I wound up buying a pair of KAMIK Jennifer rain boots but before I did that, like everyone else, I began to eye the Hunter rain boots. A name that has become an epidemic in the closets of women around the world since the day Kate Moss threw on a pair at Glastonbury back in 2005, sales went through the roof and suddenly a rain boot wasn’t just a rain boot.
KAMIK Jennifer Rain Boots Review
Now, I’ve wanted a pair of these for a whole different reason.
The first being is I am 5’11.
Finding any boot, rain or not, that fits well around my legs is about as fun as shopping for bathing suit when you’re 4 months pregnant (been there, done that). I have a size 9-10 foot. I also have skinny Minnie Mouse legs. Usually most shoe designers assume that the bigger your foot is, the wider your calf will be to compliment your giant foot. Never mind that they’re not even remotely tall enough.
Not the case with me. Giant foot. Skinny legs. Needless to say boot shopping has become a sport. Hunter boots have a tall shaft height which is huge for me when it comes to rain boots.
The second is I wore my old rain boots non stop since moving to the suburbs.
Probably more than any other pair of boots. You try battling for a parking spot in the morning in front of the school drop off. But seriously, between my new found obsession for gardening, hanging out in soccer fields for my daughters games all summer, the never ending soggy Spring weather to the never ending muddy Fall weather, I wore out my basic men’s $20 ugly (and I mean ugly rain boots that I had owned until the heel cracked in half.
At this point the $20 rain boots weren’t cutting it and falling apart, so I was willing to shell out some more money to get a better quality boot.
But Hunter boots are not cheap. They’re a tad above my level of “shell out more money”. And that was the biggest thing holding me back from buying them.
This is because in Canada most retailers have them priced at $159.00 not including tax. With Ontario sales tax we’re talking a precious total of $179.67. I told you, everything is more expensive here (Zappos has them for $135 US). I mean, that’s more than a week’s groceries for us. Needless to say I just couldn’t bring myself to buy them for the longest time (something about being an adult with responsibilities…)
THE HUNT FOR A NEW PAIR OF RAIN BOOTS
But after 3 + years of debate and asking countless friends who had a pair if they lasted, as I had began to read horror stories of them cracking within a year, I finally had saved up some money and thought you know what? This Mother’s Day/belated birthday gift I am going to do it. I am going to take the plunge and buy a pair. I am going to treat myself to a pair of ridiculously expensive rain boots.
Then a funny thing happened in my rain boot hunt. I saw these.
The KAMIK Jennifer Rain Boots.
The Kamik Jennifer rain boot.
Who or what is Kamik? Well, they’re a Canadian boot company who I already love given that I buy my kids their winter boots almost every year. And they make a ton of great adult winter boots and I own a pair of winter ones from them. But I had no idea they made such nice rain boots for adults as well.
In my quest to buy rain boots I had tried both pairs in different stores to compare them. And hell froze over. *whispers* I fell in love with the red ones.
ME.
90% of my wardrobe is black. Red? What the hell?
Did I mention they also get a stellar rating on various retailer websites? And the best part – they cost half of what Hunter’s do. So when I came across them online for a great price I was sold.
So $71 with taxes in later, they arrived on a day where we had a downpour.
Hello my pretties…
This was my vain attempt at Fashion blogging. My photographer – my 5 year old daughter who held her own against a Nikon SLR, the pouring rain no less.
I realized after this I would make a terrible fashion blogger even though I do have some fashion posts on here, if only for the sheer fact that I don’t have anyone to take in focus photos of myself pretending to look non-chalant while walking through corn fields in my styled outfits.
How do they do this? Self timer? Tripod? This is effort let me tell you. No wonder they get front row fashion seats for going beyond selfie portraits in the mirror.
Oh look they match my backyard decor. Totally and utterly not planned for photos. Whatsoever. Right.
So about the boots.
Here are the fine points about that ultimately sold me on them:
– Made in Canada. I’m Canadian and it’s so rare to find anything this good Made in Canada anymore so I love to support Canadian companies where I can.
