Lighter and normally extra comfy than boots, waterproof sneakers are a sensible choice for holding your ft dry in moist climate—whether or not you’re operating or strolling within the rain, mountain climbing, or tackling errands. When procuring, prioritize waterproof over waterproof sneakers and go for these with rubber outsoles and grippy treads for additional traction on moist, slick surfaces.
To seek out the most effective waterproof sneakers, we first spoke with specialists to raised perceive which key options each pair ought to have. We then examined 20 waterproof sneakers, strolling or operating a minimum of thrice per week in moist and wet situations. We additionally poured 4 cups of water instantly onto every sneaker when sporting them to actually put them to the check. We evaluated every pair for match, consolation, breathability, sturdiness, traction, waterproofing, and worth to search out the highest choices in the marketplace.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Girls’s 5.5-12 (medium, huge), Males’s 7-15 (medium, extra-wide) | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof material higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Girls’s 7 ounces, Males’s 9 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for individuals who desire a light-weight, comfortable, and grippy shoe for mountain climbing and informal put on.
Why We Love Them
Geared up to repel water and supply stability in moist situations, New Steadiness’s Contemporary Foam Arishi v4 GTX Shoe earns our high total spot. Throughout testing, we had been impressed with how these sneakers stored our ft 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 sneakers really feel light-weight and never cumbersome, particularly given their comfy, supportive cushioning and waterproof safety. And in contrast to another waterproof sneakers, this pair didn’t lure moisture and warmth inside. Our ft stayed cool and dry, even at a wet and muddy softball sport in 90-degree climate.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at New Steadiness and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- We love this feature a lot that we’d like to see it obtainable in additional shade 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 mountain climbing and day-to-day actions in moist, wet, and muddy situations and was very impressed with its efficient waterproofing.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Girls’s 5.5-11 | Materials: Recycled polyester and GORE-TEX waterproof material higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 16.8 ounces, Girls’s 13.8 ounces | Cushioning: Plush | Our Total Score: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for hikers who desire a extra versatile and fewer cumbersome choice than mountain climbing boots.
Why We Love Them
For hikers who have to be prepared for every kind of climate, we suggest Hoka’s Kaha 2 Low GTX Sneakers. Throughout testing, we discovered that this pair stored our ft fully dry when mountain climbing in rain, snow, and thru puddles and streams. Their sturdy, slip-resistant outsoles supplied nice traction, permitting us to confidently cross snow-packed areas, slippery logs, and rocks with out points.
This shoe’s supportive cushioning prevented our ft 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 mountain climbing however are additionally versatile and versatile for roads and paved paths if you would like a multi-purpose path shoe that may simply transition to different surfaces.
Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Zappos, Hoka, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- These sneakers aren’t as gentle as another choices on our record; nevertheless, they’re nonetheless lighter than many mountain climbing boots.
- When testing this pair, our ft felt sweaty and heat in scorching climate, making us want they had been extra breathable. However they’re an ideal choice 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 sneakers’ efficient waterproofing and grippy traction may deal with the rocky, moist, and snowy situations he encountered whereas mountain climbing.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Girls’s 5-12 | Materials: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Girls’s 12 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for individuals who desire a trendy, comfortable shoe for getting of their 10,000 day by day steps, regardless of the climate.
Why We Love Them
Sorel’s Ona Blvd Traditional Waterproof Sneakers are a really perfect alternative in the event you don’t wish to sacrifice model for consolation and safety. Throughout testing, we instantly observed this shoe’s cool, classic model and had been fully blown away by its unimaginable consolation and assist. They stored our ft fully dry throughout runs and walks in moist situations, even after we splashed by puddles.
These sneakers are additionally surprisingly sturdy, supportive, and grippy. When operating by moist grass, muddy terrain, and gravel, we by no means apprehensive about slipping or shedding stability. We love that we will comfortably put on this versatile pair all day for health walks, runs, and tackling errands.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that these sneakers 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 thrice every week and has flat ft. 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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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 8.5-15 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof material higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 11.4 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 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
Robust and sturdy, Nike’s Juniper Path 2 Waterproof Path Working Sneakers are excellent for off-road operating in moist situations. This shoe’s waterproof liner retains moisture out whereas nonetheless permitting our ft to breathe. Plus, their grippy outsoles present safe traction on trails, even when operating in moist situations and at completely different paces.
