The 13 Best Waterproof Boots for Men, Tested and ...

26 Aug.,2024

 

The 13 Best Waterproof Boots for Men, Tested and ...

To determine the best men&#;s waterproof boots, we dispatched 21 different products to our Travel + Leisure team. We wore the boots in different scenarios for six months to test their comfort, quality, waterproof capability, and overall style. We chose our top picks based on the results, with an array of options to help you find the perfect pair for your next trip.

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According to Devon Vanoostveen, the Global Marketing Manager at Merrell, whether you need something that&#;s waterproof or water-resistant, high on your calf or up to the ankle, or with stout traction or flat depends on how you plan to wear them. &#;I think it's about looking at end use and then prioritizing what features and benefits are important,&#; she says.

There are many reasons to keep your feet dry while outside, especially during colder months when the combination of frigid air and moisture is a nightmare. Some boots &#; such as many leather varieties &#; are water-resistant, so they can hold their own against splashes and drizzle but aren&#;t the best options to be wearing in a downpour. Other boots are fully waterproof thanks to materials like Gore-tex.

Best Overall

Carhartt 6in Waterproof Wedge Work Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • They feel great straight out of the box and are available in soft- or steel-toe.

What to Consider

  • After several months of wearing these boots multiple times per week, the inner lining of the boot at the heel is beginning to rub off.

Anyone who has worn leather boots knows that it takes a while to break them in. Somehow, Carhartt has managed to steer clear of leather&#;s biggest drawback with its 6-inch Wedge Work Boot. During our tests, these boots were comfortable right off the bat and stayed comfy for up to 10 hours as we wore them throughout the day and for many days after. Another difference between these leather boots and others on the market is that they&#;re coated with Carhartt&#;s Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, which kept our feet dry while trodding through rainy sidewalks and into big, deep puddles. They also had enough grip to keep us from sliding around and look good enough to wear anywhere, not simply on the job as Carhartts are usually for. That said, if you want to use these on the worksite or in the warehouse, opt for the steel-toe option.

The biggest drawback we found with these boots is that they require you to wear long socks to prevent rubbing on the calf. Still, they didn&#;t cause any abrasions or rashes when we wore them with short socks. They&#;re also wide and fit large, so consider sizing down as much as a full size. We also found that after six months of use, the material on one heel began to wear down and made it annoying to slide our feet out. While we were disappointed to see this kind of wear, we would still recommend these based on their comfort and support, although we'll try to get them on sale so durability issues aren't quite as financially painful. We should note that while Carhartt doesn't offer a specific warranty period, they do have a "Built to Last Commitment" that promises buyers the company will repair, replace, or credit for damage that does not meet expectations.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Tanned leather upper, PU insole, rubber outsole

Best Style

Dr. Martens Wintergrip Waterproof Boots

PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods

Why We Love It

  • These have a timeless look, even if you&#;re not at a punk show.

What to Consider

  • Like most Dr. Martens, these take a long time to break in and after several months of use, the tread has worn down slightly.

Gone are the days when Docs were simply for punks, goths, and emos. Nowadays, Dr. Martens have become some of the most tried and trusted boots on the market, and they exude coolness. The thing with Docs is that contrary to the Carhartts listed above, they&#;re extremely stiff and take a long time to break in. We wore them for three hours at first, then for several days afterward (including eight hours in the rain), and they still weren&#;t fully broken in. That said, they did get more comfortable over time and we expect that to continue as we wear them for months to come. And we will absolutely wear them. Not just because they look cool, but because they&#;re made of excellent materials that will hold up in any urban weather, including winters in New York City. If you do plan to wear these in the winter, know that the inner lining is very warm and cozy, and they&#;re as waterproof as advertised. After six months of use, we found them to be much more comfortable and are happy to see that they have held up great through frequent use in rain, snow, and slush.

The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 | Connection WP leather and coated nylon

Best for Hiking

Danner Mountain 600 Leaf Hiking Boot

PHOTO: REI

Why We Love It

  • They're very light but still offer great support for long hikes.

What to Consider

  • If you want more ankle support, Danner also sells the Recurve hunting boot (see below).

Hiking boots these days are anything but simple, with flashy colors and all the fabrics and layers you can imagine. So it&#;s delightful that Danner keeps its boots classic while adding all the necessary technology. We found these boots to be unbelievably light and comfortable, as well as waterproof thanks to the Gore-tex coating. They fit true to size and provided ample arch and ankle support for a day out on the trail. Throughout six months of testing, we even noticed that they became more and more comfortable with every wear. We also loved the grip and that they come with an extra set of laces.

