Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa, $665
Part of the limited-edition “Journey to the Moon” series, these boots have an invisible wedge for extra height—and a naked woman nestled among the clouds. (Tribeca Issey Miyake, 119 Hudson St., at N. Moore St.; 212-226-0100.)

Rafe, $125
Made to coordinate with his bags, Rafe’s signature-print Wellies with padded insoles prove you can be stylish, rainproof, and comfortable. (At Henri Bendel.)

Tamara Henriques, $118
The only handmade boot in the bunch hails from Shanghai, where it begins as a ball of rubber and ends up oven-heated to ensure watertight seams. (At Olive & Bette’s, 252 Columbus Ave., near 72nd St.; 212-579-2178.)

Pucci, $100
No lining means these psychedelic boots aren’t very warm, but they will keep your feet dry—of course, the real draw is the authentic Pucci print. (At Bloomingdale’s.)

Ralph Lauren Blue Label, $98
The removable padded foot bed is convenient if you want to wear extra-thick socks, and the classic buckle is adjustable for a tailored fit. (At select Ralph Lauren stores.)

Ariat, $79.95
Extra calf support and foot cushioning make this brand a fave with equestrians. And the super-stacked heel will elevate you out of those pesky puddles. (At Copperfields New York, 117 24th St., near Park Ave.; 212-673-1400.)

Cottage Craft, $72.95
These riding Wellies are so chic, you’ll want to wear them even if it isn’t raining. The insulated rubber vinyl is an added bonus. (At Copperfields New York.)

Old Navy, $26.50
They’re waterproof with an insole, and, more important, the cheap price tag will let you snatch up the funky leopard-print model as well (oldnavy.com or 800-653-6289).

(Photo: Davies and Starr)

Target, $24.99
These cheery boots look best with a mini or with jeans tucked inside, but don’t think about wearing them in the snow—flimsy rubber and lack of lining will leave you chilly (target.com).

Related:

• Archive: “Market Research”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: November 1, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!