We’ve all been there. You see the sun outside, you put your freshest pair of kicks on and you head out for the day. Mother Nature decides she wants to piss all over those white sneakers of yours and quite literally rains on your parade. Water starts splashing at your feet, puddles form and you inevitably find yourself ankle-deep in one, your feet and socks become soaked and your day is ruined, forcing you to curse every expletive under the sun at the sky.
Many of the pairs on this list have been designed to be waterproof from the get-go, and we’ll admit their designs might not be to everyone’s taste. However, some younger brands have been able to do their research and understand exactly what it is the modern gent needs from a pair of sneakers, so have been able to combine timeless style with modern waterproof tech.
Either way, if you’re someone who values dry feet all day long, then this is the list of waterproof sneakers you need.
Allbirds
New Zealand-American footwear brand Allbirds exploded onto the scene in 2014 with its environmentally-friendly sneakers that looked good, performed excellently and ultimately did more good for the planet than most other brands. Most pairs of Allbirds sneakers are made from wool, while a separate collection of eucalyptus tree runners can also be bought.
You may wonder, then, how a pair of sneakers made from wool will be waterproof? Well, the Mizzles collection is still made from ZQ Merino wool for the ultimate in comfort, but they have been treated with a water-repellent coating (that is also eco-friendly) to banish away rain when the heavens open.
Danner
Danner is, without doubt, one of the biggest names in outdoor-related footwear. The brand from Portland, Oregon was founded in 1932 and has been at the top of its game ever since thanks to a combination of great style and even greater substance, with its shoes and boots performing at the highest level time and time again.
While all pairs of Danner footwear are suitable for outdoor adventures, pairs such as the Logger 917 go that bit further by offering a fully waterproof design and Gore-Tex liner to prevent water seeping in, while simultaneously allowing moisture and sweat to escape.
North-89
Swedish footwear label North-89 was only founded in 2016, making it incredibly young in the sneaker industry. However, its Scandinavian designs coupled with high-quality Portuguese craftsmanship have made it a force to be reckoned with. Not only does it have a comprehensive range of 'regular' sneakers, but taking the changing Scandi weather conditions onboard, it has designed a weatherproof model too.
The No-1 makes use of a weatherproof upper to help fend off rain and snow. That doesn't mean the company has scrimped on materials though, as some of the finest Italian suede has been integrated too. An Italian Margom sole finishes the shoe off, which provides traction and durability. The insole has been given a memory foam treatment too, so not only will your feet remain dry, but they'll be incredibly comfortable too.
Vessi
Vessi was founded in Vancouver, Canada as a footwear label that wanted to do away with the need for different shoes for different scenarios. So, in 2017, the team set out to design a sneaker that combined all the must-have qualities: waterproof, breathability, comfort and style.
They certainly think they cracked it with the Everyday sneaker, which is available in a multitude of colours (slip-on and more city-focused pairs are available too). The Everyday sneaker uses the company's proprietary Dyma-tex fabric, which is 100 per cent waterproof, yet employs a knit design to provide ample airflow for your feet to breathe and remain sweat-free. Antibacterial insoles with cloud-support and a herringbone sole keep your feet planted and caressed in comfort.
Veja
French footwear brand Veja is committed to doing more harm than good for the planet, and as such, uses as many recycled materials as possibles in its shoes, and goes totally vegan where possible. The result is a genuinely stylish selection of sneakers that are as fashionable as they are ethical.
The V12 sneaker is water repellant too, despite having mesh panels in its upper. Splashing of sustainable leather are used to add to its hydrophobic credentials, and a gum rubber outsole helps provide traction when conditions get slippy.
Timberland
Timberland is best-known for its iconic range of desert boots, that have been in circulation since 1973. Designed to be waterproof, rugged and well-crafted, they became an instant hit. That same waterproof technology has since been transferred to other footwear styles including everyday and trail.
Naturally, if you're going trail walking or hiking, you can expect to be outdoors for considerable lengths of time, so you're going to need a shoe that you know will support you through any weather condition. These Garrison hiking shoes are a perfect fit. They're made using Timberland's own TimberDry waterproof membrane, with appropriately-named TimberGrip technology integrated into the sole for supreme traction. Better still, as hiking shoes go, we think they're rather handsome, and could easily be worn away from the trails if conditions allow.
Aquatalia
Aquatalia is an Italian footwear label founded in 1994 and claims to be the first to combine undisputed Italian design with weatherproof technology. Yes, the entire Aquatalia range is given the weatherproof treatment, so you're not reserved to selecting a certain style of shoe. Footwear is made in Italy and utilises homegrown leather and suede materials.
The Alaric sneaker is available in a range of colours and employs a conventional, minimalist low-top sneaker silhouette. The advantage it has over its peers however, is that it is entirely weatherproof. It does so by making use of a liquid sealant-filled seam that prevents water getting in, but lets moisture out. The fabric technology also allows you to easily remove any stains, keeping them looking fresh for years.
On Running
Swiss footwear brand On was born to revolutionise the running footwear industry. It can certainly be argued that the company has achieved its mission by way of its Cloud technology, which helps to cushion each stride you take, and propel you forward into the next. The most appealing factor that solidifies all On sneakers is that they can easily be worn all day, everyday, even when you're not running or training.
