Best Products Style Shoes The Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men Vessi’s Everyday Classic will keep you dry, comfortable, and in style. By Joel Balsam Joel Balsam Instagram Website Joel Balsam is a Canadian freelance journalist and guidebook author whose work has appeared in National Geographic Travel, Time, The Guardian, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, and more. His home is Montreal, but he can often be found tasting his way through markets. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 20, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying Waterproof Walking Shoes FAQs Why Trust T+L In This Article We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Courtesy of the Retailers Whether you’re backpacking, sightseeing on a rainy day, or just commuting to work, a great pair of waterproof shoes should be on your feet when the clouds open up. Who wants to walk around with soggy socks? Nobody. As a matter of fact, walking around with wet feet can lead to health issues like cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can enter through a crack or break in your skin, according to Suzanne Levine, a podiatric foot surgeon and author. Diabetics with diminished circulation should be especially careful. You should also make sure your waterproof shoes are comfortable. In her career, Levine has seen a plethora of health issues relating to poor footwear, from fungus to dermatitis to blisters, fissures, and corns, so opt for something that feels good right away. “You shouldn’t be looking for something that you have to ‘break in’ for it to feel comfortable,” she said. According to our research, the most comfortable waterproof shoe is Vessi’s Everyday Classic, but scroll down for more options including hikers, work boots, and trail runners. These are the most comfortable waterproof walking shoes for men: Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vessi Everyday Classic at Vessi.com Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes at Zappos Jump to Review Best for Commutes: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Running Shoes: Nike GORE-TEX at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Slip-on: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Trail-to-town: Hoka Hiking Shoes at Hoka.com Jump to Review Best Ankle Support: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots at Amazon Jump to Review Most Breathable: Arc’Teryx Men's Aerios FL 2 GTX Hiking Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Leather: Merrell Moab Adventure Lace Waterproof Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Work Boot: Cat Footwear Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Vessi Everyday Classic Courtesy of Vessi View On Vessi.com Why We Love It: An innovative design allows these shoes to be both waterproof and unbelievably light.What to Consider: There isn’t much grip, so they’re not the best for trail hikes or running. Vessi’s Dyma-tex waterproof technology involves thousands of tiny pores that manage to keep you dry while allowing your foot to breathe. The result is an extremely lightweight sneaker that weighs just 6.7 ounces per shoe, and it looks cool, too. To keep water from getting in, the Everyday Classics have a sock-like fit to your ankle and let you slip on and go. And when you’re going, you’ll be in comfort with ultra-light midsoles. Vessi also sells models optimized for running, slip-ons, boot-cuts, sneakers, and slippers. These blue leather sneakers have superbly sealed seams to keep your feet dry in any condition, while the lugged rubber outsole is designed for maximum grip. Price at time of publish: $135 Sizes available: Full sizes 6-14 | Weight per pair: 13.4 ounces Best for Hiking Hoka Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes Courtesy of Zappos View On Zappos View On REI View On Campsaver.com Why We Love It: These are high-performance, lightweight trail runners that’ll last.What to Consider: They don’t have Gore-tex and are built to be runners more than walking shoes. Hoka One’s Speedgoat 5 is a terrific all-around hiking shoe that has even won over the fickle thru-hiker crowd. First off, they’re comfy — they feel like a slipper and have an EVA midsole and a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent comfort. They’re also very light and do the trick of keeping out any moisture despite not being made with Gore-tex. Plus, they’re vegan. Price at time of publish: $155 Sizes available: 5-11 | Weight per pair: 20.5 ounces Best for Commutes Allbirds Men's Wool Runner Mizzles Courtesy of Allbirds View On Allbirds.com Why We Love It: They’re cozy and comfy city shoes you can easily