Need advice from Mumbai monsoon veterans: Are rain boots/gumboots actually worth it?
I’ve been considering buying a pair of rain boots/gumboots for quite some time, but I’m unsure whether they’re actually worth the investment for daily use in Mumbai during the monsoon.
I’ve tried finding them offline in shoe stores and markets, but there aren’t many options. I bought one pair previously and found them quite heavy, tight, and uncomfortable.
My main concern is comfort. When people recommend gumboots, I wonder how practical they really are if you’re wearing them for several hours. For example, if I’m travelling to college, taking trains, walking around malls, offices, restaurants, etc., I can’t exactly change footwear midway.
I currently own rain shoes that are more like mesh loafers. They dry quickly, but my feet still get drenched during heavy rain or waterlogging, which I dislike.
I’m seeing some returnable options online (Amazon, Myntra, etc.), but reviews are mixed, and I’m hesitant to spend money on something that may end up sitting in a corner after a few uses.
A few questions for people who have actually used them:
Do you wear gumboots directly with socks, or do you wear them over your regular footwear?
Are they comfortable enough for 3–6 hours of continuous use?
Do your feet end up sweaty and uncomfortable?
For Mumbai rains specifically, are waterproof shoes a better option than full gumboots?
Any lightweight models available in India that you would genuinely recommend?
For context, I’m mostly dealing with train travel, college campuses, footpaths, and occasional waterlogging up to ankle or mid-calf level.
I’d appreciate recommendations from people who have used them for an entire monsoon season rather than just a few rainy days.