The Wirecutter Show

Battery-powered socks, insoles,  hand warmers, and vests can offer instant warmth in freezing temperatures. Yet, some of these items have caused burns and even fires, resulting in recent recalls. This week, Wirecutter outdoor gear writer Kyle Fitzgerald explains what you should know about heated gear, and how to avoid riskier products. He walks us through the safety certifications to look for, why you should only buy from a trusted brand, and what to know about traveling with battery-operated clothing. Plus, he shares classic layering principles and Wirecutter’s top-tested winter gear to keep your core, hands, and feet warm on the coldest days. This episode covers:How to spot safety risks in battery-powered gear: Lithium-ion battery issues like bulging, discoloration, or an unusual electrical odor indicate a problem. Stop using the product if you see these signs. What safety certifications to check for: Verify that heated apparel has a mark from an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program (NRTL) or through UL before buying, and steer clear of unverified "alphabet soup" brands.How to charge and care for heated apparel safely: Charge batteries in open view, avoid leaving them plugged in overnight, never wash garments with batteries attached, and keep lithium-ion packs out of checked airline luggage.How to layer effectively without batteries: Master the three-layer system—moisture-wicking merino wool base layers, air-trapping down or fleece mid-layers, and weather-protective outer shells—to stay warm naturally.How to protect cold hands and feet: Choose mittens over gloves for better heat retention, and pair heavyweight merino or alpaca wool socks with insulated winter boots. Products we recommend: The best ski and snowboard gloves: Black Diamond Guide GlovesFloofy foot nests: Tabio Extremely Warm Alpaca-Merino Lounge Socks (unisex) Additional reading:Heated Gear Keeps Catching on Fire. How Can You Know What’s Safe?The 3 Best Hand Warmers of 2026The 7 Best Insulated Vests of 202635 Best Socks of 2026The Best Winter Boots  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One-pot meals promise less cleanup and easier dinners, but the best tool depends on what you’re cooking and how much time you have.  Wirecutter senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton breaks down the pros and cons of Dutch ovens, slow cookers, and pressure cookers, including when an Instant Pot makes sense and why she prefers a stovetop pressure cooker. She also shares some of her favorite recipes from risotto to whole fish, and where to find reliable one-pot recipes. This episode covers: How to choose the right equipment for your needs. Dutch ovens excel at deeply flavored braises, slow cookers offer inexpensive set-it-and-forget-it convenience, electric pressure cookers save hands-on time, and stovetop pressure cookers cook quickly.Why foods taste different cooked in a Dutch oven and pressure cooker. Dutch ovens allow moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors and thickening sauces as food cooks. Pressure cookers trap moisture, so you may need to reduce the liquid afterward to get the flavor and consistency you want.Why you shouldn’t fear stovetop pressure cookers. Modern models have safety features, and they can release pressure much faster than electric pressure cookers. That makes it easier to add ingredients during cooking and build more complex flavors.Why you should think beyond stews and braises. Lesley uses pressure cookers for risotto, beans, eggs, and even whole steamed fish. Risotto takes just seven minutes at pressure, without the constant stirring traditional recipes require.How pressure cookers can make meal prep easier. Lesley’s favorite thing to make in a pressure cooker is stock and big batches of soup that she can freeze in individual portions. It’s a practical way to have homemade meals ready when you don’t have time to cook. Other Resources For One-Pot Recipes We Love: A great consolidated resource for one-pot meals: NYT Cooking One-Pot Dinner RecipesOne-pot recipes from Lesley’s past: Martha Stewart’s One-Pot RecipesA dedicated pressure cooker resource: Hip Pressure Cooking by Laura PazzagliaChristine’s favorite one-pot meals cookbook: Instant Family Meals by Sarah Copeland Products we recommend: A dutch oven made to last: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart Round French OvenThe best Dutch oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch OvenThe best slow cooker: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow CookerThe best electric pressure cooker: Instant Pot Rio 6-quartThe best stovetop pressure cooker: Fissler Vitavit Premium Pressure Cooker Additional reading:The Best Dutch OvenThe Best Slow CookerThe Best Electric Pressure Cooker Is an Instant PotThe Best Stovetop Pressure CookerI Make Creamy Risotto in 7 Minutes in This Magic Pot  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mediocre slippers trap sweat, lose their shape, or wear through after just a few months. The good news is that there are plenty of options that will keep your feet