slip on.What to Consider: These are firmly a city shoe that won’t do too well on a trail. A water-repellant modification of Allbirds’ first shoe that put the brand on the map, the Mizzles are super duper comfy — like walking in a snug wool sweater. They also have decent traction for slippery days and are made to be slipped into. True to all Allbirds products, the Mizzles keep Mother Earth in mind, as they’re carbon neutral thanks to a combination of natural materials and buying offsets. If you’re looking for a waterproof running shoe, check out Allbirds’s Wool Dasher Mizzles. Price at time of publish: $125 Sizes available: Full sizes 8-14 | Weight per pair: 19.8 ounces Best Running Shoes Nike Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Nike View On Nordstrom View On Dick's View On Finishline.com Why We Love It: The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is an industry-leading running shoe plus Gore-tex.What to Consider: They can run hot if you use them in warm weather. Nike transformed one of its most comfortable runners into an almost unbeatable pair of waterproof travel shoes by adding Gore-tex, so you know you’ll be set for any and all soggy weather. These shoes also have excellent traction so they’re perfect for trail running and have a protruding heel to give you a wider surface to stay balanced. A really cool thing about these is how snug your heel feels in the cup, and they’re very light. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes available: 7.5-12, 13, 14 and 15 | Weight per pair: 21.8 ounces Best Slip-on Blundstone Men's Thermal Chelsea Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: It’s a fully waterproof version of a durable classic.What to Consider: These boots are heavier and more heavy-duty than what many need. Timeless in style and how long you’ll own (and love) them, this sturdy version of the classic Blundstones are great for whatever nature throws out at you. Quality leather and a TPU outsole will keep them in good shape for years and have your feet cozy in cool weather due to a Thinsulate liner and a removable sheepskin footbed. If it doesn’t get too cold where you are, the original Blundstone Chelsea Boot is just water-repellant, not waterproof, but is still a terrific year-round option. Price at time of publish: $250 Sizes available: 6-12 and 13 | Weight per pair: 46.5 ounces The Best Men’s Dress Sneakers for 2022 Best Trail-to-town Hoka Anacapa Low GTX Hiking Shoes Hoka View On Hoka.com Why We Love It: It's a wonderful waterproof shoe you can wear all day, every day, regardless of the terrain.What to Consider: The protruding heel can be awkward if you’re not used to it. Chunky shoes are in these days, and these Hoka Ones certainly pull off the hip-dad look. Good thing too, because they’re stellar waterproof shoes, with Gore-tex, a grippy Vibram outsole, and an extended heel for added support. They also have an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they’re certified for being beneficial for foot health. Price at time of publish: $170 Sizes available: 7-13, 14 and 15 | Weight per pair: 28 ounces Best Ankle Support Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: They’re one of the most popular hiking shoes with a higher shaft to provide ankle support.What to Consider: They won’t win you any fashion contests and are heavier than lower-cut options. Salomon has been a trusted brand in outdoor gear for more than 75 years, and these boots live up to the name. Made with Gore-tex and an EVA foam midsole, they’re both heavy-duty and comfy, while offering support with an over-the-ankle cut. They also have excellent tread so you can put your faith in them for any kind of terrain and come in wide sizes. Price at time of publish: $116 Sizes available: 7-8, 9, 10.5-12.5, plus wide sizes | Weight per pair: 29.6 ounces Most Breathable Arc’Teryx Men's Aerios FL 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Courtesy of ArcâTeryx View On Amazon View On Arcteryx.com Why We Love It: They deliver near-perfect waterproofing with an attractive minimalist look.What to Consider: They’re pricey and a bit stiff. Arc’Teryx is known for its high-quality (and expensive), Gore-tex jackets, but its shoes are also worth checking out. The Aerios FL 2 is a light walking shoe that does not sacrifice breathability while remaining waterproof thanks to Gore-tex. They’re also very durable, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and beefed-up TPU toe cap, which is unique among the shoes we reviewed. Price at time of publish: $136 Sizes available: 7, 7.5, 9-13 | Weight per pair: 24 ounces Best Leather Merrell Moab Adventure Lace Waterproof