The best way to guarantee that it will rain on a grey day is for me to try and run a quick errand without an umbrella or appropriate shoes. I’ve been putting off the purchase of a pair of rain boots because it still hasn’t gotten cold in Atlanta yet (yesterday, for example, was 77), but it has to get cold sooner or later (right?!?!), and the rain will come even more often when that happens.

I’ve been mulling my various rain boot choices over the past couple of months, and although I’m a big fan of Hunters, so is everyone else. I also like the surprisingly low-priced Givenchy iteration, but I was thinking that, shock of shocks, I might want something other than black. Black leggings are a winter staple in my wardrobe, and a little contrast is always good. Then I found the Loeffler Randall Back Zip Rubber Rain Boots, and all of my wishes had been granted.

As high-end rain boots get more popular, they seem to get more and more complicated. What drew me to this pair initially was its simplicity – you won’t find any unnecessary studs, buckles or patterns here, and the back zip keeps the shape of the boot particularly sleek since your foot doesn’t have to make its way through a closed ankle opening. These boots are probably best for city dwellers who merely have to traverse puddles and post-snow slush, but if you fit that description, they also come in black and army green. Buy through ShopBop for $195.