Editor’s note: This article is part of our guide to the very best waterproof hiking shoes, be sure to check out the rest of this guide for our top buying tips:
- 20 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- How to Choose The Right Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- How We Tested Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Related content: - How to Relace Your Hiking Shoes for Better Comfort
- Water Resistant vs Waterproof vs Water Repellent – What is the difference?Â
Also in this series: - 28 Best Hiking Shoes
- 10 Best Waterproof Rain Jackets for Hiking
- 9 Best Waterproof Rain Pants for Hiking
We’ve assessed a lot of different shoes and boots for our guide to the best waterproof hiking shoes. There’s a lot of information to work through in our main article and also in the individual reviews. By way of an overview, we’ve correlated the key facts on each product we’ve assessed into our handy comparison tables below – which we’ve divided into Women’s and Men’s sections. There’s a lot of different information to get your head around when comparing footwear and our tables have hone din on what we think are the key factors, including materials used, fit, ankle and arch support and, of course, general pros and cons.Pricing for footwear of all kinds seems to be a moving target, with prices changing on a seemingly daily basis for some products. Be sure to check the purchase links to our affiliate partners to discover the most up to date prices for the products we’ve assessed.
Danner Panorama Mid | Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX | Regatta Vendeavour Pro | Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex | La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots | Muck Boot Apex Lace Up | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Black Diamond Mens Mission Leather Low Waterproof Approach Shoes | Lowa Renegade GTX LO | KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof | |
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Our Ratings | Top Pick | Recommended | Recommended | Add New | Add New | Add New | Add New | Add New | Add New | Add New |
Pros | Rugged build. Clean, minimal sytling | Striking Design. Makes use of recycled material | Bargain price. Well made | Very lightweight. Very Comfortable | Relatively lightweight. Good support | Very solid build. Totally waterproof | Reputaton for comfort. Resaonably priced | Very low weight. They look great! | short break in, comofrtable, tread grip is substantial | Comfortable. Very durable |
Cons | Took a little while to break in. We wish there was a little more ankle support | Pricey. Sole material can look tatty with time | Limited Color choices. Not the Lightest | Ankle support could be better. Pricey | Styling may not be to eveyone's taste. Pricey | Very heavy. Takes some time to break in | No the lightest
design and color choices may seem dated to some | Pricey. Soft rubber sole may wear quickly | Limited range of colors. Long term durability concerns | Dated design. Pricey |
Traction | Full rubber sole with medium/deep thread pattern | Continental outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Rubber outsole with deep thread pattern. Uses 'Black Label' Sticky rubber for better grip. | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern |
Breathability | Minimal use of mesh, and unvented leather in main body of shoe but there is a Gore-tex membrane the boot is not insulated. | Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper with 'Isotex' waterproof membrane. | Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex | Low - full rubber and neoprene construction. However, they also have minimal insulation. | Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane | Breathable 'BD.dry' waterproof lining with some mesh sections. However unperforated leather will limit breathability. | Mesh lining backed with Gore Tex membrande | Mesh sections on upper backed with waterproof membrane |
Ankle Support | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Good - Mid-height design with ankle collar adjustment via laces. | Medium - Mid high, but with minimal tension adjustmen ton ankle cuff | Good - Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces | Good - Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support |
Arch support | Subtly shaped inner section offers gentle arch support | Gently moulded arch support in insoles | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Moulded nylon arch shank | Add New | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support |
Fit | Available in standard and wide fit. Standard is good for narrow/normal width feet. Available in sizes from US 7/ UK 6.5/EU 40 up to US 15/UK 14.5/ EU 50.6 | Available in sizes from US 6/UK 5.5/ EU 38.6 up to US 15/UK 14.5/EU 50.6. Suitable for normal to wide feet. Runs small, so recommended to buy a slightly larger than normal size. | Suitable for normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US6.5/UK 6/EU 39.3 to US 12.5/UK 12/EU 48 | Available in normal and wide versions and offered in sizes from US 7M/ UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 14M/ UK 13.5/ EU 49.3 | Availalble in standard and wide versions. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 5 /EU 38 up to US 14/UK 13.5/ EU 49.5 | Fits standard to wide feet. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 15/ UK 14/EU 50 | Suitable for normal width feet - have a reputation for out-of-the-box comfort. Also available in a wide version. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 16/ UK 15/EU 51 | Typically suitable for normal width feet. Some reports indicate it's wise to size up a little. Availalble in sizes from US 6/UK 5/EU 38 to US 14/ UK 13/ EU 48.5 | Santadard - nothing to note, can be good for wide feet and standard feet may be a bit wide for narrow feet. Available in sizes from US7.5/UK 6.5/EU40 to US 16/UK 15/ EU 51 | Meant to be very comfortable for a slighhtly wider foot - with lots of toe room. Available in sizes from US 7/uk 6/EU 39.5 up to US 16/UK 16/EU 49 |
