Lighter and usually more comfortable than boots, the best waterproof sneakers are a smart option for keeping your feet dry in wet weather—whether for trail running, beach strolls, or rainy-day errands. When shopping, prioritize waterproof over water-resistant options since waterproof materials provide superior protection against water penetration, even in extreme conditions, says podiatrist Gretchen A. Lawrence, DPM. And for extra traction on wet, slick surfaces, opt for sneakers with rubber outsoles and grippy treads. To find the best waterproof sneakers, we first spoke with a podiatrist and professional trail runner to better understand which key features every pair should have. Then, we researched dozens of options from the most popular, trusted footwear brands. Finally, we tested four expert-approved waterproof sneakers over a one-month period, walking or running a minimum of three times per week. When testing, we pay attention to fit, comfort, and overall value, in addition to their level of waterproofing. Our Top Picks Best Men's Overall: Best Women's Overall: Best Slip-On: Best for Running: Best Lightweight: Best for Hiking: Best for Trail Running: Best for Golf: In This Article Our Picks What to Look For How We Selected and Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Pros Comfortable fit Made with recycled materials Hands-free lacing system With a comfortable fit, versatile design, and effective waterproofing, On Cloud 5’s Waterproof Shoes are our top overall pick. The shoes’ waterproof membrane keeps out water, but the mesh upper is still breathable, so you don’t have to worry about sweat-soaked socks. A durable rubber outsole offers plenty of traction for further protection in wet conditions. And unlike some waterproof shoes that feel stiff and bulky, we love that this pair is flexible and works for active or casual wear. The shoes feature a plush, foam sole that definitely earns their “cloud” name, providing a cushioned landing and support through the midfoot. Plus, the tongue is padded for even more comfort. On Cloud 5’s sneakers don’t come in wide widths, but they do feature a spacious toe box. The hands-free speed-lacing system and pull tabs on the back make getting them on and off easy. We also like that the shoes are made with recycled materials and have reflective elements for running in low-light conditions. Key Specs: Pros Good traction Breathable Reinforced toe Cons Not enough cushioning for some Equipped to repel water and provide stability in wet conditions, New Balance’s Arishi trail running shoes earn our other top overall spot. They’re constructed with breathable, waterproof fabric that protects feet from wind and water. The rugged, grippy tread on the outsole provides reliable traction on all types of surfaces, while the reinforced toe helps protect feet from roots, rocks, and debris. Despite all of these features, the shoe is flexible, which helps prevent foot fatigue after hours of wear. When testing, we found these shoes to be super lightweight, which is unusual for waterproof trail running shoes. We found them super comfortable and responsive, right out of the box—no break-in period required. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning leaves a bit to be desired, though, as we found the shoe sacrifices cushioning for its lightweight construction. But we think it's worth it for the feather-light feel and lack of bulkiness. However, if you're looking for a shoe with more cushioning, this isn't the right pair for you. We like the no-sew construction upper, which offers a sleek fit and prevents irritation.Although it’s a waterproof trail running shoe, the Arishi also works well on slick pavement. Plus, it comes in various color combinations so you can find one that fits your style. Key Specs: Pros Antibacterial insoles Comfortable fit Stylish design Cons Doesn’t come in half or wide sizes Not the most stylish shoes Swap your rain boots for these modern kicks that are completely waterproof, despite their lightweight look and feel. The shoe’s patented knit material has built-in waterproofing—not a coating—so the protection lasts the lifespan of the shoe.When testing these shoes, we found they fit like a glove and provided a secure enough fit for a long day of travel. With a slip-on style, these vegan shoes are a convenient, comfy choice for casual wear. We love that the shoe’s molded insoles contour to the shape of your foot, plus they feature an odor-resistant layer to keep your feet feeling and smelling fresh. But they don’t come in half or wide sizes, so it might be tough to find the right fit for wider feet. These shoes keep our feet feeling light, even after completing our 10,000 daily step goal, but still feel supportive. We like that you can customize the fit even further by tightening or loosening the laces, despite the slip-on design. While this isn't the most stylish shoe, we think it more than makes up for it with its convenient design and great comfort. Key Specs: Pros Wide range of colors Good traction Wide toe box Cons May run small for some Waterproof sneakers tend to be heavier and stiffer compared to regular pairs, which isn’t ideal for running. But the Saucony