Travel Products Style Shoes The 15 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women of 2023 These waterproof walking shoes will keep you dry and comfortable rain or shine. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Instagram Twitter Website Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with expertise in aviation, meteorology, and polar regions. She was a former editor at Architectural Digest, TripAdvisor, and ArtNews. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 18, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying 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 / 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Forsake Sofia Waterproof Lace-Up Boot at Zappos Jump to Review Best Running Shoes: On Cloud 5 Waterproof Shoes at Zappos Jump to Review Best Slip-ons: Vessi Boardwalk Slip On at Vessi.com Jump to Review Best Snow Boots: Sperry Women’s Maritime Repel Suede Snow Boot at Zappos Jump to Review Best Chelsea Boots: Ariat Wexford Waterproof at Zappos Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Bogs Sweet Pea Rain Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Arch Support: Vionic Zanny Sneaker at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hiking Boots: Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Boots at Amazon Jump to Review Best Everyday: Sorel Out 'N About Waterproof Low Top Sneaker at Zappos Jump to Review Best Overall Forsake Sofia Waterproof Lace-Up Boot Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On Campsaver.com 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 Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On REI 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 Vessi View On Vessi.com 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 The 12 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men of 2023 Best Snow Boots Sperry Women’s Maritime Repel Suede Snow Boot Sperry View On Zappos View On Walmart View On Sperry.com 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 Ariat View On Zappos View On Ariat.com View On Horse.com 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 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On REI 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 The 12 Best Snow Boots of 2023 Best for Arch Support Vionic Zanny Sneaker Vionic View On Nordstrom View On Belk.com View On Dsw.com 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 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos 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 REI View On Amazon View On Zappos View On 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 Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On REI 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 Blondo View On Nordstrom View On Blondo.com View On Lyst.com 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 The 15 Most Comfortable Flats for Travel of 2023, According to a Podiatrist Best Sneakers Geox Spherica 4x4 Abx Woman Geox View On Geox.com 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 View On Zappos View On Birkenstock.com View On Bloomingdales 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 Crocs View On Zappos View On Crocs.com 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 The 11 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2023 Best Rain Boots Hunter Women’s Play Neoprene Chelsea Boots Hunter View On Zappos View On Hunterboots.com 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. The 12 Best Travel Shoes With Arch Support 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 Instagram 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