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Lighter and usually more comfortable than boots, waterproof sneakers are a smart option for keeping your feet dry in wet weather—whether you’re running or walking in the rain, hiking, or tackling errands. When shopping, prioritize waterproof over water-resistant sneakers and opt for those with rubber outsoles and grippy treads for extra traction on wet, slick surfaces.
To find the best waterproof sneakers, we first spoke with experts to better understand which key features every pair should have. We then tested 20 waterproof sneakers, walking or running at least three times per week in wet and rainy conditions. We also poured four cups of water directly onto each sneaker when wearing them to really put them to the test. We evaluated each pair for fit, comfort, breathability, durability, traction, waterproofing, and value to find the top options on the market.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, extra-wide) | Material: GORE-TEX waterproof fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 7 ounces, Men’s 9 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a lightweight, comfy, and grippy shoe for hiking and casual wear.
Why We Love Them
Equipped to repel water and provide stability in wet conditions, New Balance’s Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX Shoe earns our top overall spot. During testing, we were impressed with how these shoes kept our feet and socks dry on hikes in wet conditions and even when running errands during a heavy downpour. Plus, their grippy rubber sole made us feel steady and confident that we wouldn’t slip on slick and uneven surfaces, including concrete, grass, and rocks.Â
We also appreciated how these shoes feel lightweight and not bulky, especially given their comfortable, supportive cushioning and waterproof protection. And unlike some other waterproof shoes, this pair didn’t trap moisture and heat inside. Our feet stayed cool and dry, even at a rainy and muddy softball game in 90-degree weather.
Also available in men’s sizes at New Balance and Zappos.
Potential FlawsÂ
- We love this option so much that we’d love to see it available in more color options.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has a history of plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes), and she found that these sneakers’ support and cushioning helped prevent a flare-up. She wore this pair for hiking and day-to-day activities in wet, rainy, and muddy conditions and was very impressed with its effective waterproofing.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7-15, Women’s 5.5-11 | Material: Recycled polyester and GORE-TEX waterproof fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Men’s 16.8 ounces, Women’s 13.8 ounces | Cushioning: Plush | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for hikers who want a more flexible and less bulky option than hiking boots.
Why We Love Them
For hikers who need to be ready for all kinds of weather, we recommend Hoka’s Kaha 2 Low GTX Shoes. During testing, we found that this pair kept our feet completely dry when hiking in rain, snow, and through puddles and streams. Their durable, slip-resistant outsoles provided great traction, allowing us to confidently cross snow-packed areas, slippery logs, and rocks without issues.
This shoe’s supportive cushioning prevented our feet from feeling fatigued during several long, four-hour hikes. Their fit is secure and comfy, and we didn’t notice any rubbing or irritation. These are great for hiking but are also versatile and flexible for roads and paved paths if you want a multi-purpose trail shoe that can easily transition to other surfaces.
Also available in women’s sizes at Zappos, Hoka, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes aren’t as light as some other options on our list; however, they’re still lighter than many hiking boots.Â
- When testing this pair, our feet felt sweaty and warm in hot weather, making us wish they were more breathable. But they’re a great option for chillier weather.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid hiker who doesn’t let inclement weather stop him from hitting the trails. He was pleased that these shoes’ effective waterproofing and grippy traction could handle the rocky, wet, and snowy conditions he encountered while hiking.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Material: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 12 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a stylish, comfy shoe for getting in their 10,000 daily steps, no matter the weather.
Why We Love Them
Sorel’s Ona Blvd Classic Waterproof Sneakers are an ideal choice if you don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort and protection. During testing, we immediately noticed this shoe’s cool, vintage style and were completely blown away by its incredible comfort and support. They kept our feet completely dry during runs and walks in wet conditions, even when we splashed through puddles.
