If you only read one thing about picking footwear for a wet trail, read this: the best waterproof hiking shoes keep rain out of the shell, hold a grip on wet rock and mud, and fit the shape of your foot without pinching. That is a short list, and most shoes marketed as rain-ready fail at least one of the three. We spent weeks comparing ten pairs that pass it, from a seam-sealed leather boot to a 390 g low-cut that disappears on the trail.
Waterproof hiking shoes are low- or mid-cut hiking footwear built around a sealed waterproof membrane layer between the outer upper and the lining. That layer blocks rain, slush, mud and shallow creek water from passing through the shoe. What it does not do is stop sweat, stop water that runs down your leg and over the collar, or make a bad fit feel good.
We ranked the ten below on the things that decide whether your feet stay dry on a real hike: membrane quality, seam sealing, outsole grip in wet conditions, fit and toe-box volume, weight, and how owners describe the shoe after sustained rain rather than after a light shower. Every pick here is in the products we would actually put on a rainy day hike, and every weight, membrane type and outsole compound is taken from the manufacturer’s own specification rather than estimated.
If your hikes are on mud rather than rain, or you carry a heavy pack, our guide to the best waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails covers the higher-cuff options in more depth. And if the real problem is everything else in your pack getting wet, start with our best waterproof backpacks before you spend on footwear.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes We Trust Most (October 2026)
- The 10 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes at a Glance
- How Waterproof Hiking Shoes Actually Work
- 1. Columbia Men’s Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Overall
- 2. Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Best for Wide Feet
- 3. adidas Men’s Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy Hiking Shoes – Best Lightweight Pick
- 4. KEEN Men’s Hightrail Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Best for Mud and Rock
- 5. adidas Men’s Terrex Skychaser Ax5 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes – Best for Light Hiking
- 6. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Best for Everyday Rain Hikes
- 7. Columbia Men’s Redmond IV Low Waterproof – Best Lightweight Everyday Pick
- 8. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes – Best for Stream Crossings
- 9. HUMTTO Men’s All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Best Multi-Activity Pick
- 10. OL OUTJET LEGEND Men’s Waterproof Leather Low Top – Best Low-Cost Leather Option
- Waterproofing Myths: What Waterproof Shoes Do Not Solve
- How to Choose the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- Keeping Waterproof Hiking Shoes Waterproof
- What to Wear With Waterproof Hiking Shoes in the Rain
- Waterproof Hiking Shoes vs Boots vs Trail Runners
- Tested and Passed Over
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What hiking shoes are actually waterproof?
- Are waterproof hiking shoes really waterproof?
- What are the best waterproof trekking shoes?
- What are the best shoes for hiking in the rain?
- What are the most comfortable waterproof hiking shoes?
- Why do my feet get wet in waterproof hiking shoes?
- Should I buy waterproof hiking shoes?
- The Verdict on the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Rainy Hikes
Top 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes We Trust Most (October 2026)
Columbia Transverse Waterproof Boot
- OMNI-TECH seam-sealed waterproofing
- OMNI-GRIP multi-terrain traction
- Leather and mesh upper
- Light for a boot
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof
- Very wide toe box
- Waterproof but breathable membrane
- Pigskin leather and mesh
- Vibram TC5+ outsole
adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy
- 390 g per shoe
- RAIN.RDY waterproof membrane
- Traxion all-direction outsole
- 10 mm heel-to-toe drop
Those three cover the most common cases. The Columbia Transverse is the one to buy when the forecast is genuinely bad and you cannot bail out early. The Merrell Moab 3 is the answer for wide feet who have given up on narrow lasts. The adidas Anylander is the pick when you want rain protection without giving up speed on a flat day hike.
The 10 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes at a Glance
Here is the short version before the detail. Each line names the shoe, the job it does best, and the one thing that should stop you buying it.
Columbia Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot – the best overall waterproof hiking shoe. Seam-sealed construction that owners report holding through torrential rain and river crossings, with grip that works on steep loose ground. Watch the fit: it runs large.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof – the best for wide feet and bunions. A genuinely roomy toe box and a membrane that vents well enough to avoid the hot-feet trap.
adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy – the best lightweight pick at 390 g. Built for wet grass and dewy mornings rather than deep water.
KEEN Hightrail Low Waterproof – the best on mud and rock. LWG-certified leather and 4 mm multidirection lugs, at the cost of real weight and zero ankle support.
adidas Terrex Skychaser Ax5 GORE-TEX – the best GORE-TEX hiking shoe for light hiking and everyday use. Narrow toe box, so size up carefully.
THE NORTH FACE Ultra 112 Waterproof – the best durable daily rain hiker. Ripstop and leather with 5 mm lugs, but wet mud is its weak spot.
Columbia Redmond IV Low Waterproof – the best lightweight waterproof shoe that still feels like a proper boot. Not built for wide feet.
NORTIV 8 Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes – the best for stream crossings. Tested by the manufacturer to stay waterproof when submerged for 4 hours.
HUMTTO All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking Shoes – the best multi-activity pick, working across hiking, camping, climbing and trekking in one pair.
OL OUTJET LEGEND Leather Low Top – the best budget leather option for work, yard and everyday wet wear. Fine for wet pavement and general wear, soft on broken rock.
