The 9 Best Waterproof Shoes for Women (That Aren’t Rain Boots) (2024)

Abby Hepworth

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Best Sandals

The classic Birkenstock is now ready for any and all summer activities—including trips to the water park and splashes in the lake. These are known for being light-as-air, making them a no-brainer vacation shoe (plus, they come in a veritable rainbow of cool colors, from white to tangerine).

Best Ballet Flats

That suede you see? It was specially treated to handle even the wettest conditions, and still look polished and professional (while repelling stains). Wear these for work or with skinny jeans, because these gorgeous flats are comfortable enough for off-duty wear. (P.S., they come in 15 additional stunning hues if red isn’t your jam.)

Best Patent Chelsea Boots

If regular rain boots aren’t your thing (we don’t blame you), try a pair that’s a little more stylish. This dusty rose boot from Cougar has a patent finish and a not-too-treacherous wedge, so you can still wear heels on rainy days.

Best Rain Boots

Alright, we had to include one OG galosh on this list because you can’t go wrong with a classic, knee-high rain boot. Hunter is the go-to brand when it comes to galoshes you can rely on, especially if you want to invest in a pair that will last you for years.

Best Summer Shoes

Espadrilles are typically shoes that you do not want to get wet—especially when you’re on vacation. All it takes is for one damp pair of kicks to make your whole suitcase stink. Luckily, these summer shoes are made from a quick-drying neoprene material and a sturdy rubber sole, so you can even wear them as water shoes in the ocean or lake.

Best EVA Sneakers

Available in just about every color you could imagine (plus fun prints like oversized dots or spring-ready flowers), this pair of slip-on sneakers for Native are beloved for a ton of reasons. They’re odor resistant, shock absorbent and hand-washable, so you can really wear them for any outdoor activity.

Best Winter Boots

Waterproofing is one of the key qualities of a good winter boot, according to podiatrists. UGG’s Adirondack series has the added bonus of the brand’s signature cozy lining and are rated to -32° F, meaning your feet will stay dry, comfortable and warm no matter what Mother Nature has in store for the day.

Best Fleece-Lined Shoes

For days that are much milder, but still have a slight nip in the air, try these Hawaiian-made sneakers with a cozy shearling lining for extra warmth (because those no-show socks aren’t providing nearly enough). The back is also designed to easily fold down to turn them into backless slides if you’re just running to the end of the driveway to pick up the newspaper.

Best Hiking Boots

Almost all hiking boots have some level of water resistance, but Merrell’s Moab boot is fully waterproof so you can forge across that pond or head out for a hike in the rain without worry. They’re also some of the best-rated hiking boots on sites like REI, Backcountry and DSW year after year, no matter the conditions the wearers encountered, making them an excellent investment even if you don’t plan to hike in wet weather.

Fashion Editor

From 2019-2021 Dena Silver held the role of Fashion Editor covering product recommendations, trends, and what you should be shopping this season.

Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...