Hiking boots are the walker’s most essential piece of equipment. With a good pair on, you can traverse any terrain, eat up hundreds of miles and keep your feet comfortable. That also means keeping them dry and when hiking in wet places or rainier seasons, it’s worth looking at waterproof boots.
These boots won’t just protect your feet from the elements but should keep them dry even if you stride through puddles, mud and the occasional stream. As with waterproof jackets, sealing out liquid means sweat is also locked in so these shoes will use high-tech membranes that keep out water molecules but are large enough to allow moisture from your foot to escape. Even this kind of miraculous material can only work so well though so these aren’t the best boots for hiking on hot sunny days if you want to avoid sweaty feet. Walk when it’s wet underfoot in the spring and autumn or in moist climates however and your feet will thank you for every dry, comfortable step. Here are the waterproof hiking boots we’d recommend:
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keeps water out and your foot comfortable
Premium construction and Columbia’s technology make these waterproof hiking boots stand out. They feature a waterproof mesh and leather outer to protect you on the trail. The outsole gives advanced traction on every surface while the midsole provides durable comfort and absorbs impact while returning energy with every step.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Protective toe and shock absorber
Merrell’s M Select DRY keeps the water out but lets moisture escape from these boots when you’re on the trail. Made from hide and leather with a mesh upper, the EVA midsole keeps your steps stable and comfortable whatever the terrain. The rubber toe cap protects your toes and the closed-cel foam tongue keeps out stones. The air cushion in the heel is like a shock absorber for your foot.
Danner Men's Vital Trail 5" Waterproof Hiking Boot
Light and flexible but tough as they come
Classic boot makers Danner has designed the Vital to be lightweight but rugged. The Plyolite midsole keeps the weight down, while the abrasion-resistant leather and textile upper will stand up to difficult terrain. The Danner Dry Liner keeps your feet dry but lets them breathe and even the laces are designed for stealth when hunting.
KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Aggressive grip and good support
The chunky outsole on this boot will grip on any surface while the mid-cut style supports your ankle and the ESS shank provides stability. This model has been updated with the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane which is also breathable to keep your foot dry but not sweaty.
Bottom line
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Wet feet can ruin the best-planned hike or most relaxing walk. With the best waterproof hiking boots you can eliminate that worry and stride out confidently over squelchy terrain or when there’s a risk of rain. Dog owners, who have to go out whatever the weather, will be particularly glad they invested in some. For most people looking for a good, waterproof boot, we would choose Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot. It’s a solid performer at the right price that’s well-made and comfortable mile after mile.
If you have to cope with slippery surfaces and lots of rain, go for the KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Its outsole is aggressively grippy and Keen’s waterproof membrane can be trusted to keep your foot bone dry.
