10 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots & Shoes (2023 Buying Guide)

One important thing I’ve learned in my outdoor adventures is that finding good waterproof hiking boots is more important than I initially thought. If you hit the trails with the wrong hiking footwear, it can make a beautiful day turn miserable.

Once, during a hike, I wasn’t adequately prepared and had to trek over a small river in a lighter boot without waterproofing. On the other side, I ended up with wet feet that quickly turned to cold feet as well. 

Now, I always purchase waterproof shoes because I never know where my next adventure will take me or when I’ll face an unexpected rainstorm out on the trail. 

If you’re considering investing in a new waterproof boot, keep reading. I’ve reviewed many of the options on the market, and here are my recommendations for the 10 best waterproof hiking boots. 

Our Top Recommended Waterproof Hiking Boots And Shoes 

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots make our list of best waterproof hiking boots because they really do excel in all areas for wet weather hiking.

It also has a moisture-wicking footbed that helps with their breathability and keeps your feet from getting sweaty, even in warmer weather. 

These versatile boots also feel extremely nice if you have wide feet. I walked a full day in them right out of the box and didn’t experience any pain or pressure points. I also felt like they offered good ankle protection for my weak ankles in a way that helped me stay safe.

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One of the most comfortable hiking boots you can buy today, the Targhee 2 makes a great waterproof option for people on a budget. They’re not only affordable but well-made and made by a company that really knows how to design a good pair of outdoor climbing shoes. 

The enhanced torsion stability on this pair of mountaineering boots makes sure you stay secure on various terrains and keeps your foot well-protected. 

Combined with the aggressive traction on the outsole, you’ll not experience any slippage on wet rocks or mountains. 

We’ve also found this footwear to be a very effective hiking boot for flat feet.

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If you’re looking for waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, you’ll find them here.

Salomon always seems to make my list of best boots for all different types of adventures, and this Gore-Tex option is no exception. Salomon Quest 4 GTX are some of the best waterproof-lightweight hiking boots you can find. 

I personally like the high ankle cuffs of these boots. When I tested them walking through a somewhat deep stream, the water didn’t seep through the top of the boot at all. 

Product Specifications

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Included on our list of the best hiking boots for wide feet, we found that Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP integrates M Select DRY technology, effortlessly keeping water out while letting moisture escape, and the air cushion heel absorbs shock while adding stability.

What struck me most, though, was the newly improved, removable footbed, which not only enhanced comfort but also helped control moisture and odor, something the previous version could have done better.

On the downside, the stiffness during the initial wear might turn off some users, but it was a minor quibble for me, given that these leather hiking boots felt more comfortable after a short break-in period.

Product Specifications

• Weight: 2 lb. 0.9 oz. (women’s 8), 2 lbs. 2.6 oz. (men’s 9)
• Midsole: Super Rebound Compound
• Upper Material: Pigskin leather/mesh
• Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber

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I don’t really have anything negative to say about these Vasque Breeze boots. They’re very lightweight, have a short break-in period, and make a great option for backpacking boots, as you want a lightweight hiking boot when you’re carrying a heavy pack.

In fact, I think they’re some of the best lightweight hiking boots you’ll find. 

I tried these out on a snowy day and often see myself using them for my winter day hikes.

They’re also very stylish hiking boots, which is not typical of many waterproof options that can look bulky or rugged. They appeal to many hikers who are looking for stylish and functional hiking boots for their backpacking trips.

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Another option on the list that works well if you want a good hiking boot on a budget is the Columbia Newton Ridge. These durable boots provide excellent waterproof protection, even at their affordable price. 

The lugs on these versatile hiking boots will help you grip surfaces well and provide just the right amount of traction in wet weather. As a bonus, they’re lightweight like a pair of trail runners, and instantly comfortable. You won’t need to break them in before hitting the trails. 

To see exactly how it performed during our tests, check the full Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof review.

Product Specifications

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Despite an initially snug feeling, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX adapted perfectly to my foot shape after a few uses. I appreciated how comfortably they cradled my feet while providing the necessary rigidity on the trail. 

Moreover, the Contagrip® outsoles performed well on mud, gravel, and damp grass, offering the right level of traction to keep me confident with each stride. 

Unfortunately, the shoes seemed less breathable than their predecessor, making my feet feel a bit hotter than usual during long runs on particularly warm days.

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 1 lb. 10.1 oz. (women’s), 1 lb. 11.5 oz. (men’s 9)
• Midsole: EnergyCell
• Upper Material: PU-coated leather, textile
• Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip®

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Since it’s a full-grain leather boot, it will require some break in time, but after that initial period, these lighter boots will provide you with much comfort. 

I have narrower feet, so the roomy toe box in these breathable boots was a bit too wide for my liking, but it would work great for someone with wide feet and provide the right amount of room. 

Other users also said they had great arch support, making it a good option for someone looking for a more traditional hiking boot. 

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We added these Timberland boots to our list of best hiking boots because they have a classic look and provide another fully waterproof leather upper option.

These are some of the lightest hiking boots out there and another great choice for day hikers or the hiker who hits the trail casually. 

They are fully waterproof and look great, so many users rate them high in those areas. Timberland White Ledge is also pretty warm with an excellent lacing system, so a good winter hiking boot. 

Product Specifications

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If you want hiking shoes that will hold up to rough terrain, La Sportiva TX4 Mid Gtx hiking footwear makes a great pick.

Although this is a pair of heavier boots, they have great torsional rigidity that gives you the stability you need for steep descents and approaches, especially technical ones. 

Of all the options on our list, these are definitely the best option for summer hiking, as the breathability is excellent, and your feet will stay cool even when carrying heavy loads.

Product Specifications

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Waterproof Hiking Shoe Alternatives 

Some hikers find waterproof hiking boots too bulky and might not have enough breathability for certain situations. For example, many of these boots can cause your feet to sweat or feel hot in the summertime.

Two alternatives that will also work well in water include hiking sandals and water shoes. 

Hiking Sandals 

To keep your feet cool and dry, try this KEEN footwear. Keen Newport H2 sandals are perfect for your warm weather hikes and even for wearing on the beach or around town. Additionally, we’ve added them to our best hiking sandals guide, where we review and compare the best sandals.

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Water Shoes 

If you want a water shoe with a bit more coverage than a sandal, this trail running shoe style provides additional protection while still allowing you to walk or run through water. These water shoes are so lightweight you’ll hardly feel like you’ve got them on at all. 

We’ve tested this product and included it in our best water shoes for hiking in 2023.

Waterproof Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide 

As we put together the full list of the best hiking boots with water protection, we considered certain characteristics that determine whether or not a hiking boot will perform well in wet environments. 

Waterproofing Mechanism 

Not all waterproofing materials provide the same protection against water seeping inside. Look for good hiking boots that have Gore-Tex or another type of waterproof membrane.

As far as the outside material, nubuck leather can be waterproofed well, but there are also synthetic materials that do a great job. In general, a mesh upper will be the least waterproof. 

Outsole 

You need an outsole that will keep you secure on technical terrain and a tread pattern that won’t slip when it gets wet. Vibram soles are popular options that provide ultimate traction, even when they get wet [1]. 

Weight 

Always try to look for fast and lightweight hiking boots that feel more like a trail runner, as they’ll prevent muscle fatigue and help you go further. Some can feel bulky, especially full-leather boots.

Make sure you consider what other hikers say about how light they feel on the feet, even when wet. 

Traction 

Excellent traction means you won’t have to worry about falling on a slippery rock or when ascending or descending in the mud. All the boots that have deep lugs will help your foot hold onto these surfaces better. The best hiking boots will also hold their grip on soft surfaces and loose dirt. 

