Lighter and often extra comfy than boots, waterproof sneakers are a wise possibility for conserving your toes dry in moist climate—whether or not you’re operating or strolling within the rain, mountaineering, or tackling errands. When searching for the very best waterproof sneakers, prioritize waterproof over water resistant and go for these with rubber outsoles and grippy treads for further traction on moist, slick surfaces.
To seek out the very best waterproof sneakers, we first spoke with specialists to higher perceive which key options each pair ought to have. We then examined 20 waterproof sneakers, strolling or operating no less than 3 times per week in moist and wet situations. We additionally poured 4 cups of water straight onto every sneaker when carrying them to actually put them to the check. We evaluated every pair for match, consolation, breathability, sturdiness, traction, waterproofing, and worth to seek out the highest choices in the marketplace.
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5.5-12 (medium, broad), Males’s 7-15 (medium, extra-wide) | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof cloth higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Ladies’s 7 ounces, Males’s 9 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for many who desire a light-weight, comfortable, and grippy waterproof shoe for mountaineering and informal put on.
Why We Love Them
Geared up to repel water and supply stability in moist situations, New Steadiness’s Recent Foam Arishi v4 GTX Shoe earns our prime general spot. Throughout testing, we had been impressed with how these footwear saved our toes and socks dry on hikes in moist situations and even when operating errands throughout a heavy downpour. Plus, their grippy rubber sole made us really feel regular and assured that we wouldn’t slip on slick and uneven surfaces, together with concrete, grass, and rocks.
We additionally appreciated how these footwear really feel light-weight and never cumbersome, particularly given their comfy, supportive cushioning and waterproof safety. And in contrast to another waterproof footwear, this pair didn’t entice moisture and warmth inside. Our toes stayed cool and dry, even at a wet and muddy softball sport in 90-degree climate.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Steadiness, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- We love this selection a lot that we’d like to see it out there in additional coloration choices.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has a historical past of plantar fasciitis (irritation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes), and he or she discovered that these sneakers’ assist and cushioning helped stop a flare-up. She wore this pair for mountaineering and day-to-day actions in moist, wet, and muddy situations and was very impressed with its efficient waterproofing.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Ladies’s 5.5-11 | Materials: Recycled polyester and GORE-TEX waterproof cloth higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 16.8 ounces, Ladies’s 13.8 ounces | Cushioning: Plush | Our General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for hikers who desire a extra versatile and fewer cumbersome possibility than mountaineering boots.
Why We Love Them
For hikers who have to be prepared for all types of climate, we suggest Hoka’s Kaha 2 Low GTX Footwear. Throughout testing, we discovered that this pair saved our toes fully dry when mountaineering in rain, snow, and thru puddles and streams. Their sturdy, slip-resistant outsoles offered nice traction, permitting us to confidently cross snow-packed areas, slippery logs, and rocks with out points.
This shoe’s supportive cushioning prevented our toes from feeling fatigued throughout a number of lengthy, four-hour hikes. Their match is safe and cozy, and we didn’t discover any rubbing or irritation. These are nice for mountaineering however are additionally versatile and versatile for roads and paved paths in order for you a multi-purpose path shoe that may simply transition to different surfaces.
Potential Flaws
- These footwear aren’t as gentle as another choices on our listing; nonetheless, they’re nonetheless lighter than many mountaineering boots.
- When testing this pair, our toes felt sweaty and heat in scorching climate, making us want they had been extra breathable. However they’re an excellent possibility for chillier climate.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid hiker who doesn’t let inclement climate cease him from hitting the paths. He was happy that these footwear’ efficient waterproofing and grippy traction might deal with the rocky, moist, and snowy situations he encountered whereas mountaineering.
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12 | Materials: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Ladies’s 12 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for many who desire a trendy, comfortable shoe for getting of their 10,000 every day steps, regardless of the climate.
Why We Love Them
Sorel’s Ona Blvd Basic Waterproof Sneakers are a really perfect alternative for those who don’t wish to sacrifice model for consolation and safety. Throughout testing, we instantly seen this shoe’s cool, classic model and had been fully blown away by its unimaginable consolation and assist. This pair saved our toes fully dry throughout runs and walks in moist situations, even after we splashed via puddles.
These footwear are additionally surprisingly sturdy, supportive, and grippy. When operating via moist grass, muddy terrain, and gravel, we by no means anxious about slipping or shedding steadiness. We love that we are able to comfortably put on this versatile pair all day for health walks, runs, and tackling errands.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that these footwear felt a bit inflexible, however we anticipated that from a extremely waterproof shoe and nonetheless discovered them comfortable for all-day put on.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester runs about 3 times every week and has flat toes. She lives in a wet local weather and was grateful that this waterproof shoe was comfy and supportive for operating, strolling, and all-day put on.
