Right: Hunter kids’ original rain boots (up to sz 6 big kids, which = womens sz 8 / 38)
LOFT modern skinny jeans + scarf, Ann Taylor sweater
Living in the Northeast, my rubber boots are feet-savers in both wet and snowy weather, and get use across all four seasons. I’ve worn Hunter kids boots for a few years now, and finally ordered the womens’ “Tour” which I’ve been intrigued by. The Tour are the foldable and packable version (seems awesome for travel, esp. for rainy destinations) of their original tall. I’ve tried the original tall in the past and they were a little too wide and cumbersome for short legs and hit right at my knees. As a result I had low expectations for the Tour, but ended up loving them! Nick couldn’t even help complimenting them a few times, which is a rarity. The shaft height is similar to the tall so still hits at my knees, but the boot is so much more lightweight (even lighter than the kids) and pliable than traditional Hunters that it didn’t feel uncomfortable.
Here are a few more photos of the boots on bare legs, so you can better see the fit…
Fit: the two are super similar in width but the Tour is obviously taller, which I think has a more lengthening effect. For reference, I am ~5 feet tall and my calves measure about 12.5″ around at the widest point. Both are decently slim in the calves (I don’t expect a glove-like fit for functional rubber shoes), and one difference is the kids’ calf circumference at the widest point is the same as the leg opening, whereas the Tour tapers and gets a little slimmer at the opening which I like, since it mirrors how our calves narrow in right below the knees. Please note that as with all boots, shaft height and width likely increases as the foot size goes up.
Weight: My favorite aspect of the Tour by far though is the lightness – despite being several inches taller than the kids boots, the Tours are still noticeably lighter. They are made of thinner more pliable rubber, and I do want to point out that they are excluded from Hunter’s typical 12 month warranty. UPDATE: I’ve had my Tour boots for many years now and have not had any issues with any of the pairs.
Style: Both have the classic boot shape with rubber ridged soles and decorative (not functional) buckle on the side. Both boots bend, but the Tour is more pliable since they’re designed to fold in half or roll up more easily. In my opinion though they are in no way flimsy and the soles are still durable in feel. The heel on the Tour is more defined in shape and marginally (maybe 1/4″) higher than the kids which I like. The kids actually looks pretty truncating on me in these photo against pale legs, but I promise they look more flattering with black tights or dark denim, like in this older pic:
Sizing: Hunters sizing is pretty straightforward, but when converted to kids metrics on American retailers it can get confusing. Both my kids and womens boots are labeled the same thing on the inside: “UK 3, US 4 male / 5 female, and EUR 35/36.” This tells me I’m consistently a UK 3 or EUR 35/36 whether I wear kids or adults. When ordering through US websites, though, I took a “5” in womens and a “4” in child or big kids sizing. Why the U.S. changes sizing for kids vs adults and then men vs womens beats me! Kids sizing goes up to a 6 child, which should equate to a sz EUR 37/38.
I usually wear a 5 or 5.5 in shoes, and the sizes I ordered leave me enough room for the fleece liner socks for warmth in the winter. The kids size 4-6 fleece liner socks work for me in both – they just don’t fold over the top of the Tour which is fine with me. The fit is snugger with liner socks so I only wear these with tights or bare legs and not jeans.
Current retail: $80 for kids versus $150 for womens. Women’s tour is also sold at Zappos and Bloomingdales. Kids are also sold at Bloomies and Saks where available sizes differ.
How they look folded/rolled up:
Bottom line: Love the womens’ Tour if you’re looking for a tall, pliable and lightweight rubber boot with a slimmer calf fit (compared to their originals). Since the Tour do hit right at the bottom of my knees, I would recommend the kids’ original for ladies who are shorter than myself (~5 feet tall) or have feet sizes smaller than an adult 5. For ladies with shorter legs and wider calves, perhaps try Hunter Tour Short.
I think these are no longer around, unfortunately! Does anyone have any other recommendations for a lightweight, high-quality rain boot?
