We’ve all been there. You see the sun outside, you put your freshest pair of shoes on and you head out for the day. But then 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.
Enter waterproof shoes….
You can easily invest in a rainproof jacket to keep your body dry, so why not give your feet the same treatment? Fortunately, there are plenty of pairs of waterproof shoes and waterproof sneakers available today that make generous use of innovative materials in their DNA, so you needn’t worry any longer about walking around in your own personal squelching puddles.
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 waterproof sneakers, so have been able to combine timeless style with modern waterproof tech.
Waterproof Shoes FAQ
The best waterproof shoes are typically made of rubber and/or PVC materials for the sole and synthetic leather or neoprene for the upper. The footwear’s non-porous membrane keeps liquids from penetrating inside. Yes. You can use waterproofing sprays on suede, canvas, and other shoes with textured materials. Just look for ones with silicone or acrylic polymer as ingredients. No. Weather resistant shoes are not as impermeable as waterproof shoes. While they can protect your feet from getting wet during rains, they will not prevent water from seeping in when submerged.
How to know if a shoe is waterproof?
Can suede or canvas shoes be waterproofed?
Is weather resistant the same as waterproof?
Some other helpful DMARGE stories about footwear:
If you’re after a new pair of shoes or sneakers to keep your feet dry for whenever the rains decide to pour, we’ve rounded up the best waterproof shoes for men- from sneakers to boots – that’ll protect you in style.
1/22Tropicfeel
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 from a 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.
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 from a 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.
2/22Allbirds
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.
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.
3/22On 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 men's shoes are 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.
The Cloud Waterproof men's shoes are 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.
4/22Columbia
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.
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.
5/22Vessi
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.
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.
6/22Sperry
Sperry has always had an association with water, being the company to introduce boat shoes to the market when it was founded in 1935. Today, while those same boat shoes remain a cult classic, they have also segued into making shoes that protect from the water, rather than being worn on boats that float on it.
Such as these Striper Storm Chukka boots. A regular-looking pair of chukkas they may be, but their leather and suede uppers are fully waterproof and aided by a completely seam-sealed construction. A clever diamond lug outsole provides ample traction, so you remain dry and planted.
Such as these Striper Storm Chukka boots. A regular-looking pair of chukkas they may be, but their leather and suede uppers are fully waterproof and aided by a completely seam-sealed construction. A clever diamond lug outsole provides ample traction, so you remain dry and planted.
7/22Merrell
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.
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.
8/22New Balance
It's not just hikers or weekend strollers that can benefit from waterproof shoes, but runners, too, will likely need something to ensure their toes stay dry if out on a long run and Mother Nature decides to play games. Fortunately, American sportswear giant New Balance understands this, and so has a range of waterproof running shoes that are more than capable. New Balance also produces waterproof golf shoes and waterproof hiking and trail shoes.
These Fresh Foam 880v10 GTX take the 880v10 shoe and give it a Gore-Tex treatment. That means they'll happily protect against rain and water, while the Fresh Foam sole provides cushioning to absorb shocks and fling you into your next stride.
These Fresh Foam 880v10 GTX take the 880v10 shoe and give it a Gore-Tex treatment. That means they'll happily protect against rain and water, while the Fresh Foam sole provides cushioning to absorb shocks and fling you into your next stride.
9/22Johnston & Murphy
Aside from producing a huge range of dress shoes, boots and loafers, US shoemaker Johnston & Murphy has a great range of sneakers which benefit from a raft of material technologies and knowledgable features to offer a genuine alternative to other big-name brands.
The XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe are fully waterproof, incredibly soft and feature a breathable lining made from sheepskin. They're a handsome pair too, and will gift your feet comfort and dryness.
The XC4 Prentiss Plain Toe are fully waterproof, incredibly soft and feature a breathable lining made from sheepskin. They're a handsome pair too, and will gift your feet comfort and dryness.
10/22Danner
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.
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.
11/22Casca
Stylish and waterproof? Get outta here. Casca is an emerging footwear brand making customised and extremely comfortable sneakers that can beat the elements too.
Their Avro range is sure to keep your feet nice and dry.
Their Avro range is sure to keep your feet nice and dry.
12/22Aquatalia
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.
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.
13/22Salomon
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.
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.
14/22The North Face
If there's a company that knows the great outdoors like the back of their hand, it's The North Face. The American company, founded in 1966, has been a brand of choice for many mountain climbers, explorers, boardriders and more, and over the years The North Face has amassed a truly expert level of knowledge to help you survive the elements.
These Ultra Fastpack IV Futurelight shoes takes one of The North Face's current shoe models and upgrades it with proprietary Futurelight and FastFoam technologies. The former is essentially TNF's answer to Gore-Tex, being a lightweight waterproof membrane that promotes airflow and repels water (it's also sustainably made) while the FastFoam midsole absorbs energy and returns it in each slide. You also benefit from a Vibram Megagrip outsole to prevent you from sliding down mountains. Sure, they're not the most stylish of shoes to have ever graced the earth, but for performance, they're up there with the best.
These Ultra Fastpack IV Futurelight shoes takes one of The North Face's current shoe models and upgrades it with proprietary Futurelight and FastFoam technologies. The former is essentially TNF's answer to Gore-Tex, being a lightweight waterproof membrane that promotes airflow and repels water (it's also sustainably made) while the FastFoam midsole absorbs energy and returns it in each slide. You also benefit from a Vibram Megagrip outsole to prevent you from sliding down mountains. Sure, they're not the most stylish of shoes to have ever graced the earth, but for performance, they're up there with the best.
15/22Cole Haan
American footwear stalwart Cole Haan is a trusty provider of all manner of shoes for guys. Dress shoes, boots, walking shoes, you name it, Cole Haan has got it. Same goes for waterproof shoes, with these Zerøgrand Over Take Runners rocking an internal bootie to encapsulate your foot, keeping it warm and dry, while leather and mesh uppers work together to prevent water from entering in the first place.
16/22Vans
Skate brand extraordinaire Vans has been kitting out skateboarders and snowboarders for years with stylish footwear that performs at the highest level. The brand has become a must-have fashion accessory in recent years, causing Vans to release new and exciting pairs to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.
And some consumers want waterproof shoes, so Vans has taken its classic Sk8-Hi silhouette and made it decidedly more tough. The slip-resistant sole is the only immediate giveaway that these shoes are different to their inspiration, as the 8 oz Vansguard canvas and suede uppers, which effectively fend off liquid and dirt, look just like a regular pair to the untrained eye. You also get Vans' UltraCush sockliners for enhanced comfort for all day wear.
And some consumers want waterproof shoes, so Vans has taken its classic Sk8-Hi silhouette and made it decidedly more tough. The slip-resistant sole is the only immediate giveaway that these shoes are different to their inspiration, as the 8 oz Vansguard canvas and suede uppers, which effectively fend off liquid and dirt, look just like a regular pair to the untrained eye. You also get Vans' UltraCush sockliners for enhanced comfort for all day wear.
17/22Timberland
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.
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.
18/22Nike
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.
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.
19/22Camper
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.
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.
20/22Clarks
British footwear maker Clarks is a brand that consistently delivers when it comes to reliability and durability. Forget loud and brash branding, instead, Clark is more focused on simply producing great shoes that can stand up against plenty of daily wear.
Clarks has a fair few pairs of waterproof shoes and boots, including this pair of Wallabee Boots with Gore-Tex. Taking Clarks' classic Originals Wallabee boot, this pair is given a winter makeover, being gifted Gore-Tex to banish away any incoming liquid, a more textured upper section and a Vibram sole keeps you planted on the ground without adding too much weight.
Clarks has a fair few pairs of waterproof shoes and boots, including this pair of Wallabee Boots with Gore-Tex. Taking Clarks' classic Originals Wallabee boot, this pair is given a winter makeover, being gifted Gore-Tex to banish away any incoming liquid, a more textured upper section and a Vibram sole keeps you planted on the ground without adding too much weight.
21/22The Original Muck Boot Company
The Original Muck Boot Company was founded to build the most protective, most comfortable, most reliable boots on the planet; no matter what the conditions. Today, the brand has been providing 100% waterproof boots and footwear that withstand the muckiest situations in every season for over two decades.
The Original Muck Boot Company has a huge range of men’s footwear that includes steel capped boots, gum boots, ankle boots, tall boots, and leather boots, all of which are completely waterproof and will keep your feet dry!
The Original Muck Boot Company has a huge range of men’s footwear that includes steel capped boots, gum boots, ankle boots, tall boots, and leather boots, all of which are completely waterproof and will keep your feet dry!
22/22Adidas
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.
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.