– Waterproof. Given that they’re rain boots I’d like to state the obvious…
– Recyclable. Kamik has this great program that you can send them your old worn down pair of boots and they’ll take care of them for you. No landfill waste. Amazing!
– They’re PVC free (Urban Mama has a great write up about what PVC free means) and made from a synthetic rubber called RubberHE.
– Shaft Height: 16 inches
– Shaft circumference: 15.5 inches
What do I think of the KAMIK Jennifer Rain Boots?
There was absolutely no fake or terrible smell from them upon opening up the box. The rubber is really great and really great quality. The lining inside is solid and no seams that I can see.
People have mentioned that they’re hard to slip on and off and I do tend to agree but not any more so than the Hunters. For the record I went a size down in these. Normally I wear a size 10 (I can get in a size 9 for sandals) but a size 9 fit perfect.
Seriously the red is killing me. I could stare at them all day. Of course it didn’t rain after I got them but instead it snowed and hailed today. Really now, my poor vegetable garden (that’s another post). But I cannot wait to wear these out.
My husband was like “You got the red?” and even I said “I know.” like I was Hans Solo or something. At this price if I want to maybe I can get another pair of the matte black ones.
What…? Who said that?
PS – Since writing this post, I did indeed wind up buying myself a pair of Hunter Boots in Black as well.
HUNTER rainboots in Black
Why?
There was nothing wrong with the KAMIK Jennifer rainboots, but sometimes you just want some variety in your closet. I wear both depending on my mood and my outfits.
But they are pricier so if you want a more budget friendly boot, go for the KAMIK’s – who now come in so many different colors that Red isn’t even the brightest choice.
Exhibit A:
KAMIK Jennifer Rain Boots
DISCLAIMER:
KAMIK did NOT pay me or gave me free products to write up this review. These opinions are solely my own. My upcoming Visa bill assures me of this.
61 Comments
Steve
May 13, 2013 at 7:07 amI like your Kamir’s – and we have 3 different coloured pairs of Hunters in this house! and I still live in my flip-flops!
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 1:52 pmOh just wait til I get a post up about the best summer flip flops. I go from boots to flip flops. There’s a rumour spring shoes exist but I have no clue what they are.
glitzzygrl
April 25, 2015 at 4:40 pmYour absolutely adorable !!! Thank you so much for your input. I was seriously considering a pair of Hunters but I’m a mother of two and that’s just a lot of money!! But I go through rain boots like crazy ! I live in Pittsburgh pennsylvania and it’s ALWAYS raining so I need a good pair. I stumbled onto your colum and I’m going to give them a try. Thanks again!
Lynne Knowlton
May 13, 2013 at 7:21 amLOVE the red !! Gorgeousness !! Even tho I am a hunter boot lover…. the red has me smitten. And Canadian ?! WOWSERS!
Have you seen the hunter boot liners? They would probably fit in your new red wellies even tho they are a different brand. The soft liner makes for a very cozy boot. It’s my fave part.
Big hugs. xx
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 1:54 pmI love Canadian brands. Sweaters with Maple Leafs on them. Knitted blankets. It explains why Christmas works so well here. Everything looks like a rustic cabin.
I am totally going to get boot liners for them!!
the home tome
May 13, 2013 at 8:05 amDigging the RED – this follows my umbrella theory – you need something bright on a dreary day.
And such a great rainy photo shoot with (and by) the girls 🙂
A dear friend of mine got married in her back yard a few years ago – of course it was pouring rain. It was a great moment when, at the top of the stone stairs (the equivalent of the “aisle”) she hiked up her beautiful lacey dress and had on a pair of pink boots just like this (not sure of the brand) 🙂
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 1:55 pmYou know I’ve got to agree with you. I wear so much black that you forget how utterly crappy you feel when you get drenched. The colour does the day justice!
Ok your friend rocks!
