Royals' Go-To Rain Boots Are Quietly Marked Down Just in Time for Fall

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There's splash-the-bottom-of-your-jeans mud, and then there's MUD. Anyone who's had to trudge through festival grounds amid showers or even just scurry from the car to the front door with bags of groceries after a rainstorm knows the havoc a bit of water on the ground can wreak on a perfectly good outfit.

For any and all occasions that call for mud, celebrities turn to one brand: Hunter. The famous rubber boots are the go-to rain shoe for countless high-profile figures who know they don't have to sacrifice style for substance. Meghan Markle famously wore them for her interview with Oprah, while Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid, Jennifer Garner, Rihanna, Reese Witherspoon, and Kate Moss have all been wearing them for years. The polls are in: If you spy a celebrity in wellies, chances are they're Hunter.

Hunter Original Short Gloss, Spearmint

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Shop now: $80 (Originally $145); zappos.com

So what is it that makes the boots so special, then? Well, for starters, this British brand was one of the first — founded in 1856 (that's 165 years ago!), Hunter has been awarded various titles from high-ranking royals, including the Queen herself. The line of Wellington rain boots, introduced in the '50s, have remained as popular as ever, going so far as to win over Princess Diana.

But you don't have to be a royal to appreciate Hunter. Discerning customers across the U.S. assert that the sleek, weatherproof boots are best in class and the number-one thing they trust when they spy clouds overhead. Zappos shoppers, who've awarded the brand's Original Tall and Original Short Gloss boots over 4,000 hearts each, couldn't be more effusive in their reviews.

Hunter Original Tall, Sage Skipper

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Shop now: $113 (Originally $150); zappos.com

"I had been searching for a good pair of rain boots, especially [since] I live in the PNW where it rains so much. Hunter boots are always on the top list and they really look chic," wrote one buyer.

"These boots are perfect for California beach days and gettin' after it in the redwoods," wrote another. "I'm not usually a name brand person, but Hunter boots are the best you can buy of this variety. Love!"

And a third added: "This is my second pair of Hunters. My first pair lasted 7 years with loads of city walking. I love them!"

The boots are praised for their "all-day" comfort, "sharp" look, "undeniably good" quality, and "true-to-size" fit — although many shoppers comment that if you plan on wearing these with the brand's signature thermal liners, you might want to go up a half-size.

With this many accolades, we'd happily pay full-price for these royal-tier rain boots, but luck would have it that a handful of styles are currently marked down on Zappos just in time for fall. Punchy colors like Sage Skipper, Blue Stem, and Bitter Indigo are marked down in the Original Tall style, as are Spearmint and Foxglove in the Original Short Gloss. For the perfect fit, options for wide calves and tall shafts are also on sale.

A sale this royally good won't last forever. Shop marked-down Hunter boots at Zappos below.

Hunter Original Tall, Blue Stem

Shop now: $113 (Originally $150); zappos.com

Hunter Original Tall, Bitter Indigo

Shop now: $113 (Originally $160); zappos.com

Hunter Original Short Gloss, Foxglove

Shop now: $80 (Originally $145); zappos.com

Hunter Original Refined Wide Calf Rain Boot Matte

Shop now: $111 (Originally $170); zappos.com

Hunter Refined Back Adjustable Tall w/ Ankle Strap Gloss

Shop now: $165 (Originally $195); zappos.com