The 15 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women of 2023

These waterproof walking shoes will keep you dry and comfortable rain or shine.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women of 2023

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

One of the best investments you can make before taking a trip is a good pair of waterproof walking shoes. If you're on your feet all day during a trip, whether you're strolling along cobblestone streets or hiking through a rainforest, you'll want to ensure you have a durable, comfortable pair of shoes on to prevent any pain.

"Wearing the wrong shoes while walking long distances can lead to a variety of bodily issues, including foot pain, blisters, and even more serious injuries such as stress fractures or plantar fasciitis," says board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Sforzo of Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine. "Inadequate arch support or cushioning can put undue stress on the feet and lead to pain and discomfort. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and other foot injuries, which can be quite painful and may require medical attention."

Waterproofing is an added bonus, as you never know when you may get stuck in the rain or will wish to partake in water-based adventure activities. 

No matter what type or style of waterproof walking shoes you need, we have you covered — read on to discover our top picks to keep your feet comfortable and dry.

Best Overall

Forsake Sofia Waterproof Lace-Up Boot

Forsake Sofia Waterproof Lace-Up Boot

Nordstrom

Why We Love It
  • These can be used for both light hikes and city trips.

What to Consider
  • The color options are limited.

When we're traveling, we're all in favor of a multi-purpose shoe to save room in our suitcases. These boots are perfect for a trail-to-town day: they have a hearty lug outsole for traction, a removable polyurethane and memory foam insole for support and cushioning, and a waterproof yet breathable lining to keep your feet dry. So whether you're hiking (in summer or winter — these boots are well-insulated!) or heading out on a sightseeing day in the city, you can pop these on and know your feet will be comfortable all day long. Plus, the company is carbon neutral, offsetting its emissions by purchasing carbon offsets.

Price at time of publish: $175

The Details: 6 to 11 | Leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole | 1.2 pounds

Best Running Shoes

On Women's Cloud 5 Waterproof Shoes

5
ON Cloud 5 Waterproof Running Shoe

Nordstrom

Why We Love It
  • They're lightweight and breathable.

What to Consider
  • It has an 8 millimeter heel-to-toe drop.

It really does feel like you're running on clouds in these waterproof running shoes. What we love most about them, however, is that they're simultaneously breathable and waterproof — the membrane lets plenty of heat from your feet out but won't let puddles or rain in. So if you're worried about sweaty feet as you're running, you can cast aside those fears. What's more, about 40 percent of the shoe is made from recycled material. We're also fans of the quick-lace system that makes these sneakers more secure than slip-ons, but faster than traditional laced shoes. There are traditional laces in the box if you'd like them, though.

Price at time of publish: $170

The Details: 5 to 11 | Polyester | 227 grams

Best Slip-ons

Vessi Boardwalk Slip On

Boardwalk Slip-On

Vessi

Why We Love It
  • It has a classic skate-shoe look we love.

What to Consider
  • You can't run it through the dryer.

We'll admit it — slip-on shoes don't often provide as much support as lace-ups do. That said, if you're set on a slip-on style, these shoes are our top pick. The breathable knit uppers are completely waterproof, though they let heat and moisture escape, which is particularly beneficial if you're not wearing socks. There's also an EVA midsole for added comfort, as well as a "grippy and nonmarking" outsole to help you avoid slipping.

Price at time of publish: $115

The Details: 5 to 11 | Breathable knit upper, suede heel accent 

Best Snow Boots

Sperry Women’s Maritime Repel Suede Snow Boot

Women’s Maritime Repel Suede Snow Boot

Sperry

Why We Love It
  • 3M Thinsulate Insulation keeps your feet warm.

What to Consider
  • They're not heavy-duty.

This is a winterized take on the classic duck boot, which means it's a lightweight snow boot that's easy to walk around in. We love the faux-fur details, the 3M Thinsulate Insulation for extra warmth, and the fact that it has a seam-sealed waterproof construction that won't let any slush seep through and soak your feet. Whether you're heading to an après-ski affair or running errands mid-winter, these boots have you covered.

Price at time of publish: $130

The Details: 5 to 12 | Weatherproof leather upper, rubber shell, rubber outsole | 1.2 pounds

Best Chelsea Boots

Ariat Wexford Waterproof

Wexford Waterproof

Ariat 

Why We Love It
  • We love the equestrian-chic style.

What to Consider
  • The leather will need to be re-treated throughout its lifetime.

