All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Not much is universal in this world, but one thing we can all confidently agree on is that no one likes a soggy shoe. Truly, there’s nothing like accidentally submerging your foot in a mystery puddle to suck the fun out of the remainder of your day.
Protecting your feet from the elements is also a safety concern, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York City, tells SELF. Chilly feet can be a real problem if you’re in cold weather—and if it’s wet outside, the ground could be slick, which may put you at risk of slipping or falling, she says.
That’s where the best waterproof shoes come in: Whether you’re walking, running, or traveling, these styles keep your toes dry and comfortable. Plus, they have great traction (so you don’t have to worry about falling on your tush). Shop our favorite podiatrist-approved pairs below.
Our top picks
1. Best for Trail Running: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
2. Best for Running: Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
3. Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
4. Best for Travel: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
5. Best for Walking: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 Gore-Tex
6. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
7. Best for the Office: Snibbs Spacecloud 2.0
8. Best for Cold Weather: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
Shop the best waterproof shoes
These grippy pairs can weather it all.
Best for Trail Running: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Roomy toe box
- Reflective details
- Tall ankle cuff keeps dirt and pebbles out
Cons
- Runs small, according to Nike, so consider sizing up
Trail runners who won’t let a little rain put a damper on their training schedule, the Pegasus Trail 5 is for you. The previous version—the Pegasus Trail 4, a SELF Sneaker Award winner—was cute enough to wear out to brunch and durable enough to help our tester maneuver through muddy terrain on off-road jogs.
“On that first run, I was looking for them to have four qualities: springy cushioning, a lightweight feel, enough stability so I didn’t slip, and the ability to keep my feet dry,” our tester said. “Not only did they exceed those expectations, but they even provided some extra surprises—like preventing rocks and pebbles from slipping into my sock thanks to the lining on the back.”
The updated Pegasus Trail 5 adds a protective toe cap, reflective details, and deeper lugs on the outsole—all in a cool, sleek package.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 millimeters | Weight: 8.9 ounces
Best for Running: Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
Pros
- Upper is made with recycled materials
- Comfy and not too heavy, according to our tester
Cons
- Only comes in one width, unlike many other Brooks shoes
One SELF tester owns two pairs of Brooks Ghosts: “I’m not a runner,” she says, “but I could walk for miles in these straight out of the box. They have the right amount of cushion to support my feet without feeling too pillowy, and they’re light, so my feet don’t feel weighed down.”
She’s not alone in loving these sneakers: One Brooks reviewer wrote that this Gore-Tex–equipped version also offers excellent padding. “Sometimes waterproof shoes aren’t as comfortable as the [standard version] because of the waterproof membrane. Not so with these. They are as comfortable as my regular Brooks 16s,” they explained. “I have a lot of foot problems, and I love these shoes.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 8.9 ounces
Best for Hiking: KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Keen
Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Pros
- Glue-free construction is designed to last a long time
- Won’t cause blisters, according to reviewers
Cons
- Heavy
An earlier version of the Targhees were SELF Sneaker Award winners—both models use Keen’s proprietary waterproof fabric, Keen.Dry, to keep your feet comfy and protected in the rain. Like Gore-Tex, Keen.Dry lets moisture out without allowing water in.
One thing to note: These boots are pretty heavy—but for our tester, that heft was a bonus. “It took me a few moments to get my rhythm down, but once I did, I was in a great, sturdy stride that felt supported and confident,” they said about the Targhee III.
You can expect the latest model to be durable and last through plenty of hiking, thanks to its glue-free design that bonds the upper to the sole (so repeated exposure to water won’t make the boots fall apart). The Targhee IV also has better cushioning that resists compression and absorbs shock, for logging even more miles.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 16.58 ounces
Best for Travel: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
On
Cloud 5 Waterproof
Pros
- Slip-on design is convenient and lowers your risk of tripping on laces
- Lightweight
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Nordstrom reviewers say they’re not the most breathable
- Runs small—order a half-size up
We’re big fans of On Cloud sneakers—many models have won Sneaker Awards in the past for their lightweight, comfy designs. This waterproof version of the brand’s signature Cloud 5 sneaker has new padding in the midsole for softer, more stable landings and a speed-lacing system that you can tighten with just a quick pull. (And if you prefer traditional laces, don’t worry—you’ll still get a pair with your purchase that you can swap in.)
They’re “truly waterproof and perfect for traveling,” one Nordstrom reviewer wrote. “Being able to slip them off and on came in handy. They were comfy, although it got warm at times—but that beats walking in wet shoes.” (We agree.)
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Weight: 8 ounces
Best for Walking: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880V14 Gore-Tex
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 880V14 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cushioned enough for long walks
- Comes in two widths
Cons
- Runs small, so size up
New Balance has a host of walking shoes in its lineup—but this one stands out for its ability to keep your feet dry. This model uses Gore-Tex’s Invisible Fit membrane for waterproofing, with a seamless and lightweight feel. Plus, its Hydrohesion outsole adds extra grip, for better traction in wet weather.