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Snug, supportive cushioning
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Light-weight and classy
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Ankle collar affords safety from particles
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Might run small
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Could possibly be extra breathable
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12, Males’s 6-15 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof cloth higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Ladies’s 8 ounces, Males’s 10.2 ounces | Cushioning: Responsive | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for operating or strolling on roads or reasonable trails in moist situations.
Why We Love Them
For those who want further ankle assist, Nike’s React Pegasus Path 4 GORE-TEX Path Operating Footwear are an excellent possibility to assist restrict extra motion and hold you sure-footed on moist, uneven terrains. Throughout testing, we appreciated their raised, versatile ankle cuff, which helped hold us steady whereas providing safety from grime and particles. In the meantime, their grippy rubber outsoles offered wonderful traction, even on uneven rocky terrain.
Once we poured a number of glasses of water on them, we beloved watching the water roll proper off, conserving our socks and toes fully dry. And regardless of a light-weight really feel, their cushioning feels very supportive and comfy. We additionally like that they look trendy and never overly technical, making them a pleasant alternative for informal put on.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- These run barely small, so think about sizing up for those who’re in between sizes.
- When carrying this pair on a extremely popular day, our toes felt a bit sweaty, however that was anticipated given the shoe’s extremely efficient waterproofing and assist.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for health, totally on roads and park trails. She likes this shoe’s general assist and located that its comfy match didn’t worsen her bunion (a painful, bony bump on the joint on the base of the large toe).
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Grippy traction on uneven terrain
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Very steady
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Streamlined, versatile model
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Materials: Waterproof mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Ladies’s 9.5 ounces, Males’s 11.3 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for those who want a water-proof strolling or operating shoe that’s comfy sufficient for all-day put on.
Why We Love Them
With a snug match, versatile design, and efficient waterproofing, On’s Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof Operating Footwear are an excellent decide for lively or informal put on. Throughout testing, this pair saved our toes dry when strolling via moist grass. Once we poured water on them, it beaded up and rolled proper off the floor and by no means permeated into the shoe.
We had been additionally impressed with this shoe’s dependable grip and stability, which saved us regular and prevented us from slipping on many various surfaces, together with moist grass, concrete, and rocky terrain. Our toes felt extraordinarily comfy and well-supported, with completely no irritation or rubbing—even when standing in all of them day at work. And in contrast to some waterproof footwear that really feel stiff and ponderous, we love that this pair is versatile and streamlined.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, our toes felt heat and a bit sweaty. Though we love this shoe’s waterproof safety, we want they had been extra breathable.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat toes however discovered this pair had the proper assist to maintain her toes comfy. She additionally likes that this shoe’s roomy toe field provided loads of house to accommodate her bunions.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Ladies’s 5-12 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof cloth higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 10.6 ounces, Ladies’s 9.2 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for path runners and hikers who don’t let dangerous climate situations hold them from hitting the paths.
Why We Love Them
With dependable, grippy traction, Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX Path Operating Footwear are a superb alternative for operating on slick or uneven terrain. Throughout testing, this shoe’s deep lugs and grippy sole helped hold us regular and in management, even when operating on moist grass and dirt. Its cushioning felt mushy but supportive for operating on uneven terrain, and the padded tongue and collar added to the general consolation.
This shoe’s higher successfully blocks out water, conserving our toes fully dry after we run and hike in heavy rainfall. We by no means felt any moisture creep via the footwear regardless of carrying them for a number of hours in moist situations. Plus, they’re breathable sufficient that we don’t really feel warmth or sweat increase in them.
Additionally out there in ladies’s sizes at Zappos and Fleet Toes.
Potential Flaws
- We’d like to see this pair out there in additional coloration choices.
- With its rugged traction and deep lugs, this pair is good for path operating and mountaineering, however isn’t appropriate for operating on pavement.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester continuously runs and hikes on uneven terrains and in numerous climate situations. He was impressed with this shoe’s efficient waterproofing and safety in rain, mud, and snow.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 8-14 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof cloth higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 11.4 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for runners on the lookout for a road-to-trail shoe that may deal with moist situations.
Why We Love Them
Powerful and sturdy, Nike’s Juniper Path 2 Waterproof Path Operating Footwear are good for off-road operating in moist situations. This shoe’s waterproof liner retains moisture out whereas nonetheless permitting our toes to breathe. Plus, its grippy outsole supplies safe traction on trails, even when operating in moist situations and at completely different paces.