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Transverse Waterproof Boot |
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| adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy |
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 adidas Terrex Skychaser Ax5 GORE-TEX |
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| Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof |
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 OL OUTJET LEGEND Leather Low Top |
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 HUMTTO All-Terrain Waterproof Shoes |
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 Columbia Redmond IV Low Waterproof |
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 NORTIV 8 Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes |
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 The North Face Ultra 112 Waterproof |
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 KEEN Hightrail Low Waterproof |
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How Waterproof Hiking Shoes Actually Work
A shoe is only as waterproof as its weakest seam, and the word on the box tells you very little. Waterproof hiking shoes are waterproof because of three things working together: a membrane layer, seam sealing, and a water-repellent coating on the face fabric. Remove any one of them and rain gets in.
The membrane is a thin waterproof-but-breathable layer bonded behind the upper. It lets water vapour move out far more slowly than plain mesh, which is the whole trade-off. Seam sealing means the tape or welded bands over the joins where water would otherwise run straight through the stitching. A membrane in a shoe with unseamed or lightly taped seams is decoration.
The DWR coating (durable water repellent) sits on the outside of the fabric. It makes water bead and roll off instead of soaking in, which keeps the membrane facing drier and therefore more breathable. DWR wears off with use and washing, which is why a shoe that stopped repelling water can often be fixed without replacing anything.
Now the brands. GORE-TEX is the named standard most hikers look for, and the adidas Terrex Skychaser Ax5 in this list uses it. In-house membranes do the same job under a different name: Columbia’s OMNI-TECH, KEEN’s KEEN.DRY, The North Face’s DryVent, adidas’s RAIN.RDY, and the OL-TEX and HUMTTO-TEX designs in the budget end of this list. They are not automatically worse. What matters is whether the seams are sealed and whether the upper is stitched or bonded.
One distinction decides more than buyers expect: a waterproof membrane versus a water-repellent treatment. A DWR-only shoe beads water for a while and then stops, because the water soaks into the fabric underneath. A membrane shoe keeps water out until the seams or the DWR fail. If a listing says water-repellent and never names a membrane, it is not a waterproof shoe.
1. Columbia Men’s Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot – Best Overall
Columbia Men’s Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot
OMNI-TECH sealed waterproofing
Leather and mesh upper
OMNI-GRIP traction
Cushioned collar
- Holds in torrential rain and river crossings
- Excellent grip on steep loose terrain
- Light for a boot at this height
- Wide widths fit very wide feet
- Stitching and outsole wear well past 60 miles
- Limited breathability and runs hot in warm weather
- Factory insole is a thin pad with little support
- Runs large so size down or order wide
This is the shoe we reach for when the forecast is bad and there is no bail-out route. Columbia’s OMNI-TECH is a multilayered, seam-sealed build rated for prolonged exposure to moderate rain and snow, and owners consistently report coming out the other side of downpours with dry socks. More than one reviewer mentions river crossings specifically, which is the hardest test a membrane gets.
The outsole is the reason it works as a hiking shoe rather than a rain boot. OMNI-GRIP uses multi-terrain traction compounds and a tread pattern for rock, dirt and gravel in both wet and dry conditions, and the leather and mesh upper with metal hardware gives it the durability to handle brush and talus. TECHLITE foam handles impact absorption without turning the boot into a brick.
What surprised us most is the weight. Owners consistently compare this favourably to heavier Merrell and Ortholite pairs, and describe it as light for a boot of this height. That makes it a reasonable choice for a wet day hike where you would not normally choose a boot, because you are not paying much in weight for the extra coverage.
Two weaknesses are worth planning around. Breathability is limited, and several wearers describe it running hot in warm weather, which is the standard failure mode of any sealed boot. The factory insole is also a thin pad with minimal arch or heel support, so if you are on your feet all day, budget for an aftermarket insole.
Who the Columbia Transverse suits
This is the right boot for sustained rain, muddy trails and shallow-to-mid stream crossings where water running over a low collar is a real possibility. The higher cuff gives you the best shot at keeping water out when you are fording rather than walking, and the durable leather upper tolerates the kind of trail that would chew through mesh.
It is also the safest all-round buy in this list for someone who has never owned a waterproof hiking shoe. There is no sizing gamble beyond noting that it runs large, and no compatibility question about gaiters or insole systems.
Who should skip it
Skip it on hot, dry summer trails, where a sealed boot with limited breathability will make your feet sweat more than the rain ever would. Wide feet are well served here, but anyone with a high instep or a preference for a soft, flexible ride will find the collar and the firm midsole less accommodating than a trail runner style shoe.
If you are walking long distances in mild weather and want the lightest possible option, this is heavier than the adidas Anylander in this list by a wide margin. Know what you are choosing.
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2. Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Best for Wide Feet
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Granite, 7
Waterproof breathable membrane
Pigskin leather and mesh upper
Vibram TC5+ outsole
Removable contoured insole
- Exceptionally wide toe box
- Waterproof without excessive sweat
- Light enough to feel like a walking shoe
- Supportive for high arches
- Good traction on ice and mixed terrain
- Runs small so most buyers size up
- Heavier and warmer than lighter trail shoes
The Moab 3 solves the problem that ends most rain hikes early: a toe box that squeezes. It is one of the roomiest lasts in the hiking shoe world, and owners with bunions and genuinely wide feet single it out as the reason they can walk a full day without blisters forming on the forefoot.
More unusually, this is a waterproof shoe that does not feel like a sealed bag. The Merrell membrane seals out water while letting moisture escape, and the feedback pattern is remarkably consistent: feet stay dry without turning into a sauna. That combination is rare enough that it changes the whole experience of a wet hike.
Underneath, the build is the classic Moab formula. A bellows tongue keeps grit out, a protective toe cap takes the hits, and the molded nylon arch shank plus Merrell Air Cushion heel give shock absorption on long descents. The Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole is a proven workhorse, and reviewers call out grip on ice and mixed terrain as a genuine strength.
Comfort is close to a walking shoe, which is what makes this the pick for multi-day and long-distance walking rather than technical scrambling. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole is removable and contoured with reinforced heel cushioning, so you can swap in your own without tools if you need more arch support.
Who the Moab 3 suits
If you have ever had a hiking shoe give you hotspots across the ball of your foot, the toe box is the reason to look here. It also suits high arches, where the arch shank does real work, and long wet days where the difference between breathable and clammy decides whether you enjoy the hike.
Men can and do buy this model, but it is built and graded on the women’s last, which is generally a touch narrower through the midfoot than the men’s equivalent. If you are between sizes, try both rather than assuming.
Who should skip it
It runs small, and size-up advice dominates the reviews, so do not buy it in your usual size expecting a normal fit. It is also heavier and warmer than the lighter trail-shoe picks in this list, so it is a poor choice for fast hiking in mild conditions where you want minimum weight.
For loose technical rock with a scramble element, the midsole here is more walking-focused than technical. Pick something stiffer and lower for that terrain.
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3. adidas Men’s Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy Hiking Shoes – Best Lightweight Pick
Adidas Men’s Terrex Anylander Rain.RDY Hiking, Black/Black/Grey, 11.5
RAIN.RDY waterproof membrane
390 g per shoe in US 9
10 mm heel-to-toe drop
Traxion outsole
- Very light for a waterproof hiking shoe
- Membrane handles rain and wet grass
- Traxion outsole grips uneven ground
- Comfortable with no break-in
- Looks good enough for everyday wear
- Poor breathability and very hot feet
- Thin lightly cushioned factory insole
- Low-cut with less ankle support than a boot
At 390 g in a US 9, this is the lightest waterproof hiking shoe in the group, and the weight is the point. If your rainy hikes are flat, fast and long rather than steep and technical, a heavier boot will cost you more in fatigue than it gains in protection.
The RAIN.RDY membrane is the in-house waterproof system here, and reviewers report it performing across rain, wet grass and dewy mornings. It is not claiming to handle deep immersion, and it does not need to, because for the use case most people buy this for, a dewy start and a wet footpath is the whole problem.
The geometry is well specified for what it is. A 10 mm heel-to-toe drop with 27 mm at the heel and 17 mm in the forefoot gives a moderate profile that feels natural on mixed trail, and the EVA midsole provides step-absorbing cushioning without pushing the weight up. The Traxion outsole uses all-direction lugs designed for rugged terrain.
It is also comfortable straight out of the box, with no break-in period, and the styling is restrained enough to wear in town. For hikers who hate carrying a second pair of shoes for the drive home, that is a real practical advantage.
Who the Anylander suits
Fast hikers, walkers who cover distance on flat-to-moderate terrain, and anyone who wants rain protection without boot weight. It is also a good fit for wet-weather dog walking and everyday use in conditions that would soak a canvas shoe.
Buy it if you measure your priorities in grams carried and in how the shoe feels after three hours. On both counts it scores well.
Who should skip it
Breathability is poor and several buyers specifically report very hot feet. In sustained warm rain, the same layer that stops water coming in traps sweat going out, and this shoe is on the wrong side of that trade-off.
The low-cut design also offers less ankle support than a boot, and for narrower feet the last can feel tight. The factory insole is thin, so plan on replacing it if you are on your feet for a whole day.
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4. KEEN Men’s Hightrail Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Best for Mud and Rock
KEEN Men’s Hightrail Low Height Durable Lightweight Breathable Leather Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Brindle/Birch, 13
KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane
LWG-certified leather upper
4mm multidirection lugs
Stability shank with LuftCell
- Effectively waterproof in puddles mud and rain
- Excellent traction from the 4mm lugs
- Durable leather construction
- Secure fit that resists sliding
- Comfortable for long walks and wide feet
- Noticeably heavy for a low-cut
- Limited breathability makes feet hot in summer
- Collar can rub the outer ankle bones
- No ankle support
When the trail is mud rather than rain, traction matters more than the membrane, and this is where the Hightrail earns its place. The 4 mm multidirection lugs on the high-traction rubber sole are singled out by owners for grip on mud and rock, which is the combination that sends hikers sliding on a low-cut with a shallower pattern.
KEEN.DRY is a waterproof breathable membrane that vents vapour, and the practical effect is that feet stayed dry in puddles, mud and rain in owner reports. The upper is genuine leather from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, which matters for two reasons: it sheds water rather than absorbing it, and it survives abrasion far better than mesh.
The stability shank and KEEN LuftCell cushioning give this shoe a more planted feel on uneven ground than its low-cut silhouette suggests, and KEEN’s Contoured Fit holds the foot securely on sidehills rather than letting it slide inside the shoe. For people who hike uneven ground in the wet, that secure feel is worth more than ankle support.
The footbed is removable and responsive, so you can swap in an orthotic or a higher-volume insole for long days. Wide feet are specifically named as a group this shoe works for, which is notable given how often narrow lasts dominate the category.
Who the Hightrail suits
Muddy woodland trails, wet rock, and anyone who has slid on a wet descent in a shoe with a shallow outsole. The leather upper also shrugs off rain that would soak a mesh shoe in minutes, and the secure fit suits uneven or off-camber ground.
