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- Sorel released a sneaker that promises to keep your feet completely dry during temperamental weather, and we tried it out.
- The Out ‘N About Plus sneaker ($95) is crafted with wear-resistant rubber and waterproof suede that wicks away moisture while providing traction on slick surfaces.
- Though they lack a bit in arch support, they lived up to the promise of keeping our feet dry, even during unsuspected downpours.
I count on my cell phone apps for everything from grocery shopping to falling asleep at night, but my weather app is one that continuously throws me for a loop. Despite checking it every morning, it’s rare that the forecast is actually accurate — leaving me dressed in chunky rain boots without a drop in the sky, or a parka when the temperature barely dips into the mid-60s.
But thanks to the waterproof Out ‘N About sneaker from Sorel — the company behind the trusted snow boots you see all winter — it’s not a big deal if I end up getting caught in the rain on a day that was supposed to be crystal clear.
There are plenty of "weatherproof" shoes on the market, but lots of them will still leave you with soggy feet after falling victim to an unexpected puddle, not to mention that they mostly look like they’re designed for rain, so you wouldn’t be caught in them on any regular day. That’s what makes this pair different. When I asked my coworkers to test the shoes out, the consensus was that they delivered on their promise to keep our feet dry, and they look good enough to wear even when there’s no rain in sight.
Find our thoughts on the Sorel Out ‘N About sneaker, below.
Out ‘N About Plus sneaker in Black ($95)
I found these Sorel sneakers to be exactly the pair I want for a rainy commute into the office, but not the pair I prefer to wear for the rest of the day once I get in to work. They’re cute, comfy, stable, and they kept my feet completely dry during a recent downpour, but they do feel a little too "athleisurely" for my work wardrobe. I love them with leggings and a sweatshirt on the weekend, though! They’ve pretty much taken the place of my rain boots for warmer days, and I like the colors they come in (I chose black, but they grey, tan, sage green, orange, and blush colors are nice departures from the norm).
It’s worth noting that my arches aren’t particularly high, but the insole of these felt a little flat to me. That hasn’t kept me from wearing them for days out and about running errands or strolling around my neighborhood, but I probably wouldn’t wear them on a hike or an intense day of walking or museum touring. -Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor
When I opened the box, the biggest difference I noticed about this shoe versus what I’m used to wearing was that the outer sole was crafted with vulcanized rubber, which is super strong and resists wear and tear. The bottom also has added traction for slippery conditions — much appreciated when running to catch a train in NYC.
I put them to the test on a day with a 70% chance of rain — one that would typically call for a pair of rain boots just to be safe. They were shockingly light when I put them on even though they seemed heavy when I initially held them in my hands. They definitely lack arch support, but I appreciated the snug feeling and the fact that my foot didn’t shift around when I took a step.
It started raining for a good 20 minutes when I went outside, but despite the bottom of my leggings getting wet, my feet stayed completely dry. Now, I’m not the type to meander through gross weather for no reason, so the shoes only experienced moderate rain and a couple small puddles — but for the time it took me to walk home, I was surprised at how well they held up.
One thing I noticed was that the fit was more rigid than other sneakers, so I likely wouldn’t wear the Out ‘N About sneakers while working out at the gym. With that being said, they were perfect for walking around the city and I appreciated the added security of knowing that I would arrive at home with dry socks after a rain storm. –Megan Foster, Insider Picks intern
Out ‘N About Plus sneaker in Dove ($95)
I tried the Women’s Out N’ About Plus Sneaker in Dove because I needed a comfortable walking shoe that was appropriate for work. With the seasons changing, I found that my rain boots were too heavy to wear in the warmer weather, and that they didn’t provide enough support.
The Out N’ About sneaker was light and breathable and provided enough cushioning that I was able to comfortably commute to work and not be in pain by the end of the day. When it rained, my feet stayed dry as a bone and I felt steady when walking thanks to the traction on the shoe’s underside. I think the insoles could have a little more arch support, but I do have high arches myself.
The shoes had a sense of style about them so I didn’t feel like I was wearing clunky sneakers in an office setting. Overall, I think they are a great spring sneaker that’s light and airy, fashionable, and sturdy in inclement weather. -Francesca Rea, Insider Picks content producer
Shop the Out ‘N About Plus sneaker for $95 at Sorel
Shop the Out ‘N About Plus sneaker for $99.95 at Zappos
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Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Megan Foster)