REASONS TO BUY
Unique style
Laces allow for better fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Not very comfortable
Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Review
This boot delivers solid weather protection but falls behind in comfort, style, traction, and warmth
Credit: Amazon
RELATED: Best Rain Boots for Women
Our Verdict
The only lace-up boot in this review, the Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Rain Boot has a distinct style that either suits you or doesn't. Overall, our testers were happy with this rain boot's weather protection, but they weren't impressed by too much more. The Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Rain Boot earned 4s and 5s in our comfort, traction, and warmth metrics. It's also the most expensive pieces we reviewed. If you're looking for a tall model with a more classic style, we would point you towards the Hunter Original Adjustable or Kamik Jennifer.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Rain Boot has a Danish design and offers good weather protection. Comprised of sustainably harvested rubber and a lightweight EVA sole, it runs about $165.
Performance Comparison
While this product doesn't suit everyone's style, it's a great around-town option for those who love the look!
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Weather Protection
Another tall model, the Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Rain Boot measures 15.5 inches from the ground to the top of the shaft, making it among the tallest products in the review. The added height provides a bit of extra protection from the elements. We were a little concerned that the laces might be a weak point for deep puddles and heavy rain, but the company's design proved to be water tight. Additionally, the laces allow you to cinch the shaft up a bit around the calf to keep out precipitation.
Even with its laces, this model is fully waterproof. The tongue is secured in place and didn't let in any water during our tests.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Comfort
Although our testers really liked that you could personalize the fit of this boot using the laces, it didn't make up for the stiff-feeling sole and the non-cushioned insole. This product features a felt-like insole that is non-removable. On the other hand, the shaft is lined with a soft fuzzy fabric that does provide some coziness and warmth. If you're looking for a tall boot with a little more comfort, consider the Tretorn Kelly.
Like other tall boots, this piece creases along the shaft when you walk.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Style
The Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic has a unique appeal. Most of our testers decided that this look of this boot (with its prominent sole and contrasting laces) wasn't for them, but if this somewhat edgy style speaks to you, go for it! We weighted our style metric pretty heavily in this review, but we know that style is extremely subjective. If you love the punk rock vibe that this boot gives off, just disregard our style scores.
As we mentioned above, we think that this boot has a really unique punk rock-ish style. This product comes in a wide array of colors.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Traction
This piece has a lightweight EVA outsole that feels surprisingly like a flip-flop sole. It squishes just a little bit underfoot, but still feels stiff and uncomfortable. Although some flip-flops, like the OluKai Ohana - Women's provide better than average traction, the Ilse Jacobsen model was not one of these. It scored a five in this metric, coming in just ahead of the Hunter Original Adjustable and the The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport II.
This outsole did not provide a ton of traction, but also didn't earn our lowest scores.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Warmth
Although it has a soft, fuzzy lining, this is not the boot you want to choose if you're hoping that your rain boot will double as winter footwear. In our side-by-side warmth tests, we dunked our foot into ice cold water in each boot and waited to see how long it took the cold to “seep” through. The Ilse Jacobsen boot scored on par with the Hunter and Tretorn models.
If you aren't looking for warmth in your rain boot, the Ilse Jacobsen is actually a great choice. We'd also recommend our Top Pick for Mild Weather, the Helly Hansen Veierland 2 if you're looking for a boot without much warmth.
This soft lining add a bit of coziness and warmth. It's just a tiny bit warmer than our top model.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Fit
If you are a half size, you should order down. This model has a somewhat narrow toe box, so it's not ideal for women with wider feet. If you cinch down the laces super tight, they can make this boot look a bit awkward, but if you're someone with larger calves, you may find that the ability to loosen up the laces will serve you well.
On the left, you can see the laces tightened up. Although it's hard to tell at first, the overlapping edges look just a bit awkward.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
Best Applications
As with most of its competitors, this product is best used in general around town use.
Value
One of the most expensive models in this review, the Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic Rain Boot is handmade in Europe, uses no animal by-products, and incorporates sustainably harvested rubber. If you like the look of this boot and you prefer to buy ethically-made goods, then this is probably worth the $165 price tag.
Conclusion
A tall rain boot with a distinct punk look, the Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic will keep your feet high and dry. It's also the only piece in this review with laces for a slightly more customizable fit. Remember though that it doesn't provide great traction or comfort, and it is more than $160.
This product works well around town as long as it suits your taste; however, it is quite expensive.
Credit: Amanda Fenn
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Amanda Fenn
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