We like that this pair is versatile for varied surfaces and might simply transition from highway to trails. Its cushioning supplied glorious impression safety after we ran on sidewalks, paved paths, and gravel trails. Our ft by no means felt uncomfortable or sore each throughout or after runs.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first ran on this pair, they felt a bit stiff. Nevertheless, we didn’t discover any rubbing or hotspots, and so they felt extra comfy after a couple 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 sneakers allowed him to proceed to stay to his coaching schedule, rain or shine.
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Comfy, supportive cushioning
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Light-weight and trendy
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Ankle collar provides safety from particles
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Could run small
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May very well be extra breathable
Key Specs
Sizes: Girls’s 5-12, Males’s 6-15 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof material higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Girls’s 8 ounces, Males’s 10.2 ounces | Cushioning: Responsive | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for operating or strolling on roads or average trails in moist situations.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to want additional ankle assist, Nike’s React Pegasus Path 4 GORE-TEX Path Working Sneakers are an ideal choice 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 secure whereas providing safety from filth and particles. In the meantime, their grippy rubber outsoles supplied glorious traction, even on uneven rocky terrain.
Once we poured a number of glasses of water on them, we liked watching the water roll proper off, holding our socks and ft 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 obtainable in males’s sizes at Nike and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- These run barely small, so contemplate sizing up in the event you’re in between sizes.
- When sporting this pair on a very popular day, our ft 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 total assist and located that their comfy match didn’t irritate her bunion (a painful, bony bump on the joint on the base of the large toe).
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Key Specs
Sizes: Girls’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Materials: Waterproof mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Girls’s 9.9 ounces, Males’s 12.6 ounces | Cushioning: Most | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for individuals who desire a gentle, comfortable sneaker for strolling in moist situations.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to’re trying to find a well-cushioned waterproof sneaker that’s nonetheless light-weight, we suggest On’s Cloudhorizon Waterproof Working Sneakers. Throughout testing, these sneakers stored our ft fully dry after we poured water on them. Given their efficient waterproofing, they had been additionally surprisingly breathable, and our ft stayed free from sweat and odors when strolling, mountain climbing, 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 sporting this pair on lengthy walks round our neighborhood and through all-day put on. Plus, the slip-resistant sole stored us from sliding on moist and uneven surfaces, together with gravel.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that these sneakers creased very simply within the toe space, which detracted from their total 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.
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Grippy traction on uneven terrain
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Very secure
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Streamlined, versatile model
Key Specs
Sizes: Girls’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Materials: Waterproof mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Girls’s 9.5 ounces, Males’s 11.3 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest in the event you want a 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 Working Sneakers are an ideal decide for lively or informal put on. Throughout testing, this pair stored our ft dry when strolling by 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 stored us regular and prevented us from slipping on many various surfaces, together with moist grass, concrete, and rocky terrain. Our ft 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 sneakers that really feel stiff and hulking, we love that this pair is versatile and streamlined.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, our ft 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 ft however discovered this pair had the proper assist to maintain her ft comfy. She additionally likes that this shoe’s roomy toe field supplied loads of area to accommodate her bunions.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Girls’s 5-12 | Materials: GORE-TEX waterproof material higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Males’s 10.6 ounces, Girls’s 9.2 ounces | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 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 Working Sneakers are a wonderful 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 dust. Their cushioning felt smooth but supportive for operating on uneven terrain, and the padded tongue and collar added to their total consolation.
This shoe’s higher successfully blocks out water, holding our ft fully dry after we run and hike in heavy rainfall. We by no means felt any moisture creep by the sneakers regardless of sporting 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 obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Saucony and Fleet Toes.
Potential Flaws
- We’d like to see this pair obtainable in additional shade choices.
- With its rugged traction and deep lugs, this pair is good for path operating and mountain climbing however isn’t appropriate for operating on pavement.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester ceaselessly runs and hikes on varied terrains and in varied climate situations. He was impressed with this shoe’s efficient waterproofing and safety in rain, mud, and snow.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 6-14, Girls’s 5-11 | Materials: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Cushioning: Reasonable | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for individuals who just like the comfort of slip-on sneakers for informal put on or journey.
Why We Love Them
Regardless of their light-weight feel and appear, Vessi’s On a regular basis Transfer Slip-On Sneakers are fully waterproof—making them a smooth, 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 stored our ft dry when strolling on moist grass, by puddles, and in wet situations.
We love that these sneakers 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 ft didn’t really feel drained, and our ankles weren’t sore. Their soles are sturdy and grippy, offering good traction on varied terrain, particularly in moist situations.
Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Vessi.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas this pair held up nicely throughout the testing interval, we fear concerning the long-term sturdiness of the fabric across the ankle, which could put on down because of ft sliding out and in of them.
- These sneakers don’t are available half or huge sizes, so it may be powerful to search out the proper match for wider ft.
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 sporting these sneakers, which he discovered to be very supportive and comfy.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary part-research-based, part-tested roundup of the most effective waterproof sneakers, we’ve re-evaluated our earlier picks and hands-on examined the latest iterations of a few of the sneakers, plus eight further pairs. That is now a absolutely examined article, solely offering our hands-on expertise with every really useful waterproof sneaker.
- Primarily based 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 Comfy, Greatest Traction, and Greatest for On a regular basis Put on.
- We consulted an extra 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 comparable to rubber or GORE-TEX will provide the most effective safety. Waterproof leather-based, suede, and artificial leather-based are additionally generally used as a result of they’re sturdy and simple to wash. They need to have seams and stitching which can be sealed or taped to stop water from seeping by the gaps, making certain the shoe is absolutely 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 crucial 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 area to your toes to splay. Options comparable to a raised or padded ankle collar additionally present good ankle assist and stability. If you happen to’re going to be path operating or mountain climbing, you’ll need sneakers with deep lugs to deal with moist or rocky surfaces and unfastened gravel.
- Breathability: Waterproof sneakers aren’t breathable since waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX are designed to dam water from coming into the shoe and can limit airflow greater than non-waterproof, well-ventilated supplies. Nevertheless, some waterproof sneakers are made with microporous materials, which permits some sweat to flee and retains your ft 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 well-liked sorts of cushioning in lots of waterproof sneakers.
How We Examined the Waterproof Sneakers
To seek out the most effective waterproof sneakers, we spent 960 hours testing 20 pairs of sneakers at dwelling in moist situations. When testing waterproof sneakers, we consider every pair primarily based 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 primarily based on our ordinary footwear preferences? We decide how nicely the sneakers match our ft in size, width, and luxury. Do the sneakers present a safe and supportive match, particularly throughout dynamic actions or modifications in terrain?
- Consolation: When testing sneakers, we pay specific consideration to how comfy we really feel in every pair; do the sneakers provide ample arch assist for our foot sort? Is the toe field huge 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 sporting the sneakers.
- Traction: Throughout testing, we consider how successfully the outsole gives grip and stability on varied surfaces, together with moist or slippery ones. Will we really feel assured within the sneakers’ traction, particularly throughout actions on slick or uneven surfaces? We word if we expertise any slipping or lack of traction whereas sporting the sneakers.
- 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 unfastened or fraying seams or materials? Is the waterproofing nonetheless ample?
- Breathability: We word how nicely the sneakers handle moisture and warmth buildup throughout actions, particularly in hotter climate. Do our ft keep comparatively dry and comfy contained in the sneakers, even throughout longer durations of damage? Will we discover any sweat accumulation or clamminess?
- Waterproofing: To check whether or not every pair is actually 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 approach into the sneakers and whether or not our socks or ft really feel moist because of something apart from sweat. We additionally elevate the waterproof efficiency primarily based on completely different situations, comparable to gentle rain, heavy rain, or puddles. We additionally pour water instantly onto the sneakers as we put on them and word whether or not our ft really feel dry, damp, or moist.
- Worth: To find out the worth of every waterproof shoe, we do not verify its value till we have completed evaluating it for all different attributes. Then, we decide whether or not its value is value its options and high quality, and the way it compares to different merchandise we’re testing.
Our Consultants
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 contemplate or keep away from whereas searching for a high-quality pair. We select merchandise independently, however enter from specialists influences our selections.
Steadily Requested Questions
Are leather-based sneakers waterproof?
Leather-based could be very sturdy and can hold out water, so it’s generally utilized in many pairs of waterproof sneakers. Nevertheless, leather-based is porous and might take up water if the sneakers are saturated. You possibly can coat them with a waterproofing spray for extra safety.
How do you make sneakers waterproof?
So as to add further waterproof safety to a pair of sneakers you already personal, you possibly can spray them with a silicone or acrylic spray that’s particularly made for waterproofing sneakers.
Are you able to put on waterproof sneakers within the snow?
Sure, waterproof sneakers will present a barrier between your ft and ice or slush and could be a good choice if it’s good to stroll within the snow. Sporting them with heat socks might 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 health author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending operating and strolling sneakers. To train in consolation and cut back damage danger, she suggests getting correctly fitted for sneakers and changing them commonly.