Whether you’re going out for your daily walk or introducing jogs into your training routine, this New Balance shoe is a comfy companion that’ll withstand a little drizzle. “I bought these to walk around in the rain and snow on a big-city vacation,” wrote one reviewer. “I was glad to have them on slippery pavement and stairs.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Standard, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Weight: 8.7 ounces
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- Made from recycled materials
- Reflective details all the way around the shoe
Cons
- Some Hoka reviewers say the upper can feel stiff
Hoka has a dedicated following for its max-cushion shoes—and the Clifton line is no different. Podiatrists have long recommended the Clifton 9 to SELF for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis; now, the same shoe is available in a waterproof version for walking or running in less-than-ideal conditions.
These kicks are made with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit, rubber outsoles, and traction pods to help you take on mud puddles with confidence. One Hoka reviewer even wore their pair to climb a mountain: “The most comfortable out of the box shoes I have. I bought them to go to Everest base camp and they are amazing,” they wrote.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Weight: 8.3 ounces
Best for the Office: Snibbs Spacecloud 2.0 Work Sneaker
Snibbs
Spacecloud 2.0 Work Sneaker
Pros
- Wide size range
- Available in two widths
- Slip-resistant outsole
- You can try them for 30 days and still get a full refund if they’re not the right fit
Cons
- Heavy, for a sneaker
- Water-resistant, not waterproof
These slip-on sneaks were designed by an orthopedic surgeon for anyone working long shifts on their feet, and they can serve double duty as all-weather commuting shoes. They’re slip- and water-resistant, so they can withstand some moisture—but given that they’re not fully waterproof, you probably wouldn’t want to wear them for multiple miles in a thunderstorm.
Sizes: 5 to 14.5 | Widths: Standard, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Weight: 13.7 ounces
Best for Cold Weather: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
Allbirds
Wool Runner Mizzles
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Natural rubber sole adds traction and has a springy feel underfoot
- A little less expensive than most of our other top picks
Cons
- Water-resistant, not waterproof
- Not available in half sizes
When cold weather strikes, Allbirds’ Wool Mizzle Sneaker is a toasty, cozy option that won’t let your feet freeze. Its Merino wool upper traps heat inside while allowing sweat to escape. Plus, it’s treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that sheds moisture—just note that these are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. We also like that the rubber soles provide enough grip to keep you from slipping.
They’re a big hit with shoppers (if their dozens of five-star Amazon ratings are anything to go by). “I purchased Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles for a trip to England, where I knew I would be doing a lot of walking. I wore them everywhere, and I really appreciated the nonslip soles,” one reviewer wrote.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Weight: 9.5 ounces
What to look for in waterproof shoes
“The [shoe’s] upper should be made with Gore-Tex, which is sometimes called GTX, to prevent water from entering the shoe,” Dr. Lobkova says. “It’s breathable and waterproof, with small enough pores to allow moisture—or sweat—from inside the shoe to exit, while larger water droplets are kept out.” FYI: Some brands, like Keen and On, use their own technology to create waterproof materials.
Despite Gore-Tex being a relatively breathable material, Dr. Lobkova says that waterproof shoes tend to be warmer than most standard running sneakers, which are often made with thinner mesh. (Take note, sweaty-footed folks!)
No one wants to look like an unsteady giraffe that’s just learning to walk—that’s where shoes with proper traction come in. “The outsole should be made of a higher portion of rubber for optimal traction,” says Dr. Lobkova. That’s because rubber outsoles have a sticky texture that helps keep you upright. Also, shoes with deep lugs (a.k.a. an uneven tread pattern) on the bottom will help you get a better grip on wet or muddy surfaces.
Any shoe you wear should feel comfortable on your feet. “Overall, you want to make sure that the shoes are the proper size, and shoe size can change as we age,” Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, previously told SELF. As you try a new pair on, note how much arch support they have and how the cushioning feels underfoot—particularly if you deal with a condition like plantar fasciitis.
How we picked these shoes
First, we asked podiatrists to share their expert shoe shopping tips. Then, we scoured the internet for top styles that fit the bill from brands like On, Hoka, Keen, and more. After making sure online reviews back up each shoe’s claims of being waterproof and comfortable, SELF testers also tried out several models themselves to see how they hold up in slippery situations. Only our favorites earned a spot in our top picks.
FAQs about shopping for waterproof shoes
Gore-Tex is a term that folks often associate with waterproofing. It’s the brand name of a fabric that’s also known for being breathable and windproof. As Dr. Lobkova notes, it has pores that are small enough to keep water droplets out, but large enough to allow internal sweat or moisture to evaporate.
How long do waterproof shoes stay waterproof?
Gore-Tex doesn’t guarantee that its products will stay waterproof (or windproof or breathable) for a fixed amount of time, since that depends on how often you use them and how hard you are on them. Basically, just as no pair of running shoes is designed to last forever, no pair of waterproof shoes will stay waterproof forever, either.
To extend your shoes’ lifespan, clean them regularly (following the manufacturer’s care instructions) and repair them when they’re damaged.
Related:
- Hokas Are Great—but These Editor-Tested Dupes Are Just as Good
- 9 Oh-So-Comfy Slip-On Sneakers That Podiatrists Love
- Which Brooks Running Shoes Are Right for You? 11 Picks the Experts Trust
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