These shoes are also surprisingly sturdy, supportive, and grippy. When running through wet grass, muddy terrain, and gravel, we never worried about slipping or losing balance. We love that we can comfortably wear this versatile pair all day for fitness walks, runs, and tackling errands.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we noticed that these shoes felt a bit rigid, but we expected that from a highly waterproof shoe and still found them comfy for all-day wear.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester runs about three times a week and has flat feet. She lives in a rainy climate and was grateful that this waterproof shoe was comfortable and supportive for running, walking, and all-day wear.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 8.5-15 | Material: GORE-TEX waterproof fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Men’s 11.4 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners looking for a road-to-trail shoe that can handle wet conditions.
Why We Love Them
Tough and durable, Nike’s Juniper Trail 2 Waterproof Trail Running Shoes are perfect for off-road running in wet conditions. This shoe’s waterproof liner keeps moisture out while still allowing our feet to breathe. Plus, their grippy outsoles provide secure traction on trails, even when running in wet conditions and at different paces.
We like that this pair is versatile for various surfaces and can easily transition from road to trails. Its cushioning provided excellent impact protection when we ran on sidewalks, paved paths, and gravel trails. Our feet never felt uncomfortable or sore both during or after runs.
Potential Flaws
- When we first ran in this pair, they felt a bit stiff. However, we didn’t notice any rubbing or hotspots, and they felt more comfortable after a few runs in them.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has occasional plantar fasciitis flare-ups and found this shoe supportive and comfortable for running. He ran in this pair while training for a 5K race and liked that these shoes allowed him to continue to stick to his training schedule, rain or shine.
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Comfortable, supportive cushioning
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Lightweight and stylish
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Ankle collar offers protection from debris
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May run small
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Could be more breathable
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 6-15 | Material: GORE-TEX waterproof fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 8 ounces, Men’s 10.2 ounces | Cushioning: Responsive | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for running or walking on roads or moderate trails in wet conditions.
Why We Love Them
If you need extra ankle support, Nike’s React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes are a great option to help limit excess movement and keep you sure-footed on wet, uneven terrains. During testing, we appreciated their raised, flexible ankle cuff, which helped keep us stable while offering protection from dirt and debris. Meanwhile, their grippy rubber outsoles provided excellent traction, even on uneven rocky terrain.
When we poured several glasses of water on them, we loved watching the water roll right off, keeping our socks and feet completely dry. And despite a lightweight feel, their cushioning feels very supportive and comfortable. We also like that they look stylish and not overly technical, making them a nice choice for casual wear.
Also available in men’s sizes at Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Potential FlawsÂ
- These run slightly small, so consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
- When wearing this pair on a very hot day, our feet felt a bit sweaty, but that was expected given the shoe’s highly effective waterproofing and support.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for fitness, mostly on roads and park trails. She likes this shoe’s overall support and found that their comfortable fit didn’t aggravate her bunion (a painful, bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe).
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-11, Men’s 7-14 | Material: Waterproof mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 9.9 ounces, Men’s 12.6 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a light, comfy sneaker for walking in wet conditions.
Why We Love Them
If you’re searching for a well-cushioned waterproof sneaker that’s still lightweight, we recommend On’s Cloudhorizon Waterproof Running Shoes. During testing, these shoes kept our feet completely dry when we poured water on them. Given their effective waterproofing, they were also surprisingly breathable, and our feet stayed free from sweat and odors when walking, hiking, and running in them.
This shoe’s thick cushioning felt lightweight while delivering good support and shock absorption. We also appreciated the roomy toe box, which gave our toes plenty of room to spread and helped us avoid discomfort or rubbing, even when wearing this pair on long walks around our neighborhood and during all-day wear. Plus, the slip-resistant sole kept us from sliding on wet and uneven surfaces, including gravel.
Also available in men’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we noticed that these shoes creased very easily in the toe area, which detracted from their overall appearance.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester likes to take long walks around her neighborhood, in parks, and on light trails. She likes this shoe as a more lightweight, comfortable alternative to rain boots for walking in wet weather.
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Grippy traction on uneven terrain
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Very stable
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Streamlined, flexible style
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-11, Men’s 7-14 | Material: Waterproof mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Women’s 9.5 ounces, Men’s 11.3 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best if you need a walking or running shoe that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear. Â
Why We Love Them
With a comfortable fit, versatile design, and effective waterproofing, On’s Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof Running Shoes are a great pick for active or casual wear. During testing, this pair kept our feet dry when walking through wet grass. When we poured water on them, it beaded up and rolled right off the surface and never permeated into the shoe.
