We Spent 6 Months Hiking, Walking, and Climbing in Waterproof Hiking Boots — Here Are the 10 Pairs We Loved (2024)

Our Top Picks

These lightweight boots have a mesh-feeling upper that encloses a waterproof membrane to create a lightweight, flexible pair of hiking boots that feel more like an ankle-height trail running shoe. This shoe is built with a special lateral chassis to help stabilize your foot on steep or uneven terrain, and the brand uses its proprietary "sensifit" to create an even more secure fit without feeling constricting. We wore these while hiking in mud, snow, and rain, and never once felt our feet get wet — even after stepping in deep puddles. These shoes also received some of the highest marks for reliable waterproofing out of all of our tested boots.

The out-of-the-box comfort is a bonus as well: we wore these on a seven-mile hike without breaking them in first and didn’t get a single blister. While all feet are different, we experienced no foot pain or blisters on our testing hikes. We do think there could be a bit more traction on the bottom when slick surfaces or climbing rocks is involved. These boots weigh just under two pounds for the pair, have cushioned ankle support, and feature a similar midsole to Salomon’s most popular trail runners — making them ideal to take along with you on an Icelandic adventure.

The Details: Size 7-13 (M); 5-11 (W) | 1.9 pounds | PU-coated leather and textile upper

Comfortable out of the box, these classically styled Danner boots have a durable leather upper that feels more flexible than other leather boots, though we found the ankles a bit stiff before breaking them in. The leather feels soft to the touch and has a natural, worn-in look to it that helps disguise scratches. The boots felt secure and grippy when going over boulders and coming down hills, and we didn’t notice any pinching or chafing in a variety of temperatures and conditions. The boots fit true to size, with a supportive midsole and a reliable, durable Vibram rubber outsole. We noticed our feet felt a little hot in these while hiking in warmer weather compared to other shoes, but they’d make a great fall or winter option in cooler weather.

The Details: Size 7-15 (M); 5-11 (W) | 2 pounds (W); 2.4 pounds (M) | Leather upper (some color options available with suede as well)

If you're looking for a men's or women's waterproof walking shoe, we were impressed both with the waterproofing and the breathability when hiking in these shoes on hot days and splashing through creeks. We could feel the coldness of the water through the shoe, but our feet stayed dry. These shoes have a low break-in period and are comfortable with a variety of sock thicknesses, but the element that stood out the most was the impressive cushioning through the midsole thanks to the dense foam and rockplate, as well as the extended protection of the higher-rise outsole. We also found that Topo’s wider toe box allowed our toes to splay out in a more natural way without constricting the foot, increasing comfort on longer hikes.

The Details: Size 8-15 (M); 6-12 (W) | 13.1 ounces (W); 1 pound (M) | Synthetic upper

These classic boots are part of Merrell's best-selling Moab line, which has cornered the market on hiking shoes for years. We found that this pair excelled on varied terrain, providing secure traction and grip on steep trails, icy ground, and loose rock. They have a Vibram outsole for a custom combination of grip, traction, and durability, paired with Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel to provide extra support on rough terrain. We were impressed with their waterproofing: we completely submerged them in water multiple times and the water rolled right off. They also did well with temperature regulating, though they won’t be as breathable as Merrell’s non-GTX Moab models.

The Details: Size 7-15 (M); 5-12 (W) | 2 pounds | Mesh and leather upper

We love that these boots feel almost like a basketball shoe, with an athletic look that's a bit sleeker than a standard hiking boot and a similar design and flexion as a trail running shoe — albeit with a higher collar around the ankle. They required almost no break-in period and fit well without feeling either constricting or too loose. They also provided a nice amount of support for low- to medium-intensity hikes, impressing us with the material quality and ankle support. If we could change anything, we’d prefer a stiffer midsole with more underfoot cushioning as we did experience slight soreness after hiking 3-5 miles. These shoes have proprietary shock absorption, but some hikers on longer or more rugged hikes might prefer a model with a rockplate.

The Details: Size 40-47 EU (M); 37-42 EU (W) | 13.1 ounces (W); 1 pound (M) | Mesh/microfiber upper

The first thing we noticed was how comfortable and lightweight these boots are, with an extremely roomy toe box that didn’t pinch our feet at all. In fact, they were a little too wide, but we remedied that with heavy socks and wore them comfortably on several five-mile hikes with no rubbing, blisters, or cramping. The traction is solid in snow of varying depths and consistencies, and we had no problem walking through shallow water and standing on the edge of a lake for five minutes while keeping our feet completely dry.. The lower part of these boots were modeled after approach shoes with excellent toe protection and firm underfoot traction. These boots feel secure on steep ascents and descents and are built on a slightly wider last than other La Sportiva models.

