Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Your Wet Adventures
What are the best waterproof hiking shoes out there? Find out with Exsplore!
You are planning an epic hiking trip, and you have everything figured out. Awesome backpack? Check. Snacks? Check. Raincoat? Check. However, you still need a good pair of shoes that will withstand the climb up a mountain and a jump into the riverbed. Whit so many different models available, what are the best waterproof hiking shoes? Here is where we can help. We have picked the best waterproof hiking shoes for men and women, and you are welcome to take a look.
Just like the backpack you carry on your shoulders, shoes need to be comfortable, durable and resist the elements. You'll need to know a few technicalities to understand what pair makes the ideal fit.
Shoes have uppers, insoles, midsoles, and outsoles. Upper is the part that covers the top of your foot. Ideally, it needs to be waterproof and breathable. The insoles may be orthopedic, but they also should be breathable. The main job of the midsole is to absorb shock and prevent injury.
So, if you are a climber, runner, or jumper, a sturdy midsole is your best friend. Finally, the outsoles serve two primary functions: provide grip and ensure that no water seeps through from underneath. With this background knowledge, choosing the right model for your adventure will be simpler, so here's our list of the seven best waterproof hiking shoes.
The 7 best waterproof hiking shoes:
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Adidas Outdoor Men's Terrex Swift R2 GTX Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Columbia Men's Redmond Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoes
Salomon Men's Pathfinder Mid ClimaSheild Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Columbia Women's Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Ahnu Women's W Sugarpine Ii Waterproof Ripstop Hiking Shoes
The best waterproof shoes for hiking: reviewed
1. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Starting with the Mother Of All Boots, Merrell Moab 2 is a high-performance, sustainable pair of hiking shoes. It includes an M Select Dry design that keeps water out while wicking away any inside moisture. This way, your feet will stay dry and comfortable on the road.
The shoes come with Vibram soles to account for your safety. With their rubber grip, they enhance the stability of your steps and prevent slipping accidents. Another feature is an air heel cushion that softens the impact of walking or running. Thus, the stress on your legs is reduced, and you can enjoy the outdoors longer. Plus, there is an added zonal arch support for people with flat feet.
As mentioned, these shoes are sustainable. They are made from recycled and natural materials that minimize the impact on the environment. These also make the shoes durable. Rubber soles and toe caps protect your feet, while EVA midsoles provide stability. Overall, Moab 2 is an excellent choice for comfort and sustainability.
2. Adidas Outdoor Men's Terrex Swift R2 GTX
Who can walk past Adidas? Not us, and not many other hikers. The Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX is built for any trail, ready to support you no matter what. If you are a runner or a climber, then you will like the speed-lacing design of the shoes. Not only will it take a second to lace your shoes, but you also won't trip on the laces since there is a lace bungee to store them in.
These shoes have a breathable, waterproof membrane that keeps water out and comfort in. Mesh and nylon ripstop fabrics, along with TPU toe caps, provide durability. Meanwhile, a Continental™ Rubber sole ensures a reliable grip even on wet ground, so the weather won't deter you from your adventures.
Finally, weighing just 12.3 ounces, the shoes will feel light and quick, warranting the word 'swift' in the name of the model. One of the best waterproof hiking shoes for frequent hikers looking for a multipurpose model.
The best waterproof hiking shoes for treks in stormy weather
3. Columbia Men's Redmond Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
Columbia Redmond represents a combination of comfort and durability. These are imported low-top shoes that you can use to climb as well as to visit a store. Redmonds are waterproof enough to withstand heavy dew, rain, or very shallow streams.
The shoes' upper layer includes layers of suede, mesh, and webbing to provide structure and breathability. The design is similar to Merrell Moab 2, but the price is smaller. So, if you are on a budget, the Redmonds are some of the best waterproof hiking shoes you can find.
The midsole is made from a Techlite material. Its superior impact absorption qualities guarantee soft cushioning and comfort. Especially if you are a runner, the expandable midsole will propel you with its high energy return. Lastly, the rubber outsole offers an advanced traction design — the Omni-Grip. A blend of different compounds and a combination of tread patterns strengthen the grip on any surface, including wet moss and ice.
4. KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoes
For all the sporty women out there, KEEN designed the Targhee II model. These shoes have several lines of defense against moisture, fatigue, and slipping. The upper of the shoes is made from waterproof nubuck and hydrophobic mesh. This means that rugged materials push moisture away, keeping your feet dry.
The shoes also have unique heel support that absorbs shock, minimizing the chance of injury. And to help you hike longer, a unique midsole shank stabilizes your foot, adding an energetic spring to your every step.
If you like exploring trails in different weather, the multi-directional lugs will prove useful. The lugs are grooves that bite into the ground to give you exceptional grip in muddy or snowy environments. Targhee II will also protect your toes from getting stubbed on some obnoxious rock; the outsole wraps up around the front of the shoes. The keen design of KEEN Targhee II protects your every step in a multitude of ways — all so you can enjoy the trails.
5. Salomon Men's Pathfinder Mid ClimaSheild Waterproof Hiking Shoes
No matter the type of trail or adventure, comfort is a top priority. So, Salomon Pathfinder Mid ClimaShield focuses just on that. Do you often get little pebbles inside your shoe? An anti-debris mesh prevents that. An EVA midsole absorbs the impact of running or climbing, which optimizes your mountain trail experience.
Additionally, an innovative Contagrip outsole is made with one of the most durable materials. The lug pattern provides you with sure footing on any surface. The waterproof sole will easily take you through puddles, mud, snow, and shallow creeks.
Even with all this, the Pathfinders offer another noteworthy feature — the SensiFit foothold. Running from the midsole to the lacing system, it provides an all-round custom fit. Everywhere you go, let the comfort of a shoe quasi-tailored to your foot accompany you.
Plus, a breathable OrthoLite sock-liner will cradle the bottom of your foot. So, if you are a picky chooser, these Salomons may be the best waterproof hiking shoes for you.
The best waterproof shoes for hiking
6. Columbia Women's Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Another entry for Columbia — it sure is killing it in the hiking shoe market. The Crestwood women's model features a durable upper, a high-performance midsole, and a reliable outsole. The upper is made from suede and mesh, combining resistance to moisture with breathability.
Plus, the rubber outsole and not even a downpour can keep you from going out. The midsole provides a high-energy return. This means you won't get tired quickly, but you will be able to explore a few extra miles.
Just like the Redmonds, Crestwoods include the Omni-Grip rubber. It is specially made to grip onto any surface. And if you walk on concrete or other man-made floors, this rubber won't leave black marks. These shoes also offer an adjustable lace closure, keeping the laces from posing a tripping hazard. However, be careful when choosing the size, as these Crestwoods tend to run a little small.
7. Ahnu Women's W Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop Hiking Shoes
Last but not least, the Ahnu Sugarpine II offers the basics of waterproof shoes, plus aesthetics. The outsole is made with Vibram design, making these shoes similar to Adidas R2 and Merrell Moab 2.
Thus, you can get a high-quality grip on any surface during any maneuver, all for a lower price than other brands. The midsole includes a Numentum heel that effectively absorbs shock. It also provides some extra support in the arch zone, making it orthotic-friendly. The upper parts of the shoes have suede and leather overlays to make them waterproof.
Many other features have been noted by purchasers. For example, the Sugarpines have roomy toe boxes. Others commented on the successfully minimalist look of the shoes.
There are enough nuances to keep everyone happy. If you need shoes with extra ankle support, the Sugarpines have a boot version as well. However, there may be sizing inconsistencies with this model, so be careful with that.
What are the best waterproof hiking shoes?
So, which are the best waterproof hiking shoes?
Whether you are going up an alpine terrain, down a green hill, or across an icy trail, you need the perfect shoes. Each feature has its use, such as a sturdy midsole or an outsole with patterned lugs. However, this variety of features can be puzzling at times, which is why we presented an overview of the seven best waterproof hiking shoes.
They span a range of budgets, styles, terrain types, orthopedic features, materials, and much more. Plus, we included models for both men and women in hopes to cater to everyone. And if you think low shoes don’t offer enough stability for your needs, check out our list of best waterproof hiking boots as well.
If you didn't find your perfect shoes, at least, you hopefully found what to look for. Do you need a mesh upper, a roomy toe box, a non-marking outsole, or a lace bungee? Your needs matter; every little thing counts towards making your adventure the most comfortable it can be.