Peregrine 12 GTX offers a lightweight feel, even with its superior construction. It’s designed to keep out the elements, so you’ll be ready for anything on your run. The upper also features pliable overlays that provide further protection against bad weather. When testing this shoe, we particularly liked the fact that the upper is very breathable and comfortable, while still offering optimal protection. The cushioning feels soft yet supportive, providing comfort and good shock absorption on all types of surfaces. Despite the ample cushioning, the shoes still feel responsive, and allow you to feel grounded enough to maintain good balance. A grippy rubber outsole helps you keep your footing in wet conditions and dig into soft terrain. We like that the shoe also has a wide toe box, which creates more stability and helps prevent blisters. However, they tend to run small, so you may want to go up a half size. Key Specs: Although we didn’t test the following waterproof sneakers, we still think they’re worthwhile options to consider. They have many of the same key features that we love about the pairs we’ve tried ourselves. Pros Breathable Good traction Durable Cons May run narrow for some High-quality waterproof sneakers can be expensive. For those on a budget, we recommend Columbia’s Vitesse Fasttrack sneakers, which are built to last. They feature a waterproof, seam-sealed membrane that creates a barrier against the elements, so your feet stay dry and comfortable. The shoes’ durable mesh upper allows for good breathability, plus exceptional fit and support. The Vitesse is also comfortable enough to wear all day long, thanks to an EVA foam midsole that’s lightweight and responsive. And we like that the versatile rubber outsole offers reliable support and traction, whether you’re trekking in the woods or hitting the pavement. The fit runs a bit narrow, but they do come in wide sizes if you need some extra room in the toe box. Key Specs: Pros Good shock absorption Made with recycled materials Reflective elements Cons May run narrow for some If you’re searching for a well-cushioned waterproof sneaker that’s still lightweight, we recommend Asics’ Cumulus 23. The shoe’s mesh upper defends against the elements, keeping your feet dry and warm in wet, slushy, or snowy conditions. But we like that it’s still flexible, so the shoe doesn’t feel too stiff. The Cumulus 23 also has a grippy outsole, so you can run confidently on wet surfaces. And the foam midsole offers springy support, along with gel pods in the forefoot and rearfoot that provide excellent shock absorption. While the shoe does have a wide toe box, it doesn’t come in wide sizes, so it may run narrow for some. These shoes also feature reflective elements, for walking your dog or running at night. Key Specs: Pros Good arch and ankle support Reinforced toe Extra heel cushioning Cons Not as lightweight as other options For hikers who need to be ready for all kinds of weather, we recommend Merrell’s Moab 2 GTX shoes. This pair will keep your feet dry no matter what conditions you encounter. Designed with a suede and mesh upper, we like that they’re built to keep water out, but also let moisture escape to prevent overheating. The slip-resistant outsoles are made from thick rubber, for great traction, grip, and durability. A contoured, foam footbed supports your arches and heels, so your feet won’t get fatigued on long trails. And extra cushioning in the heel helps with shock absorption and provides extra stability on uneven terrain. Note that this pair isn’t as light as others on our list, weighing in at just over 16 ounces. But this shoe is still lighter compared to many proper hiking boots. Key Specs: Pros Good traction Pockets to tuck laces away Good shock absorption Cons Too technical for everyday wear Tough and durable, we recommend Salomon’s Speedcross 5 for trail runs in wet conditions on moderate or technical trails. The upper membrane effectively blocks water and wind, while anti-debris mesh keeps out dirt and rocks. And we like that the shoes are still breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate so you stay comfortable while you run. With deep lugs on the outsole, the Speedcross 5 offers reliable stability and traction in even the soggiest and muddiest conditions. The shoe’s cushioned insole contours to the shape of your foot for extra comfort and support on trails, while the laces allow for a secure, precise fit with just a pull of a toggle. They’re a bit pricier than traditional running shoes, but their versatility and performance are worth the extra cost. Key Specs: Pros Sleek, athletic design Good support Good traction Cons May be too narrow for some Expensive For golfers who may get caught in a storm on the course, we recommend these ECCO Golf shoes. They’re constructed with waterproof leather, offering the perfect balance of functionality, comfort, and style. Although they provide reliable protection from rain, they’re also breathable, so your feet won’t overheat. We love the shoe’s foam insoles, which provide cushioned comfort and support for all 18 holes. They’re also removable, so they’re easy to clean or replace with your own custom orthotics. While