Come monsoon, our favourite shoes quietly disappear into the back of the wardrobe. Delicate suede mules, pristine white sneakers, polished leather loafers and sky-high heels, all become casualties of waterlogged streets and unexpected downpours. Instead, we find ourselves reaching for worn-out black shoes or the cheapest pair of sandals in our collection that’s willing to brave the rain. I’ve been guilty of this, too.
Every year, I’d buy a cute new pair of sneakers or heels around monsoon, only for the rains to arrive in full force, flooding roads, birthing muddy puddles and bringing the kind of weather that makes you wonder if you’ll need to swim home. Before long, my oldest, unpolished loafers became my everyday work shoes—not because I loved them, but because they were the only pair I was willing to sacrifice in the daily commute so that my prettier, pricier shoes stayed safely and dry indoors.
After one too many monsoons spent rotating the same tired pair, I found myself wondering: why should style take a backseat every time the skies open up? Monsoon footwear has come a long way, with brands designing pairs that can handle relentless rain without compromising on comfort, durability and, more importantly, aesthetics. Think quick-drying materials, water-resistant finishes, sturdy soles with superior grip and silhouettes that look just as chic in the office as they do on rain-soaked streets.
Ahead, discover the monsoon-ready footwear styles worth adding to your rotation this season.
Rain boots
If your city’s streets are prone to waterlogging, investing in a pair of rain boots will be worth it. Opt for minimalist solid black boots or rubber boots in a transparent, olive or chocolate brown finish. They’ll keep your feet dry while lending an edge to everything from floaty dresses to relaxed denim.