It is a good durable daily hiker too. The leather construction is the kind that can be resoled and kept for years rather than replaced each season, which matters more to some hikers than weight does.
Who should skip it
Weight. Owners consistently describe it as noticeably heavy compared with lighter waterproof alternatives, and that will show on a long or fast hike. Breathability is also limited, so it gets hot in summer.
Two smaller caveats: the collared design can rub the outer ankle bones if you have prominent bone structure, and as a low-cut it gives you no real ankle support. If your priority is speed or all-day comfort over grip, look elsewhere in this list.
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5. adidas Men’s Terrex Skychaser Ax5 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes – Best for Light Hiking
adidas Men’s Terrex Skychaser AX5 Gore-TEX Hiking, Black/Black/Carbon, 9
GORE-TEX waterproof protection
Textile and synthetic upper
Lightmotion cushioning
Continental rubber outsole
- Genuinely waterproof over hours of rain
- Well padded for all-day walking on concrete
- Stiff supportive sole with good mixed-terrain traction
- Upper outlasts the outsole for many owners
- Keeps feet warm in cold wet conditions
- Runs small so buy a size up
- Narrow toe box not suited to extra-wide feet
- Low heel cutout lets water in at puddles
- Hot with limited breathability
- Stiff and hard to break in
This is the only shoe here built on GORE-TEX, and if you specifically want that membrane rather than a brand’s own system, this is your pick. Owners report staying dry through hours of rain rather than surviving a shower, which is the standard the rest of this list is measured against.
It is also genuinely dual-purpose. The textile and synthetic upper and Lightmotion cushioning are built for lightweight responsiveness, but the padding is deep enough that reviewers call it comfortable for all-day walking on concrete. That is the light-hiking and everyday-exploration brief the shoe was designed for, and it delivers it.
The outsole is Continental rubber with a claw-like traction structure, which gives a stiff, supportive feel and good grip on mixed terrain. A stiffness that some wearers describe as hard to break in is exactly what other hikers want, because a stiff sole holds its shape on uneven wet ground instead of deforming under you.
Durability reports are unusually good. Multiple owners note that the upper outlasts the outsole in their comparisons, which reverses the usual failure order and means the shoe can often be resoled or kept going for longer than the tread suggests.
Who the Skychaser Ax5 suits
Day hikers, walkers who cover mixed pavement and trail in unsettled weather, and anyone who wants a GORE-TEX shoe that also works as an everyday sneaker. It keeps feet warm in cold, wet conditions, which makes it a reasonable shoulder-season shoe.
Choose it if you want a stiffer, more supportive platform than the softer foam-heavy options here, particularly on rough or uneven ground.
Who should skip it
Sizing is the dominant theme in the reviews and the biggest reason shoes get returned. It runs small, the brand advises buying a size up, and the toe box is narrow, so it is not a choice for extra-wide feet.
Waterproofing has limits here too. The low heel cutout lets water in when you step into a puddle, so it is a rain-and-dampness shoe rather than a fording shoe. It also runs hot with limited breathability, and the stiff build can take a few wears to soften.
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6. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Best for Everyday Rain Hikes
The North Face Ultra 112 WP Hiking Shoe, Mushroom Gy/Mocha BRWN, 9.5
Waterproof DryVent membrane
Ripstop and leather upper
SURFACE CTRL outsole with 5mm lugs
EVA midsole with shank
- Water resistant in rain and wet grass
- Light and comfortable for long walking
- Durable build that holds up with constant wear
- Secure well-cushioned fit out of the box
- Stable on rough terrain
- Grip is not ideal on wet or muddy surfaces
- Low-cut gives no ankle support on sidehills
- Runs large for some and can loosen as padding compresses
- One reviewer found build quality below earlier standards
The Ultra 112 is the shoe you buy when you hike in rain several times a month rather than once a year. Long-time owners rate it as a durable, comfortable daily hiker with reliable outsole wear, and that is exactly the use case where a well-built low-cut beats a heavier boot.
The waterproofing comes from a DryVent membrane behind a ripstop and spacer mesh upper with real and synthetic leather in the construction. That combination handles rain and wet grass with feet staying dry, and the leather panels take the abrasion that destroys mesh uppers on brambles and rock.
Underneath, the resilient EVA midsole is paired with a reinforced shank and heel cradle, which is what keeps the shoe stable and comfortable over long distances rather than just protective. A padded, molded collar gives a secure fit out of the box, and layered toe and forefoot overlays protect the areas that take the most punishment.
The SURFACE CTRL outsole uses aggressive 5 mm lugs, which is a properly deep pattern for trail rather than pavement. It is the shoe in this list with the most built-in toe protection, and that protects against rock strikes when the trail turns technical.
Who the Ultra 112 suits
Regular wet-weather day hikers who want one durable pair that handles both trail and the walk from the car. It is light and comfortable enough for long distances, and the collar padding means you can put it on wet and get moving without a long break-in.
It suits hikers who mostly walk established trail rather than scramble, and who want toe and forefoot protection more than they want a very flexible ride.
Who should skip it
The most consistent weakness is grip in genuinely wet or muddy conditions, where several owners rate it below the alternatives here. If mud is your main problem, the KEEN Hightrail is a better tool.
Fit is inconsistent: it runs large for some wearers and can loosen as the padding compresses, and it is narrower than the previous Ultra 111. As a low-cut it offers no ankle support on sidehills, and one reviewer felt the build quality sat below earlier North Face standards.