Materials | Suede and synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Minimum of 50% recycled material used in upper. High density foam sole can degrade with time. | Fully synthetic with waterproof Isotex membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic - rubber and neoprene outer with padded mesh lining | Pig suede and synthetic. Mesh lining, laces and webbing are made from 100% recycled materials. | Nubuck leather and synthetic | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Gore-Tex Membrane | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Waterproof Membrane |
Appearance | The sytling is reminiscent of a hi-top basketball boot, but with with a clear modern interpretation. | Ultra-contemporary style with a wide range of colour ways - many are quite vivid | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colours - some with vivid colour accents. | Ultra-contemporary styling that stands out despite muted colour options | Contemporary styling. Available in a number of colour ways ranging from neutral to very striking. | Very utilitarian looks. | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colour options - mostly muted, 'earthy' colours. | Contemporary styling referencing classic sports shoe. Available in two colour ways | Design inspired by traditional hiking shoes. Limited color choices | Slightly dated styling compared some newer designs |
Durability | High | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Very high | Medium to high | High | Medium to high | High |
Weight (pair) | 1048g/2lb 5oz | 910g/2lb | 1080g/2lb 6oz | 826g/1lb 13oz | 940g/2lb 1oz | 1800g/3lb 15oz | 900g/2lb | 666g/1lb 7oz | 950g/2lb 1.5oz | 861g/1lb.14.8oz |
Insoles | Removable three-layer cushioned insoles | Removable insoles | Removable foam insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable, dual-density EVA footbeds cushion your stride |
Break-in Period | Medium | Minimal | Minimal to medium | Minimal | Minimal | Medium to high | Minimal | Minimal | Meant to be able to wear straight out the box | Straight away |
Lacing system | Standard laces | Standard laces | Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control | Speed lacing system | Multizone lacing system allows control over fit | Multizone lacing system allows control over fit | Standard Laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces |
Toe Protection | Hardened rubber toe cap and full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap and thin but full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Robber outsole extends to form to toe cap. There is also a thin rubber rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap |
Best Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes And Boots
Product | Danner Womens Trail 2650 | The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack | Adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes | On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof | Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex | Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD | La Sportiva Spire GTX | Keen NXIS EVO Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Altra Lone Peak 7 | Merrell Moab Speed |
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Our Ratings | Top Pick | Recommended | ||||||||
Pros | Durable build. Extremely comfortable | Excellent Comfort. Wide variety of options within the range | Striking design. Makes use of recycled material | Stylish Deisgn. Very supportive | Sturdy build. Good foot and ankle support | Extremely rigid offering great support and protection. Comfortable and very light weight considering their spec. | Light Weight. Ultra breathable | Light weight. Good environmental credentials | Roomy toe box. Excellent traction. | Lightweight. Iconic Moab fit and comfort |
Cons | Not the cheapest. We found they didn’t keep our feet warm in wet conditions | Some options not as durable as others. Can be expensive | Looks may be too much for some. Slightly narrow fit may be unsuitalbe for wider feet. | Pricey. Fit may be a little narrow for some | Took a while to break in. Some may not like th erigid construction | Pricey. Not the best choice for generla hiking and walking | Pricey. Some may prefer a more rigid shoe | May not be best fit for narrower feet. A bit pricey | Less durable. Pricey | Not most supportive. More expensive than the regular Moab |
Traction | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Continental outsole with medium deep thread depth | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread depth. The sole also features On's distinctive open-cell shock absorbtion technology. | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread depth | Vibram outsole with deep thread pattern. B2 rating means extremem rigidity for technical moutaineering and hiking. | Vibram outsole with deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with medium thread depth | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. |
Breathability | Perforated suede outer with breathable mesh inner | Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane | Breathable mesh upper with Core-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex. However, the boots are also well insulated | Whilst it is breathable, this boot is optimised for moutain conditions and prioritiese insulation | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex | Breathable mesh upper and lining with anti-odor treatment | Full mesh upper | Full mesh uppe |
Ankle Support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Good - Mid/high design with adjustable tension via laces | Good/Very good - 'fitted high' design | Very Good - 'High' design with rigid construction and varialbe tensioning via laces | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support |
Arch support | Gentle arch support | Gentle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Flat inside. Arch support may be added by changing insoles | Gentle arch support | Gentle arch support | Gentle | Gentle |
Fit | Available in medium width and in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9.5/ EU 44 | Suitalbe for those with normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9/ EU 42 | Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5 /EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 10.5/ EU 45.3 | Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9/ EU 43 | Suitalbe for those with normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9.5/ EU 44 | suitalbe for those with normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US 5.5/ UK 4/ EU 37 up to US 9.5/UK 8/ EU 42 | Fits true. Typically suitable for normal to narrow feet. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9/ EU 42 | Iconic Keen fit' - Wider fit with extra space at forefoot. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 9/ EU 43 | Roomy and good for wider feet with natural movement. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 3.5/EU 36 to US 12/UK 10/EU 44.5 | Similar to the Moab 3 - but a little more narrow but still suitable for most hikers. Available in sizes from US 5/UK 2.5/EU 35 to US 11.5/UK 9/EU 43 |
Materials | Suede and synthetic | Fully synthetic with waterproof membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Adidas claims upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled material | Fully synthetic with waterproof membrane | Mixed synthetic and leather with Gore-Tex membrane. | Fully synthetic - Scarpa claim the boots are vegan friendly. | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic with waterproof 'KEEN.DRY' membrane | Fully synthetic | Fully synthetic. Merrell claim these sheos are vegan. |
Appearance | Modern design with classic elements and materials. Available in a wide range of colour ways. | Available in a wide range of regularly refreshed colour ways. The Hedgehog is more 'discreet' than some competitors | Striking angluar design available in a wide rang eof colour ways | Minimalistic but still striking styling with distinctive 'open cell' sole. Available in multiple colours | Modern design available in multiple muted colour ways | Available in multiple colours with striking styling - a real break from traditional mountaineering boots. | Available in multiple colour ways with striking styling, typical of La Sportiva. | Distinctive good looks available in multiple colour ways | A really nice looking shoe that could work well for multiple purposes such as hiking and trail running - with a variety of striking color designs | Does something inbetween a hiking shoe and trail runner and comes in a variety of striking colourways |
Durability | Very high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | High to very high | Very high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high |
Weight (pair) | 680g/1lb 08oz | 663g/1lb 7oz | 758g/1lb 11oz | 990g/2lb 3oz | 1070g/2lb 6oz | 1310g/2lb 14oz | 740g/1lb 10oz | 644g/1lb 6oz | 635g/1lb 4.5oz | 640g/1lb5oz |
Insoles | Removable three-layer cushioned insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole |
Break-in Period | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Medium | Medium to high | Minimal | Minimal | Very minimal | Very minimal |
Lacing system | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control | Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces |
Toe Protection | Rubeerized, semi-rigid toe cap with rubber rand around front section of shoe | Rubberized, but non-rigid toe cap | Rubberized, reinforced, but non-rigid toe and front section | Rubberized, but non-rigid toe cap | Rubberized, semi-rigid toe cap - better than most in our round up | Hardened, rigid toe box with high rubber rand. | Non-rigid PU 'TechLite' toe cap | Hard, but not solid, rubber toe cap. | Hard but not solid | Hardened rubber toe cap |
Conclusion
The market for hiking footwear was once dominated by chunky, utilitarian boots. But things have certainly moved on and now there’s more choice than ever with options ranging from boots utilising the best of traditional manufacturing techniques all the way to ultra high-tech and lightweight offerings utilising state of the art materials and statement design. The options available can be overwhelming – especially so if you want to try to choose a single ‘do it all’ pair of shoes or boots. We hope you’ll find our guide and the wide selection of products we’ve assessed a great starting point for finding the hiking footwear that’s best for you. You may also want to read our article on the differences between waterproof, water resistant and water repellent.Â
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