Back in the day, a rain boot was a rain boot. They came in many different colors and the patterns were definitely an option, but beyond those stylistic differences it would be safe to say that all rain boots were created more or less equal.

Well, that was then and this is now ‘ we have undoubtedly entered the age of the rain boot where the options are endless and all basic assumptions of rainy day footwear have been rendered obsolete. No longer merely a bad weather necessity, rain boots make a loud, stylish personality statement about their wearers. Sold not only at shoe stores but also at supermarkets, clothing stores and your corner drug store, the rain boot is a hot commodity.

For the average rain boot wearer under the age of 20, I’d say a mid-calf-height rubber boot in a solid bright color or with a simple repeating pattern is standard procedure. They bring some color, or at least some polka dots, to the gray weather without being too in-your-face about it all.

That being said, if you take a walk around the Binghamton University campus on a rainy day, you’re bound to also come across a wide variety of colorful boots with funky patterns almost reminiscent of wallpaper designs from the 1960s.

These wearers are obviously setting out to make a somewhat bolder statement.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, and arguably more remarkably, we have the stylish fashion icon rain boot wearer. Just because it’s wet out doesn’t mean you can’t rock designer boots ‘ it just means that your designer boots have to be rubber and waterproof. Countless high-end designer names have expanded their merchandise inventory to include rain boots that look perfectly acceptable (dare I say fashionable?) with dark wash skinny jeans and a tailored blazer.

Kenneth Cole offers a sleek, knee-high pair of rain boots with a low heel, available in blue, gray, teal or black; Tory Burch’s ‘Winnie Rain Boots’ look deceivingly like they’re made of leather and not rubber; and of course Chanel has recently come out with a classic black-and-white rain boot which sports a cute, rubber camellia flower attached to the side.

So even if your fashion conscience won’t allow for a plain waterproof boot in the face of a rainstorm, there’s something out there for you, too.

The rain boot that has taken the scene by storm, however, is the Hunter boot. Available in a wide variety of solid colors and in various heights, it has become a universally popular choice for obvious reasons. But what if it’s a cold, rainy day? Well then slip in a Hunter rain boot liner, also available in every color imaginable, and you’re ready to go.

Not pretending to be anything it’s not, while also steering clear of childish patterns and funky designs, the Hunter rain boot wearer isn’t looking to make any statement other than practicality and comfort. For a price, of course.