ScrapAndSalvage
May 13, 2013 at 9:46 amway adorable. i love the red color (also one of my favorite hues) and they look stylish to boot (har). you and your daughter look so cute and i love that your 5 year old snapped the shot. she’s a pro!! great purchase.
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 1:56 pmThere was a fashion shoot that followed due to the photographer wondering when it was her turn. It’s my fault. I took 10,000 photos of her in her first year alone. No wonder my Nikon broke.
Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine
May 13, 2013 at 9:58 amOh this post just made me happy and, as usual, your writing cracks me up. I would have spat food from my mouth when I got to “what the hell?!” if there had been food in my mouth. Yay for red Kamiks!!! My kid has been eying the Hunters. No chance. I’ll show her these and see if she can be persuaded.
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 2:03 pmHA! There are certain things as an adult that I will allow myself to invest money in but I must be honest and say it is still so hard for me to do so. Yet isn’t it funny that as a teen we’d be willing to blow a months worth of P/T job wages from say a retail store *please innocence* to spend almost $200 on boots.
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian
May 13, 2013 at 12:37 pm“These opinions are solely my own. My upcoming Visa bill assures me of this” I actually laughed out loud.
I bought Hunters a while ago, and hated them… the toe was weirdly narrow or, I have weirdly wide feet…(which is more or less true.) Plus, what looks adorable on Kate Moss, coming to her knees and looking adorable… on me is like mid-shin.
Maybe we need to start our own company? I’m not kidding. Someone needs to make boots in shaft-lengths. Like pants.
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 2:05 pmNo way. I need to hear this story in full detail. I say this as someone who has heard from every friend how much they love them.
Yes. For tall people. Pants…oh lady do not get me started on pants. I have exactly one store that I can buy actual pants from and that’s Zara. Everything else is like knickers on me.
Jennifer @ Brave New Home
May 13, 2013 at 5:07 pmI dunno what I would do if we had weather here—I don’t even think I own closed toe shoes, seriously! And that picture in your backyard is just too cute. I love your red boots and am totally feeling you on being tall. Long sleeved shirts? I call them 3/4 length sleeves ; ]
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 2:07 pmWhat’s your winter temperature like? I often wonder as someone who lives in a 4 season climate what it’s like to experience Christmas for example in the sun. HAHA! We can start a convention for tall bloggers.
Jennifer @ Brave New Home
May 14, 2013 at 3:26 pmIt’s like our weather most of the year, 60 degrees F. I don’t even remember the last time I used an umbrella. We usually get Santa Ana heat waves and winds in January which sometimes start as early as Christmastime. Christmas doesn’t feel like a wintery wonderland here. I’d love to experience four seasons!
Gilit @ Shoes Off Please
May 13, 2013 at 9:02 pmLOVE! And I think you should do fashion blogging more often. And your 5 year old has a future in fashion photography- you heard it here first.
Alex
May 14, 2013 at 2:09 pmMy 5 year old I swear to you will wind up as one of the following: A stylist. A designer. A hair dresser. An artist. Or based on her dramatic antics, an Oscar winner. Her room is like a hurricane hit it with craft supplies.
Time With Thea
May 14, 2013 at 10:50 pmI so have to get me a pair of these boots. So enjoyed your wonderful post! ~Thea
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet
May 15, 2013 at 2:14 am#bestdisclaimerever
Loved learning the fun fact about your height…and although I’m 5’7.5″, my feet are the same size as yours. You know what that means? I can rock your boots when I come and visit you in Canada someday!!! No, but seriously, way to go on the red. How can you feel down on a rainy day wearing a pair of red boots? And girl, you look gorgeous in that photo! Don’t swear off your future as a fashion blogger just yet….
Alex
May 16, 2013 at 10:44 amI could write a novel what it’s like to shop for clothes being a tall woman. It’s so funny b/c all my life my best friends are for some reason 4’9″ – 5’1″ and we joke how we could swap some height.
I can’t fashion blog but I’ll totally share a great product if I find it b/c I am always searching product reviews for items.
