7 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots So Your Feet Don't Get Wet (2020)
What are the best waterproof hiking boots in 2020?
When having a good time hitting the trails, the last thing you want is to walk through a puddle or some mud and be stuck with soaking wet shoes for the next three hours of your adventure. But, choosing the best waterproof hiking boots is no easy task.
There are many things you need to take into account to decide what the best waterproof hiking boots are. The reliability of the brand, the quality of the materials, the amount of support provided are all elements you need to consider.
Choosing your hiking boot can also depend on your destination. How wet is it going to get? Is it going to be rocky? To get you out on the trails quicker, we have curated a list of the seven best waterproof hiking boots available out there.
We went and tested several of the best hiking boots at national parks around California like Yosemite so we can provide you with the best review.
We've kept in mind different brands and price points so that there will be something for everyone. Read on, and hopefully, you'll be running straight to the mountains in your new shoes when you finish.
The 7 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Men's Wide Hiking Boots
The best waterproof hiking boots: reviewed
1. Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Timberland has been an iconic brand within hiking or work boots for many, many years now, and has definitely grown quite the following for their iconic boot styles.
The Timberland men's white ledge mid waterproof ankle boots are trail-ready, with premium, full-grain waterproof leather uppers. The construction is seam-sealed and waterproof, ensuring then even if the boot is partly submerged in water, you won't end up with soggy socks.
Even the laces won't fail you, the hardware being completely rustproof means you won't have to worry about them getting a little wet.
The hooks at the top of this waterproof boot ensure you won't have any loose laces, minimising the likeliness of any trips or stumbles. The padded boot collar provides extreme comfort, so you aren't left with nasty ankle blisters after the first wear.
2. Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
Even when you're looking for a good quality waterproof hiking boot, there's no need to skimp on the comfort side of things. If you aren't comfortable in your shoes, you won't even want to go out and test them on the trail.
The Columbia men's Newton Ridge Plus II features a "techlite" lightweight midsole, ensuring they provide adequate comfort and cushioning, even during long hikes.
The Omni-grip rubber sole is made to provide fantastic traction. Even if you are hiking during wet weather, not only are you staying dry, but you're also staying upright thanks to the reduce risk of slipping.
The durable mesh tongue provides breathability, making sure you don't end up with any moist patches thanks to sweat buildup. The leather and suede construction is extremely lightweight and won't weigh you down on those longer treks. The leather and suede are coated to make this model among the best waterproof hiking boots available.
The best waterproof hiking boots
3. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
Another Columbia shoe, this time it's the women's Newton Ridge plus waterproof hiking boot, that is made for women who need support and want a comfortable day out on the trails.
Much like the men's boot, the women's boot also features a lightweight midsole that provides comfort and support, a rubber sole that has advanced traction technology, and a mesh tongue that aids in the breathability of the boot.
The lace-up closure provides the ability to tighten or loosen the fit to make the wearing experience as comfortable as possible, the side hooks providing an element of security.
The mid-cut design of the boot has been inspired by that of traditional mountaineering boots. The seam-sealed waterproof construction ensures that you will leave the hike with dry feet that don't ache after a long day of exercise.
4. KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you tend to be the kind of guy that likes to go off the beaten track, someone who enjoys picking trails that are rough and bumpy, these are among the best waterproof hiking boots for you.
If you plan to put your shoes through an extreme workout, the KEEN men's Targhee II mid waterproof hiking boots offer the perfect balance between comfort and support.
Promising 'four-wheel drive' performance on your feet, these boots are equipped with a breathable membrane that ensures your feet will stay dry, and won't end up overheating.
The outsole of this waterproof boot is equipped with these 4 mm lugs that can dig into the ground or the soil, providing a tremendous amount of traction, to ensure you won't end up slipping or falling. Extremely easy to get on, these shoes have a pull strap on the heel, so you don't end up pulling on the boot and damaging it.
5. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Sometimes, you're just looking for a waterproof boot that you know will get the job done. Not too expensive, but not so cheap that it will fall apart after the first wear.
The Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof hiking boot has got you covered. Even just looking at these boots, you can tell that they mean business. With a combined build of suede leather and mesh, they are incredibly comfortable and breathable, providing an excellent wearing experience.
The heel is equipped with an air cushion that helps to absorb shock if you have a particularly hard landing, plus it adds the right amount of stability to the shoe. The M Select Dry traps water from getting into the boot, but at the same time allows moisture to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
The best waterproof hiking boots for your next outdoors adventure.
6. Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Even the name tells you that this shoe is reliable. MOAB stands for Mother of All Boots, seriously - how could you pick anything else when they have a name like that?
These waterproof boots have an incredibly supportive footbed, and like the men's version, they are equipped with a shock-absorbing air cushion in the heel to help with stability and traction.
The rubber toe cap protects you from any potential stubs or toe injuries. The Vibram rubber sole is completely slip-resistant, ensuring you don't go flying into a puddle when you're on your hikes.
The materials used to make this shoe are recycled, making this model one of the best waterproof hiking boots for the environmentally-conscious hiker.
7. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Men's Wide Hiking Boots
Some people aren't just looking for a quality hiking boot, they're looking for a quality waterproof boot that they can wear anywhere. The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Men's hiking boots offer just that.
Some of the best waterproof hiking boots, as well as great work shoes, they are designed to provide extreme traction on any terrain. They are equipped with GoreTex technology providing descent control, making it easy to tackle steep trails without having to worry about slippage, even in wet weather.
These particular boots provide a wider fit, ensuring you don't feel cramped or uncomfortable during the wearing experience. The "sensifit" ensures that your feet feel hugged by the shoe like they have been personally molded to your feet.
What are the best waterproof hiking boots, then?
So, what are the best waterproof hiking boots?
With so many different models, brands, and features, you could spend hours looking for the best waterproof hiking boots, scouring for a pair that fits your exact needs. But, what adventurer has the time for that in this day and age? You want to get out there, explore! Hopefully, by reading our list of the 7 best waterproof hiking boots, you won't have to spend all your time in front of a screen.
Whether it is the Grand Canyon or Joshua Tree National Park you are aiming at, with a reliable pair of hiking boots you’ll be fine in any weather. Be sure to check back between your next hiking trips as we are always providing updates on the latest travel gear and tech.