Go-to equestrian clothing company Ariat has designed this traditional Chelsea boot to handle all sorts of elements — mud, rain, and muck among them — while also looking stylish enough to wear into town. The waterproofing is actually an interior construction, so you're free to scrub down the exteriors as you wish to get them clean, then polish them up to bring back some shine. Choose from five color options, from ivory to chestnut to black.

Price at time of publish: $190

The Details: 5.5 to 11 | Leather, weatherproof suede upper, Duratread sole

Best for Narrow Feet

Bogs Sweet Pea Rain Boot

 Bogs Sweet Pea Rain Boot

Nordstrom

Why We Love It
  • The footbeds are made from eco-friendly algae.

What to Consider
  • As rain boots, they may run a little hot.

Part Chelsea boot and part rain boot, this cute bootie is 100 percent waterproof. Because it's a low ankle boot, it's far easier to walk in these shoes than in traditional rain boots with tall shafts — and it's far easier to slip on and off, too. The boots have rebounding cushioning in the insole made of eco-friendly algae for added comfort, and they're infused with "DuraFresh organic bio-technology" to help reduce odors.

Price at time of publish: $90

The Details: 6 to 12 | Nylon | 1.73 pounds

Best for Arch Support

Vionic Zanny Sneaker

Zanny Sneaker

Vionic 

Why We Love It
  • It has a trendy dad-sneaker look.

What to Consider
  • There's a break-in period to allow your feet to acclimate to the arch support.

This dad-chic sneaker is specifically designed for walking and arch support, making it perfect for travelers with a walking-intensive itinerary. It's also specifically designed to alleviate forefoot pain by stabilizing the foot. One thing to note: you should only wear these shoes for a few hours per day for the first week or two to allow your feet to adjust to the built-in orthotics. Yes, that's how robust the arch support is!

Price at time of publish: $140

The Details: 5 to 12 | Drum-dyed leathers, rubber outsole 

Best for Wide Feet

Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Shoe

Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Shoe

Amazon

Why We Love It
  • The traction is impressive.

What to Consider
  • The medium width runs narrow, so make sure to order the wide.

These waterproof hikers, which come in a wide-width option, are perfect for hitting the trails, as they have superb traction. But with a range of fun color options, you can also go for a more fashion-forward statement that works well in an urban environment, too — in fact, the shoes were designed with the "urban cross athlete" in mind. They're also delightfully lightweight, which is beneficial not only for long walking days, but also for packing purposes (though they'd make for good plane shoes, too).

Price at time of publish: $100

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather and synthetic upper, textile lining and insole | 10 ounces

Best Hiking Boots

Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Boots

5
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Boots

REI

Why We Love It
  • Gore-Tex is a leader in waterproofing.

What to Consider
  • The boots weigh about a pound each.

The Merrell Moab has developed something of a cult following in the 16 years since its debut, but we're particularly drawn to this specific pair for its partnership with Gore-Tex, a company known for waterproofing. Thus these hiking boots are the ones to get if you need a waterproof pair that's tried and true. The list of special features on these boots is long, but some highlights include a removable contoured footbed, air cushioning, a "rebound compound" for shock absorption, and an outsole made of a durable, high-traction material that's proprietary to Merrell.

Price at time of publish: $165

The Details: 5 to 12 | Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper | 1 pound

Best Everyday

Sorel Out 'N About Waterproof Low Top Sneaker

Sorel Out 'N About Waterproof Low Top Sneaker

Nordstrom

Why We Love It
  • They capitalize on the platform sneaker trend.

What to Consider
  • They're made from leather and real wool, which may turn off eco-enthusiasts.

For a daily-wear casual sneaker, this platform shoe hits the mark. For comfort, there's a removable EVA footbed, and for convenience, there's a pull tab at the back of the shoe to help you slip them on and off. As for its waterproofing, there's seam-sealed construction to prevent leakage, and for anti-slip action, there are vulcanized rubber compound soles. While there are leather and wool components to these sneakers, 20 percent of the overall materials are recycled content.

Price at time of publish: $110

The Details: 5 to 12 | Textile and leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole | 13 ounces

Best Flats

Blondo Cameron Waterproof Moc Toe Loafer

Cameron Waterproof Moc Toe Loafer

Blondo 

Why We Love It
  • The rubber sole is anti-slip.

What to Consider
  • The shoes themselves are waterproof, but the design of loafers doesn’t offer feet much protection from the elements.

