Best Products Style The 15 Best Waterproof Boots for Men of 2023 Palladium’s Pampa Sport Cuffs are versatile, stylish waterproof boots. By Joel Balsam Updated on November 1, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying Waterproof Boots FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Jiang Few things feel more gross and annoying than walking around in soggy socks. To make them even more problematic, wet feet can cause skin issues like dermatitis and corns. So there are many reasons to keep your feet dry, especially during colder months when the combination of frigid air and moisture is a nightmare. Some boots — such as many leather varieties — are water-resistant, so they can hold their own against splashes and drizzle but aren’t the best things to be wearing in a downpour. Others are fully waterproof thanks to materials like Gore-Tex. You’ll need to decide the level of waterproofing you need based on where you plan to wear the boots. With that said, there’s no one-boot-fits-all, but Palladium’s Pampa Sport Cuff takes a good crack at it. It’s lightweight, comfortable, reasonably priced and has enough traction for light hiking. We've included an array of other styles and functionalities to help you find the perfect pair of waterproof boots. These are the best waterproof boots to stay dry on any occasion: Our Top Picks Best Overall: Palladium Pampa Sport Cuff Boots at Palladiumboots.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Eco-friendly: Native Fitzsimmons Citylite Bloom at Zappos Jump to Review Best Chukka: Cole Haan 4.Zerogrand Chukka at Amazon Jump to Review Best Leather: Red Wing Heritage 6" Iron Ranger Lug Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Formal: Thursday Boots Co. Men's Wingtip Boot at Thursdayboots.com Jump to Review Best Work Boot: Timberland Pit Boss Steel Toe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Chelsea: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Duck Boot: L.L.Bean Bean Boots at Zappos Jump to Review Best for Fishing: Xtratuf Men's Legacy Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Palladium Pampa Sport Cuff Boots Palladium View On Palladiumboots.com Why We Love It: It’s a light and cool-looking boot with enough tread for some hiking.What to Consider: They’re not warm enough for winter and aren’t very breathable, but that often comes with being waterproof. The best overall boots better be versatile, and these Palladiums are exactly that. From the company that started in 1947 making boots for the French military, this version of the classic Pampas are made with a mix of waterproof oiled nubuck leather and ballistic nylon so they’re light and actually keep the water out (traditional leather boots are just water-resistant). They use polyurethane for the collar and are lined with polar fleece to maintain foot warmth, though I wouldn’t rely on them too heavily for very cold winters. They also look cool and come in seven different color schemes. But what’s really great about these boots compared to many others on the market is the sturdy rubber soles and toe cap, which are rugged enough for different terrains and could even be used for hiking. They're a great travel boot for a wide range of excursions. Price at time of publish: $140 Sizes: 10-12, 13, and 14 | Weight per pair: 2 pounds Best Budget Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot 5 Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Why We Love It: It’s great for hiking and rough terrain.What to Consider: It’s not the coolest-looking boot for the city or work. If you’ve been out on a trail or two, chances are you’ve seen this classic boot. Merrell’s Moab 2 (MOAB stands for “Mother of All Boots”) has been around for decades, but it’s still the best boot for your buck. Mesh and pigskin leather keep out water and muck while remaining breathable, and the mid-cut shaft provides ankle support without being too tall. The Vibram sole is comfortable and what you want for rough terrain or slippery streets, and these boots come in 15 different styles, ensuring you get a color scheme that complements your taste. Price at time of publish: $145 Sizes: 7–13, 14, and 15, also in wide | Weight per pair: 2.4 pounds Best Eco-friendly Native Fitzsimmons Citylite Bloom Zappos View On Zappos Why We Love It: It’s an against-the-norm city boot with good tread for slushing around after snow storms.What to Consider: It’s water-resistant rather than waterproof. The creators of what is certainly the quirkiest boot on this list, Native isn’t shy about revamping what we think of when we think of footwear. As with its flagship Croc-like sneakers, the Jefferson Bloom, these boots are made with algae from lakes and freshwater ecologies, which is healthier for the environment than oil-based EVA plastic or leather from animals. Algae does come with its drawbacks, though. These boots are classified as water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof, and they aren’t as malleable as other materials. But overall, these are cool-looking boots for trudging around wet city streets and a fashion statement at the very least. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: Full sizes 3-13 | Weight per pair: 2 pounds Best Chukka Cole Haan 4.Zerogrand Chukka Cole Haan View On Amazon View On Colehaan.com Why We Love It: They’re dressy boots that are actually comfortable.What to Consider: They’re on the pricey side. Cole Haan has been doing something extraordinary in the dress shoes market — it has made them actually wearable. Like a mullet, this chukka-style boot is business on top, party on the bottom with comfortable soles that’ll have you bouncing around the office while your colleagues will need a foot massage after the day’s done. Jokes aside, these boots are waterproof, reasonably warm, and, most importantly, comfortable, making them a great pick for any working man’s wardrobe. Price at time of publish: $238 Sizes: 7-12 and 13 | Weight per pair: 2.54 pounds Best Leather Red Wing Heritage 6" Iron Ranger Lug Boot Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: It’s a true classic that molds to your foot (eventually).What to Consider: You have to make an investment in both money and time for breaking them in. Don’t mess with a great thing. That’s the idea behind these timeless boots from Red Wing originally crafted for Minnesota iron miners in the 1930s. These are some quality boots, with premium water-resistant leather and extra stitching to ensure they’ll last for years. The midsole is made from cork that molds to your foot and the outsole is Vibram, so they won’t break down as quickly as other boots. Eventually, these shoes will fit like a leather glove, but it can take some time. You might want to use leather oil to speed up the breaking-in process. Price at time of publish: $360 Sizes: 7-12 and 13 | Weight per pair: 4 pounds Best Formal Thursday Boots Co. Men's Wingtip Boot Thursday Boots Co. View On Thursdayboots.com Why We Love It: They’re gorgeous-looking dress boots for a reasonable price.What to Consider: They fit narrow. Can I call boots sexy? I’m just going to do it: These boots are hot. They even come with a warning: “If you wear these boots in public, expect to catch wandering eyes and people asking where you got them.” Made from premium leather, a cork midsole that molds to your foot, and a studded rubber outsole that’s can be resoled, these boots are high-quality, but the price tag remains reasonable. If these are too flashy, Thursday Boots’ other styles, including its flagship Captain, are worth a look. Price at time of publish: $235 Sizes: 6-14, 15 and 16 | Weight per pair: 5.5 pounds The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Work Boot Timberland Pit Boss Steel Toe Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's Why We Love It: It’s a rugged steel-toe boot that keeps your feet dry.What to Consider: It takes considerable break-in time. These waterproof Timberlands are tough, as they should be for work boots. Made from thick, water-resistant nubuck leather covering a steel toe box, these boots will keep your precious feet well-protected. Plus, they have comfortable midsoles and the abrasion-resistant outsoles are protected against electrical hazards and won’t slip if you come across oil. They’re available in three versatile colors: tan wheat, black, and brown. Price at time of publish: $128 Sizes: 7-12, 13, 14 and 15, also in wide | Weight per pair: 3.6 pounds Best Chelsea Blundstone Men's Thermal Chelsea Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: These are durable slip-ons suitable for winter hiking.What to Consider: Their Thinsulate lining may make them too warm for some seasons. Dating back to Tasmania in 1870, Blundstones are some of the most battle-tested boots out there. Those who own them do not shut up about how durable and long-lasting they are, and you won’t have to walk an entire mile in the Thermals to understand why. These boots are truly waterproof (compared to the classic BL550 which are just water-resistant), with waterproof leather, elastic, and latexed seams. They’re also lined with Thinsulate making them a great option for winter. Price at time of publish: $240 Sizes: 7-12, 13 and 14 | Weight per pair: 1.75 pounds Best Duck Boot L.L.Bean Men's 8" Gore-tex/Thinsulate Bean Boots L.L.Bean View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On L.L.Bean Why We Love It: These are a rainy-weather classic with added insulation.What to Consider: They do have a reputation for not being comfortable for everyone. These Maine-made duck boots are probably what you think of when you think of waterproof boots. Originally made in 1911 as the Maine Hunting Shoes, these L.L. Bean boots are an upgrade to the brand’s classic version with added Gore-Tex and Thinsulate to keep you dry and warm in cold weather. The 8-inch shaft height is ideal for keeping dry in puddles without being too cumbersome, and you just know from the reputation of this company that they’re going to last for years. Price at time of publish: $209 Sizes: Full sizes 7-15 | Weight per pair: 2.75 pounds Best for Fishing Xtratuf Men's Legacy Boot Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Why We Love It: They are fully waterproof, high-quality rain boots.What to Consider: They aren’t light. You’re going to want to bring these on your next fishing trip. Built for Alaskan weather, these 15-inch rain boots definitely aren’t letting any water get in. As the name suggests, Xtratuf Legacy rubber boots are tough and acid chemical-resistant. The sole is comfy, too, with a breathable insole and slip-resistant outsole. Too tall? Simply roll them down to find your perfect height. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes: Full sizes 6-14 | Weight per pair: 6.5 pounds The 15 Best Waterproof Boots for Women of 2023 Best for Hiking Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot 4.9 REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: They have all the features you need for a quality waterproof hiking boot.What to Consider: They fit narrow. A rare breathable, fully waterproof boot, these Salomon’s are go-tos for any wet-weather hiker and are perfect for thru-hiking. The synthetic mesh upper is made with Gore-Tex, so you know the rain isn’t getting in there. And the outsole has plenty of lug tread for optimum grip on rough terrain. All this while maintaining a light weight. Price at time of publish: $165 Sizes: 7-13, including wide | Weight per pair: 2.3 pounds Best Suede Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos Why We Love It: They’re affordable and cozy.What to Consider: They look distinctly like hiking boots, so may not be suitable for urban life. These hiking boots are made with fully waterproof suede, so they’ll keep out the rain and have plenty of cushioning. The outsole is built for high impact and energy absorption, and they’ve got plenty of tread for difficult terrain. Metal loops hold flashy laces in place. Available in a dozen colors in a wide range of sizes and at a reasonable price, these are boots anyone can rely on. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: 7-17, also wide | Weight per pair: 2.6 pounds Best Wool Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles Allbirds View On Allbirds.com Why We Love It: They’re comfortable, stylish, and warm.What to Consider: They’re not fully waterproof. Known for its uber-comfortable and stylish wool sneakers, Allbirds continues to develop new and improved styles for any occasion. The Runner-up Mizzles maintain Allbirds’ distinctive ZQ Merino wool and castor bean oil upper, which it says is better for the environment than other materials, and adds a higher shaft and water-repellent coating. They might be Allbirds’ chunkiest and heaviest shoes, but they’re still lighter than most and will keep your feet warm. However, they’re not recommended if you plan to get completely soaked often. Price at time of publish: $145 Sizes: Full sizes 8-14 | Weight per pair: 1.25 pounds Best Slip-on Hunter Men's Refined Chelsea Boot Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom Why We Love It: They’re waterproof boots that look dressy enough to wear at work.What to Consider: They’re strictly for urban environments. Another Chelsea boot for traditionalists, these classy boots from a brand that dates back to the mid-19th century are made from natural vulcanized rubber with a matte finish and a grippy rubber sole. Stretchy side-goring allows you to slip them on and go, and they’re easy to clean. They’re available in black, navy, and gray. Price at time of publish: $155 Sizes: 6.5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 | Weight per pair: 2.2 pounds Best for Winter Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof Boot Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos Why We Love It: They're the best way to keep your feet warm in harsh winters.What to Consider: They're best reserved for very snowy or cold days. Walk around cities with treacherous, snowy winters (looking at you Montreal), and you’ll see Sorels on nearly every foot. That’s because they’re the toughest waterproof snow boots around for keeping you dry and, critically, warm. Your foot is protected with thick rubber, and the shaft can be in either waterproof nubuck leather or canvas. Inside, there’s felt and a fuzzy sherpa lining to keep you warm and to keep the snow out. Finally, the sole has plenty of grip for icy days. Price at time of publish: $199 Sizes: 7-12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | Weight per pair: 4 pounds Tips for Buying Waterproof Boots Weigh comfort versus style Do you want a boot to wear to work or one you can wear hiking? For the most part, you can’t have both, so you’ll want to make sure you reflect on how you’ll be using your new boots, and perhaps get multiple pairs for different scenarios. Pick the right shaft height for your intended use If you know puddles are aplenty where you live, you’ll want to have a higher-cut shaft. That said, if you’re just using them for the city, you probably don’t need anything over 6 inches tall. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? Only waterproof material will keep you dry against full submersion. Leather, for instance, is naturally water-resistant, but if you stand in a puddle or are caught in a downpour, your socks are getting wet. Rubber is your best bet for being fully waterproof. Next would be Gore-Tex. Other materials have varying degrees of waterproof capability, so it’s best to always read the fine print before taking your boots out in serious rain. How do I care for waterproof boots? Wipe them off with warm water and use a soft bristle brush to get off any mud. Leather boots will need to be rubbed with waterproof wax to stay waterproof after a few months and to still look in top shape. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, writer Joel Balsam, a frequent traveler who has visited more than 50 countries, drew upon his own experience dressing on the go and carefully reviewed the industry’s best options. The 10 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? 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