The Details: Size 40-47 EU | 1.9 pounds | Leather upper

These sleek hiking boots from Salewa are made with PFC-free waterproofing, reducing the environmental impact of the waterproofing process. The Pedroc Pro boots have an updated look compared to more classic hiking boot styles and are built for fast hiking and light packing. We were impressed with the fit of the shoe, noticing how they cradled our feet perfectly and supported the arch, heel, and sides with plenty of toe wiggle room. These don’t come up as high as other boots on the market, which means a more flexible shoe, but potentially less ankle support for hikers with roly-poly ankles. We felt like we might need extra cushioning or insoles for more intense hikes, but the fit is highly technical, utilizing Kevlar cables through the upper for a secure, foot-hugging fit, and toe protection against errant rock stubs.

The Details: Size 7-14 (M); 6-11 (W) | 1.3 pounds (W); 1.7 pounds (M) | Ripstop mesh and polyester upper

Lowa built these boots with a classic silhouette using updated materials for weight and breathability. The cut of the boot was designed specifically to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes. They exceeded expectations on all terrains, keeping our feet dry when crossing creeks and giving a strong grip on smooth rock surfaces. They seemed sturdy, giving solid ankle support, but not in a heavy or clunky way. These shoes fall right in the middle of a heavier cold-weather boot, but aren’t quite as breathable as lighter pairs we’ve tried. These are a great shoulder-season boot, ideal for spring and fall in moderate temperatures.

The Details: Size 7.5-15 (M); 5.5-12 (W) | 2.4 pounds | Nubuck leather upper

You don’t have to sacrifice hiking comfort for style with these boots that look as good in town as they do on the trail. They are adaptable to many different activities, doing the trick for light hiking, running errands, and commuting. You can even wear them to work without any concerns about being too casual. Some users do report the shoes feeling narrow, and while the leather and mesh upper has a decent amount of stretch, they might feel a bit tight for hikers with wider feet. We thought the tread on these boots was sufficient for the casual hiker or walking around town, but we’d opt for more traditional hiking boots designed for rugged terrain. These are a great option for a one-quiver shoe that can take you from the office to a moderate after-work hike.

The Details: Size 8-14 (M); 5.5-11 (W) | 1.8 pounds | Leather and mesh upper

The On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots strike the ideal balance of support and comfort, making them our favorite option for multiple terrains. We had two team members test these boots, and both were impressed with the stability and grip the shoes offered. We enjoyed the ankle support while hiking, as well as the arch support that was reminiscent of a running shoe — both features felt great during walks in various terrains. These boots have excellent traction and kept our feet from slipping or sliding on rocks, trails, and wet city sidewalks. The waterproof element adds to the comfort, keeping our socks dry on rainy days, but the shoes remain surprisingly breathable. We did find that these are quite snug, and even after sizing up we found them a little difficult to put on, but this is by no means a deal-breaker. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with the support and comfort level of these boots and think they're a great option for multi-terrain hikes.

The Details: Size 7-14 (M); 5-11 (W) | 14.3 ounces (W); 1.1 pounds (M) | Polyester and recycled content upper

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can waterproof hiking boots be submerged in water?

  You can submerge any boots in water, but you shouldn’t if you want to keep the waterproofing materials intact. Waterproof hiking boots get their waterproofing from a membrane in the upper, which means water can still seep in over the collar or top of the boot. Once a waterproof hiking boot gets water inside of it, the membrane makes it harder to dry out, so you might find yourself hiking in wet boots for the rest of the day. Your best bet is to keep the water line below the top of your boot if possible, and add a pair of trail gaiters for superwet days.

• How much should hiking boots weigh?

  Some models of hiking boots weigh more than others — it depends on the features, materials, and ruggedness of the boot. Ideally the boots should weigh no more than two pounds for the pair (men’s size nine is our standard weight metric) and lighter if you’re looking for a fast-and-light shoe. Any heavier than one pound per shoe and you’ll get more fatigued with the added weight on each foot. A fast-and-light hiking boot can come in at around 10-12 ounces per shoe, and a heavier winter boot with a taller upper and more insulation can weigh more than one pound per shoe. Like anything, know your intended hiking style and conditions when choosing.

The 12 Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed