We Tested Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women — These 9 Pairs Kept Our Feet the Driest (2024)

Of all the shoes we tried, the Vessi Cityscape Classics were our favorite. Though they only come in whole sizes, these sneakers fit great, and the stretchy, sock-style uppers made our feet feel secure without being overly snug or causing uncomfortable rubbing. The slip-on design is convenient, and you can adjust the tightness with the bungee laces.

These shoes were surprisingly supportive and responsive with excellent cushioning and traction, making us feel light yet stable on our feet. They're breathable, too, so we didn't experience any chafing or blisters from wearing them on long walks in hot weather. But despite letting air pass through, the Cityscape Classics are 100 percent waterproof. We tested them in the rain, and sure enough, they kept our feet dry and prevented us from slipping. The brand even offers a dry-socks guarantee, with a one-year warranty on defects. (Note that we also found them comfortable to wear without socks).

One thing to note is that the lighter colors tend to get dirty easily. They can be cleaned with water and mild soap, but we weren't able to remove all the marks. Still, we loved how the bouncy feel gave us a pep in our step and would recommend these to anyone looking for a walking shoe that stands up to the elements.

The Details: Size 6 to 11 | Dyma-tex knit

Looking for a hiking shoe? The Teva Canyonview might be your best bet. Like many trail shoes, these are very structured and rigid. This helps keep your feet secure while reducing instability on uneven terrain. And while you can expect them to break in, they felt pretty stiff the first few times we wore them.

Though the Canyonview lived up to its waterproof claims, the breathable design prevented our feet from overheating or getting clammy. Even when wearing them on warm, humid days, we stayed comfortably dry and avoided blisters and chafing. These hiking shoes offer ample traction on dirt trails, grass, concrete, and other outdoor surfaces. In addition to arch support, they have extra cushioning under the heel that gives you a little bounce in your step. We wish they came in more colors, but in the end, we think the price is warranted for such a high-quality design.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Leather, textile | 0.6 pounds per shoe

These comfortable and supportive boots are great for running errands or walking the dog, but we especially love them for hiking in any terrain, rain or shine. They're incredibly breathable and provide plenty of arch and ankle support. Plus, they aren't extremely heavy, so you don't feel weighed down while wearing them. Throughout our tests, the boots held up perfectly and still do not show any signs of wear and tear. While we did find them to be comfortable right out of the box, our feet felt a bit sore two hours into the hike, so could have used more of a break-in period.

We wore these boots on many hikes and felt assured with every step thanks to thick, grooved rubber soles. Our feet never got wet even when doing yard work like watering plants and they kept rain out while hiking. These are a high-value pair of boots that are sure to last and keep your feet comfortable and supported on all of your adventures.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Leather, ripstop, and rubber | 1.8 pounds

These stylish duck boots earned perfect scores in all of our tests — we loved wearing them in rain, slush, and even dry fall weather. Right out of the box, the boots were comfortable with solid arch and ankle support so you can walk long distances in them without a break-in period. They do have a one-inch platform and two-inch heel, but they're still completely comfortable to walk in, and those thick soles help improve traction on every type of terrain.

The boots' materials are thick and there is a fleece lining inside that acted like a padding for the feet, but didn’t lead to overheating. Even when we walked a few miles, our feet didn’t feel hot or sweaty. Throughout our tests, we splashed around in quite a few puddles and are happy to report that the boots' white side panels do not show any signs of staining. None of the materials show any signs of scratches or other damage and water beaded right off instead of soaking into the materials (even after we fully stepped into a creek).

The Details: Size 7 to 13 | Polyester and rubber

These were by far the best water shoes we tested. The stretchy mesh uppers wrap around your feet, keeping them secure without feeling too tight or restricting. Despite the snug fit, they're really easy to slip on and off, and you can use the bungee lace system to adjust the tightness. We love how they look and feel almost like regular athletic sneakers. However, as with any proper water shoe, you're not supposed to wear them with socks.

We found these shoes comfortable to wear while walking on sand, concrete, grass, and other outdoor terrains. And if you go for a swim, walk along the tide, or dip your feet into a river, the drain holes and quick-drying materials prevent them from getting waterlogged. Whether you need something for swimming in the ocean, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, or water sports, you really can't go wrong with this pair.