perfectly toasty and last for years.Wirecutter senior editor Jen Hunter explains how to choose between shearling, felted wool, synthetic fleece, and cotton. She elaborates on when to go for rubber soles over soft bottoms, and how replacing an insole can give your favorite pair a second life. Plus, she shares top picks for cold floors, sweaty feet, and people who need real arch support indoors.Products we recommend: Cozy women’s shearling booties: L.L.Bean Women’s Wicked Good SlippersThe men’s version: L.L.Bean Men's Wicked Good SlippersExtra-plush women’s shearling moccasins: L.L.Bean Women’s Wicked Good MoccasinsThe (less-floofy) men’s version: L.L.Bean Men’s Wicked Good MoccasinsThe GOAT wool slip-ons: Glerups Slip-On with Natural Rubber SoleThe GOAT wool mid-height pair: Glerups Shoe with Natural Rubber Sole (unisex)The GOAT wool ankle booties: Glerups Boot with Natural Rubber Sole (unisex)Squishy, secure slip-ons: Bombas Women's Sunday SlipperThe men’s version: Bombas Men's Sunday SlipperSilly (in a good way): Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slipper (unisex)Grab-and-go slippers: Muji Cotton Plain Weave Insole Slippers (unisex)A striped terry pair: Parachute Terry Stripe Slippers (unisex)Supportive, shoe-like slippers: Birkenstock Zermatt Premium (unisex) Additional reading:The 8 Best Slippers of 2026 How to Restore Shearling Slippers to Their Original Fluffy Glory Why You Need Indoor Shoes   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s no secret that Wirecutter has great advice for cleaning just about anything in your home. And now all that great advice is collected into Wirecutter’s first book: How to Clean Everything. For the past two years, our co-host Christine Cyr Clisset has combed through Wirecutter’s extensive cleaning coverage to build the ultimate manual, which you can now pre-order (it officially publishes on March 16)!The book is packed with expert advice from dozens of Wirecutter experts who have spent countless hours researching and testing the best ways to clean and maintain the products we recommend. Whether you struggle with getting stains out of laundry, organizing closets, de-gunking cookware, or making your bathroom sparkle, this book has the guidance, with step-by-step instructions and the exact list of cleaning supplies you’ll need. We’ll be sharing plenty more about the book in the coming months. In the meantime, pre-order your copy now!  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From sleep trackers to self-pay bloodwork and full-body MRIs, health tracking has exploded in popularity. These tools promise to potentially catch diseases earlier, so that you can live a happier and healthier life. But can they deliver? This week, we’re turning the tables to interview Wirecutter Show co-host Christine Cyr Clisset about her six-month experiment tracking her health 24/7. She spent six months testing an array of Wirecutter-recommended wearables, as well as direct-to-consumer tests to see what, if anything, could help improve her health. We discuss the surprising insights she gained, as well as the significant perils of health tracking, from privacy risks to data-induced anxiety. This episode covers: What health and fitness trackers do best. Devices like the Oura Ring and Apple Watch can act as "accountability buddies" to help people change their daily habits. The pros and cons of self-pay tests. Many doctors don’t recommend self-pay bloodwork or full-body scans (like MRIs), because they can lead to overdiagnosis and health anxiety. Yet Christine found external bloodwork helpful (to an extent), as well as a DEXA scan, which helped flag her thinning bone mineral density.. How AI can help. Christine found that feeding her various health reports into chatbots helped her come up with better questions for her doctors.The risks of tracking. Tracking can cause data-induced anxiety. Plus, many wearables, apps, and AI tools fall outside HIPAA protection, which means your data may be used in ways you don’t want.  Products we recommend: A stylish wearable with tons of data: Oura Ring 4The best smartwatch for iPhone owners: Apple Watch SE (3rd generation) Additional reading:The Promise and Peril of Tracking My Health 24/7The Best Sleep Trackers: Rings, Watches, and Other Wearables The 4 Best Fitness Trackers of 2026Can You Really Disappear Online?  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple just released their first foldable phone, the $2,000 iPhone Duo. Foldable phones promise to give you a smartphone and a tablet in one device, with a bigger screen for reading, streaming, and multitasking. But with a price tag that high, are they actually worth it? Senior tech editor Caitlin McGarry and staff tech writer Brenda Stoylar break down what Apple has improved with the Duo, what still falls short, and who these phones are for. Their biggest takeaway: The iPhone Duo is a top-tier foldable phone, but you probably don’t need one.  