If you're more worried about your shoes being destroyed by water than your feet getting wet, consider a pair of waterproof loafers like these. While the structure of the shoe doesn't provide your foot any protection from puddles, the leather uppers themselves are protected by Blondo's AquaProtect seal guards. The shoes are even protected from those unsightly salt stains — simply wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Price at time of publish: $120

The Details: 5.5 to 11 | Leather upper, synthetic lining, rubber sole

Best Sneakers

Geox Spherica 4x4 Abx Woman

Spherica 4x4 Abx Woman

Geox 

Why We Love It
  • It has a retro look.

What to Consider
  • There are only two color options.

Everyone loves a little nostalgia, and this sneaker has a distinctly retro vibe. We particularly love all the design details, like the combination of textures on the uppers, from suede to leather to mesh. But the technical details are also impressive, like Amphibiox technology that makes the uppers both waterproof and breathable, thermal insulation that makes this a year-round sneaker, and a Zero-Shock system for shock absorption.

Price at time of publish: $133

The Details: 5 to 11 | Suede and fabric upper, textile lining, rubber outsole

Best Lightweight

Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials

Birkenstock

Why We Love It
  • It comes in many colors.

What to Consider
  • Though the straps are adjustable, these sandals do tend to run wide.

Birkenstock's iconic Arizona sandals are now made in a lightweight, waterproof EVA version. These super supportive sandals are extraordinarily comfortable thanks to the Birkenstock's anatomically shaped footbed (which all of its shoes have) and the springiness of the EVA. And with wide, smooth straps, there's no worrying about blistering. Since each shoe is made of a single piece of EVA, it's completely waterproof and can quickly be hosed down for cleaning. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors, including metallics, to match any style.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: 4 to 12.5 | EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) | 4 ounces

Best Sandals

Crocs Hiker Xscape Sandal

Hiker Xscape Sandal

Crocs

Why We Love It
  • Croslite is an extremely comfortable and supportive material.

What to Consider
  • They're water-resistant, not waterproof.

Love or hate the way they look, there's no denying the comfort of Crocs. We love that Crocs are going in more of an avant-garde direction — these are not gardening clogs by any means. But they are still Crocs, which means they're made out of the brand's signature Croslite material. It's a springy, supportive synthetic material that's also water-resistant (sadly it's not truly waterproof, but so long as you're not wearing these as water shoes, they'll be fine!). 

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: 6 to 12 | Croslite | 14.02 ounces

Best Rain Boots

Hunter Women’s Play Neoprene Chelsea Boots

Women’s Play Neoprene Chelsea Boots

Hunter

Why We Love It
  • There's a two-year warranty.

What to Consider
  • Water can get in the top if your boots are totally submerged.

When it comes to rain boots that are actually easy to walk in, we always recommend an ankle boot like this one, since it’s far more natural to walk without a rubber shaft ensconcing your calf. This rain boot is particularly flexible thanks to its neoprene upper, which gives you full ankle movement. Of course, wearing booties like this does mean you run the risk of water entering via the top of the boot, which isn't flush against your ankle, so don't go splashing in too many puddles! But for walking around on a rainy day, this pair of boots will do just fine.

Price at time of publish: $125

The Details: 5 to 11 | Neoprene, rubber, polyester lining and insole

Tips for Buying Waterproof Walking Shoes

Put comfort first

"When it comes to walking shoes, there are a few features that are essential for those who plan on walking long distances," says Dr. Sforzo. "Firstly, the shoes should provide good arch support to prevent foot fatigue and pain. Additionally, they should have a cushioned sole to absorb shock and reduce impact on the joints. The shoes should also fit properly and not be too tight or too loose, as this can cause blisters or other foot injuries."

Consider drying time

Shoes that are waterproof or water-resistant might still get wet, depending on the materials that make up the shoe. Since you'll likely be wearing your shoes more than once on your trip, keep in mind the drying time of those materials. Rubber, for instance, dries quickly, whereas non-waterproof leather may take days.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

    Waterproof shoes are impervious to water, therefore water won’t ever get through them. Water-resistant shoes can resist water for a period of time, but eventually, water will soak through.

  • How do I care for waterproof shoes?

    This depends on your specific shoe, and you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning may involve special products but typically does not include soap or detergent, as they may wipe away the waterproofing on the shoes. You will also likely have to re-waterproof your shoes after intense wear.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with nearly a decade of experience. For this article, she evaluated waterproof walking shoes based on their features and read dozens of customer reviews. She also interviewed board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Sforzo of Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine for his expert insights.

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, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
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.
Was this page helpful?
Related Articles