Kamik Rainboots in RED!


A few weeks ago I mentioned my fixation with rainboots. Something about our imminent move to Seattle has convinced me that buying rainboots is top priority. And I tend to be rather one-track minded. At first I was convinced that Hunters were the way to go, their blog’s summary of their long and illustrious history and endless durability sold me. Until. . . I started reading reviews. It started on Amazon then continued to private blogs where review after review complained of their shotty quality, terrible customer service and short wear life. And so my rainboot search began. 
At first I looked into the brand Le Chameau since several reviewers who were disgruntled about Hunters turned to them.

 

Le Chameau Vierzon and Iris Rainboots
I loved the look of the Vierzon. They seem less rainboot- more riding boot. Reviewers said the shaft was quite narrow on the pair on the left and thus didn’t allow for boot cut jeans, only leggings or skinny jeans. Not to mention the price was still steep at around $117. I considered the Iris but they weren’t carrying my size in any colors I wanted. Knowing that I want to be able to throw my boots on with anything, and that I want a fun color- I kept looking. 

Bog Rainboot
I’ve heard many people rave about their BOGS, so I shopped through theirs for a while. I wasn’t crazy about the handles Bogs are famous for, but I found this pair without them that seemed to be a good mix of comfort and style. At $99 they were less then the Hunters and most of the Le Chameau’s. Reviewers on Amazon loved them. These almost hit the shopping cart until I started reading about how warm they are. Seattle is more chilly than cold, and I don’t want a boot that will be too hot to wear on rainy summer days. I also sort of want a more “formal” rain boot (Is there such a thing) that I can dress up. I worried these Bogs would be too casual. So, I passed on these.

 Here’s another BOGS alternative. Which I think are super cute in yellow? 

Kamik’s Jennifer Rainboot

 Then I came across the Jennifer Rainboot by Kamik. With 242 reviews and 4.5 stars they attracted my attention. Not to mention the price tag of $50. People raved about their durability, quality and comfort. So after an hour or so of searching I put them in the cart and paid for them. I chose chipper, I-jump-in-puddles-with-my-son red. I purchased them from Zappos so that if they didn’t work out I could always send them back free. They arrived on Tuesday, and I’ve worn them on and off all week. I wore them all day Tuesday and I’ll admit my feet, or more calfs were feeling a bit tired, but that might have been the long run I went on Tuesday morning. They’re very easy to walk in. I think the only movement I’ve found to be a little restrained is going down stairs, because you naturally point your toe quite a bit.
I love that they don’t have a lining. It makes them more versatile- I can add a wool sock to warm them up in the winter, or I can wear them bare foot in the summer. It also means they will dry much faster if they get soaked. And I can bleach them out if they get stinky!
I also like that the shaft is roomy enough to allow for a boot cut jean. Several of the other boots, like the Chameau’s had such thin shafts that you pretty much have to wear legging or skinny jeans with them, so again I think this makes the Jennifer’s more versatile. That being said they have more line then the Sperry’s I had previously that had a boxier look. 

Scalloped detail on toe
Style-wise I think Kamik did a great job with the Jennifer. The toe features a feminine scalopped detail, that I love under jeans. And the badge with the Kamik logo makes them look rich. (Tom now calls these my Ferrari boots, because of the similarity to the Ferrari branding. And because, well, they’re red.) They come in a matte finish that has a nice shine, without being glossy. Which I hope will wear better. My Sperry’s had a gloss that cracked and faded quickly.


Their durability seems excellent. They apply seam sealing tape to keep them doubly leak proof- and they’re 100% waterproof rubber. So they should last. In fact, Kamik asks that you hand-them-down, before throwing them out (inferring that you will tire of the style/color before they’d ever wear out.) If they do get beyond wear, you can ship them back and they will recycle them! I like that I’m supporting our neighbor to the north- Canada. And I think it’s a good sign that Kamik has a hundred year history of making rainboots. 
All in all, I’m thrilled. I’ve only had them a week, so I’ll have to report back. But for now, it’ll be red boots in the rain for me!

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9 responses to “Kamik Rainboots in RED!”

  1. I’m sold on these and ready to purchase (that is when Zappos has my size in either red or green!). Two questions for you: how tall are you (not to be personal, but I’m only 5’3 and a bit and I’m wondering if they’ll come up to high on my leg)? Also, did you size up on yours or get your normal size. I’ve read I should size up to an 8 if I’m usually a 7.5. Thoughts? Loved your post since it helped me pick out the boots I’d been looking for. Thanks!

    • Erin! I’m thrilled you’re getting the Kamiks. I LOVE them. I sized up to a 10 (I’m a 9.5) and they’ve been very comfy. Not overly roomy, but also easy to get on and off. I’m tall- 5′ 7.5″ They are definitely tall boots. I’m away from home, and won’t be near my boots for a few weeks, otherwise, I’d measure the shaft for you. Do they have the height on their website?
      I’d say go for it- you can always send them back on Zappos.
      What color are you going to get?

  2. Just wanted to tell you that your post convinced me to buy these shoes – they have been discontinued in red now, so I was lucky to find one of the last pairs left on the internet in my size for THIRTY DOLLARS! Hope they are legitimate and no problems when they come in – the site I got them from doesn’t have a good review history with handling problems.

  3. I loved your post cuz I was doing the exact same thing that you did.. I read a million blogs and comments about Hunters cuz those where my first choice and then I looked at the Le Chameau and wasnt. convinced yet until I saw the Kamik but not sure if I wanted to buy them… I think i want to buy them now!! can you let me know if you finally had any trouble with them and did they lasted more than a year?? I am a size seven.. do you think i should buy a size 7 1/2 or 8 if they dont have 71/2?? thank you so much for your help

    • My Kamiks are still going strong. I love them. I get tons of compliments on them, and haven’t regretted buying them at all. They are still in near perfect shape- I just need to clean them, because I do heavy yard work in them from time to time when it’s really wet out. But I haven’t had any cracking or fading- like I had with my Sperry rainboots. Really they’re as good as the day I bought them. I went up a half size and they’re perfect. I wanted enough room to fit a thick sock, and I always think rainboots are easier to get on and off if they’re a bit loose. But they are in no ways sloppy. Send me a picture when you buy them. What color are you getting? I heard they discontinued the red? Shame!

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I have seen these online and was unsure about ordering them, but I think I’m going to go for it. I’m a little worried because my calves are a little more muscular, but I think going up a half size should be good! I think I’m going to go for the charcoal color, which is too pretty. Thanks again!

    • I’m so glad you’re going to get some! I still adore my Kamiks, get tons of comments on them, and have had several people buy them after seeing them. They clean up well, hold up well, I just love them. Glad I could be of help!

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