We like that this pair is versatile for numerous surfaces and might simply transition from street to trails. Its cushioning offered wonderful influence safety after we ran on sidewalks, paved paths, and gravel trails. Our toes by no means felt uncomfortable or sore throughout or after runs.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first ran on this pair, they felt a bit stiff. Nonetheless, we didn’t discover any rubbing or hotspots, they usually felt extra comfy after a number of runs in them.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has occasional plantar fasciitis flare-ups and located this shoe supportive and comfy for operating. He ran on this pair whereas coaching for a 5K race and appreciated that these footwear allowed him to proceed to stay to his coaching schedule, rain or shine.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 6-14, Ladies’s 5-11 | Materials: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for many who just like the comfort of slip-on footwear for informal put on or journey.
Why We Love Them
Regardless of their light-weight appear and feel, Vessi’s On a regular basis Transfer Slip-On Sneakers are fully waterproof—making them a modern, comfortable various to rain boots. This shoe’s knit materials has built-in waterproofing—not a coating—so the safety lasts the shoe’s lifespan. When testing, we discovered they saved our toes dry when strolling on moist grass, via puddles, and in wet situations.
We love that these footwear are straightforward to slide on and light-weight however are nonetheless very supportive and comfy. After a protracted day of strolling and standing on this pair, our toes didn’t really feel drained, and our ankles weren’t sore. Their soles are sturdy and grippy, offering good traction on numerous terrain, particularly in moist situations.
Additionally out there in ladies’s sizes at Vessi.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas this pair held up properly throughout the testing interval, we fear in regards to the long-term sturdiness of the fabric across the ankle, which could put on down on account of toes sliding out and in of them.
- These footwear don’t are available in half or broad sizes, so it is perhaps robust to seek out the proper match for wider toes.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester wore this pair for quite a lot of actions, for each informal {and professional} settings. He tends to have sore ankles, however didn’t have any points when carrying these footwear, which he discovered to be very supportive and comfy.
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Materials: Waterproof mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Ladies’s 9.9 ounces, Males’s 12.6 ounces | Cushioning: Most | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for many who desire a gentle, comfortable waterproof sneaker for strolling in moist situations.
Why We Love Them
For those who’re looking for a well-cushioned waterproof sneaker that’s nonetheless light-weight, we suggest On’s Cloudhorizon Waterproof Operating Footwear. Throughout testing, these footwear saved our toes fully dry after we poured water on them. Given their efficient waterproofing, they had been additionally surprisingly breathable, and our toes stayed free from sweat and odors when strolling, mountaineering, and operating in them.
This shoe’s thick cushioning felt light-weight whereas delivering good assist and shock absorption. We additionally appreciated the roomy toe field, which gave our toes loads of room to unfold and helped us keep away from discomfort or rubbing, even when carrying this pair on lengthy walks round our neighborhood and through all-day put on. Plus, the slip-resistant sole saved us from sliding on moist and uneven surfaces, together with gravel.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that these footwear creased very simply within the toe space, which detracted from their general look.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester likes to take lengthy walks round her neighborhood, in parks, and on gentle trails. She likes this shoe as a extra light-weight, comfy various to rain boots for strolling in moist climate.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary roundup of the very best waterproof sneakers, we’ve re-evaluated our earlier picks and hands-on examined the latest iterations of among the footwear, plus eight extra pairs. That is now a totally examined article, drawing on our hands-on expertise with every advisable waterproof sneaker.
- Based mostly on our testing insights, we’ve reworked all of our product picks and superlatives. We’ve additionally added new superlatives, together with Greatest Ankle Help, Most Snug, Greatest Traction, and Greatest for On a regular basis Put on.
- We consulted a further professional, knowledgeable path runner, to make sure that the entire data in our roundup is correct and updated.
What to Search for When Looking for Waterproof Sneakers
- Supplies: Sneakers made with waterproofing supplies equivalent to rubber or GORE-TEX will provide the very best safety. Waterproof leather-based, suede, and artificial leather-based are additionally generally used as a result of they’re sturdy and straightforward to wash. They need to have seams and stitching which might be sealed or taped to stop water from seeping via the gaps, making certain the shoe is totally waterproof. Rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used to create the soles of waterproof sneakers since they’re versatile and durable.
