Most days, we don’t think about our feet. That is, until the seasons change and our favorite shoes leave us feeling damp, turning every step into a soggy nightmare. Soaked socks, toes that never dry, and a cold that creeps up our legs are the inevitable result of not having a pair of quality waterproof boots in your closet. But, hopefully, that ends today! Below, we’re taking a quick look through some of the best waterproof work boots, hiking boots, and even fashion boots. That way, you can take your pick to satisfy any use-case. So get cozy, grab a hot mug of joe, and relax… we’re gonna bust down that analysis paralysis one mini-review at a time.
Which Men’s Rain Boots Are Right for Me?
When picking your warm water-fighting wearables, the trick is to choose for your climate and your needs. Any good boot will keep out the weather, but it can also hold in the sweat if you’re in a hotter climate. Consider whether you plan on slogging through snow or will be skating on ice, ambient temperature for where you live, and how much coverage you need up the ankle. Look at insulated liners for keeping yourself warm as well as dry, or removable insides that can handle four seasons worth of downpours while changing how hot your tootsies are going to get.
15 Best Waterproof Boots to Keep Your Feet Dry and Warm
For work, play, walking, hiking, or kicking ass and taking names, here’s the 15 best waterproof boots for sodden trodding.
1. Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Waterproof Boots
Check PriceBuy now Good for average wear during the cold months as well as light hiking, the Bugaboot is a wide, flat, winter warrior with high tops to keep snow out and loads of insulation for added warmth. Though it can tackle a mountain pass, the ankle support isn’t ideal for hard treks, so keep wear to everyday snow-kicking.
2. Bogs Classic Ultra Mid All Weather Boots
Check PriceBuy now Made specifically for dairy farmers, Bogs has done a spectacular job of offering protection from wetness while also being able to grip during icy, snowy, and slippery conditions. They’re passable for cold conditions as low as -35°, making them fine all weather boots year round, depending on where you dwell.
3. Blundstone 510 Slip-On Waterproof Chelsea Boots
Check PriceBuy now Bike commuters should take special note of the 510, as they are one of the few boots light enough and sufficiently streamlined to allow use with a commuter cycle, even when braving the wet winters in the Pacific Northwest. A stylish mid-size choice, you won’t be able to get far in snow without some of it slipping into the top. But when covered with a pair of jeans, the 510 are easily some the best waterproof Chelsea boots for an urbane day in a monsoon.
4. Danner Light II Waterproof Hiking Boots
Check PriceBuy now The best of the truly lightweight boots, the Light II is the kind of sequel bootmakers envy. 1000-D nylon and pebble-grain leather are stitched into vibram soles, creating a soft, enviable tread that grips hard, lasts long, and looks amazing. On street, trail, sidewalk, ice, snow, and most anywhere, these are fashion forward without chinks in the armor. Impenetrable Gore Tex lining ensures these waterproof hiking boots stay dry inside and out.
5. L.L. Bean Duck Boots
View in gallery Bean boots are emulated everywhere because they broke the mold. Time has only refined and perfected the process of sealing the rubber bottoms to the leather uppers, providing traction in water, protection from wetness, and warmth that works all winter long.
6. Sorel Caribou XT Waterproof Men’s Winter Boots
Check PriceBuy now Rustic dwellers seeking waterproof winter boots intended for deep snow and even fording small streams will be shocked at how much comfort the Caribou XT packs in. All without raising the price too heavily! Big and bold, intended for snow and ice, these are overkill for average strolls, but just enough kill for a serious slog.
7. Tactical Research FATT MAXX 8ZWP Waterproof Work Boots
Check PriceBuy now Here’s where your arctic commandos will want to put down your SIGs and perk up your ears. Handy for kicking in doors with impact resistance built right in, the side-zip system lets you get into and out of these at speed. Though the exterior is tough as barbed wire, the inside is meant for comfort with a vibram outsole that prevents pain during serious work. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a harder-wearing waterproof work boot than what Tactical Research has on offer.
8. Timberland Boots Britton Hill Moc-Toe
Check PriceBuy now Lush full-grain leather on the outside while the lined interior is comprised of 50% eco-conscious recycled plastic bottles, the Britton Hill Moc-Toe is hard not to love. Breathable mesh uppers and laces (also made from recycled bottles) provide ample ventilation over a SensorFlex system that bounces back to eliminate pain in the back, knee, and ankle, even when walking on hard surfaces day after day. Whether you’re going through hell and high water or just down the street, these Timberland waterproof boots deliver the legendary quality the company is known for.
9. RainMan Dustin Stylish Men’s Winter Boots
Easily mistaken for a light boot that couldn’t survive a single winter, much less a hard cross-country sojourn, the Dustin is far more than photogenic. The welded seams turn these from standard brogue to waterproof hero that looks good enough to pair with your suit. Urban commandos seeking good looks, deep tread, and zero leaks can stop reading now: This is the best stylish winter boot on our list.
10. ECCO Turn GTX Mens Gore Tex Boots
Check PriceBuy now Being able to go from field work lugging around camera gear to board meetings with corporate investors, then hopping a train to take a plane off to an urban center is a lot to ask of a single pair of waterproof Chukka boots. But ECCO’s Turn GTX can do it all without causing foot fatigue or turning to scuffed messes when the going gets tough. Its tough Gore Tex lining keeps hell and high water out; it also wicks moisture away to keep your feet healthy and dry.
