Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes of 2024

Choosing the right waterproof hiking shoes is essential in the same way as insulated backpack, sleeping bag, or various survival kits. No matter how well you prepare your equipment, you’ll feel discomfort in your feet without a good pair of hiking shoes and everything goes wrong.

As we venture into 2024, the market for hiking shoes has evolved, and one crucial feature has become a priority for outdoor enthusiasts: waterproof capabilities. Our list includes brands that have consistently delivered top-notch performance, using innovative materials and construction techniques to keep your feet dry and comfortable in any weather condition.

We also have dissected all the steps before your purchase of a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes. You will see how to choose waterproof and quality hiking shoes at a good price.

Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes of 2024

• 1. Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2 Hiking Shoes – Best Overall
• 2. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Shoes – Editor’s Choice
• 3. Knixmax Women’s Hiking Shoes – Widely Usable
• 4. Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid – Premium Hiking Shoes
• 5. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Gore-TEX – Best On a Budget
• 6. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots – Lightweight
• 7. Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® – Flexible Design

1. Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2

If you are looking for a pair of shoes with an elementary and comfortable design, the Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2 is currently the best option for you. Its upper is made of leather and its internal lining is of synthetic fabric. It will guarantee you optimal impermeability and unprecedented solidity.

Its inner and outer sole is made of rubber. This material provides you with maximum comfort and fits like gloves. The shoe should give the wearer a good grip on difficult surfaces. You can also climb low mountains with these shoes.

These waterproof shoes are equipped with the Speed ​​Lacing quick closure system for adjusting the individual fit. You can close the shoes with just one movement. The system allows you to quickly put on and take off your shoes. They are lightweight and hold up to all kinds of environments.

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2. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Gtx

For beginners, the Merrell brand offers you a pair of waterproof hiking shoes designed for medium terrain. This model is available in 3 colors and offers a good seal. Indeed, this pair can withstand 3 to 4 hours of walking in the snow.

These hiking shoes are ultralight. The outer shell is made of a mixture of leather and synthetic fiber. This alloy gives it strength like no other. Its insoles are made of synthetic fabric. The big advantage is that they offer excellent value for money.

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 hiking shoe soles are made of synthetic material, which ensures good grip on wet and slippery surfaces. Thanks to the breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, the feet stay pleasantly dry. These traditional hiking shoes are also designed for long-term use.

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3. Knixmax Women’s Hiking Shoes

The Knixmax brand offers you hiking shoes with an elegant design. And if you’re looking for a pair of waterproof hiking shoes that are very comfortable and roomy, Knixmax is the best model for you. You’ll also appreciate the fact that the order includes extra shoelaces.

This model is available in several colors and each model has its own characteristics. The high uppers are waterproof, comfortable, and protect the ankles. This model also offers real toe protection for a smooth ride. Slightly different from the picture, with a somewhat narrow top, but still comfortable.

Knixmax hiking shoes are nonslip and give you the advantage of long-term use. Thanks to their synthetic fiber upper and rubber soles, they not only give you lightness, but they have a durable performance. Their mesh lining keeps you dry during your long walk.

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4. Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid

Whether hiking, trekking, or mountaineering, hiking shoes from LOWA offer optimal protection. Its patent leather upholstery and synthetic fiber lining guarantee to keep you dry. The shoe features a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining designed to keep the wearer’s feet dry.

You will experience complete comfort with its synthetic insoles, as they effectively absorb perspiration. The addition of Vibram provides impact resistance. At the widest point of the sole, the Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid men’s hiking shoes are available in 36 different sizes.

They are suitable for long tours because they have smooth rolling behavior and soft cushioning at a brisk pace. They’re also good for chilly autumn days and even some winter days. Indeed, these boots may come with a higher price tag, but the quality justifies the cost.

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5. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Gore-TEX

Come to think of it, hiking shoes are also excellent for walking around town, and the Men’s X Ultra 3 model by Salomon proves this point. This versatile pair of hiking shoes, with its ultralight and breathable design, offers comfort both during hikes and in your everyday activities.

