microfiber cloth to restore the finish. Store them upright, away from heat and direct sun, and rinse salt off after winter walks. Sources: Hunter Product Care; Britannica: Vulcanization.

How the Original compares to similar boots

  • Hunter Original Tall: Waterproof, fashion-forward, lots of colors, versatile height; not insulated; heavier than sneaker-like options. Source: Hunter.
  • Hunter Original Short / Chelsea: Easier on/off and lighter; less splash protection. Sources: Original Short; Original Chelsea.
  • Bogs or Xtratuf: Often warmer or grippier for fishing docks and farm work; more utilitarian look. Sources: Xtratuf Deck Boots; Bogs Rain.
  • Le Chameau Vierzon: Premium, refined fit and handmade rubber; significantly pricier. Source: Le Chameau.
  • Budget picks (e.g., Kamik): Great value, fewer colorways and finishes. Source: Wirecutter.

Price: what’s a good deal?

U.S. MSRP for the Original Tall generally hovers near $165, but prices fluctuate by size and color on big retailers. During Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days (2024 was Oct 8–9), we tracked prices that fell to the high-$80s/low-$90s for select sizes/colors—nearly half off. Past performance isn’t a guarantee, but it’s a strong signal. To avoid overpaying:

Real-world reviews to sanity-check the hype

Plenty of owners report multi-year use with only routine cleaning. We heard from a reader who wore the Originals for weeks in the Alaskan backcountry; they expected “fashion” boots to fail, but the pair stayed dry and held up against mud and cold, with comfort that surprised them (merino socks helped). This mirrors broader consumer feedback summarized by major retailers: durable, genuinely waterproof, and stylish enough to live beyond the porch. Sources: aggregated impressions from Zappos, Nordstrom, and REI customer reviews.

They’re not featherweight, and that’s ok. The tradeoff is a tough, fully waterproof shell that laughs at puddles. If you’re chasing ultralight, this isn’t it; if you’re chasing dry feet, it absolutely is.

take it or leave it

Picking the right Hunter for you

  • If you want max splash protection: Original Tall.
  • If you prefer lighter and easier on/off: Original Short or Chelsea.
  • For sleeker, city-forward styling: Refined Tall (narrower profile). Source: Refined Collection.
  • Cold climates: Consider boot socks or an insulated winter boot instead. Sources: REI: Choosing Winter Boots.

How to style them without trying too hard

  • Weekend uniform: straight-leg denim, fisherman sweater, trench or waxed jacket. Sources: Vogue: How to Wear Rain Boots.
  • Commute-proof: black leggings, oversized blazer, white tee, tall boots in matte black.
  • Muddy sidelines: joggers, fleece, baseball cap—hose off later, done.

Bottom line

The Hunter Original remains a legit, durable rain boot that balances utility and style better than most. It’s not insulated and it’s not light—but if you want a waterproof workhorse that looks good for years, it’s a smart buy, especially under $100 during seasonal promos. In my book, that’s the exact kind of purchase to stalk ahead of October’s big sales window.

Shop the boots

Small note before you click “buy”: prices vary by color and size (sometimes dramatically), and inventory can swing fast during sitewide sales. If your size jumps in price, try a different color or retailer—thier stock varies.

Sources & Further Reading

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