Thank you for this post. I chose to spray paint the reflective patches on my kids original tall boots (matte black) with spray PlastiDip (you can purchase at Lowe’s or Home Depot). I used lots of painters tape to edge just outside of the lip of each patch. Shake the can well then spray. Quickly remove the tape. Let sit 15 min then tape again and spray another coat. You can see the impression of the patches but it looks rubberized like the boots and no one will notice. And if you decide to remove the paint it can be peeled off. Some people spray this stuff on their vehicles. It stays as long as you want it to but can be removed easily. It’s been 3 months and no peeling or chips!! There are more paint colors available online But it would be hard to match boot colors that way…but yay!!! Now it’s not glaringly obvious that I had to buy the children’s boots 😉
This is the best advice and review on hunter boots . Thank you very very much
Hi! I'm clearly not Kimberly, but I've had Tour boots in black for about three years now and they still look great. Granted, I live in San Diego so we get less rain than other places, but I actually wear them at the slightest hint of rain and have also traveled with them quite a lot. I think they're great and I love how lightweight they are. I did add some "Superfeet" insoles to make them more comfortable for extended walking and this has made them even better, although I don't think this is absolutely necessary.
I loved that post. I was searching information about the kid's boots. I live in Argentina and we can't buy them here. My parents are going to visit Europe in a month and it's a great oportunity to get a pair. My problem is that I have short legs so I need a kid's pair and I didn't know if there were any difference between the woman's boots. Thank you very much!
Looks like Hunter boots only go up to a size 5 children's. Too bad, I really want that 12 inch shaft, but I would need size 6c!
very helpful post…thank you!
Oh, was searching some info about the origins before have found your blog;) I see many people advice some of French brands, can anybody tell a bit about them? Just confused, it can be just an advertisement. Thank's)
Just ran across your blog, thanks for the information.
FYI everyone with thin and petite calves — I wear the French brand Le Chameau – Lady Vierzon and they fit like a glove. So much better than the Hunter options I've tried. And they're not made in China, and have a lifetime guarantee.
hi jean, what color are your tour rainboots? i'm looking online and there is military red and lava red.
This was sooo sooo helpful! Thank you so much! The review and details were great and it definitely helped me with my purchase decision. It's so nice to get reviews specifically from other petite ladies, keep up the great work! I will be a retuning visitor to your website
I second the vote for DAV boots! If you have thin calves, frequently find yourself in the rain, and want to look fashionable, they are literally perfect. I get compliments almost every day!
I have just bought the Original Tour and am wondering the same thing. The Original Tall cost the same, but benefit from 12-month warranty. Are we being cheated?
Love this blog, btw.
Julie
I just bought the hunter tour boots in green. I love the style and the lightness but I'm hesitant to keep them. I can't help but feel that they were excluded from the warranty because they won't last two years. Now that you've had them for a couple months, do you still feel like they are durable and will last three years?
Hi Kimberly,
I was wondering how you're boots are holding up? Now that you've had them for a year do you think they're durable? I'm concerned since they're so much thinner than the originals. Thanks!
Hi! You should try Dav boots, they make rubber boots that looks like leather and they are made for petite calves. The fit is awesome, and I think that they look better with a dress or skirt than Hunters. I'm just in love with their Berlin model!
http://www.davrain.com
Enjoy! 🙂
That is so cool that they fold!! If Hunters weren't so pricey, I'd be really tempted haha
I have been wanting to try a pair of hunter boots for a while now, good to know they now offer something that if foldable! I always find long boots take up way too much space. But given Australia is summer right now, maybe I would go for the hunter flats at the moment…Thanks so much for the review though. 🙂
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Hi Jean! I'm petite as well and I've always had good luck with Kamik boots (available on Amazon), both with and without an attached sock lining for winter. They tend to be narrow in the calf with relatively shorter shafts.