11. Cole Haan LunarGrand Black Waterproof Boots
Check PriceBuy now Cole Haan’s LunarGrand are lightweight waterproof boots that is intended to give you the freedom to kick up your heels, the black canvas and leather appearance provide a unique savoir faire that can draw admiring looks as well as keep rain, snow, and ice from soaking your socks.
12. Red Wing Heritage Moc Toe Lug Waterproof Leather Boots
Check PriceBuy now Red Wing has largely built their brand by being one of the best work boots for guys who need their feet to never fail. At first blush it’s easy to believe the stiffness will never give way, but after a few days of wear, they break in to fit like a dream come true, while looking forever like a million bucks with the barest of maintenance.
13. Danner Mountain Light II Mens Waterproof Work Boots
Check PriceBuy now You might recognize the Danner Mountain Light II as the boots of choice for James Bond when Daniel Craig took to the hills in the film Spectre. Built like an assault vehicle on the outside with an interior as plush as a super-villain’s harem, these are like walking on air surrounded by iron. They’ll take hundreds of miles of abuse with US-made quality all while keeping your dogs from barking. These are truly effective 100% waterproof work boots that won’t let you down.
14. Filson Uplander Full Grain Leather Boots
Check PriceBuy now Since these bear the Filson name, you can bet they’re worth the hefty investment. The full grain leather is better at keeping out wetness than synthetics, and as they conform to your foot, the fit and feel will only improve with age and wear. Beat the hell out of them and they’ll still go on for years to come.
15. O’Keeffe Felix Pebble-Grain Suede Brogue Stylish Mens Winter Boots
View in gallery The Felix combines the best of all possible worlds by using a design from Ireland that is crafted in Italy, where bespoke shoes are a lifelong passion. Nothing short of gorgeous, also bear Dainite rubber soles welted by Goodyear to join the pebble-grained suede upper that begs to be shown off at every opportunity. Truly among the best stylish winter boots on the market. Still unsure of which will be the best waterproof boots for you? Consider the most commonly posed questions others are asking.
Should I Avoid Cheap Waterproof Boots?
While it is true that pretty much anyone wants to stretch their dollar, you don’t always have to shell out for the big dogs to get quality. For example, a waterproof boot may not feature a full grain leather build. But top grain or even genuine leather can still provide effective waterproofing–it just won’t last as long or look as good as it ages. Similarly, liners don’t have to be Gore Tex to keep water out. But there may be a limit to how much standing water you subject your cheap waterproof boots too. The same is true for cold temperatures and insulation–why pay for lots of it if you live in mild (but rainy and wet) locations? What about safety features? If you need boots strong enough to protect your feet from a Humvee riding on top of it, you’ll need a certain safety standard intact. Look for things like steel toe caps and midsole plates, anti-slip grip, and energy absorbing heels. Evaluate your needs, and figure out which features you can cut out to reduce the cost of your investment. Otherwise, feel good knowing that of all the things you own worth spending money on, your boots are among the most worthy.
Are Leather Boots Waterproof?
Well-made leather boots overwhelmingly tend to be waterproof, but you can’t take it for granted based on material alone. Sure, hide is an effective moisture barrier, but the construction of the boot needs to back up that impermeability. Look for double or, even better, triple stitching on the uppers. Goodyear welts seal off your insole from the outside elements–a storm welt is even better. Don’t write off inexpensive cemented waterproof boots, either. Gusseted tongues and tall vamps round-out your waterproofing, even in standing water. Cheap leather boots will have chinks in the armor that lets humidity in, undermining the natural waterproofing of the material.
Are All Timberland Boots Waterproof?
Just as you shouldn’t assume all leather products are waterproof, neither should you assume that a brand offers the same features across the board. Yes, Timberland boots are famous for their rugged outdoor hiking boots. But you still have to pay attention to whether the specific model you’re considering features waterproofing sufficient for your needs. This logic applies not just to Timberland, but virtually every other mens boot brands, like Bearpaw, Thursday, Ariat, Blundstone, Sperry, and many more.
Do I Need to Spray Waterproof Boots?
Typically speaking, if a brand advertises waterproofing on their boots, you can take them for their word that they’ll keep you dry right out of the box. Nevertheless, many swear by DIYing some additional moisture protection. You might, for example, consider rubbing your leather boots with mink oil to excellent effect, as it conditions and strengthens the leather. More commonly, folks make use of a silicone spray on smooth leathers. Yeah, it’s synthetic, but it goes on clean and provides exceptional durability while totally sealing off your uppers. Suede tends to have its own specially formulated sprays while also protects against stains. Whatever type of waterproof boot you go with, ensure you know what types of products exist to boost and renew its waterproofing. Listen to reviews, and make sure you’ve got a good general idea of the options available. Moreover, always test your waterproofing agent on a small, inconspicuous area of the boot first. This ensures any resulting change in leather color is desirable, rather than unwelcome.
Best Waterproof Boots for Men: Conclusion
What are your favorite boots or shoes for wet, wintry weather? Got a story to share of when waterproof boots saved your bacon? Leave us a comment below!
