The 13 Best Waterproof Boots for Men: Reviewed and Tested

Top Overall Pick

Anyone familiar with leather boots knows they often require a lengthy break-in period. However, Carhartt has successfully avoided this common issue with its 6-inch Wedge Work Boot. During our testing, these boots felt comfortable right from the start and remained so for up to 10 hours of wear each day, even over multiple days. Additionally, unlike many other leather boots, these are equipped with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, ensuring our feet stayed dry while navigating wet sidewalks and deep puddles. They provided ample grip to prevent slipping and looked stylish enough for various settings, not just work environments as typically associated with Carhartt products. If you plan to wear them on job sites or in warehouses, consider opting for the steel-toe version.

The main issue we encountered with these boots is that they necessitate wearing long socks to avoid rubbing on the calves. However, they did not cause any abrasions or rashes when worn with shorter socks. They are also quite wide and tend to run large, so you might want to consider going down a full size. After six months of use, we noticed that the material on one heel began to wear down, making it slightly annoying to slip our feet out. While this wear was disappointing, we would still recommend them for their comfort and support, though we’ll aim to purchase them on sale to mitigate the financial impact of durability concerns. It's worth mentioning that while Carhartt doesn’t specify a warranty period, they offer a "Built to Last Commitment", assuring customers that the company will repair, replace, or credit for any damage that falls short of expectations.

Specifications: Available in sizes 7 to 15 | Tanned leather upper, PU insole, rubber outsole

Top Style

The era when Docs were exclusively for punks, goths, and emos is long gone. Today, Dr. Martens are among the most reliable boots available, radiating coolness. Unlike the Carhartts mentioned earlier, these boots are quite stiff and take considerable time to break in. Initially, we wore them for three hours and then for several days, including eight hours in the rain, yet they still weren't fully comfortable. However, they did become more pleasant over time, and we anticipate this will continue as we wear them for months ahead. We will definitely keep wearing them—not just for their stylish appearance, but also for their quality materials that can withstand any urban weather, including the harsh winters of New York City. If you intend to wear them in winter, be aware that the inner lining is very warm and snug, and they are indeed as waterproof as promised. After six months, they've become significantly more comfortable and have proven durable through frequent exposure to rain, snow, and slush.

Specifications: Sizes 6 to 14 | Connection WP leather and coated nylon

Ideal for Hiking

Modern hiking boots are far from basic, featuring vibrant colors and an array of materials and layers. Danner, however, retains a classic aesthetic while incorporating essential technology. We found these boots to be remarkably light and comfortable, and they are waterproof thanks to the Gore-tex coating. They fit true to size and offered excellent arch and ankle support for a day on the trails. After six months of use, we noticed they only got more comfortable with each wear. Plus, we appreciated the grip and the inclusion of an extra set of laces.

What truly distinguishes these boots is Danner’s dedication to sustainability through its recrafting program. This initiative allows you to return your old boots for refurbishment using the same tools that crafted them. This means less waste in landfills and extended comfort for your feet. After six months of use, aside from a few minor scuffs and scratches, these boots remain in excellent condition. The insoles have molded well, and the upper tongue has softened, enhancing comfort and fit.

Product Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Materials: Leather, Gore-tex, Vibram Outsole with Megagrip | Weight: 2.3 pounds

Top Pick for Slip-ons

Visit cities with harsh, rainy winters like Toronto, Seattle, or London, and you’ll spot countless Blundstones. We promise you’ll lose track because these Chelsea boots are truly reliable. Crafted from top-notch materials, Blundstones are built to last for years. In our tests, we had no issues with traction on snow and ice, nor did we let water in. We even sprayed them with a hose for several minutes, and not a single drop penetrated, not even through the elastic.

They might feel a bit hefty, but that’s because they’re designed to withstand winter conditions. While they don’t tighten much, making them less suitable for hiking (though some do), a cool feature is the removable sheepskin footbed. This allows you to swap in regular insoles during warmer months, making them versatile for different seasons. Throughout our six-month testing, including a particularly wet winter, these boots performed flawlessly. They showed no signs of scuffs or water damage and remained easy to clean.

Specifications: Sizes 4 to 13 | Waterproof leather, Thinsulate insulation, removable sheepskin footbed, TPU outsole

Top Lightweight Choice

For those who prefer a waterproof boot that doesn’t scream 'waterproof,' the Larimer boots from The North Face are a great choice. They offer a stylish, casual appearance reminiscent of skate shoes while being completely waterproof, thanks to the North Face’s Waterproof DryVent membrane. With insulation to keep your feet cozy and excellent ankle and arch support, we found these boots comfortable right from the start. Following the recommendation to size up worked out perfectly. They are surprisingly lightweight, providing a nice alternative to the bulkier options we tested. After six months of use, they remain in excellent condition and appear built to last.