I like the Hunter Boots!
http://www.nissimendes.ch
Quite impressive color and design of hunter rain boots. Hunter rain boots can be a good choice for women because hunter rain boots are very well-known for its comfort, style and perfect fit.
Love the black ones. Great combination!
x Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com
I like it the combination of booties and skirt. Cute and trendy!
I bought the Tour boots last year, and wear them frequently for work. They really do pack down to a small size. Perhaps my method will work for you.
The boots came with a large drawstring bag to store them in when traveling. I tuck a pair of cute ballet flats into this bag, then put that bag into my large work purse. I wear the boots as needed, and if necessary, swap them out for the shoes in my bag. If it happens to be a particularly muddy, grimy day, I keep a travel sized packet of makeup removing wipes in my bag to remove the worst of the grime before stowing. I should note that the Hunter bag is made of pretty substantial material (nylon, maybe?) and the mud will wipe off easily after it dries. If you are concerned about the boots unrolling in their bag, inexpensive elastic circular headbands from Goody (the thin workout kind) will keep them securely in place. Of course, you could always just carry them by the bag's drawstring if it doesn't fit in your purse.
Hope this helps!
WOW!! Loving those boots…Great post!!
-Merrie K.
PetiteCareerGirl.com
doesnt seem to match the glitter dress
I really like this new one on you. It seems to fit you and elongate your legs a lot better than the kids' version!
Characters & Carry-ons
Dear Jean,
I love these looks and your sparkely skirt! I always love all your picks. I was wondering if you would be doing a Black Friday Pick's Post? Would love to have some inspiration in midst of getting so overwhlemed with all the sales. Thanks!
Hello, hello, Jean. You look swell even in rain boots 🙂 You could try these, too: in spite of mobile phones, Nokia manufactures rain boots – that is where the success began 🙂 http://rubberboots.altervista.org/stivali_di_gomma/index.php/the-boots/5-boots/9-nokian-kontio.html
Warm wishes from Finland — Anu
Adore the cute look of hunter boots and they look especially lovely in red!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
i have the packable tours and love them. i find the soles inside seem more comfy than the regular ones, too. also, hunter just came out with a slim fit wellie boot which i'd love to check out!
Great info! Thanks for sharing<3
Shall We Sasa
I just bought my first pair of Hunter boots off Piperlime when I saw your post about it with the discount codes (thank you!!). I got a size 7 red women's tour. The ankle area is quite spacious, but my pants don't tuck in very well. With leggings it's fine, but I wonder if I'll be able to wear only leggings in the winter! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I'm wondering what people do for commuting. Often it's raining in the morning but not in the evening. So on the way home I'm either stomping around uncomfortably in the boots (not so bad in the winter but awful in sweltering July heat) or I'm carrying gigantic boots around on the Metro.
It looks like the ASOS scarf is back in stock. I have the Oversized Plaid Scarf – Multicolored from Target. It's not square but the colors are almost the same.
Hi Jeanne,
Have you heard of a French brand named Aigle? They make some of the best looking and supple rubber boots. They also have various models to suit everyone from petites to athletics. I have a pair of grey Aiglentine and I can vouch for the warmth and comfort of these guys.
http://www.aigleboots.com/horseback-riding?p=1
Great post! Need to get these.
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
If you like the purple color, the Tour is on sale right now for $98.
http://us.hunterboots.com/product/original-packable-tour-rain-boots
I really like your outfits in the first picture. Could you please tell me what the brand and style is of the green shirt you have layered under your white sweater? Thank you.
Thanks for the review! Do you bring shoes to change into at the office? Or just wear them inside throughout the day?
Loved this post! I've never thought about the kid's Hunters hitting lower. I'm about 5'2'' and the adult boots hit my knee at an annoying place. Do you know if the Packable Tour Kids Hunters would be very comfortable? I've been eyeing the women's Packable Tour boots for a while now.
Although I wear my black Hunter boots nearly daily I have to admit that I never styled them with a glitter skirt – what looks indeed really special and cool! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
xx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com