Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a significant half-reaction in varied energy conversion devices. Ni-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted immense attention recently for OER. Herein, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the recent development of the Ni-based LDHs for OER. We firstly introduced some fabrication strategies and in situ characterization followed by some typical Ni-based LDHs as electrocatalysts for OER. Then the structure modifications such as exfoliation, layer composition tuning, interlayer space adjustment and integrating Ni-based LDHs with complementing functional materials were overviewed. Some obstacles that hinder the practical applications of Ni-based LDHs were also discussed and it was pointed out that more efforts should be given to structure rational design and the catalyst application in the real water electrolysis technique. This review can help readers understand the recent development of the Ni-based LDHs and get some insights into the rational design of Ni-based LDHs catalyst and catalytic performance improvement strategy. TOC:. Display omitted •Ni-based LDHs were reviewed for oxygen evolution reaction.•Fabrication strategy and in situ characterization overview for some typical Ni-based LDHs materials.•Structure modification and activity correlation for Ni-based LDHs materials.•Problems and challenges for practical application of Ni-based LDHs.