Travel Products Style Shoes The 12 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men of 2023 The best walking shoes will keep you dry, comfortable, and in style wherever your day takes you. By Joel Balsam Updated on March 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQs 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. Courtesy of the Retailers Whether you’re backpacking, sightseeing on a rainy day, or just commuting to work, a great pair of waterproof walking shoes should be on your feet whenever the clouds open up. Nobody wants to walk around with soggy socks! 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, including everything from fungus, dermatitis, and blisters to 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vessi Everyday Classic at Vessi.com Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 5 at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Commutes: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Running Shoes: Nike GORE-TEX at Dick's 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 Hiking Boot 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 4.3 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 that lets you slip on and go. They're also super comfortable 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 The Details: 6 to 14 | 13.4 ounces | Made of dyma-tex Best for Hiking Hoka Women's Speedgoat 5 Zappos View On Nordstrom View On REI View On Dick's Why We Love It These are high-performance, lightweight trail runners that’ll last for years to come. What to Consider They don’t have Gore-tex and are built more as runners 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 keep out moisture despite not being made with Gore-tex. Plus, they’re vegan. Price at time of publish: $155 The Details: 5 to 11 | 20.5 ounces | Made of mesh and rubber Best for Commutes Allbirds Mens Wool Runner Mizzles 4.6 REI View On Nordstrom View On REI 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-repellent modification of Allbirds’ first shoe that put the brand on the map, the Mizzles are extremely 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 fully waterproof running shoe, check out Allbirds’s Wool Dasher Mizzles. Price at time of publish: $125 The Details: 8 to 14 | 19.8 ounces | Made of wool and rubber The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Running Shoes Nike Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Nike View On Dick's View On Finishline.com View On Finishline.com Why We Love It The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is an industry-leading running shoe that features 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. We love how snug your heel feels in the cup, and they’re very light. Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: 7.5 to 12, 13, 14 and 15 | 21.8 ounces | Made of gore-tex and rubber 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 keep your feet cozy in cool weather due to a Thinsulate liner and removable sheepskin footbed. If it doesn’t get too cold where you are, the original Blundstone Chelsea Boot is water-repellent, not fully waterproof, but is still a terrific year-round option. Price at time of publish: $250 The Details: 6 to 13 | 46.5 ounces | Leather The Best Men’s Dress Sneakers for 2023 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 The Details: 7 to 15 | 28 ounces | Made of polyester and Gore-tex Best Ankle Support Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot 4.9 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It They’re some of the most popular hiking shoes with a higher shaft to provide ankle support. What to Consider These 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: $165 The Details: 7 to 9, 10.5 to 12.5, plus wide sizes | 29.6 ounces | Made of synthetic and rubber 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 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: $180 The Details: 7, 7.5, 9 to 13 | 24 ounces | Made of polyester and gore-tex Best Leather Merrell Moab Adventure Lace Waterproof Shoes Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Why We Love It It's 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 they 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: $130 The Details: 6.5 to 16, plus wide sizes | 54 ounces | Made of leather and mesh The 12 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Women and Men in 2023 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 boots are comfortable and have a slip-resistant outsole. Price at time of publish: $120 The Details: 7.5 to 15, plus wide sizes | 1.6 pounds | Leather Most Breathable On Men's Cloud 5 Waterproof Shoes 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 their cool look certainly doesn’t hurt. Price at time of publish: $170 The Details: 7 to 14 | 19.82 ounces | Made of polyester and textiles The 11 Best Water Shoes for Men of 2023 Best for Flat Feet Brooks Men's Ghost 14 GTX Running Shoes REI View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI 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. Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: 7 to 15 | 1.48 pounds | Made of gore-tex and rubber Tips for Buying Waterproof Walking Shoes Put comfort first According to Levine, comfort is non-negotiable for any travel shoe, and you shouldn’t need to break them in first. “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. Think about intended use If you're a hiker, you may not want to head out with a pair of leather shoes, waterproof or not. Similarly, those planning a day trip walking around a city may not want a bulky pair of boots. Be sure you're choosing a pair of waterproof shoes that best suit your needs so you not only stay dry, but are also comfortable and supported for a full day of adventuring. 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. Is it worth getting waterproof shoes? Whether you're traveling or not, it's great to have a pair of waterproof shoes in your collection. Especially for those who live or are heading to rainy destinations, it's helpful to use waterproof shoes to protect your feet. Your shoes should be fast-drying, breathable, and comfortable so you can continue your day even if you end up splashing around. 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. While researching waterproof walking shoes, we spoke with podiatric foot surgeon Suzanne Levine. The 10 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit