We tested nearly 40 pairs of waterproof boots to find the best ones on the market.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Mens Mid-Top Casual Boots
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Boots might not be the first pair of must-pack travel shoes you reach for, but trust us when we say waterproof boots can make or break a trip. Waterproof boots come in all different styles so you can pack a pair for trips any season of the year.
To try a range of styles, we tested 37 pairs of boots from popular brands like Sorel, Hunter, Ugg, and L.L.Bean. We tried boots made of rubber, leather, mesh, fabric, and more to see which pairs held up best in inclement weather and provided plenty of comfort, support, and durability. Whether you’re in search of knee-high, platform, high-heeled, or hiking boots, we’re certain there’s a pair on this list for you.
The boots are stylish and fully waterproof.
The material is a bit stiff at first.
Waterproof boots don’t always have to be rugged looking, so we’re big fans of these fashionable Sam Edelman chelsea boots. The leather material is fully waterproof and repels even the dirtiest city puddle water, and the synthetic fabric insects also boast waterproofness so your feet will be fully protected. Plus, they have a thick and supportive lug sole that helps with stability and traction in slick conditions. While the leather was a bit stiff at first, it took just a few hours to get it to soften up a bit, leaving the boot comfortable and supportive for hours on end. The boots come in neutral colors options like brown, black, and white, and feature medium and wide options as well.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 14 | Leather, rubber
The boots are made with a lightweight and sturdy rubber material.
They don’t offer much foot support.
Boots can be difficult to travel with, but these rubber rain boots are small enough to fit nicely in a carry-on. The rubber material is lightweight enough that the boots won’t be clunky or cumbersome to wear or pack, but the boots still feel thick and sturdy. Thanks to these fully waterproof boots, our feet stayed perfectly dry in wet weather, and the boots are lined with a soft fabric for some warmth and insulation. We wish the boots had a bit more to offer in the arch support department, so you may want to use inserts if you’re planning to be on your feet for long periods of time.
The Details: Sizes 4 to 12 | Rubber
The boots have a minimalist design for everyday wear.
They don’t come in half-sizes.
Taller rain boots can offer a bit more protection than ankle options while still being easier to pack and slip-on than knee-high footwear. These waterproof boots from Bogs offer superior comfort, protection, and style, earning them a perfect score in testing. The boots have a traditional sleek rain boot design, which is versatile for practically any occasion. And, the mid-calf shaft with waterproof side gussets offer a flexible and secure fit without letting a trace of water into the boot. Since half-sizes aren’t available, we noticed some extra room in the boot with the whole size, but the boots never rubbed or caused any discomfort.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | Rubber
The flexible material and shorter ankle height makes it comfortable to walk in these shoes all day long.
The color options are limited, and there aren’t any wide sizes available.
Protective, comfortable, and fully waterproof, these Everlane ankle boots are stylish and practical. After traveling throughout rainy Scotland, we determined that these boots are not only completely waterproof, but they are also exceptionally comfortable to wear while sightseeing. The footbed has a soft cushioning, and the fabric side gussets offer flexibility with every step. Plus, the boots have sturdy traction while walking on wet surfaces. There aren’t any wide sizes available, so the boots were a little tight on the foot in the upper.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Rubber
The lug soles are thick and sturdy, but the boots are very lightweight and easy to pack.
The leather is stiff at first.
These boots look heavy, but they are incredibly lightweight and easy to walk in. During testing, we found the thick lug outsole offers stability and traction on all surfaces, and the slight heel gives the boot a bit more style compared to a traditional hiking boot. The interior of the boot boasts an ultra-comfortable memory foam footbed, and it’s lined with a soft, recycled PET fabric with odor-resistant abilities for extra comfort and durability. We thought the leather was a bit stiff at first, but once we wore the boots a few times, it loosened right up for a fitted but flexible feel.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | Leather, memory foam, rubber
The slow recovery foam cushioning offers an abundance of comfort.
The utilitarian style won’t appeal to everyone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a pair of waterproof hiking boots like these ones from Hi-Tec are your best option. These boots are comfortable right out of the box and boast slow recovery foam cushioning and Ortholite sock liners for noticeable comfort compared to other boots we tried. The rubber outsole offers plenty of traction for stability in slick conditions, and the high-top laces keep the foot secure in the boot while trekking. Made with durable materials, we’re confident these boots will last for a long time, and for under $100, it’s hard to beat the price for an excellent waterproof hiking boot such as this pair.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | Microfleece, rubber
The top of the boot shaft has an adjustable buckle to tighten or loosen the boots.
The thicker rubber material isn’t very breathable.
We determined that Hunter rain boots live up to the hype after this pair earned high praise during testing. While Hunter boots come at a higher price, that quality is well worth the investment since we’re confident that these will be the last pair of rain boots you’ll buy for many years. The rubber is thick and fully waterproof, but the boots are still easy to walk around in and don’t feel clunky. There is generous traction on the bottle of the boots, and the adjustable buckle on the top is an extra special feature that we didn’t see in any other boots we tested. One thing to note is that these boots aren’t very breathable, so you may want to opt for a different pair in the summer.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Rubber
These boots are effortlessly stylish and fully waterproof with a fleece-lined interior.
These are one of the pricier pairs on this list.
It can be rare to find a pair of waterproof boots that you can wear on a fancier occasion, so we recommend these leather heeled booties from La Canadienne. The handmade boots feature a black leather exterior, soft microfiber-lined interior, and the side zippers are fully waterproof as well, which was proved to be true after we wore these on multiple rainy days in the city. With a 3-inch heel and a sleek leather look, these booties look and feel premium, but we’re also confident that the high-quality materials will last down the road. The leather takes a few hours to break-in, but after wearing the boots once, the material loosened up a bit for a more comfortable fit.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Leather, microfiber, rubber
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
The boots have a stretchy and soft leather shaft that molds around the calf.
The boots had a few scuffs after testing.
Tall boots can be difficult to travel with, but the knee-high La Canadienne Paton boots have a stretchy leather shaft that is super soft and flexible, allowing the tall part of the boots to be folded in for packing. Plus, the soft material molds around the calf so the boots always stay up and don’t bunch anywhere on the leg. Even with the slight heel, these pointed-toed boots are exceptionally comfortable to walk around in for long periods of time, and the waterproof leather does an excellent job of warding off the elements. After wearing the boots nonstop, there were a few scuff marks that came off with some light spot cleaning.
The Details: Sizes 4.5 to 10.5 | Leather, rubber
These are some of the most durable and comfortable boots we tried.
The boots have a naturally wide fit, so you’ll want to wear thicker socks with them for comfort and warmth.
These L.L.Bean duck boots are perfect for walking in the rain, snow, and slush. Made in Maine and created by “L.L.” himself, these boots boast incredible waterproof abilities thanks to the hardy construction of the rubber and leather boots. We wore the boots in damp weather conditions, and the traction proved to be just as impressive as the waterproofing, providing plenty of stability while walking. If the boots get dirty, you can easily hose them down to look as good as new. Our favorite part of the boots is that they come in narrow, medium, and wide size options so you can get the most comfortable fit. Duck boots are naturally roomy, so we do recommend wearing them with thicker socks for warmth, too.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Leather, rubber
Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang
These lace-up boots work for both outdoor adventures and urban excursions.
The boots were stiff at first and required a slight break-in period.
Functional and fashionable, these lace-up leather boots from Bogs are the perfect waterproof pair for various occasions. The style is just at home outdoors as it is running errands or going to lunch with friends, and we thought they were comfortable even after being on our feet all day long. We found that the boots boast superb traction for walking through mud or wet surfaces, and the higher ankle shaft is designed for better stability than the average rain boot. Although the leather material was a bit stiff at first, the material loosened up quickly after hiking through wet conditions and continued to provide generous comfort and support while walking long distances.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | Leather, EVA, PET
The lightweight rain boots come in more than a dozen eye-popping colors.
The removable insoles pop out every time the boots are taken off.
Searching for a colorful pair of rain boots? The Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots come in a huge variety of bright and neutral colors to fit all kinds of style preferences, including solid black, slate gray, lime-and-olive green, lavender-and-navy, mustard yellow, dusty pink, and more. Besides the creative colorways, the boots impressed us with a comfortable and lightweight fit right out of the box. The rubber boots come with removable inserts for added comfort, and while they slide out of the shoes easily, they add an abundance of comfort and coziness, so we think the slight hassle is worth it. When we wore the boots on slick pavement in the city, the traction helped greatly with stability, and not an ounce of water made its way into the boots. So whether you opt for a bold magenta-and-navy shade or the more subtle sand color, we think you can’t go wrong either way.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 14 | Neoprene, rubber
The boots excelled in the comfort aspect of testing.
They aren’t the most versatile pair of boots.
These performance waterproof boots are designed to handle all types of terrain thanks to the brand’s Missiongrip jagged traction and waterproof abilities. Right away, we found these boots comfortable to wear for extended time on our feet, living up to the brand’s reputation for cloud-like comfort. The boots are warm and breathable, which is ideal for all-season wear, and we think they would perform exceptionally well in snow, rain, or shine. They do have a more rugged look to them, which means they are not as versatile as other pairs of boots on this list, but the boots are perfect for a hiker or an outdoorsy person.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Recycled polyester, rubber
The shearling lining adds tons of warmth to these nearly knee-high boots.
The calf isn’t stretchy and there are no wide options available, so the fit might be too tight for some.
It’s hard to believe that suede leather can be waterproof, but the Overland tall boots proved to be perfectly waterproof during testing. While dry feet are important, we also love that the shearling lining on the inside is exceptionally cozy and soft, providing tons of warmth in cold destinations. The boots have a 2.5-inch block heel and generous traction, so they are still extremely stable — and comfortable — to walk in. We walked over a mile in them and thought the arch support was great, proving more comfortable than some flat boots that didn’t make it onto this list. We found that these boots do run true to size, but the shaft isn’t very stretchy, so the boots might not be able to fit comfortably around larger calves.
The Details: Sizes 36 to 42 | Suede leather, Merino
The tall rubber boots are easy to slip on and off when you’re on the go.
They only come in one color.
In a hurry to get out the door? These tall rubber rain boots are super easy to slip on and off, so they won’t slow you down with laces or zippers, even if the rain tries. Made with a plastic hemp material, the rubber feels thick and durable, especially in the sole of the boot. Since the boots don’t have any type of lining, you’ll want to wear thicker socks for warmth and extra comfort, but the boots do run true to size. We’re big fans of the neutral and natural brown color from the eco-friendly hemp material, but there aren’t any other colors to choose from.
The Details: Sizes 35 to 46 | Recycled hemp plastic
These insulated boots are perfect for the snow.
The modern sneaker-style might not fit everyone’s style preference.
There aren’t many waterproof boots on the market that look like these lace-up leather ones from The North Face. Besides standing out for unique style, the boots proved to have all the qualities we look for in a pair of high-quality, waterproof boots. The leather material is fully waterproof and the boots have a polyester insulated lining, which makes them the perfect winter boot. The laces can be a little tricky to tie tight, but the boots still offer superior comfort, support, and stability when you’re out and about in the winter.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Leather, EVA, rubber
The EVA midsole and ankle cushioning offer superior arch support and stability.
These boots are designed for hiking.
For those needing some extra arch support, The North Face’s Hedgehog 3 hiking boots have an extra 5 millimeters of cushioning compared to the brand’s past models. The extra cushioning and ankle support was much appreciated and provided plenty of comfort while hiking and doing yard work. The upper leather and synthetic materials feel extremely durable, and the shoe does an excellent job of repelling water, mud, dirt, and moisture. Plus, the boots are much lighter in weight than other hiking boots on the market, and they have a sleek and more modern design.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Mesh, leather, synthetic leather, EVA, rubber
The boots feel sturdy to walk in despite the intense platform.
We got blisters the first time they were worn.
Platform boots can look impractical, but these ones from Ugg proved to be just as functional as other more rugged boots we tried. Sure, the platform style might not be for everyone, but despite the thick 2.5-inch lift, these were super easy to walk in while venturing around the city. There was a short period of time where the leather upper needed to stretch out a bit and caused a few blisters, but after some time, the boots loosened up for a more comfortable fit. Although these boots are on the heavier side, the materials are thick, high-quality, and sturdy, so we think the higher price point is worth it for a fashionable and durable pair of boots.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Leather, wool, rubber
The boots are made with a featherlight waterproof knit upper.
There aren’t any half-size options.
Like wearing a protective and waterproof pair of socks, these Vessi boots are shockingly lightweight and fully waterproof. The knit upper material completely repels any and all water, and the fabric is thick enough to mold around the foot for protection, comfort, and warmth. All of the materials feel well-made and durable, so we’re confident these boots are made to last. Although there aren’t half-sizes available, if you size up, we found that the fit is still very comfortable and sturdy.
The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Knit, rubber
We tested so many waterproof boots that performed well that it was hard to narrow our list down. Although they didn’t make it onto our main list, the boots below still come highly recommended by us.
Vivaia Water Repellent Ankle Boots: These knit sock boots are breathable and effortlessly stylish, but the toe area did feel a bit wet after walking through a rainstorm.
Sorel Brex Boot Chelsea: These modern platform rain boots proved to be very durable and completely waterproof. However, we recommend wearing crew socks with the shoes since the ankle area can rub a bit.
Naturalizer Brent Knee High Shaft Boots: This pair of knee-high boots is sleek, stylish, and exceptionally comfortable to wear around the city, but the shaft isn’t very flexible, so the boots won’t be as comfortable for those with larger calves.
Lands End Women's Insulated Sherpa Fleece Lined Duck Boots: The boots are comfortable and unlined, so you can wear them in almost any season, but the shearling on the exterior of the boots takes a while to dry when it gets wet.
To test 37 pairs of waterproof boots, we spent several weeks wearing the footwear in various terrain and weather conditions to see how the boots held up. Of course, waterproofness was one of the most important attributes we tested for, but we also paid close attention to fit, comfort, traction, and durability. We wore the boots for activities like commuting in rainy cities, hiking on muddy trails, running errands, and doing household chores, taking notes on breathability, arch and ankle support, how long the boots took to feel broken in, and any pain or discomfort they may have caused.
We made it a point to wear the boots in rainy weather whenever possible, and if we couldn’t, we did an at-home waterproofing test that involved stuffing the shoe with towels or tissue paper and holding the exterior of the shoe under a stream of water for five minutes to see if any water seeped through. The boots that earned top scores impressed us by running true to size, offering excellent foot support and cushioning, and of course, by keeping our feet perfectly dry in the wettest conditions.
When a boot is waterproof, it means that no water should be able to get into the interior of the shoes, no matter how rainy it is. Water-resistant boots will ward off the elements, but only to a certain degree of wetness, and then the materials won’t be able to keep all the moisture away.
If you’re buying a pair of waterproof boots, you need to consider your environment to determine which style fits your needs best. Outdoor adventurers should opt for a more rugged boot with traction and support specifically designed for activities like hiking or walking in rougher terrain. For those living in colder climates, consider getting a pair of boots with insulation or at least a microfiber lining for extra warmth, or on the flip side, those in warmer climates may want a regular rubber boot that is unlined. And of course, if you’re mostly in a city, you may want to consider a more dressy boot made of leather for work, dinners, or any other less casual occasion.
It’s no secret that boots are difficult to pack in a carry-on. If you don’t mind wearing boots on a plane, that’s likely the best way to save space, but if not, you’ll want to consider how heavy the boots are and how much space they will take up. Knee-high or calf-high boots will take up more room, but rubber boots will likely be heavier and clunkier.
If a boot is made of any type of waterproof material, it likely doesn’t need any type of spray on it. After several years of wearing the boots, the waterproofing could potentially diminish, so it couldn’t hurt at that point. These are the Five Best Waterproofing Sprays to Protect Your Boots from Rain and Snow, tested and recommended by our Travel + Leisure editors. Remember to always test a spray on a small patch ahead of time in case the spray darkens the color of the shoes.
In general, waterproof boots should wipe-clean to look as good as new. Rubber boots can even be hosed down and require very little maintenance to keep clean. If your boots are made with leather, you’ll want to consult the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, just in case there are specific requirements for the material.
It’s common for shoes to only come in whole sizes, so if that’s the case, be sure to size up to the next whole number. Also, consider reading the reviews or product description, as many brands or reviewers will give tips on how the boot might fit.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Raised in Oregon and now based in New York City, Anna has tested various waterproof boots fit for the outdoors and urban life. She used her knowledge of footwear testing and combed through testing notes to write this list of the best waterproof boots for any and all seasons.
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