- Help and Stability: Steadiness is important to keep away from damage when operating or strolling in moist situations, so select a shoe with a sturdy, grippy outsole and a large toe field with loads of house on your toes to splay. Options equivalent to a raised or padded ankle collar additionally present good ankle assist and stability. For those who’re going to be path operating or mountaineering, you’ll need sneakers with deep lugs to deal with moist or rocky surfaces and free gravel.
- Breathability: Waterproof footwear aren’t breathable since waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX are designed to dam water from getting into the shoe and can prohibit airflow greater than non-waterproof, well-ventilated supplies. Nonetheless, some waterproof footwear are made with microporous materials, which permits some sweat to flee and retains your toes dry and funky.
- Cushioning: Whether or not operating on trails or sightseeing in a brand new metropolis, you’ll need comfy sneakers. Search for cushioning within the forefoot, heels, and collar since that’s the place you’ll need consolation or shock absorption. Foam and gel are common sorts of cushioning in lots of waterproof sneakers.
How We Examined the Waterproof Sneakers
To seek out the very best waterproof sneakers, we spent over one month testing 20 pairs of footwear at house in moist situations. When testing waterproof sneakers, we consider every pair based mostly on the next key standards.
- Match: Once we first placed on our waterproof sneakers, we word how they match. Does the shoe really feel true to dimension based mostly on our typical footwear preferences? We decide how properly the footwear match our toes in size, width, and luxury. Do the footwear present a safe and supportive match, particularly throughout dynamic actions or adjustments in terrain?
- Consolation: When testing sneakers, we pay explicit consideration to how comfy we really feel in every pair; do the footwear provide sufficient arch assist for our foot sort? Is the toe field broad and deep, permitting our toes to splay comfortably with out feeling constricted? We additionally word whether or not we expertise discomfort, rubbing, or blistering whereas carrying the footwear.
- Traction: Throughout testing, we consider how successfully the outsole supplies grip and stability on numerous surfaces, together with moist or slippery ones. Will we really feel assured within the footwear’ traction, particularly throughout actions on slick or uneven surfaces? We word if we expertise any slipping or lack of traction whereas carrying the footwear.
- Sturdiness: On the finish of the testing interval, we word indicators of damage and tear on the shoe. Are the soles worn? Are there any free or fraying seams or materials? Is the waterproofing nonetheless sufficient?
- Breathability: We word how properly the footwear handle moisture and warmth buildup throughout actions, particularly in hotter climate. Do our toes keep comparatively dry and comfy contained in the footwear, even throughout longer intervals of damage? Will we discover any sweat accumulation or clamminess?
- Waterproofing: To check whether or not every pair is really waterproof, we put on them for a number of walks and/or runs in wet or moist situations. Do the sneakers successfully repel water? On the finish of our exercise session, we word whether or not any water made its manner into the footwear and whether or not our socks or toes really feel moist on account of something apart from sweat. We consider the waterproof efficiency based mostly on completely different situations, equivalent to gentle rain, heavy rain, or puddles. We additionally pour water straight onto the footwear as we put on them and word whether or not our toes really feel dry, damp, or moist.
- Worth: To find out the worth of every waterproof shoe, we do not test its worth till we have completed evaluating it for all different attributes. Then, we decide whether or not its worth is value its options and high quality, and the way it compares to different merchandise we’re testing.
Our Specialists
We consulted specialists at each stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next specialists helped us perceive when to go for waterproof sneakers and the important thing options to think about or keep away from when searching for a high-quality pair. We select merchandise independently, however enter from specialists influences our choices.
Continuously Requested Questions
Are leather-based sneakers waterproof?
Leather-based may be very sturdy and can hold out water, so it’s generally utilized in many waterproof sneakers. Nonetheless, leather-based is porous and might take in water if the footwear are saturated. You possibly can coat them with a waterproofing spray for extra safety.
How do you make sneakers waterproof?
So as to add extra waterproof safety to a pair of sneakers you already personal, you may spray them with a silicone or acrylic spray that’s particularly made for waterproofing footwear.
Are you able to put on waterproof sneakers within the snow?
Sure, waterproof sneakers will present a barrier between your toes and ice or slush and is usually a good possibility if you might want to stroll within the snow. Sporting them with heat socks may also help to guard your extremities from the weather and issues like frostbite and chilblains—cold-induced accidents that may result in amputations and gangrene, says Lawrence.
Why Belief Verywell Match
As a operating coach, licensed private coach, marathon runner, and Verywell Match author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending operating and strolling footwear. To train in consolation and cut back damage threat, she suggests getting correctly fitted for footwear and changing them often. For this text, Christine seemed over our check outcomes to assist compile our prime picks.