This episode covers: Who might actually benefit from a foldable. If you regularly multitask, read, stream, or want to combine your phone and tablet, a larger folding screen could be useful.Foldables have gotten better. Improved hinges, more durable displays, and better water and dust resistance make the iPhone Duo and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 more practical than earlier models.Why most people don’t need one. If you mainly call, text, browse, and take everyday photos, a regular phone will get the job done for far less money.  Products we recommend: A top-tier iPhone experience: Apple iPhone DuoThe best foldable phone-tablet: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8The best clamshell foldable: Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) Additional reading:Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo Is the Most Exciting Phone in Years. And It Lives Up to the Hype.The Best Foldable Phones  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s easy to forget to wear sunscreen in the fall and winter, but the sun’s rays can still cause skin damage–like aging and skin cancer–even on cold and cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to find a sunscreen you’ll happily wear year-round.  Wirecutter health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain what to look for in a face sunscreen and how to find one that feels good on your skin. She breaks down mineral versus chemical formulas, how to layer sunscreen with makeup, and when you can get away wearing body sunscreen on your face.  Plus, we discuss Nancy’s early testing of two sunscreens that include an ingredient newly approved by the FDA. This episode covers: The difference between UVB and UVA rays: These two types of ultraviolet rays damage the skin in different ways. UVB causes the skin to burn, while UVA rays play a bigger role in aging skin. Nancy reminds us to think of B for burning and A for aging.Why you need a  minimum of SPF 30. SPF 30 should shield 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, and is the minimum the American Academy of Dermatology recommends for daily wear.Look for “broad spectrum” on labels: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply according to the label, generally every two hours.The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently. Mineral and chemical sunscreens can both protect your skin effectively, but their textures, finishes, and ingredients feel different from person to person.Sunscreen should go underneath makeup. Apply moisturizer first, then sunscreen, and let it absorb before adding makeup or tinted moisturizer. Makeup with SPF is a useful extra layer, but it shouldn’t replace your primary sunscreen.Give sunscreen time to settle before judging it. A formula that initially feels greasy or looks shiny may change as it dries down. Testing how it wears with your skin and skincare routine can help you find a better fit.A new ingredient: The FDA approved a new chemical sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol or BEMT) for the first time in 25 years. Wirecutter is currently testing the two brands with versions on the market so far.  Products we recommend: A crowd-pleasing lotion in an economical jug: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50A lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 50A gel that doubles as a makeup primer: Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40An unobtrusive mineral lotion: Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30A daytime moisturizer with SPF (mineral): Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30An ultra-blendable, fragrance-free lotion: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100A daytime moisturizer with SPF (chemical): CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30A face-specific lotion that costs less than our other fragrance-free picks: Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Face Lotion SPF 50 An inexpensive body sunscreen in a big pump bottle: Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50Nancy loves: CyberPower LE1000DG Additional reading:The Best Face SunscreensThe Best SunscreensThe Problem With SPF Makeup (and How to Solve It)This Trader Joe’s Sunscreen May Be Even Better Than Its Much Pricier Counterpart  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever found yourself cranking the volume on a movie to hear the dialogue, only to be blasted by the next explosion, you’re not alone. Televisions today produce subpar sound quality. That’s why a good soundbar–basically a compact stereo system–can instantly upgrade your home television experience.  Wirecutter audio expert Brent Butterworth joins us to explain how soundbars work, what you actually get when you spend more, and which features matter most for your setup. Whether you want clearer dialogue, deeper bass, or a more immersive surround-sound experience, Brent breaks down how to find the right soundbar. Plus, he shares his favorite testing stories as he retires from Wirecutter after 14 years!  