Thalita @ The Learner Observer
May 15, 2013 at 10:00 amUHHHHHHH-MAZE-BAAAAAAALLS!!!!! I have the same dilemma with Hunters. I have no kids, but a dog who loves to wander and play, so the dog park had become a necessity for us and rain boots likewise. As a fellow Canadian, I SO appreciate your post. And can I just say, I love your writing? So good. Thanks for the tip on the beautiful boots, and good call on the red. You’ll be the envy of all moms on that soccer field 😉
Alex
May 16, 2013 at 10:47 amWoohoo! I love meeting Canuck bloggers b/c sometimes I think we’re an enigma.
Thanks for the kudos on my writing. I’ve said before that beyond crafts and DIY’s I am immensely humbled by anyone who enjoys how I write.
PS – I just got a brass deer that would totally match your horse and mouse! Same store too. 🙂
now at home mom
May 15, 2013 at 7:29 pmRED! YAY! my favourite color Alex! 🙂 I love your new boots, and you look great in them too, yeap, why not a “fashion blogger”? I think, you could do it! 🙂
Never heard of these Kamik before, love that they are Canadian and part of the “recycling program” !!! I have a pair of Hunter black boots (I love them a bit too much but your Kamik’s look so pretty in red and the price is so much better!) this is a great “mother’s day gift” you gave to yourself !!! Hope you are having a great week!
sorry for not visiting before (getting to a laptop over here has been a super difficult task) 🙂
Alex
May 16, 2013 at 10:49 amOMG Ingrid do not apologize! Do you know how behind I am in commenting and reading blogs these days? I literally carve out a breakfast nook time to go over everything I miss during the week. It’s been busy here b/c we’re re-doing the basement.
I love the Hunter boots too. If I go to the US this summer on vacation I am debating on getting zappos to ship a pair over to our hotel.
now at home mom
May 17, 2013 at 11:17 amyes, I remember from one of your previous post about the basement, it’s a lot of work, I hope you guys are doing well? We were lucky to have ours complete when we bought our house; now I just need to clean it up for Nathan (too many things there) but once yours will be completed you will have more space for your girls! 🙂 YAY! good idea about getting a pair of Hunter boots shipped to your hotel! 🙂 Nice! 🙂 you are hilarious! you just made me laugh when typing this! 🙂
anu
May 16, 2013 at 1:40 pmThe boots look great! Love the red. Nokian makes fabulous rain boots in Finland. I was lucky enough to get a pair of their special edition Marimekko ones in the red unikko pattern a few years ago. I’ve used them so much that the pattern is wearing off in some spots. I just love a great pair of rain boots!
Danielle
May 17, 2013 at 2:45 amDude… you are adorable!! I love the red… they’re like Ferrari’s for your feet! I bought Target rain boots in a fun pattern a while back and I rarely wear them. I now see my mistake. It’s the pattern. It’s cute, but it’s a lot harder to pair with things. I guess that means I NEED a solid pair in a bright fun color. Yay!
PS. I love that you “Solo-ed” you man. Ha!
April
June 10, 2013 at 3:59 pmLOVE THEM!! Ok did you know red was my favourite colour?
Holly S.
June 29, 2013 at 8:37 pmBeauuuuuuuuuuutiful boots! I love the little emblem on the side. I’m 5’2″ so think these would actually go over my knees.. lmao… I’m considering the “Heidi” boot in neon pink! Rawrrrr!
Megan C
September 3, 2013 at 4:34 pmThanks for writing this blog post!! I have been wanting Hunter boots for a while since I live in rainy, snowy, cold, muddy London, ON during the school year. Everyone seems to have them but I hate the idea of spending that much! I will definitely try to look for these in a local store instead. (My mom will be so proud because she LOVES Made in Canada and refuses to buy Made in China!)
Alex
September 11, 2013 at 10:23 pmYou’re most welcome! I love them still and they’re about to enter heavy wearing come Fall around here.
Susan
November 28, 2013 at 3:27 pmAlex, thank you so very much for the great post.