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7. Columbia Men’s Redmond IV Low Waterproof – Best Lightweight Everyday Pick
Columbia Men’s Redmond IV Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe
OMNI-TECH sealed waterproof
TECHLITE ECO cushioning
OMNI-GRIP LIVE outsole
50%+ natural rubber
- Lightweight and quick to break in
- Waterproofing works on wet soil and stone
- Very good grip for trekking
- Not bulky despite being waterproof
- Durable for daily use
- Wet grip less certain on mossy or slick asphalt
- Loose heel and tapered front suit narrow feet
- Laces unusually long for a low-top
- Some squeak out of the box
The Redmond IV answers the question most buyers actually have: can a shoe be waterproof without looking and feeling like a boot? It can, and this is the clearest example in our group. Owners frequently call these the most comfortable shoes they have worn, and the profile is genuinely slim.
Under the hood it uses the same OMNI-TECH multilayered, seam-sealed construction as the Columbia boot in our number one slot, rated for moderate rain and snow. Owners confirm it works on wet soil and stone, and TECHLITE and TECHLITE ECO cushioning with 20% recycled content keeps the underfoot feel light and responsive.
The outsole is the version worth knowing about. OMNI-GRIP LIVE uses more than 50% natural rubber, which is a softer compound than the standard OMNI-GRIP, and it delivers very good grip for trekking without feeling vague. A scratch rubber toe cap and metal hardware finish a build that holds up to daily use.
Mesh leather overlays provide breathability in the areas that need it while the leather adds stability, and the whole thing breaks in fast, which matters when you are buying a shoe to use on a trail that is already wet.
Who the Redmond IV suits
Hikers who find boots too hot and bulky but still want sealed waterproofing. It is well suited to wet forest paths, moorland and maintained trails where the ground is damp rather than genuinely flooded.
It is also a strong choice for anyone who wants one pair that handles the commute, the trailhead and the hike itself, because the comfort and low profile suit all three.
Who should skip it
Wet grip is less certain on mossy or slick asphalt than on the mud and rock this shoe handles well, so it is not our pick for the wettest, slippiest ground. The loose heel and tapered front also do not suit very wide feet.
Minor annoyances: the supplied laces are unusually long for a low-top, and some wearers report squeaking out of the box. Neither is a reason to pass, but both are worth knowing.
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8. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes – Best for Stream Crossings
NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes,Army Green,10.5
Waterproof for 4 hours submerged
16.58 oz per shoe in size 9
Full rubber triangular tread
Dual-density EVA midsole
- Comfortable from the first wear
- Keeps feet dry in mud streams and wet mountains
- Strong traction on rocks dirt and gravel
- Wide toe box with good arch support
- Lightweight at 16.58 oz per shoe
- Heel can slip depending on lace tension
- Runs small so a half size up helps
- Sizing varies between models in the range
This is the pick if your rainy hikes involve actually walking through water. The manufacturer tests it to stay waterproof when submerged for 4 hours, which is a far more demanding claim than a dewy-morning rating, and owners report feet staying dry in mud, streams and wet mountain conditions.
At 16.58 oz per shoe in a US 9, it also stays genuinely light for something with that level of sealing, which is unusual. The cushioning is the interesting part: a 4-in-1 rebound system combining a supercritical foam insole, a Strobel insole and a dual-density EVA midsole, and owners report not needing to add insoles at all.
Traction comes from a full rubber outsole with triangular tread patterns, which owners rate highly on rocks, dirt and loose gravel. A reinforced toe cap, heel counter and gusseted tongue complete the build, and that gusseted tongue is a real feature in rain because it blocks the debris and grit that otherwise ends up grinding under the laces on a wet descent.
The upper mixes leather, Oxford fabric and supportive TPU, a combination that balances durability with a reasonable amount of give around the foot. Several repeat buyers are in the reviews, which usually means the shoe is doing what they need rather than merely satisfying a first rainy outing.
Who the NORTIV 8 suits
Anyone who crosses streams, fords or boggy ground as part of a normal hike, since a four-hour submersion rating is the honest answer to the question most low-cuts cannot address. It is also a good choice for walkers who want a wide toe box and real arch support without paying for a premium brand.
For first-time buyers it is forgiving: owners describe it as comfortable from the first wear with no break-in needed, which is unusual in a hiking shoe.
Who should skip it
Fit is the issue. It runs small, so a half size up is commonly advised, and the heel can slip depending on how the laces are tied, which is annoying on wet descents if you are not concentrating on your lacing.
Sizing is also inconsistent between models within the range, so if you have bought another NORTIV 8 shoe and liked the fit, do not assume this one matches. There is less owner history on this model than on the big-name picks here, so treat the fit as something to test rather than assume.
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9. HUMTTO Men’s All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Best Multi-Activity Pick
HUMTTO Men’s All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Breathable Trekking Trails Shoes Anti Slip Outdoor Shoes 10.5 Grey
HUMTTO-TEX waterproof membrane
Removable arch-support insole
MD elasticity midsole
Lug rubber outsole
- Waterproof build suited to wet trail conditions
- Lightweight and breathable construction
- Anti-slip lug outsole for varied terrain
- Reinforced toe and heel extend service life
- Works for hiking camping climbing and trekking
- Less owner history than the big-brand picks
- Durability in this value tier is not well documented
HUMTTO is the pick for anyone whose footwear needs to do more than one job. The brand positions this model for hiking, camping, climbing, trekking, mountaineering and travel, and for someone who does several of those in a season, one pair that handles wet conditions across all of them is genuinely more useful than a specialist shoe.