Its upper, inner, and outer soles are made of synthetic fiber giving it optimal impermeability. The inner sleeve ensures a snug fit without feeling tight. They are combined with rubber, which guarantees comfort and solidity. You can find them in several colors.

The reinforced upper area of ​​the Ultra 3 Mid GTX, together with the SensiFit™ system, should also allow a comfortable hold when running downhill. Thanks to this advanced construction, it ensures a stable hold of the heel and provides excellent foam cushioning. The sole consists of two different types of rubber for the best possible grip.

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6. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots

This is the epitome of premium waterproof hiking shoes! The Lowa brand is renowned for providing exceptionally comfortable shoes of impeccable quality, making them perfect for both day hikes and multi-day adventures. However, choose a size that is half larger to accommodate warm socks, especially for winter hiking.

Vibram® soles are made of rubber. They grip perfectly on any type of ground such as rocky, earth, grass, and more. The upper part is made of cowhide. The leather allows for good breathability in the shoe. The rubber and PU sole ensures long-lasting durability.

If you’re still uncertain about which one to choose, opt for the Lowa Renegade – you won’t be disappointed! These shoes are exceptionally comfortable and 100% waterproof. Coupled with excellent breathability, the design of the shoe ensures moisture is effectively wicked away from the top.

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7. Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex®

With this pair of hiking shoes, you will feel as comfortable as slippers. Mountain Trainer hiking shoes are also very resistant and waterproof. These are perfect for 3-day treks. You will also appreciate its design. As a medium size hiking shoe, the weight is 700 grams.

The shoes are breathable and to be worn all year round. There is a rubber border along the shoe which ensures good exterior protection. Their padding is adaptable and able to absorb shocks. These shoes are designed to provide support on various terrains, such as rocky surfaces. You can also reduce the risk of blisters.

Mountain Trainer waterproof hiking shoes feature a hyper-wear-resistant fabric. With interchangeable insoles, these are ideal for customizing the shoe according to your feelings. Furthermore, the GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining provides optimized weather protection and climate comfort.

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How to Choose the Right Pair of Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Your Needs?

Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection:

The shaft

This is the upper part of the shoes. It is made of leather, faux leather, or synthetic fiber such as Gore-Tex. Opt for a mixture of good waterproofing and waterproofing. These materials are important to preserve the shoes against various external aggressions. If you have fragile ankles, choose shoes with a high upper.

The sole

The soles are either made of rubber or mixed with various synthetic membranes to give them a flexible appearance. During their design, the manufacturers respect the three fundamental phases of the hike, namely the initial contact with the ground, the full support, and the terminal push. Apart from comfort, the shoes must guarantee good grip, good notching, and excellent damping.

Fit and ankle Support

Your shoes should provide a snug and comfortable fit without being too tight. Decide whether you prefer low-cut, mid-cut, or high-cut hiking shoes. Low-cut shoes are lighter and offer more flexibility, while high-cut shoes provide additional ankle support.

The lacing

You should also look at the level of the lacing. It must be fast, comfortable and stable.

Weight and breathability

Lightweight hiking shoes are suitable for day hikes and fast-paced activities, while heavier boots may be necessary for more challenging terrain or backpacking trips.

Even though you want waterproofing, breathability is important to prevent your feet from becoming too hot and sweaty. Look for shoes with breathable membranes or mesh panels.

The price

Prices for a pair of waterproof boots can vary from 80 dollars up to around 500 dollars for specific mountaineering pairs. These are the same price ranges as for a pair of classic hiking or trail shoes.

FAQs

How to use your hiking boots correctly?

To avoid blisters and other discomforts, there are still some tips to take into account to using hiking shoes properly. In truth, you can choose the most sophisticated pair on the market, but it will ultimately be useless if you come home with swollen feet.