Shoes Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Why We Love It: A classic waterproof shoe with all the quality you can expect from Merrell. What to Consider: They’re pretty heavy and aren’t fully waterproof. Merrell is probably the brand you think of when it comes to hiking shoes, and their Moab Adventures do the trick if you’re looking for a pair of leather kicks. Made with a mix of nubuck leather and breathable mesh, they’re durable and water-resistant, though will get soaked if they get submerged in water. The comfort is great with these, thanks to a quality EVA midsole and Vibram outsole underneath. Price at time of publish: $117 Sizes available: 6.5-12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 plus wide sizes | Weight per pair: 54 ounces The 14 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Men and Women, Best Work Boot Cat Footwear Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Catfootwear.com Why We Love It: It’s a tough work boot that won’t hurt your feet after hours of standing.What to Consider: They’re not as waterproof as pairs with Gore-tex. These 6-inch steel-toe work boots are as rugged as they look. The waterproof full-grain leather upper will keep you dry and is abrasion-resistant — though it’s not fully waterproof, so don’t walk through any puddles. With a flexible ERGO midsole that is claimed to be 30 percent lighter and more shock-absorbing than standard EVA, these Cats are comfortable and have a slip-resistant outsole. Price at time of publish: $90 Sizes available: 7.5-12, 13, 14 and 15, plus wide sizes | Weight per pair: 1.6 pounds Most Breathable On Cloud 5 Waterproof Shoes Courtesy of Zappos View On Zappos View On On-running.com Why We Love It: It’s a light, cool-looking shoe with a cloud-like sole.What to Consider: They don’t have much give. People with high arches need a shoe that’s light and comfortable, so they may want to give these On Running shoes a try. Made with 100 percent recycled materials, the Cloud 5 shoes are very light and have a unique sole that’ll add a bounce to your step. The elastic lacing system allows you to tie them up in no time, and the fact that they look really cool certainly doesn’t hurt. Sizes available: 7-14 | Weight per pair: 19.82 ounces The Best Water Shoes for Men of 2022 Best for Flat Feet Brooks Men's Ghost 14 GTX Running Shoes Courtesy of Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos Why We Love It: There’s a removable insole so you can swap in orthotics.What to Consider: They’re pretty heavy. Brooks is the go-to for anyone with flat feet, and this pair will also keep you nice and dry with Gore-tex. The arches are supportive, and this sneaker is certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association as beneficial for foot health. They’re comfortable, too, with Brook’s trademark DNA Loft soft cushioning. Removable insoles allow you to slot in your orthotics. Sizes available: 7-13, 14 and 15 | Weight per pair: 1.48 pounds The Best Men's Rain Jackets Tips for Buying Waterproof Walking Shoes Put comfort first According to Levine, comfort is a non-negotiable for any travel shoe, and you shouldn’t need to break them in. “It's important because you don’t want any skin breakdown or exacerbation of any existing biomechanical difficulties in the foot,” she said. So make sure the shoes you pick feel good by trying them on at home before going outside. Consider drying time Synthetic materials such as Gore-tex will dry much faster than leather, especially if they’re soaked. When drying, be sure to take out the laces, open up the tongue as much as possible and aerate. Frequently Asked Questions How should I care for my waterproof shoes? Levine says to always keep the inside of your waterproof shoes as dry as possible, and if they do get wet, aerate them well before wearing them again. She also says to check the creases of your shoes for any fungus and wipe it away. What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? There are actually three levels of water rankings. Water-resistant materials, like leather, will be able to resist the penetration of water, but they won’t do too well if soaked. Water-repellent products are treated with a coating that will cause water to drip off. Waterproof is the most impermeable to water, and Gore-tex is the most reliable standard for this category, though there are newer materials that also do the trick. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, writer Joel Balsam, a frequent traveler who has visited more than 50 countries, reviewed and selected from the footwear industry’s best options. The Best Men's Travel Pants Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit