The weather today is noticeably dreary. We’ve officially left the summer heat and entered the season of rain, sunset-hued leaves and pumpkins. And as an unending rain dumped upon the streets of Bethesda this morning, my favorite pair of funky Converse sneakers seemed to absorb the water from every puddle in Maryland.

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Yet, everyone else’s shoes  in school seemed like a blast from the past. Several students sported snazzy rain boots—you can call them galoshes if you’re feeling old-fashioned or middle-aged. It’s interesting to see how this trend transgressed from functional footwear to waterproof fashion statements. Instead of the plain jane black pair of rain boots from my youth, I saw pairs with flower patterns, plaid and abstract designs. Not only do the shoes make the outfit, but they keep feet dry.

Seeing all those boots while standing in my sopping sneakers, I got nostalgic. I actually own galoshes. There’s a green pair from a few years ago gathering dust in my downstairs hallway closet, forlorn and forgotten.

So next time it rains, no more sneakers for me. I’ll wear my boots, join the rainwear revolution, and jump in all the puddles I want.