The choice of the pair

First, you should choose your pair carefully according to the type of hike you plan to do. In summer, your feet will tend to swell more quickly due to the heat and can quickly cause you discomfort. To remedy this, opt for shoes with low uppers to counterbalance the heat emanating from your body with the surrounding air. If you are planning a road trip in the mountains, we recommend high uppers to protect your ankles. If you are going on an expedition to the Amazon or the subtropics of the globe, waterproof shoes will do the trick.

The type of socks

Secondly, you will have to choose your socks before going out. To do this, your choice will be dictated by the function of the height of the shaft of your shoes and the type of terrain you will encounter. The choice of material and thickness will also have to be taken into account. If you’re going on a trek, you need thick socks around the toes and heels for reinforcement. If the need arises, you can put a solid bandage on these areas before putting on your socks. Keep in mind, if the temperatures are not favorable, opt for woolen socks. Otherwise, there is nothing better than cotton socks.

The shoe check step

Well before your departure, it is imperative to check if your hiking shoes and socks will not let go of you while walking. For shoes, you need to examine the condition of your soles. In other words, you have to gauge their grip. At the same time, you must check that these do not come off the stem. To anticipate detachment, you can reinforce the seams. You can also resole them. Also, check the locking system. Regarding the socks, check that they conform to the morphology of your feet.

How to maintain your pairs of shoes?

To make your waterproof hiking boots last, their maintenance is done in 5 steps.

1. The first step is regular cleaning. Start from the outside. At the end of the hike, remove the dirt under your soles with water. Continue inside. Remove the soles then immerse them in a basin of lukewarm or cold water with a cleaning product. Rub them gently and rinse them. Dry them in a ventilated place. Also, scrub the outside of your shoes.
2. The second part is to dry them properly. Dry soles and shoes separately. Open the shoes enough so that they dry quickly. Ideally, they should be air-dried to prevent odors and deterioration. You can stuff them with newspaper to speed up drying.
3. The third step is to apply treatment products according to the quality of your shoes. You should know that their application depends on the appearance of these. It is then necessary to refer to the instructions. Either way, make sure your shoes are clean. Replace the insoles and laces and spray with disinfectant to prevent odors. You can apply the product to re-waterproof the shoes. You can find this type of product in the form of a spray or a tampon.
4. The fourth step refers to the inspection of possible repairs. As mentioned above, hire a cobbler.
5. The fifth and final step focuses on the storage location. For this purpose, store them in a dry and ventilated place.

How to properly soften your waterproof hiking boots?

After buying your hiking shoes, they must be made more flexible, because they are rigid, especially if they are made of leather. It is therefore advisable to wear them regularly at home before wearing them during your hike. It’s also a matter of storage.

When you take them off, be sure to stuff them with newspaper so that they keep the shape of your feet. You can use a shoe tree to shape your shoes. However, it is not necessary to relax them more than necessary, because it is necessary to keep a certain rigidity for support and safety. Also, apply fabric softener to your leather shoes to nourish them and promote enlargement without cracking.

Why choose a Gore-Tex membrane?

Gore-Tex membranes make it possible to have waterproof shoes. They are perfect in cool weather. On the other hand, in summer, they are hot. You will risk sweating in the shoe. The alternative is leather. Leather is an interesting material since it waterproofs the shoe while offering good responsibility. This is the case of shoes from the Lowa brand.

Why wear hiking socks with waterproof hiking shoes?

Hiking socks are typically made from moisture-wicking materials that help keep your feet dry by pulling sweat away from the skin, which is crucial when paired with waterproof hiking shoes. Waterproof shoes create a barrier against external moisture, such as rain or puddles, but without moisture-wicking socks, perspiration from your feet can accumulate inside the shoes, leading to discomfort and potential issues like blisters or fungal infections.

Conclusion

Waterproof hiking shoes are especially valuable as they keep your feet dry and comfortable even in wet and muddy conditions. In this guide, we have explored some of the best waterproof hiking shoes for this year. Always prioritize the specific needs of your feet and hiking activities when selecting the right pair of hiking shoes. Comfort, support, and protection against the elements are essential to ensure an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.

Are you hesitating?

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