Camping, gardening, and festivals- what do these three have in common? Well I’ll tell you. They are all seriously fashionable ways to spend your free time, and they are all seriously muddy too.

But there’s no need to compromise your style when you pull on protective footwear. You can now buy designer rain boots for men, women and even kids.

Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Chanel are just a few of the big names getting in on the action.

But while they have styles to make your eyes pop, their price tags will probably make your eyes water. And how much do you really want to pay for some footwear that’s going to get covered in mud, even if it does make you look hot while tending the garden.

Thankfully, it is not just the top designers making their mark on the rain boots sector. There are cheaper alternatives, that still pack a punch, without damaging your bank account.

Here are my three favorite brands:

1. Wedge Welly – At 5 ‘ 3″, I’m a little on the short side, and rarely leave the house without my heels on. A rainy day doesn’t mean I have to wear flat footwear. Wedge Welly make rubber rain boots, with wedged heels, giving extra height, while spreading the load so the heels doesn’t sink into wet ground.

2. Bogs – They do pretty patterned boots, but what I really love is the soft, waterproof textile uppers, so much more comfortable than regular rain boots.

3. Sugar – The boot pictured up the top is a Sugar rain boot, and is fairly representative of their loud colors, and in-your-face footwear. I love them.