SOLD! I purchased one green and one plum as Christmas gifts just today.
When going to the shoeme website, I realized their 30% off promotion coupon will give me a grand total around $66 Canadian.
Amazon is having a Black Friday sales with additional 25% off coupon …-… ebates also just introduced a Canadian version, guess what… ebates which will give higher cashback rates for shops in Canada.
On the other hand, if you like to check the price history of any items on Amazon, go to camelcamelcamel (I know, I don’t get the name neither). It gives you the complete pricing history of any Amazon item! Kamik boots right now is at the lowest point for the past two year if you couple in the 25% off coupon code without even counting the additional 6% cash back! Buy buy buy~
I am still waiting for the item to arrive, it says it is going to take around 10 days for delievery. I will report back and see if I got charged for duty. Alex, may be it is time to get another pair”s”? 😉
PS. What really confused me is the fact that Amazon does not sale Kamik products but Amazon does!
Beckie
December 2, 2013 at 2:40 pmJust bought myself a pair of PURPLE ones (plum I guess…) Enjoyed your post very much 🙂 $64 and change at ShoeMe.com with coupon and free shipping.
Nancy
December 3, 2013 at 3:17 amWhat coupon are we talking about for shoeme and how do I get it because I need to get these!
Susan
December 4, 2013 at 5:45 amShoeme.ca 30% off black friday coupon has just expired. Only 10% code: ILikeShoeMe You may signup for a $10 Voucher, which I am not sure about the condition. I purchased from Amazon.com across boder, it was cheaper at Blackfriday with 25% off codes. You just have to check around. Go for shoeme with 10% code if simplicity is what you value~
nancy
December 4, 2013 at 4:22 pmThankyou! Apperantly my husband got them for me! now i just need some socks that that fold over the boot preferably wool! any recommendations? i heard old navy has some
Susan
December 6, 2013 at 5:37 amMark’s warehouse is going to have a special 20% off promo on Dec 7th. Couple it with a Coupon:holiday2013 for $10 off $50/. Free shipping over $50. May be you could give it a shot~ 😉
Scott
December 18, 2013 at 10:23 amYou just saved my life …my wife wanted a pair of Hunters but was open to anything that resembled them…just couldn’t find a great deal on Hunters…she’s getting a new coat now too with the money saved. Thanks from a husband 🙂
David G
March 5, 2014 at 1:28 pmGreat review! Great product/company! So happy I found out about it, thanks to this blog. Took two days of calling and internet searching to find the Jennifer model in BC (in the right size and color for my wife of course) but definitely worth it. You wrote a great review and think it was a great fashion blog post. I never write reviews or comments FYI.
Kristy
March 12, 2014 at 9:25 amAre you kidding me? Wow, I’m so glad I found this post! I’ve been looking for some good quality rain boots and was hesitating to spent the money for Hunters. These! Are! Perfect! Thanks for posting your amazing find!
Alex
March 17, 2014 at 4:21 pmAmazing! Glad to hear it! I absolutely love mine.
morgan
April 15, 2014 at 3:25 pmThank you so much for posting this! I have been coveting Hunter boots for a while too, and now I am on the search for Kamik Jennifer ones in Red. I am having a hard time finding them in the vibrant colour you bought! I’m crossing my fingers I can find some soon…..Spring is so short lived here in Calgary!
Alex
April 15, 2014 at 9:40 pmYou’re most welcome! I’ve been hearing that a lot. That no one can find the red. Maybe tweet or contact them to suggest bringing it back? They’re a great shade so I hope you find some!
Cathy
May 1, 2014 at 1:26 pmThanks for the post! Just ordered a pair of burgundy Jennifer’s off of the Sears website…. on sale for $52.49 until May 8/14. Score!! 🙂
Alex
May 10, 2014 at 8:31 amAmazing! Hope you enjoy your boots as much as I love mine.
Jacinda
August 15, 2014 at 2:11 pmThank you for the stellar review! I’ve been debating between the two brands for a while myself and kept hoping Kamik would come through (cheaper and canadian!). Can’t wait to hop into a pair now!