these golf shoes provide excellent traction on the course, the outsole is fairly low-profile, so you can easily walk in them when you’re headed to the clubhouse. But the fit may be too narrow for some wearers, since the toe box isn’t as wide as others on our list, and the price point is high. Key Specs: Pros Good traction Made with recycled materials Good for both roads and trails Cons Only one color option If you’re worried about slushy or snowy conditions putting your running schedule on hold, we recommend Adidas’ Terrex Soulstride sneakers. Advanced waterproofing in the upper seals out moisture, while the raised side walls offer added stability. The sturdy rubber outsole has small lugs that are grippy enough for rocky trails, but still not too deep that you can’t run comfortably on pavement. We like the hybrid design, which is ideal for providing secure footing in unpredictable winter conditions. Meanwhile, you’ll run in comfort, thanks to a full-length EVA foam midsole. The pillow-like heel cushioning provides reliable shock absorption. These sneakers only come in one basic color combination. But they’re made with high-performance recycled materials, so you can feel good while wearing them. Key Specs: To choose the best waterproof sneakers, we first asked Lawrence and Kilgore which features they think every pair should have.Then, we researched dozens of sneakers from the top, trusted brands. We considered style, comfort, breathability, support, and traction. We also looked at the price, fit, and materials to ensure each pair of sneakers was fully waterproof. We then tested some of our top picks at home over a one-month period. We tested the running shoes by going on three to five runs every week over the course of the testing period on varied terrain in multiple weather conditions. We assessed each pair for fit, cushioning, stability, comfort, responsiveness, and value. We tested the walking shoes by wearing them weekly for intermittent walking, movement, and standing. We also wore them for eight hours straight to assess fit and comfort, as well as whether or not the shoes irritated our feet at all. We continue to test the best waterproof sneakers and will regularly update our recommendations if we feel the need to based on new insights collected from our ongoing tests. We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Their invaluable insights helped us understand when users should opt for waterproof sneakers and the key features to consider or avoid while shopping for them. We choose products independently, but input from experts influences our decisions. Leather is very durable and will keep out water, so it’s commonly used in many pairs of waterproof sneakers. However, leather is porous and can absorb water if the shoes get completely saturated. For further protection, you can coat them with a waterproofing spray every few weeks. To add additional waterproof protection to a pair of sneakers you already own, you can spray them with a silicone or acrylic spray that’s specifically made for waterproofing shoes. Yes, waterproof sneakers will provide a barrier between your feet and ice or slush and can be a good option if you need to walk in the snow. Wearing them with warm socks can help to protect your extremities from the elements and things like frostbite and chilblains—cold-induced injuries that can lead to amputations and gangrene, Lawrence says. As a running coach, certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To exercise in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for shoes and replacing them regularly.
Material: Recycled polyester, textile, and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Slip-on | Sizes: 7 to 14 | Cushioning: Soft and supportive
Material: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Cushioning: Medium
Material: Knit upper | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11 | Cushioning: Lightweight and firmBest for Running
Saucony Peregrine 12 Trail Running Shoe
Material: Textile upper, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Cushioning: Soft and supportiveBonus Favorites
Material: Synthetic leather and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive
Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, gel cushioning | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Cushioning: Soft and supportive
Material: Suede and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 16.6 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Cushioning: Soft and supportive
Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 14 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 7 to 14 | Cushioning: Medium
Material: Leather and textile upper, foam midsole, synthetic outsole | Weight: 11 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11.5 | Cushioning: MediumBest for Winter
Adidas Terrex Soulstride Rain-Ready Trail Running Shoes
Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Cushioning: Medium What to Look For When Shopping For Waterproof Sneakers
How We Selected and Tested the Waterproof Sneakers
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Frequently Asked Questions
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