As the father of two young children, I’ve grown a familiarity to rain boots. For my three year old daughter, they’re not just a functional piece of weather gear, but often a fashion statement – complimenting her “pantless look” on hot summer days. Although my wife (who’s much more practical than I am) adopted a pair of rain boots years ago, I could never bring myself around to the thought of knee-high rubber anchors on my feet. Maybe I always had the thought that I could just “out-run” the weather. When I learned about the Forsake Duck boots this past summer, my perceptions of what rain boots “were” was shattered.

Let me start off, by stating that I’m a huge fan of footwear that serves multiple purposes. Hiking boots that could be worn to happy hour, sandals that are at home both on the beach and in the streets, and in this case – rain boots that play dual function both in the rain and out.

What I love about these boots, is that they’re equal parts rain (and snow) protection as they are sneakers. The comfortable to wear, and the “Peak-to-Pavement” outsole is comprised of a series of “lugs” that provide grip and traction on both loose terrain, as well as stability on hard surfaces. I received these boots during the first major snow storm of the season in Minnesota – and they performed just as well in slippery conditions as any cold weather boot that I’ve worn. They look great, and I actually ended up wearing them to a corporate party – where I received multiple compliments.

I’d like to break down a few of the materials and features in more detail below.

The Forsake Duck boots feature an internal seam-sealed membrane that’s designed to keep your feet dry. In addition to the inner membrane, the Forsake Duck’s feature a gusseted tongue, which provide a safety zone between the tongue of the boot and the upper. They both work. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been wearing these boots in a Midwest winter. Slush, snow and sleet are no problem – and my feet stay bone dry.

Unlike a molded-rubber rain boot, the Forsake Duck boots have a super comfy footbed. It’s made of an open cell PU, which provides great cushioning to these boots. In addition, they’re treated with an anti-microbial treatment meaning that you won’t stink up the house when you take them off.

Although the upper is almost entirely made up of leather and suede, the Forsake Duck boots have been treated, and are water-repellent. Meaning that you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for function.

Overall, the Forsake Men’s Duck boots have become a go-to boot when the weather outside is rough. I can wear them in multiple occasions, and they’ve held up beautifully. I’d definitely suggest them to a friend – great boot!

Check them out here!