We were also impressed with this shoe’s reliable grip and stability, which kept us steady and prevented us from slipping on many different surfaces, including wet grass, concrete, and rocky terrain. Our feet felt extremely comfortable and well-supported, with absolutely no irritation or rubbing—even when standing in them all day at work. And unlike some waterproof shoes that feel stiff and bulky, we love that this pair is flexible and streamlined.
Also available in men’s sizes at On and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, our feet felt warm and a bit sweaty. Although we love this shoe’s waterproof protection, we wish they were more breathable.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat feet but found this pair had the right support to keep her feet comfortable. She also likes that this shoe’s roomy toe box offered plenty of space to accommodate her bunions.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7-15, Women’s 5-12 | Material: GORE-TEX waterproof fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Men’s 10.6 ounces, Women’s 9.2 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for trail runners and hikers who don’t let bad weather conditions keep them from hitting the trails.
Why We Love Them
With reliable, grippy traction, Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX Trail Running Shoes are an excellent choice for running on slick or uneven terrain. During testing, this shoe’s deep lugs and grippy sole helped keep us steady and in control, even when running on wet grass and mud. Their cushioning felt soft yet supportive for running on uneven terrain, and the padded tongue and collar added to their overall comfort.
This shoe’s upper effectively blocks out water, keeping our feet completely dry when we run and hike in heavy rainfall. We never felt any moisture creep through the shoes despite wearing them for several hours in wet conditions. Plus, they’re breathable enough that we don’t feel heat or sweat building up in them.
Also available in women’s sizes at Saucony and Fleet Feet.
Potential Flaws
- We’d love to see this pair available in more color options.
- With its rugged traction and deep lugs, this pair is ideal for trail running and hiking but isn’t suitable for running on pavement.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester frequently runs and hikes on various terrains and in various weather conditions. He was impressed with this shoe’s effective waterproofing and protection in rain, mud, and snow.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 6-14, Women’s 5-11 | Material: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who like the convenience of slip-on shoes for casual wear or travel.
Why We Love Them
Despite their lightweight look and feel, Vessi’s Everyday Move Slip-On Sneakers are completely waterproof—making them a sleek, comfy alternative to rain boots. This shoe’s knit material has built-in waterproofing—not a coating—so the protection lasts the shoe’s lifespan. When testing, we found they kept our feet dry when walking on wet grass, through puddles, and in rainy conditions.
We love that these shoes are easy to slip on and lightweight but are still very supportive and comfortable. After a long day of walking and standing in this pair, our feet didn’t feel tired, and our ankles weren’t sore. Their soles are sturdy and grippy, providing good traction on various terrain, especially in wet conditions.
Also available in women’s sizes at Vessi.
Potential Flaws
- While this pair held up well during the testing period, we worry about the long-term durability of the material around the ankle, which might wear down due to feet sliding in and out of them.
- These shoes don’t come in half or wide sizes, so it might be tough to find the right fit for wider feet.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester wore this pair for a variety of activities, for both casual and professional settings. He tends to have sore ankles, but didn’t have any issues when wearing these shoes, which he found to be very supportive and comfortable.
What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial part-research-based, part-tested roundup of the best waterproof sneakers, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested the newest iterations of some of the shoes, plus eight additional pairs. This is now a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended waterproof sneaker.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked all of our product picks and superlatives. We’ve also added new superlatives, including Best Ankle Support, Most Comfortable, Best Traction, and Best for Everyday Wear.Â
- We consulted an additional expert, a professional trail runner, to ensure that all of the information in our roundup is accurate and up to date.
What to Look for When Shopping for Waterproof Sneakers
- Materials: Sneakers made with waterproofing materials such as rubber or GORE-TEX will offer the best protection. Waterproof leather, suede, and synthetic leather are also commonly used because they’re durable and easy to clean. They should have seams and stitching that are sealed or taped to prevent water from seeping through the gaps, ensuring the shoe is fully waterproof. Rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used to create the soles of waterproof sneakers since they’re flexible and sturdy.