The Specifications: Available sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof suede and ballistic nylon upper, insulated interior, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds

Most Comfortable

From nearly the first moment we put on these boots, we found them to be among the most comfortable footwear we’ve ever experienced, quickly turning into our go-to option, not just for rainy weather. They offer incredible comfort and support, are robust yet not heavy, and the traction was so seamless that it earned high praise, as we experienced no slips on asphalt, concrete, grass, sand, or mud. Plus, the pricing is quite reasonable.

We should mention that we developed a blister on our toe during the second day of wearing these boots, but after that initial discomfort, they became quite cozy, indicating they just need a brief break-in period. With each wear, these shoes only got more comfortable. Some may not be fond of the prominent Timberland logo, but that's a matter of personal taste.

After six months of testing, we noticed the toe cap began to separate from the upper slightly, which allowed water to seep in if we stepped into a puddle or shallow stream. While the overall durability is commendable, this flaw was hard to overlook. We still recommend them for comfort, but buyers should be careful when using them in strenuous or wet conditions.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Waterproof leather, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole

Top Chelsea Boot

For tackling messy weather and challenging terrain, these Wolverines are a great choice. We walked through a creek, wet grass, and mud without experiencing any leaks— even when our foot went directly into the creek. They proved to be comfortable and showed no signs of wear after six months of use. Plus, their traction provided stability even during icy conditions.

Some might worry about the weight, as each boot is 1.6 pounds, and wearing thick socks could help avoid chafing. However, if you need a sturdy boot that keeps water out at a reasonable price, these are worth considering.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof leather upper, DuraWarm insulation, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole, nylon shank | 3.2 pounds

Best Value

We can’t recommend these Columbia boots highly enough. They are lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, and offer excellent traction — all at a price significantly lower than many competitors. We used them on a week-long camping excursion, and they kept our feet dry during creek crossings, on slippery rocks, and even during a cave hike. The fit was true to size, and they were comfortable right out of the box, needing minimal break-in. After six months, they remain in fantastic condition, and we appreciate the rugged appearance from normal wear. The size options extend up to size 17.

Product Specifications: Available in sizes 7 to 17 | Upper made of PU coated leather, suede, and mesh, featuring an Omni-tech waterproof membrane, Techlite midsole, and Omni-grip rubber outsole | Weighs 1.9 pounds

Most Resilient

These stylish Nike boots seamlessly transition from runway to rugged terrain. With a tall synthetic upper, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and impressive traction, they're remarkably athletic — we could even sprint in them. They proved to be the most breathable among our reviews and showed minimal wear after six months of testing — our white pair bears a few scuffs, which we anticipated from hiking and city strolls. They performed excellently in the rain, though we noticed a bit of water on the tongue from a deep puddle, likely exceeding normal conditions. They often sell out fast, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate.

Specifications: Sizes to 15 | Synthetic upper, Gore-Tex, rubber outsole

Most Supportive

Danner’s specialized hunting boots rise higher above the ankle, delivering exceptional support for challenging terrains. Despite their height, we appreciated how lightweight they felt and their easy slip-on design. We tested them at a farm and while doing yard work, finding them completely waterproof. The Vibram sole provided excellent traction. Break-in was quick, and they remained comfortable throughout the day. While they are on the expensive side, unless you truly need the extra support, they may not be justified. They are also not very breathable, which is typical for waterproof footwear. After six months, they only show minor scuffs and scrapes on the leather and are still in great condition.

Product Specifications: Sizes 7 to 14 | Upper made of full-grain leather and suede, featuring Vibram midsole and outsole | 2.8 pounds

Top Chukka Boot

For those who appreciate the classic Chukka boot style but also desire waterproof capabilities, this option is ideal. The Clarks Morris Peaks lived up to their reputation. The tumbled leather upper repelled every drop we encountered, and after breaking in the initially rigid leather, they proved quite comfortable. The arch support felt superior to that of other Chukka boots we tested, and we appreciated the design, though they didn’t work well with shorts. They are slightly heavier, but given the reasonable price, it’s hard to complain. After six months, these boots remain in excellent shape with no signs of wear.

