The 17 Best Waterproof Shoes for Keeping Your Feet Dry and Happy (2024)

FAQs

Which is better waterproof or water resistant shoes? ›

Waterproof shoes and jackets are designed to keep water out completely, and water-resistant materials will repel water for a little bit but will eventually “wet out” and let water in. Confusingly, some companies like to call things waterproof when, in reality, they're built with materials that are only water resistant.

Regardless of the type of waterproof shoe, they're typically created with a combination of fabric and water-resistant material, such as rubber, neoprene, synthetic leather, or vinyl, with a special coating that blocks out moisture and keeps your feet warm and dry.

Though Navy SEALs didn't exist until 1962, the special operators made up for lost time, often wearing All Stars in lieu of standard-issue jungle boots on riverine operations in Vietnam. To this day, many frogmen still favor the sneakers for maritime missions.

Waterproof sprays can be an effective way to protect shoes from moisture, but their performance will depend on a few different factors. Some materials, like suede, leather, and other synthetic fabrics, work better with waterproof sprays than others.

Weatherproof and water repellant essentially mean the same thing as water resistant. Waterproof footwear are treated, usually with a thin additional layer, to be impervious to water and keep you completely dry, even in deep snow or standing in water.

With no aftercare, waterproof shoes and boots should last a couple of years but with proper care, you can make sure they keep your feet dry for many more trips after that. Correct aftercare includes regular cleaning and reproofing, if you are an avid hiker, we'd recommend reproofing 3 or 4 times a year.

Invest in waterproof footwear such as rain boots or rubber-soled shoes. Not only do they keep your feet dry, but they also offer excellent grip on slippery surfaces. Opt for vibrant colors or playful patterns to make a fashion statement even in the rain.

Pull on a pair of rain boots.

Rain boots are designed specifically for this purpose, so it's no wonder they work so well. The thick rubber material used to make them is completely impervious to water, and will keep your feet and lower legs dry up to about shin-height, or even higher, if you go with a knee-length model.

Rubber-soled shoes are a good option. Not only will the sole not be soaked, but that will prevent water seeping into the upper of the shoe as well. And the biggest problem with leather shoes in this weather is salt stains.

POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane is considered one of the best waterproofing materials. It can be applied seamlessly and penetrates the surface deeply and evenly. Thus, the polyurethane membrane will fill in even the finest cracks in concrete, reducing its water absorbency capacity.

Are waterproof sneakers really waterproof? ›

As a rule, unless it has a waterproof membrane (which is essentially a plastic bag placed behind the material upper) a boot will never be completely waterproof. It's this membrane, not the upper that keeps the water out.

They will also keep your feet warmer than non-waterproof shoes. You're running in cold and damp (not really wet) conditions: Waterproof trail runners will shield your feet from moisture when your shoes touch wet brush and grass. They will also keep your feet warmer in cold weather.