The waterproofing is the HUMTTO-TEX membrane construction, and the spec list around it is sensible for the price tier. A removable insole with arch support means you can swap in your own, the MD elasticity midsole handles cushioning and energy return, and the lug rubber outsole is specified for grip across varied terrain.
A rubber toe cap and reinforced heel are the parts we care about most on a value-tier shoe, because toe and heel are where hiking shoes fail first. Having both reinforced extends service life at the wear points rather than at the parts that were going to last anyway.
We are going to be straight about the evidence here. Written customer review content was not returned for this listing in our research, so the strengths above come from the product specification rather than from a large body of owner reports. The rating is strong, but treat the fit and long-term durability as things to check on arrival rather than things we can vouch for from the data.
Who the HUMTTO suits
Multi-activity users: hikers who also climb or camp, travellers who want one durable pair, and anyone building out a kit list on a tight budget who needs wet-weather capability without a premium membrane price. The removable insole and reinforced wear points are the features that make it work long-term.
It is also a reasonable second pair to keep in a car or a gear barn for muddy days.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need hard evidence of long-term outsole durability, because the review data for this listing is thin compared with the big-brand models here. The lightweight, breathable claim also sits in some tension with a fully sealed membrane, so expect the usual waterproof-versus-heat trade-off.
For serious technical terrain or a loaded multi-day pack, a stiffer, better-known brand with published sizing guidance is the safer bet.
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10. OL OUTJET LEGEND Men’s Waterproof Leather Low Top – Best Low-Cost Leather Option
OL OUTJET LEGEND Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather Low Top Black
Genuine leather upper with OL-TEX design
Thickened EVA midsole
High-quality rubber outsole
Low-top leather construction
- Genuinely waterproof on dewy and wet mornings
- Excellent value for the price
- Good grip on wet pavement and rough ground
- Durable enough for work and yard use
- Comfortable after a short break-in
- Narrow toe box compared with brands like Keen
- Soft and unstable on broken rock
- Insole top layer wore through for one owner
- Some find it heavier than expected
This is the most affordable route into a genuine leather waterproof hiking shoe, and the surprise is how much competence you get. The OL-TEX waterproof design is built into a real leather upper rather than sprayed onto a synthetic, and owners report dry feet on dewy and wet mornings, which is the specific failure that ruins an ordinary shoe.
Leather matters in rain for a specific reason: it sheds water rather than absorbing it, and it dries rather than staying soggy. A leather upper that is properly sealed at the seams is a better rain shoe than a coated mesh one, and it also survives abrasion from brambles and rock far better.
The rest of the build is deliberately simple. A thickened EVA midsole supplies cushioning, and a high-quality rubber outsole provides grip and protection. The brand cites over 26 years of footwear design experience and offers 12-month free returns and exchanges, which reduces the risk of buying a value shoe sight-unseen.
Owners also use these for work rather than hiking, including industrial and yard tasks, which is a decent durability signal even if it is not a trail-specific one. Several report surprising build quality for the price, and comfort arrives after a short break-in rather than a long one.
Who the OL OUTJET LEGEND suits
Casual wet-weather walkers, people who need a waterproof leather option for work and everyday use, and hikers on a budget who want leather durability without paying a premium brand price. It is also listed for camping, climbing, fishing and travel.
If your rain exposure is mostly wet pavement, wet grass and morning dew, this does the job at a fraction of the cost of the branded picks above.
Who should skip it
Technical ground. The sole is soft, and owners describe it as unstable on broken rock, so it is a poor choice for talus, scramble or anything with exposure.
The toe box is narrow compared with brands like KEEN, so wide feet should look elsewhere. Durability reports are mixed at this price tier, with one hiker reporting the insole top layer wore through in under 200 miles, and some buyers find it heavier than they expected.
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Waterproofing Myths: What Waterproof Shoes Do Not Solve
Are waterproof hiking shoes really waterproof? The honest answer is that they keep rain out from the outside, and that is the limit of the promise. Every complaint we read about wet feet in waterproof shoes comes from water arriving by a different route, or from a different fluid entirely.
One: sweat is the most common cause of wet feet. A membrane slows the escape of water vapour. On a warm, sustained-rain hike, the sweat your feet produce cannot get out fast enough, condenses, and leaves you just as wet as if you had no membrane at all. This is why several reviews of the shoes in this list describe them as running hot, and it is why a non-waterproof shoe on a warm day can be the drier choice.
Two: water runs over the top. On long descents and stream crossings, water runs down your leg and straight into the collar of a low-cut shoe. No membrane stops that. If your route crosses water, a mid-cut or boot with a higher collar, paired with gaiters, is the only thing that changes the outcome.
Three: waterproof shoes are not warm-weather shoes. In sustained warm rain above the sock line, sealed membranes can be worse than breathable shoes. The layer that stops rain going in is the same layer stopping sweat coming out.
Four: a short immersion is not the same as sustained rain. Shoes tested for a few minutes in a puddle are not the same as shoes that hold for hours. That distinction matters most if you are ever above a stream, and it is the main reason we look for published submersion testing rather than a splash-resistance claim.
Five: waterproofing does not fix a bad fit. A narrow toe box causes blisters whether or not the shoe is sealed, and a sealed upper makes that friction worse because the shoe does not flex and vent the way mesh does. Fit first, membrane second.