Comparison Table

BOOT	PRICE	WATERPROOF	WEIGHT
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid	$255 REI» $255 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes, Gore-Tex	2 lbs. 7 oz.
KEEN Targhee II Mid	$155 REI» $106 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes, Keen.Dry	1 lb. 14 oz.
Salomon Quest 4	$230 REI» $230 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes, Gore-Tex	2 lbs. 14.4 oz.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP	$150 REI» $150 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes	2 lbs. 4 oz.
Vasque Breeze Lt GTX Mid	Check on Amazon»	Yes, Gore-Tex	1 lb. 10 oz.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus	$99 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes	1.75 lbs.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid	$175 REI» $170 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes, Gore-Tex	1 lb. 14.4 oz.
Merrell Ontario Mid WP	Check on Amazon»	Yes, M Select Dry	1 lb. 11 oz.
Timberland White Ledge Mid	$89 REI» Check on Amazon»	Yes	2 lbs. 4 oz.
La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX	$209 REI» $209 Backcountry» Check on Amazon»	Yes, Gore-Tex	2 lbs. 6.4 oz.

When I Should Wear Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

Wear watertight hiking boots when you encounter conditions that could get your feet wet. For example, you will want to wear a waterproof boot if you know you’ll hike in rainy conditions, through mud, in the snow, or need to cross over streams or rivers. 

When Is Better To Avoid Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

You don’t need a waterproof hiking boot if you’re hiking in very arid, dry, or summer conditions. For example, a hike in the desert would not require this type of hiking boots, but rather a good pair of lightweight boots or shoes.

During summer, waterproof sandals or waterproof trail running shoes are recommended if you are not hiking on difficult terrain.

Will My Boots Stay Waterproof Forever?

The waterproofing on most hiking boots will not last forever. In general, you should apply new waterproofing to your boots every few uses, especially if you have gotten them wet. This process is easy to do at home, using specialized waterproofing products. 

Check our guide on how to waterproof your hiking boots in order to avoid wet feet after a few uses.

What Is the Difference Between Waterproof, Water-Repellent, and Water-Resistant Boots?

Waterproof

The best hiking boots with waterproofing have a special membrane that keeps water completely out of the inside of the boot.

These types of boots can handle pressurized water without getting your feet wet.

Most hikers prefer GTX hiking boots for their high-quality lining.

Water-Repellent 

If a boot has a water-repellent coating, it means that the material will not easily absorb water. Instead, it will bead up on the outside.

It will hold up well to small amounts of water. However, heavily pressurized water (like a rushing stream or torrential rain) will cause the inside to get wet. 

Water-Resistant 

The lowest level of water protection is water-resistant. It generally means that water takes a bit of time to seep through the material, so your feet won’t get wet immediately.

However, you cannot stand in water, or you will definitely get wet. At most, water-resistant boots will handle a bit of light rain. 

The best lightweight hiking boots are usually water-resistant and not waterproof, as they give up extras (like a waterproof lining) to preserve their lightness.

Our Number #1 Pick 

Our top pick from the boots on our list is the Lowa Renegade GTX hiking boots. I also found them to excel better than other hiking boots in terms of comfort, which was a big advantage. 

FAQs

How Can You Tell if Hiking Boots Are Waterproof?

Look to see if your hiking boot has a thick, sticky rubber sole and a waterproof membrane. You can also see if they have the Gore-Tex badge, which would indicate that they are waterproof.  

Can Waterproof Hiking Boots Be Submerged in Water?

Hiking boots that are truly waterproof can be submerged in water without getting your feet wet, as long as the depth of the water doesn’t reach over the top of the shoe and seep in from the calf. Wearing gaiters decreases this possibility. 

Is Gore-Tex Waterproof Forever?

Gore-Tex products are guaranteed waterproof, windproof, and breathable. However, it does not last forever. The average lifespan of this material is 3 to 5 years. 

Is Gore-Tex the Best Waterproof?

Gore-Tex lining is the best option for a membrane that’s waterproof and it is also the most well-known waterproofing material. However, some brands are exploring other membrane options for their lightweight boot models, like the eVent option from Altra. 

Are Hiking Boots Better Waterproof Than Trail Running Shoes?

Over the years we found that hiking boots are generally better waterproofed than trail runners due to their design, which includes waterproof materials and higher ankle support. This makes them more suitable for wet and rugged terrain, providing better protection against moisture and enhancing overall comfort during hikes in wet conditions.