This episode covers:Why TV speakers sound so bad. Modern sleek televisions don’t have enough room for large enough speakers to produce a fuller, clearer sound. What you get from a soundbar. Even an inexpensive model can improve dialogue and bass, while pricier systems may add wireless surround speakers and more powerful subwoofers.How to choose the right model. Consider the size of your room, how loudly you listen, what you watch, and whether you need a dialogue-enhancement feature.How to test sound quality. Brent loves to test soundbars with the films U-571 and Apocalypse Now because they have a range of sounds, voices, and loud explosions. However, he suggests testing soundbars with the kinds of movies and shows you watch often and love, and pay close attention to whether dialogue stays clear during action scenes and whether bass sounds full rather than distorted. Products we recommend: A soundbar with strong, clear sound at a friendly price: TCL S55HA clearer, more enveloping sounding soundbar: Samsung HW-Q990HThe best soundbar for the style-minded shopper: Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and SubwooferThe best soundbar for the money: Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro Additional reading:The Best Soundbar  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re re-airing a conversation about how to travel for less. We dive into the best tried-and-true strategies for stretching your travel budget. Elaine Glusac, a longtime travel journalist and The Frugal Traveler columnist at The New York Times, joins us to share her best money-saving hacks, from timing your flight purchases just right, to negotiating directly with Airbnb hosts.  She also explains how to leverage under-the-radar resources like Going.com for finding cheap flights and Costco Travel for car rentals.  Plus she shares how to navigate Black Friday travel deals for cruises, flights, and hotels.  This episode covers:When to book flights for the best prices: Elaine breaks down the “sweet spots” for booking both domestic and international travel, plus why holidays require a different strategy.Why flexibility matters more than loyalty: Shifting your departure by just a day or two can save you money and stress—and sometimes matters more than which airline you fly.How to spot true airfare deals: Tools like Google Flights and Kayak alerts can help you track fares and avoid misleading “fake sales.”Why you should negotiate directly with hosts: Reaching out to Airbnb or Vrbo owners can unlock discounts you won’t find through the platform.When Black Friday travel sales are worth it: Some cruise lines and hotels run genuine deep discounts—but Elaine shares how to separate the hype from the real bargains. The Frugal Traveler columns we discussed: The Secret to Finding the Best Travel BargainsHow to Avoid Paying Vacation Rental FeesDriving the Alaska HighwayCredit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them? Traveling Abroad? If You’re Paying With Dollars, Your Trip Is on Sale. Cheap Flights, Half-Price Cruises: This Travel Tuesday, Deals AboundGetting the Most Bang for Your Buck While Traveling OverseasJoin the Club, Save Some Money  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can be tough finding a great pair of rain boots that suits your style, feels good to wear for hours on end, and that will actually hold up season after rainy season. But it’s not impossible. This episode, outdoor gear writer Kyle Fitzgerald  explains what makes a well-designed rain boot.Drawing on years of real-world testing through floods, mud, and city downpours, Kyle shares top picks for city commuting, quick errands, and heading into the great outdoors. This episode includes:What construction details to look for: One-piece molded rubber boots or heavily sealed seams along the sole and upper prevent leaks.How to pick the right tread for your terrain: Flatter treads excel on city sidewalks while deeper, wider treads keep mud from clogging your grip.How to prevent clammy feet: Swap cotton for wool or moisture-wicking synthetic socks to absorb perspiration trapped inside non-breathable rubber boots.When rain boots can double as snow boots: Rain boots paired with wool socks can handle chilly 35° to 40°F weather. If it’s colder than that, you’ll probably want designated snow boots. Products we recommend: A great boot for city walking: Merry People Bobbi Ankle Rain BootA boot that doesn’t slip on pavement:  Xtratuf 6-Inch Ankle Deck Boots in Men’s or Women’s A classic rain boot for mixed terrain: L.L.Bean Bean Boots in Men’s or Women’s  The best calf-height boot: Hunter Original Short Rain Boots in Men’s or Women’s The best tall boot: Original Tall Gloss Rain BootsA fashionable tall boot our style expert loves: Ganni Country Boots A great boot for the mud: Bogs Classic Seamless Tall in Men’s and Women’s A leather shoe worth waterproofing: Blundstone Men’s Originals #500 A cowboy boot that can handle the weather: Tecovas The Earl Additional reading:The Best Rain Boots of 2026The Best Kids' Rain BootsThe Best Winter Boots of 2026I Still Wear the L.L.Bean Boots I Got 38 Years AgoHow to Clean and Care for Rubber Rain BootsI Scoured Secondhand Sites and Outlets for These Rain Boots. Extreme-Weather Reporter Judson Jones’s Packing Tips   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.