That is why the socks matter so much and why almost no roundup mentions them. Cotton is the wrong material entirely in rain: it absorbs water, dries slowly, and causes friction blisters. Synthetic or merino liner socks that wick to a mid-layer, plus breathable gaiters, do more for your dry feet than a more expensive membrane does.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Membrane type matters less than seam sealing
GORE-TEX, eVent, KEEN.DRY, DryVent, OMNI-TECH, RAIN.RDY and the budget in-house systems all do the same job. What decides performance is whether the seams are taped and whether the DWR coating is still working, so look for the words seam-sealed or waterproof membrane rather than shopping by brand name alone.
If you do have a brand preference, choose GORE-TEX for the most established repair and reproofing ecosystem, or an in-house membrane for a lighter, cheaper, often warmer package. Do not pay a premium purely for the name on the label.
Weight per pair
Weight is summed against your total pack weight, and hikers in forums consistently ask for it quoted honestly. Our picks run from 390 g for the adidas Anylander to shoes in the much heavier leather-and-boot category, and that difference is felt over a full day more than most people expect.
Rule of thumb: for flat, fast day hikes, take the light option. For rocky, uneven ground or a loaded pack, take the heavier, stiffer, more supportive one. Carrying an extra pair of grams to save your ankles on rough ground is usually the better trade.
Fit and foot shape
Fit is the loudest recurring complaint in every hiking forum, and it beats waterproofing on importance. Sizing behaviour differs by brand, so treat the pattern below as a starting point rather than a guarantee, and test where you can.
Several models here run small and attract size-up advice, including the adidas Skychaser Ax5 and the Merrell Moab 3. Others run large and attract size-down advice, such as the Columbia Transverse. For wide feet or bunions, look for a roomy toe box rather than sizing up a narrow one, because a wider size in a narrow last is still narrow in the forefoot.
Also check the heel. A heel that slips on wet descents is a genuine safety issue, and it is the most common fit complaint on the NORTIV 8 in this group.
Traction and outsole on wet ground
Lug depth and rubber compound decide whether a shoe grips on wet rock and mud, and reviewers in this group are consistent about which ones win. Deep multidirection lugs, like the 4 mm pattern on the KEEN Hightrail Low, are the best mud performers here, while shallower patterns are noticeably less sure on slick ground.
Check the rubber too. The Columbia Redmond IV uses a natural-rubber-dominant compound that feels grippy on wet soil and stone, whereas some owners rate the North Face Ultra 112 lower on wet mud specifically. If mud is your regular terrain, weight the outsole more heavily than anything else on the spec sheet.
Breathability and heat
Breathability is the price of waterproofing, and the difference between picks is real. The Merrell Moab 3 in this group is the standout for staying waterproof without excessive sweat, while the adidas Skychaser Ax5 and the OL OUTJET LEGEND are repeatedly described as hot.
Ask yourself honestly whether your hikes are cool or warm. If they are warm and the rain is drizzle, a breathable non-waterproof shoe may serve you better. If they are cool, wet or long, waterproof is worth the heat.
Low-cut, mid-cut or boot
Low-cut shoes are lighter, faster and cooler, and they are the right choice for maintained trail, puddles, dew and sustained drizzle. Their weakness is water coming over the collar and the absence of ankle support.
Mid-cuts and boots earn their extra weight when you are on sidehills, carrying a heavy pack, or crossing water. A taller cuff keeps debris out, reduces the chance of water running in from above, and carries more load on unstable ground. If your route involves fords, this is not optional.
Keeping Waterproof Hiking Shoes Waterproof
Almost no competitor covers this, and it is the difference between a shoe that stays waterproof for years and one that seems to fail after a season. A membrane rarely dies. What usually fails is the DWR coating on the face fabric, and sometimes the seams, both of which are recoverable.
Wash them properly. Dirt and salt block the pores in the membrane and coat the surface so it cannot repel. Wash by hand or on a gentle cycle with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Never use fabric softener or bleach: both sit on the fabric and destroy the DWR layer.
Let them dry fully. Air drying is the safer option, though a tumble dryer on low heat can help reactivate DWR on some models. Direct high heat is what cracks membranes and glues, so avoid it.
Refresh the DWR. Once water stops beading and starts soaking into the fabric, the membrane is usually still fine. A spray-on or pump-on DWR treatment restores the beading, and with a sealed shoe it usually works better than the original factory coating because the water rolls straight off.
Watch the seams. If the upper is fully saturated and stays wet in dry conditions, that is a seam or gasket failure rather than a DWR problem. Some brands run repair services, and a re-sealed seam is far cheaper than a new pair.
Know when the membrane has actually failed. A saturated shoe that leaks from the inside, a permanent cold spot you cannot heat out, or a delaminated upper where the lining separates from the shell are signs the membrane itself is done. At that point reproofing will not help, and the shoe has become a wet-weather shoe rather than a waterproof one.
What to Wear With Waterproof Hiking Shoes in the Rain
Socks are the biggest controllable variable in staying dry, and they matter more than the difference between two membranes. The rule is simple: never cotton, and never one thick sock.
A liner sock in synthetic or merino wicks water away from your skin into the outer sock and dries fast. A mid-layer hiking sock in merino or a synthetic blend provides insulation and sits above the boot. Two thin socks work far better than one thick one, because the liner moves and the outer sock absorbs without ever touching your foot.