But what really stands out about these boots is Danner&#;s commitment to sustainability with its recrafting program, which allows you to send in your old boots and have them fixed up using the same equipment that made them. That means one less thing in the landfill and more years of comfort for your feet. Aside from a few minor scuffs and scratches, these boots are still in really great shape after six months. The insoles have broken in nicely and the upper tongue softened a bit &#; making them even more comfortable and form-fitting.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Leather, Gore-tex, Vibram Outsole with Megagrip | 2.3 pounds

Best Slip-on

Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • You can wear them through multiple seasons &#; just remove the sheepskin footbed in warmer weather.

What to Consider

  • They don&#;t lace up, so wear them hiking at your own peril.

Go somewhere with rough, rainy winters like Toronto, Seattle, or London and just count the Blundstones. We guarantee you&#;ll lose count because these Chelsea boots are so tried, tested, and true. Made with premium materials, Blundstones will last you years. During our tests, we had no trouble maintaining traction on snow and ice and keeping out water. In fact, we sprayed a hose on them for several minutes and not a single drop got inside, not even through the elastic.

They&#;re a bit heavy, but that&#;s because they&#;re meant to handle winters, and they don&#;t tighten up, so we wouldn&#;t personally wear them hiking, but there are many who do. A neat feature is that the cozy sheepskin footbed is removable, so you can easily slide in regular insoles in warmer weather to be able to wear them through different seasons. These boots held up perfectly throughout our six-month testing period, including a very damp winter. They haven't scuffed or received any water damage, and they remain easy to clean.

The Details: Sizes 4 to 13 | Waterproof leather, Thinsulate insulation, removable sheepskin footbed, TPU outsole

Best Lightweight

The North Face Larimer Mid Waterproof Boots

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • They&#;re so light and comfortable.

What to Consider

  • They run small, so order a size up.

If you don&#;t want a waterproof boot that looks like a waterproof boot, check out the Larimers from The North Face. Stylish and casual like a skate shoe, they&#;re fully waterproof thanks to North Face&#;s Waterproof DryVent membrane. Insulation inside will keep your feet warm, and there&#;s solid ankle and arch support. We felt comfortable in these boots from day one, but ordered a size up as recommended, and that worked out perfectly. They were noticeably lightweight, which is a good alternative to some of the heavier options we tried. After six months of wearing, they are still in great condition and seem to be well-built for long-term use.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof suede and ballistic nylon upper, insulated inner, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds

Most Comfortable

Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • These boots instantly became our primary daily footwear.

What to Consider

  • It takes a few days to work them in.

From almost the first moment wearing these boots, we found them to be some of the most comfortable footwear we&#;ve worn, and they immediately became our go-to, not just on rainy days. The reason is because they&#;re so comfortable and supportive. They&#;re sturdy without being cumbersome, and the grip was unnoticeable, which is the best compliment possible as we had no slips on asphalt/concrete, grass, sand, or mud. And the price point is affordable, too.

We should report that we got a blister on our road toe on the second day of wearing these, but we were quite comfortable afterward, so they just require a short break-in period. After that, these shoes became more comfortable with each wear. Some people may not love the presence of the big Timberland logo, but that&#;s a personal preference.

We did find that after six months of testing, the toe piece started to peel away slightly from the upper, allowing water inside if we stepped in a puddle or shallow creek. The durability is impressive otherwise, but this flaw was impossible for us to ignore. We still recommend these for comfort, but buyers should be cautious when putting them through strenuous or water-related endeavors.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Waterproof leather, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole

Best Chelsea Boot

Wolverine Waterproof Insulated Chelsea Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • They&#;re perfect for camping, yard work, or trudging around on a rainy day.

What to Consider

  • These are best worn with heavy socks.

For stomping around in messy weather and rough terrain, check out these Wolverines. When we trudged through a creek, wet grass, and mud, we didn&#;t feel any water inside of the boot &#; even when we dipped our foot directly into the creek. We found them comfortable and they showed no abnormal signs of wear during our six-month test. They also have great traction that felt stabilizing even in ice storms.

Some may be concerned with the weight, with each boot weighing in at 1.6 pounds, and you may want to wear heavy socks to prevent rubbing. But if you&#;re looking for something heavy-duty to keep the water out at a solid price, take a look at these.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Outdoor waterproof EVA boots. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof leather upper, DuraWarm insulation, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole, nylon shank | 3.2 pounds

Best Value

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • The price is unbeatable, especially when it&#;s on sale.

What to Consider

  • It might not be as durable as other boots.

We can&#;t say enough good things about these Columbia boots. They&#;re lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, and have excellent traction &#; all for less than half the price of many of its competitors. We wore them on a week-long camping trip, and they did the job of keeping our toes dry, even on small creek crossings, slippery rocks, and through a cave hike. The fit was true to size, and they were ready to go out of the box without much breaking in. After six months of tests, they are still in great condition, and we actually prefer the rugged look caused by the normal wear and tear. The size range is also extensive, going up to size 17.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 17 | PU coated leather, suede, and mesh upper, Omni-tech waterproof membrane, Techlite midsole, Omni-grip rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds

Most Durable

Nike ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome GORE-TEX

PHOTO: Nike

Why We Love It

  • Plenty breathable, these experience minimal wear and tear during hiking and city walking.

What to Consider

  • The clunkier style can take some time to get used to.

These handsome boots from Nike would fit in as well on the runway as they would on the mountain. A tall synthetic upper, Gore-Tex waterproofing and serious traction on the bottom make these boots very athletic &#; we could even run in them. These boots were more breathable than any we reviewed and showed minimal signs of wear and tear after six months of testing &#; our white model has a few scuffs and scratches, but we expected some of that after hiking and walking around the city. They also held up incredibly well in the rain, except when a puddle got onto the tongue, but that&#;s probably beyond normal use. Unfortunately, they tend to sell out quickly, so if you like them, act fast.

The Details: Sizes 3.5 to 15 | Synthetic upper, Gore-Tex, rubber outsole

Most Supportive

Danner Men's Recurve Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • These are surprisingly lightweight for the support.

What to Consider

  • These boots are heavy and, during testing, we noticed some fatigue when wearing for long periods of time.

Danner&#;s dedicated hunting boot goes up higher above the ankle, offering outstanding support for rough terrain. Despite the height, we loved how lightweight these boots were and that they were easy to slide into. We wore them at a farm and while doing yard work and found them to be completely waterproof. The Vibram sole had great traction, too. Break-in time was minimal, and they stayed comfortable throughout the entire day. These boots are quite pricey, so unless you really want the extra support, they might not be worth it. They also aren&#;t very breathable, but few waterproof boots are. Aside from a few minor scuffs and scrapes on the leather, these boots are still in great shape after six months.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Full-grain leather and suede upper, Vibram midsole and outsole | 2.8 pounds

Best Chukka Boot

Clarks Morris Peak Waterproof Chukka Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • These have a classic look and can be worn with dressier outfits.

What to Consider

  • They don&#;t look good with shorts.

If you like the classic look of a Chukka boot and still want some waterproofing, this pair&#;s for you. We found the Clarks Morris Peaks to be just as promised. The tumbled leather upper kept out all the water we threw at it, and they were quite comfortable after we broke in the initially stiff leather. The arch support seemed better than other Chukka boots we tried, and we liked the look, though not with shorts on. We did find them a bit on the heavy side, but it&#;s hard to complain for the affordable price. After six months of use, these boots are still in great condition and show no signs of fraying or breaking down.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, thermoplastic rubber sole

Best Traction

On Cloudtrax Waterproof Boots

PHOTO: REI

Why We Love It

  • These keep you from slipping on muddy or wet trails.

What to Consider

  • The dual density midsole takes some time to get used to.

On has really been making a name for itself as of late, and we can see why. The Swiss brand&#;s Cloudtrax Waterproof are excellent hiking boots, with significant traction to have you speeding up and down the trail, even if it&#;s muddy or slippery. Initially, we found the boots stiff and tough to get on, but that quickly changed, and we never had pain wearing them. The shoe didn&#;t feel flimsy and appeared made of excellent quality materials &#; some of which are recycled which adds some sustainability points. We also found them completely waterproof and the price to be fair. The one thing we didn&#;t love about this boot is the curved heel that makes these slightly awkward to walk in, but other than that, these are a great, travel-ready option. After six months of testing, these boots have held up well and show no signs of wear and tear.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | 1.94 pounds

Best Work Boot

Ariat Kingham Waterproof Boot

PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It

  • These shoes are very durable, comfortable, and waterproof with a classic Chukka style.

