Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ruin a great hike quite like a pair of wet feet. (Sure, a closed trail or an angry bear encounter might top it, but those are too obvious.) If you've ever hiked before—and if you haven't, welcome—you know the scenario all too well: The day begins promisingly with the sun shining, your waist bag filled, and you in the proper hiking pants, then suddenly a downpour starts and your feet are soaked.
But there's a pretty easy way to avoid a soggy trek. You'll need a pair of comfortable waterproof hiking boots to keep your toes dry and warm regardless of the weather. And since the right ones can be the difference between an enjoyable outing and a miserable slog, our experts and outdoor enthusiasts put together this list of the 11 best waterproof hiking boots for every type of adventure.
Pros
Come in five colorways
Cons
- Pricier than other options
Our love for On Cloud sneakers knows no bounds. (We may have talked about them once or twice.) And it just so happens we feel the same about the brand's hiking boots. Made for all trails, Cloudrock 2 boots are crafted with a closed midsole channel that leaves the trail on the trail, letting you explore the unknown and look hella' good at the same time.
| Sizing | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 485 g |
| Materials | Polyester |
Pros
- Optimized motion control
Cons
- Can take a while to break in
You don't have to worry about a little rain ruining your parade (okay, well, hike, but you get the point), because these Salomon boots are made with waterproof materials that ensure full-weather protection. Plus, they're machine washable, so even if they get caked with dirt and debris, it's easy to clean off.
| Sizing | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not Available |
| Materials | Synthetic, Rubber |
best overall waterproof hiking boots
Merrell Moab 3 Boots
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Mid-height design for additional ankle support on rugged trails
Cons
- Not the most stylish option
Warning: These boots will take you places. Made for trails with a lot of obstacles and heavy rubble, this waterproof option by Merrell can be worn just about anywhere—from Angels Landing to the Appalachian Trail.
| Sizing | 7-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.57 oz |
| Materials | Rubber, Mesh |
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best breathable waterproof hiking boots
Timberland Ledge Boots
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Cushioned footbed for all-day wear
Cons
- Can run wide
Chances are, you've owned a pair of Timberlands at some point. The brand has been around since the early 1950s and gained a loyal following in 1973 with its original yellow boot. (If you know, you know.) And while these waterproof hiking boots look a little different from the style that put the company on the map, they have that same durable, lived-in feel that will make them your go-to for outdoor activities.
| Sizing | 10-13 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 3 oz |
| Materials | Textile, Rubber |
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning
Cons
- Can sell out quickly
Hoka hiking boots? That are on sale? Ya, you better scoop these up quick. Dynamic, lightweight, and crafted from 100 percent recycled materials, the Trail Code GTX boots are made for exploring.
| Sizing | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15.30 oz |
| Materials | Polyester, Rubber, Textile |
Pros
- Great traction on rocks and roots
Cons
- Can run small
With all-day comfort and next-level performance, these hiking boots by L.L.Bean—a brand that knows a thing or two about the great outdoors—will keep your feet secure, dry, and safe from the elements.
| Sizing | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not Available |
| Materials | Polyester, Mesh, Leather |
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best affordable waterproof hiking boots
Columbia Newton Boots
Pros
- Two types of sole traction let them work on all terrain
Cons
- Some buyers say they can run tight
Climb like a mountain goat with these suede hiking boots from Columbia. Featuring a lightweight midsole, superior cushioning, and a high-traction outsole, they're the perfect affordable option for every type of hiker.
| Sizing | 7-17 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not Available |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
Pros
- Built with super light and tough materials
Cons
- Only available in two colorways
Add a little swoosh to your step with these Nike Air Zoom boots. Forged from heavy-duty materials, they include Gore-Tex technology and large lugs finely tuned to steep mountain slopes. So basically, they're designed for whatever you want to do out there—hike, backpack, or even low-key trail walk.
| Sizing | 3.5-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not Available |
| Materials | Gore-Tex, Plastic, Rubber |
best ankle-high waterproof hiking boots
The North Face Futurelight Hiking Boots
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Designed to help maximize energy on the trail
Cons
- Primarily made for single-day missions
Built to explore high and low, near and far, these breathable, water-resistant boots have cushioned, rockered midsoles that deliver extra comfort and help power you toward your goal (or that well-deserved drink and dinner afterward).
| Sizing | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.73 oz |
| Materials | Rubber, Spandex, Mesh |
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Pros
- A gusseted tongue and padded ankle-height cuff seal out dust and debris
Cons
- Can run small
Adidas's multisport design makes these light enough for day hikes and technical enough for Alpine scrambles and via ferratas. The lightweight yet rugged feel will keep you supported no matter where you step.
| Sizing | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not Available |
| Materials | Gore-Tex, Rubber, Recycled Materials |
Pros
- Great shock absorption and cushioning
Cons
- On the pricier side
Lace up and get out there with these Asolo hiking boots. Lightweight, versatile, and breathable, they'll let you move with confidence across rocky scree, wet roots, and even loose, dusty trails.
| Sizing | 8-13 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb |
| Materials | Gore-Tex, Suede, Nylon |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose a good pair of waterproof hiking boots? What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof boots?
There are several essential factors to consider. First and foremost, focus on the fit: Get a boot that's snug yet supportive, with ample room in the toe box to allow your feet to move comfortably. This will help prevent hot spots and blisters and combat plantar fasciitis. Additionally, consider breathability. While waterproof boots are generally less breathable than standard hiking shoes, some materials, such as mesh and suede, offer better airflow. Lastly, always try on your hiking boots with hiking socks, as they differ from regular socks and are crucial to maintaining comfort, preventing slippage, and avoiding pinching on the trails.
Can waterproof hiking boots be submerged in water?
Technically, you can submerge waterproof boots in water, but you shouldn't. Waterproof hiking boots have a membrane in the upper, which means water can still seep in over the top of the boot. And once water gets inside, trust us, you'll regret it. So, as tempting as it may be, walk around that deep puddle instead.
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How We Chose
When compiling a list of the best waterproof hiking boots, our experts knew that our guide needed to feature options that were durable, lightweight, and, of course, comfortable.
We considered factors like material and fit, versatility, sizing, and arch support. We recruited our talented colleagues (including outdoor enthusiasts) to shape this list and took into account user reviews, Internet forums, and people just like you.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Our fashion and e-commerce teams carefully choose every product in Esquire's roundups.
You can feel confident that this list includes all of the waterproof hiking boots that we've tried, tested, and loved over the years, as well as options that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We've done the research and worn these ourselves, and now we're recommending them to you because they're just that good.