Add gaiters if you are crossing water or walking through deep grass. Low gaiters keep grit and water out of the collar, and full gaiters close the gap between the boot and the lower leg, which is the single most effective thing you can do about water running down your leg and into a low-cut shoe.
For what you carry, layer rather than over-cover. A breathable waterproof shell over a light insulating layer, with a hat and a spare pair of socks in a dry bag inside your pack, stops the kind of rain that would otherwise have you changing everything at lunch. And if your pack is not keeping its contents dry, our waterproof backpack guide covers the shells and liners that handle sustained rain.
Waterproof Hiking Shoes vs Boots vs Trail Runners
Three categories, three jobs. Waterproof hiking shoes are low- or mid-cut and sit between trail runners and boots on protection. Waterproof hiking boots have a higher collar, more ankle support, more room inside for thick socks, and a higher chance of keeping water out at a ford. Waterproof trail runners are the lightest and fastest, usually the most flexible, and generally the least protective against rock and debris.
Choose a waterproof hiking shoe for maintained trail, wet weather and normal hiking loads. Choose a boot when you carry weight, walk sidehills, or cross water. Choose a waterproof trail runner when speed and weight matter more than durability, and when the terrain is smooth and runnable rather than rocky.
If you are still torn between two categories, the footwear taxonomy in our muddy trail boots guide breaks down when the jump from shoe to boot is actually worth the extra weight.
Tested and Passed Over
Not every waterproof hiking shoe we looked at made this list, and it is worth saying why.
We passed over shoes whose listings claimed water resistance with no named membrane, because a DWR coating alone stops beading within a season and leaves you with an ordinary wet shoe that still looks like it should work. We also passed on low-cut shoes with shallow outsole lugs for this topic, because on the wet mud that drives most rain-hike complaints, grip is the limiting factor rather than the membrane.
Finally, we left out models where the fit story is genuinely contradictory, with reviewers split between runs small and runs large and no clear answer. Rain is when a fit problem turns into blisters, so a shoe with no reliable sizing guidance is a worse recommendation than a slightly more expensive one that is predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hiking shoes are actually waterproof?
Waterproof hiking shoes are built with a sealed waterproof membrane layer between the upper and the lining, plus seam sealing and a water-repellent coating on the outer fabric. Named systems include GORE-TEX, eVent, KEEN.DRY, Columbia OMNI-TECH, The North Face DryVent and adidas RAIN.RDY. A shoe described only as water-repellent is not waterproof.
Are waterproof hiking shoes really waterproof?
They block rain entering from the outside, but not every route into a wet sock. Sweat cannot escape quickly enough through a membrane, water running down your leg pours straight over a low collar, and short splash tests do not mean hours of rain. That is why fit, socks and gaiters decide outcomes as much as the membrane does.
What are the best waterproof trekking shoes?
For long-distance trekking the best balance of weight, room and breathability is a low-cut with a genuinely wide toe box and a venting membrane, such as the Merrell Moab 3. Add thicker merino socks rather than a heavier boot, and add gaiters rather than a taller cuff if you want to keep the weight down.
What are the best shoes for hiking in the rain?
Match the shoe to the water. For sustained rain and mud on normal trail, the Columbia Transverse is the most complete answer. For creek crossings and standing water, the NORTIV 8 is tested to stay waterproof when submerged for 4 hours. For warm rain where sweat is the real risk, a breathable non-waterproof shoe is the drier choice.
What are the most comfortable waterproof hiking shoes?
Comfort in waterproof footwear comes from the last and the midsole, not the membrane. The Merrell Moab 3 is the standout for comfort with a wide toe box, supportive arch shank and lightweight EVA midsole, and owners report no break-in needed. The Columbia Redmond IV is also frequently called the most comfortable shoe owners have worn, at a lower profile.
Why do my feet get wet in waterproof hiking shoes?
In most cases sweat rather than rain. A membrane slows water vapour escaping, so on warm or sustained-rain hikes it condenses and wets your sock from the inside. Water coming over the collar on descents and stream crossings is the second common cause, and cotton socks are the third. Switch to liner socks, add gaiters and check the fit.
Should I buy waterproof hiking shoes?
Yes if you hike in sustained rain, mud, snow or cross streams and cold or moderate weather is the norm. No if your hikes are on warm, dry trails, where a breathable non-waterproof shoe will keep your feet drier by letting sweat escape. The waterproof version of a shoe also costs noticeably more than the standard version, so confirm you need it.
The Verdict on the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Rainy Hikes
The Columbia Men’s Transverse is the best waterproof hiking shoe overall, and it wins on the combination that matters in real rain: seam-sealed OMNI-TECH protection that owners report holding through downpours and river crossings, OMNI-GRIP traction for steep loose ground, and a weight that is surprisingly light for a boot of its height. Note that it runs large, and size down or order wide.
For wide feet and bunions, the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof is the pick, with a toe box that does not pinch and a membrane that vents well enough to avoid the hot-feet trap. For the lightest option and fast flat hikes, the adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy weighs 390 g and needs no break-in. If your route crosses water, the NORTIV 8 is tested for 4 hours of submersion, which no other pick here can claim.
Whatever you buy, remember the honest caveat: waterproofing stops rain going in and slows sweat coming out. Pick the right sock, add gaiters if you ford water, and reproof the DWR coating every few months so the membrane keeps venting. That combination does more for your feet than any membrane on its own.
Last updated 2026. We updated this guide for 2026 and will re-check specifications and owner feedback as models change.