The Cloud Waterproof is the ideal sneaker then for heavy outdoor use. On's Zero-Gravity foam, combined with CloudTec in the outsole provide long-lasting comfort, along with superior shock-absorption. Abrasion pads on the sole help keep you firmly planted on the ground and the membrane upper is both wind and waterproof, meaning your feet will never notice a change in weather conditions.
Columbia
Columbia is a brand that is well-versed in all things outdoor. The company has been pushing out coats, fleece jackets and all manner of waterproof garments for years.
That same waterproof technology has now been applied to these SH/FT Outdry Mid sneakers (also available as a boot), which benefit from the company's own SH/FT foam midsole, which absorbs energy from each stride you take and give it back in a pleasing bounce. The headline feature, however, is that they're 100% waterproof, despite having a knitted upper layer. And, better still, we think they're pretty easy on the eye.
Merrell
Merrell is a name now synonymous with all things outdoor. The company was founded over 30 years ago with the sole aim of designing and developing boots for outdoor enthusiasts. They were a hit, with many praising them as being the "best hiking boots ever". Safe to say then, that Merrell knows how to craft a shoe that can cope with outdoor conditions.
The Alatalight sneaker is designed for hiking and, as the naming implies, is the company's lightest ever. The upper section is tear-resistant, so no more worrying if you catch them on rocks, while proprietary M Select Dry Barrier technology provides a completely waterproof seal to keep your feet high and dry. They're vegan-friendly too, making them an even more appealing purchase.
Tropicfeel
Spanish brand Tropicfeel was founded on the basis of becoming the expert in travel gear. The idea being that the more versatile and useful the products made, the more travellers can focus on simply enjoying travelling. This ethos is the reasoning for the sustainable and ethical practices it employs during the entire production process.
The Canyon sneakers aren't specifically advertised as being waterproof, but the fact you can wear them whilst wading through lakes and rivers suggests they'll be able to handle a slight downpour. They're engineered to drain water as quickly as possible and are made froma. quick-drying material so the remainder can be whisked away. A slip-resistant sole, breathable construction, SprintLace system and DualCushion for comfort makes them the perfect pair of sneakers to wear all day everyday.
Camper
Spanish footwear label Camper has been in business since 1975, although its history can technically be traced way back to 1877. The company certainly takes on a unique approach to design compared to its peers, with designs fusing together elements of diversity and creativity, resulting in a brand like no other. Today, several of its collections have been in production for several decades, and receive a refresh with each passing year.
Technologies used in the production are updated too, and Gore-Tex now features prominently. Widely regarded as the most effective weatherproof fabric technology currently available, you can rest assured the Helix will keep your feet dry even during heavy downpours. They're not totally isolated though, as breathability is second-to-none. The design is a bit more 'out-there' compared to some other pairs, but if you value comfort and dryness then they'll serve you well.
Salomon
French sportswear company was born in the Alps, so has been involved in outdoor activities and conditions ever since 1947. It's consistently been at the forefront of outdoor-specific clothing and footwear companies, offering a perfect blend of useful technologies and thoughtful design.
The OUTbound GTX sneaker is one such example of a perfect blend, forging a good-looking sneaker silhouette (and one that you can easily wear away from the mountains) with Gore-Tex for a completely weatherproof shoe. A toe cap protects your tootsies from rocks or stubs on table corners, a lightweight build will make you wonder if you've even got them on and the Contagrip outsole will keep your feet planted on terra firma. If you spend any time outdoors when conditions harsh, then you need this shoe.
Converse
Converse has remained a classic footwear brand ever since it was founded in 1908. Having produced footwear for the military in WW2 and professional basketball players, Converse eventually flooded the market as a lifestyle brand and it continues to maintain a stronghold today. The company was originally founded as a manufacturer of winter-focused rubber shoes, so heavy outdoor use has always been flowing through its veins.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that Converse has teamed up with Gore-Tex to release some pairs of waterproof Chuck Taylors that look like their non-waterproof counterpart, but bring the added benefit of dry feet during a downpour.
Nike
The biggest sportswear company in the world really does have a pair of shoes for every occasion. Other than outfitting the feet of hypebeasts, footballers, basketballers and any other athlete, Nike also has a dedicated range of water-resistant footwear.
And you may not have known it, but the globally recognised Air Force 1 sneaker can be had with Gore-Tex technology applied to it. It's available in a range of colours, as you'd expect, and with Gore-Tex onboard, it instantly becomes completely weatherproof. If it weren't for the large Gore-Tex branding, quite possibly the more deceitful weatherproof sneaker we've come across.
Adidas
German sportswear giant Adidas is one that loves to cater for any and all sport-related activities. Of course, the brand is best known for its range of running shoes and football boots, but delve a little deeper into its footwear offering and you'll find completely weatherproof footwear for hiking and golf.
This pair of Adipure SP 2.0 sneakers look like a conventional low-top, but turn them over and you'll find a traction outsole designed to tackle the fairway. It's a spikeless design, so you needn't worry about stabbing yourself, and a fully waterproof design will keep your feet dry when wading through tall wet grass when you inevitably hit your ball wide of the green.