- Support and Stability: Balance is essential to avoid injury when running or walking in wet conditions, so choose a shoe with a durable, grippy outsole and a wide toe box with plenty of space for your toes to splay. Features such as a raised or padded ankle collar also provide good ankle support and stability. If you’re going to be trail running or hiking, you’ll want sneakers with deep lugs to handle wet or rocky surfaces and loose gravel.
- Breathability: Waterproof shoes aren’t breathable since waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX are designed to block water from entering the shoe and will restrict airflow more than non-waterproof, well-ventilated materials. However, some waterproof shoes are made with microporous material, which allows some sweat to escape and keeps your feet dry and cool.
- Cushioning: Whether running on trails or sightseeing in a new city, you’ll want comfortable sneakers. Look for cushioning in the forefoot, heels, and collar since that’s where you’ll want comfort or shock absorption. Foam and gel are popular types of cushioning in many waterproof sneakers.
How We Tested the Waterproof Sneakers
To find the best waterproof sneakers, we spent 960 hours testing 20 pairs of shoes at home in wet conditions. When testing waterproof sneakers, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.Â
- Fit: When we first put on our waterproof sneakers, we note how they fit. Does the shoe feel true to size based on our usual footwear preferences? We determine how well the shoes fit our feet in length, width, and comfort. Do the shoes provide a secure and supportive fit, especially during dynamic movements or changes in terrain?
- Comfort: When testing sneakers, we pay particular attention to how comfortable we feel in each pair; do the shoes offer adequate arch support for our foot type? Is the toe box wide and deep, allowing our toes to splay comfortably without feeling constricted? We also note whether we experience discomfort, rubbing, or blistering while wearing the shoes.
- Traction: During testing, we evaluate how effectively the outsole provides grip and stability on various surfaces, including wet or slippery ones. Do we feel confident in the shoes’ traction, especially during movements on slick or uneven surfaces? We note if we experience any slipping or loss of traction while wearing the shoes.
- Durability: At the end of the testing period, we note signs of wear and tear on the shoe. Are the soles worn? Are there any loose or fraying seams or material? Is the waterproofing still adequate?
- Breathability: We note how well the shoes manage moisture and heat buildup during activities, especially in warmer weather. Do our feet stay relatively dry and comfortable inside the shoes, even during longer periods of wear? Do we notice any sweat accumulation or clamminess?
- Waterproofing: To test whether each pair is truly waterproof, we wear them for multiple walks and/or runs in rainy or wet conditions. Do the sneakers effectively repel water? At the end of our workout session, we note whether any water made its way into the shoes and whether our socks or feet feel wet due to anything other than sweat. We also elevate the waterproof performance based on different conditions, such as light rain, heavy rain, or puddles. We also pour water directly onto the shoes as we wear them and note whether our feet feel dry, damp, or wet.
- Value: To determine the value of each waterproof shoe, we don’t check its price until we’ve finished evaluating it for all other attributes. Then, we determine whether its price is worth its features and quality, and how it compares to other products we’re testing.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at every stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand when to opt for waterproof sneakers and the key features to consider or avoid while shopping for a high-quality pair. We choose products independently, but input from experts influences our decisions.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Are leather sneakers waterproof?
Leather is very durable and will keep out water, so it’s commonly used in many pairs of waterproof sneakers. However, leather is porous and can absorb water if the shoes are saturated. You can coat them with a waterproofing spray for more protection.
How do you make sneakers waterproof?
To add additional waterproof protection to a pair of sneakers you already own, you can spray them with a silicone or acrylic spray that’s specifically made for waterproofing shoes.
Can you wear waterproof sneakers in the snow?
Yes, waterproof sneakers will provide a barrier between your feet and ice or slush and can be a good option if you need to walk in the snow. Wearing them with warm socks can help to protect your extremities from the elements and things like frostbite and chilblains—cold-induced injuries that can lead to amputations and gangrene, says Lawrence.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a running coach, certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To exercise in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for shoes and replacing them regularly.
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