Alex
August 15, 2014 at 4:01 pmI hope you enjoy them! I wear mine all the time. Especially this year where it’s been non stop rain.
Christina
September 24, 2014 at 5:02 amThey are really beautiful! Thank you) Now I want them instead of Hunter))
Marjolijn from Amsterdam
October 22, 2014 at 11:41 amNokian rain boots (from Finland)! They are the best! They are warm, comfortable and super stylish. Weather can get ugly here with lots of rain (I live in Amsterdam) and these boots are one of the best investments.
Mindy
November 13, 2014 at 10:44 pmHave you worn them for longer walks? I live in NYC and am terrified they won’t be comfortable for all the walking. They feel a little snigger through the toe than the Hunters did but I got the kamiks as a gift for my birthday and much prefer the style to the hunter!
I’m only concerned for comfort!
Thank you for this blog! You’re hysterical 🙂
Alex
November 14, 2014 at 7:41 amThanks for your kind words! I’ve worn these all day long in the Spring running errands and the only time they get a bit tiring is by the end. Like with any rubber boot there can be a bit of rubbing against the side of my baby toes. But it also depends on what socks I wear. I try to avoid wearing thin ones with rubber boots b/c that increases that happening. Overall for a long walk you should be fine just make sure you’re wearing good socks. I also put insoles in all my boots for added comfort. HTH!
Mackenzie
February 17, 2015 at 4:44 pmI came across your review while doing some research on these boots–yours are beautiful! I was wondering if you’ve tried adding liners to wear them as snow boots? I’m hoping to use them for both rain/snow like the Hunter boots.
Cris
September 22, 2015 at 12:51 pmI also came across your website doing research. I was on the fence about these after trying on Chookas. Those were too bunchy at the ankles. They don’t look like that on the Kamiks that you have modeled. You look great, by the way! Thanks again!
Chloe S
October 4, 2015 at 2:12 amI have been debating between buying hunters or Kamiks and after reading this I’m definitely going with Kamik. I really love the red and I was wondering if the shade you bought was the rio red. The boots are a much brighter red in your photos than how they appear on Amazon, so I’m just curious if that’s the same shade of red!
Alex
October 4, 2015 at 7:17 pmHi! I just checked Amazon to see the Rio Red and while they’re similar, I don’t think they’re the same type of red. Mine don’t have a black sole either. To the best of what I can gather (as I get emailed about these a lot) is that Kamik discontinued this colour boot about a year or so after I wrote this post. But then a lot of people wanted the red back so I think this is their new version of the red. So if you decide to go with another colour, I can tell you that 2 years later, they are in absolute mint condition and I have worn them everywhere. Not one crack in sight.
Chloe Schonfeld
October 5, 2015 at 4:09 pmOkay thank you so much!!
Heather
December 22, 2015 at 8:37 amLove the write up & search description – that’s me! Do the boots clean up well? I want to be able to go to town in them AND the barn – does such a versatile boot exist in this price range?!
Alex
January 11, 2016 at 2:37 pmSorry for the late reply! Yes they clean up well but I have to be honest in that I rarely do anything to them as they sort of take care of themselves. That is, if they get muddy or dirty, the next rain fall clears them up. They’re still going strong. No breaks, no leaks, no cracks. And they get a LOT of wear.
Marissa
February 16, 2016 at 8:30 pmI found your posting about the Kamik Jennifer boots while researching Hunter brand. I am so happy I found your review! I have a similar body style of thin legs & large feet (glad I’m not alone in this) and your description of fit put my mind at ease. I couldn’t be happier with the quality, color, eco-friendliness and price of the Kamik brand! Thank you again for your posting, without it I wouldn’t have known about this amazing alternative to the oh-so popular Hunter brand!
luisa mendez
May 17, 2017 at 7:31 amI live in Guatemala and bought a pair of black Kamik rain boots it doesn’t rain that much here but i loooooove them.