What to Consider

  • Their rigidity takes some getting used to.

If you want a sturdy boot for staying on your feet for long hours but don&#;t need steel-toe protection, check out the Ariat Kingham. Made in a Chukka style, these boots fit similar to cowboy boots with a large heel and a rigid sole. They also have an enforced non-steel toe-box, which takes a little getting used to as it doesn&#;t allow for toe movement. Despite these particularities, it didn&#;t take long to get used to them, and we felt comfortable wearing them for hours on end, although we wouldn't recommend these to city-dwellers &#; six months of testing later, we consistently found them clunky to walk in and don't think they would be great for navigating bustling streets. They're great outdoor boots otherwise.

These provided excellent traction on rocky and slippery terrain and had no trouble staying dry (so long as no water gets in from the top). We even stood in a puddle and our socks stayed dry. One thing we didn&#;t love was how the sole sticks out from the back of the boot, but we still see these as a good option for those who want a comfortable, country-style boot.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, rubber sole

Buyer's Guide: 10 Boots to Fit Your Style of Hunting

Photo courtesy of Dryshod

By Game & Fish Staff

Whether you hunt bucks with a bow or birds with a shotgun, having the correct type of boot for the pursuit can make all the difference between an enjoyable day in the field and a miserable experience. Blisters and rolled ankles just aren't fun. But beyond that, a good boot suited for both the country you're hunting and the way you&#;re hunting it can help you be more effective. Quality boots give you confidence to travel across tough ground while focusing on the game and not your feet. Following are 10 boots that cover many situations; it's up to you to pick the one that fits your needs.

Crispi Briksdal Pro GTX

Crispi Briksdal Pro GTX boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 32 oz. | Height: 10"
  • Insulation: 200-gram Gore-Tex Comfort lining
  • Best For: Scrambling up rocky slopes and along steep ridges
  • Key Features: The height of the Briksdal Pro lends additional support to ankles in rough country while climbing or side-hilling, particularly when carrying a heavy pack. Crispi&#;s board lasting wraps the soft part of the upper to the insole frame for a mechanical construction that balances torsion rigidity with comfortable flexibility. A rubber rand fully surrounds the nubuck leather upper to protect it from abrasion. The Vibram sole has a dual-density polyurethane midsole to absorb shock during descents.
  • MSRP: $480
  • Info: crispius.com

Danner Recurve

Danner Recurve boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 23 oz. | Height: 7"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Following a dog through pheasant fields or grouse woods
  • Key Features: Danner pairs classic design with modern technology in the Recurve. The upper is constructed of full-grain leather and nylon (in Mossy Oak Bottomland or brown), and it melds with a Vibram SPE midsole and grippy Vibram outsole. This rubberized EVA midsole maintains the same cushioning properties of traditional EVA but is more durable. Open-cell polyurethane in the removable OrthoLite footbed offers support while improving heat dissipation and air circulation. The Danner Dry lining allows moisture to escape from inside the boot without letting water in from the outside.
  • MSRP: $210
  • Info: danner.com

LaCrosse Lodestar

LaCrosse Lodestar boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 23 oz. | Height: 7"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Stalking elk through blowdowns
  • Key Features: The Lodestar offers a lot of stability in a lightweight boot that keeps feet nimble when navigating over and around obstacles. LaCrosse&#;s X-shank has much to do with this, dispersing weight evenly underfoot while offering support on uneven surfaces. Further, the DuraFit heel cup locks the heel in place for a secure fit. The Vibram outsole has omni-direction lugs that grip difficult terrain, and the material is flexible enough to remain quiet when sneaking in for a shot. A HexGuard rubber toe protects against abrasion, while a Gore-Tex waterproof, breathable liner ensures feet remain dry.
  • MSRP: $240
  • Info: lacrossefootwear.com

Lowa Camino Evo GTX FG

Lowa Camino Evo GTX FG boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 31 oz. | Height: 6"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: All-day spot-and-stalk sessions for mule deer
  • Key Features: The updated Camino Evo GTX handles the up-and-down business of spot-and-stalk hunting with a couple tweaks to a proven boot. The ankle area is redesigned to allow for more flex when hiking uphill to glass. Lowa&#;s new sole package places cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot to improve the boot&#;s rolling properties, or how energy is transferred along the foot during a step. The result is more comfort and stability when closing on a buck, whether that means hiking into or out of a canyon. The boot retains Lowa&#;s independently adjustable lacing zones on the forefoot and upper.
  • MSRP: $360
  • Info: lowaboots.com

Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker

Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 29 oz. | Height: 7"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Late-summer pronghorns and early-fall whitetails when the weather is warm
  • Key Features: Hunters get the cradling support of Meindl&#;s Comfort Fit system in a hiker-height boot with a Gore-Tex waterproof lining that permits feet to breathe. Comfort Fit provides more room in the toe box and width at the ball, ensuring the big toe doesn&#;t get cramped. It also creates a wider sole base for more stability. Feet don&#;t slide, however, thanks to a snug fit at the heel. Cork footbeds with Poron inserts absorb shock while Vibram Multigrip 6.0 outsoles dig into tough terrain.
  • MSRP: $290
  • Info: meindlusa.com

Rocky MTN Stalker Pro

Rocky MTN Stalker Pro boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 29 oz. | Height: 6"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Traversing rock-strewn hills in search of upland birds
  • Key Features: The MTN Stalker Pro is a low boot, but that doesn&#;t mean it can&#;t handle the rough country that chukars and Western quail species often call home. Traction comes in the form of a Vibram Mountaineering outsole, and the boot&#;s Shield Guard provides an extra layer of protection from sharp rocks, cactus and thorns. Rocky&#;s fiberglass shank adds stability when birds are on steep slopes. The lace-to-toe design anchors the feet, and the Rocky Rebound footbed keeps them comfortable over broken ground.
  • MSRP: $207
  • Info: rockyboots.com

Cabela's Zoned Comfort Trac

Cabela's Zoned Comfort Trac boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 42 oz. | Height: 17"
  • Insulation: 2,000/1,600/1,200-gram Thinsulate Ultra
  • Best For: Treestand or blind hunting in frigid weather
  • Key Features: The Zoned Comfort Trac has three areas of Thinsulate Ultra to keep feet warm without adding unnecessary weight and bulk: 2,000-gram insulation in the toe, 1,600-gram insulation along the sides and top of the foot, and 1,200-gram insulation around the heel. Wool frost plugs also form a thermal barrier between the feet and the cold ground. Rubber uppers guard the feet against moisture, and gussets on the outside buckle tight to hold in heat while closing out sleet and snow. Molded polyurethane footbeds and nylon shanks provide support.
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Info: cabelas.com

Dryshod Overland

Dryshod Overland boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 40 oz. | Height: 17"
  • Insulation: 5 mm Densoprene foam
  • Best For: Hunting whitetails in creek bottoms, swamps and marshes
  • Key Features: The Overland's hand-laid natural rubber and Densoprene construction is 100 percent waterproof. Plus, Hydrokote water repellent causes moisture to roll off the surface of the upper material so the outside of the boots dries quickly. The molded outsole provides traction in mud and slop, while a rigid shank and reinforced tuck board lend stability when trekking through the muck. A four-way stretch air-mesh lining allows air to circulate inside the boot, and the tops roll down for venting in warm temperatures.
  • MSRP: $179.95
  • Info: dryshodusa.com

Irish Setter MudTrek

Irish Setter MudTrek boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 35 oz. | Height: 15"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Early- to mid-season bowhunting
  • Key Features: Irish Setter gives the MudTrek its ScentBan treatment to kill bacteria that causes odors. Rubber and 5 mm neoprene shield against water, and the vulcanized rubber outsole provides both traction and durability when traveling to and from stands. Inside, TempSens technology reacts to your body temperature to keep you comfortable. It either cools the feet by vaporizing moisture or retains heat to keep them warm. Support comes from a polyurethane footbed, and an integrated heel kick makes removal easy.
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Info: irishsetterboots.com

LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake

LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake boot
  • Weight (Single Boot): 39 oz.
  • Height: 17"
  • Insulation: None
  • Best For: Spring, summer and early fall hunts when venomous reptiles are about
  • Key Features: Sandwiched between the liner and the exterior of this boot is a flexible fabric that protects against the fangs of snakes. It adds little to the weight of the Alpha Agility and doesn&#;t hamper maneuverability or comfort. Hand-laid rubber over neoprene makes for a waterproof boot, while the jersey knit liner wicks interior moisture and dries quickly. You get all the benefits of a LaCrosse rubber-neoprene boot with added peace of mind when hunting around snakes.
  • MSRP: $200
  • Info: lacrossefootwear.com

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