Specifications: Available in sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, thermoplastic rubber sole

Top Choice for Traction

On has been gaining recognition lately, and it’s clear why. The Swiss brand’s Cloudtrax Waterproof boots are fantastic for hiking, providing excellent traction that lets you glide over muddy or slippery trails. Initially, we found them stiff and a bit difficult to put on, but that soon changed, and they never caused us discomfort. These boots feel sturdy and are crafted from high-quality materials, including some recycled options that contribute to sustainability. They proved completely waterproof, and the price seems reasonable. The only downside is the curved heel, which can feel a bit awkward while walking, but otherwise, these are an excellent choice for travel. After six months of use, they’ve remained in great shape with no visible wear.

Specifications: Sizes 7 to 14 | Made from recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | Weighs 1.94 pounds

Top Choice for Work Boots

For those seeking a robust boot for long hours without the need for steel-toe protection, the Ariat Kingham is a fantastic option. These Chukka-style boots resemble cowboy boots, featuring a high heel and a firm sole. They include a reinforced toe-box that isn’t steel, which takes some acclimatization due to limited toe movement. Nevertheless, we adapted quickly and found them comfortable for extended wear, though we wouldn’t advise them for urban environments. After six months of use, we found them cumbersome for city navigation but perfect for outdoor adventures.

These boots offered superb grip on rocky and slick surfaces and kept our feet dry (as long as water didn’t enter from above). We even tested them in a puddle, and our socks remained completely dry. One downside was that the sole protrudes from the back of the boot, but overall, they remain a solid choice for anyone in search of a cozy, countryside-style boot.

Specifications: Available in sizes 7 to 13 | Crafted with a leather upper and rubber sole

Other Waterproof Boots We Recommended

After testing numerous boots, we found many great options. These performed admirably, although a few minor issues prevented them from making our top list.

Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot: Although duck boots are renowned for their waterproof design, we found this pair to be heavy and raised concerns about their longevity. 

Sorel Men’s Carson Chukka Waterproof Boots: We appreciated the style, comfort, and weight of these boots after breaking them in, but the stiff leather held them back compared to other Chukka-style options we tested.

Our Evaluation Process

We sent out 21 of the top waterproof boots available to our team across the U.S. for rigorous testing. Initially, we checked each boot for defects and weighed them before trying them on for an hour in our homes. After assessing their initial comfort and breaking them in, we wore the boots multiple times over two weeks in both wet and dry conditions. We stood in puddles, crossed streams, and navigated rough terrain to evaluate their waterproof capabilities and traction. To thoroughly test waterproofing, we filled the boots with dry paper towels and poured water on the outside to ensure the inside remained dry. Our testing will extend for an additional six months to confirm our selections are durable.

Buying Tips for Waterproof Boots

Consider Your Travel Itinerary

With numerous styles of waterproof boots crafted from various materials, it's crucial to determine your specific needs. If you're hiking, opt for boots with excellent traction; for a city trip, something lighter will suffice. Also, consider the climate of your destination.

A mother enjoying the snow will want boots that are insulated, warm, and cozy, while also providing good traction,” explains Vanoostveen. “For running errands, I might lean towards a more stylish option that may not be insulated but still offers solid traction.”

Seek Out Adaptable Styles

When traveling, adaptability is key since you can’t always pack multiple pairs of boots. Look for options that are comfortable for walking, stylish, and capable of tackling rougher terrain. An added benefit of versatility is the ability to wear them at home, maximizing their use.

Think About Portability

While a tall, chunky boot may catch your eye, it likely won’t fit well into your suitcase. Some boots can be quite heavy, which may not matter if you're driving. Always consider your luggage space before selecting your boots.

Common Questions

• What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

  Waterproof boots utilize materials like Gore-tex that cause water to bead up and roll off. In contrast, water-resistant options can repel some moisture but will eventually allow water to seep in and take longer to dry. According to Vanoostveen, many people find water-resistant boots sufficient as they are generally more breathable while still offering some protection.

• How do you clean waterproof boots?

  Refer to the specific instructions for each brand, but usually, you can remove dirt and mud with a damp, soft brush or cloth. If that fails, try a gentle scrub with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a leather cleaner.

  After cleaning, pour a bit of water on the boots. If it seeps into the material, consider applying more waterproofing. Options include water-based, gel, or cream solutions, with water-based being better for breathability.

• Can you wear waterproof boots in the snow?

  Yes, but they might not provide enough insulation to keep your feet warm. When selecting winter boots, look for insulation like Thinsulate and ensure they have good traction. Also, consider the height of the boots to prevent snow from entering, depending on expected snow depth.

Why You Can Rely on Dinogo

In this article, journalist Joel Balsam compiled the T+L team's product reviews, drew insights from expert interviews, and shared his own knowledge as an enthusiastic gear aficionado. We also spoke with Devon Vanoostveen, the Global Marketing Manager at Merrell, to gather her thoughts on boot fit and performance.

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