The Details: Size 6 to 11 | Mesh

The Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe looks and feels like a regular sneaker. We found these shoes supportive and comfy to wear on flat land and rough terrain and appreciated how the closed-toe design kept pebbles and sand out. We wore them while hiking, walking on a riverbed, and swimming in a lake. They performed well on both dry and wet surfaces and provided enough traction to keep us from slipping or losing our balance.

Drainage holes in the soles prevent these shoes from getting waterlogged, but they take about 20 minutes to dry completely and aren't as comfortable to walk in when wet. Still, we liked how protected and stable our feet felt and appreciated not having to worry about getting them wet. Considering its unbeatable versatility, the Hydro Sport Water Shoe is absolutely worth buying.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Mesh, faux leather | 0.6 pounds per shoe

We found Keen's Solr Sandal to be incredibly comfortable and supportive on various outdoor surfaces. These waterproof shoes feel a lot like hiking sneakers but are much more airy, flexible, and lightweight. Offering the best of all worlds, they feature a protective closed-toe design, open sides, and exposed heels to ensure breathability and help water drain quickly. Some sand and a few small pebbles made their way inside — but not enough to affect the overall comfort.

Wearing these on a hike and while walking along a rocky riverbed, our feet felt supported and protected with ample grip underfoot. They took about 15 minutes to dry and were still comfy to walk in when damp. We think the price is fair, as the durable design seems like it'll hold up for multiple years. If you're looking for a functional, sporty sandal you can get wet again and again, this is the one.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | Neoprene, recycled plastic | 0.5 pounds per shoe

For a trail running shoe, we recommend the ​​Nike Pegasus Trail 4. These waterproof sneakers have supportive footbeds that hug your arches and cradle your heels. We loved how stable we felt when jogging over rocks and tree roots, while the cushioned insoles absorbed shock and helped prevent foot fatigue and knee strain.

If there's a puddle in your path, rain drizzling from the sky, or a few splashes from the tide, you can keep moving without worrying about your feet getting soaked. The stretchy uppers go up to the ankles and help keep water, small rocks, and other debris out. That said, the snug-fitting design might not be ideal for those with wide feet. Nike uses Gore-Tex technology to create a breathable, waterproof barrier. We're all for it, but weren't crazy about the fact that each shoe displays the word "Gore-Tex" in multiple places.

The Details: Size 5.5 to 12 | Textile, Gore-tex

We wore these boots three to four times per week throughout our testing period for everything from walking the dog to running errands. We loved them on cement, dirt trails, and everything in between in all types of weather. They have great traction, which made them a great choice when things started to get icy and slushy, but they don't come up as high on the ankles, so may not be best in deep snow. Still, while hiking, we were able to climb on rocks and over tree branches and we felt like the boots provided the perfect level of support. They also fit true to size and were comfortable right out of the box, and maintained their comfort level throughout our tests.

In all types of weather, the upper materials kept our feet dry and didn't catch or tear while moving through different terrain. Even after walking through mud, we were able to clean the boots easily to get them looking new. Considering these boots' durability and seasonal versatility, these are a high-quality, lightweight pair of boots we would love to wear for years to come.

The Details: Size 5 to 11 | TPU, Gore-tex | 0.93 pounds per shoe

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

  "Waterproof shoes do not allow moisture in at all, whereas water-resistant shoes can stand up to light rain but will not protect you from puddles," says Dr. Koprince. As long as they offer enough breathability, waterproof shoes are the better choice for keeping your feet dry.

• What should you wear with waterproof walking shoes?

  Some waterproof shoes (like sandals and snug-fitting water socks designed for swimming) are meant to be worn without socks. But if you have the option, Dr. Koprince usually recommends wearing socks with walking shoes. "Socks help keep your feet dry by absorbing ambient moisture and wicking it away from the skin," she says, explaining that this helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth while reducing friction.

• How do you care for waterproof shoes?

  Waterproof shoes can often be hand-washed, wiped clean with a damp cloth, or even rinsed off, depending on the material. That said, it's always best to check the brand's recommended care instructions to prevent accidentally damaging your shoes or removing the protective waterproof coating.

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