Make Your Rainy Day Commutes Bearable With These Waterproof Shoes

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WHEN IT COMES to buying the best waterproof shoes, the choice hinges on exactly where you’re headed and what activity you have in mind. Waterproof hiking boots, for instance, are perfect for weekend warriors looking to hike or trek no matter the weather condition. Waterproof running shoes make sense for scurrying around the city on wet days. Then, there are waterproof dress shoes for attending formal occasions while it's raining dogs and cats outside, and casual shoes that pay no mind to the weather forecast.

The point is, a little rain shouldn’t hold you back from your sporty pursuits or daily style goals. That's what the best waterproof shoes for men are here for—helping your trudge through miles of wet, slushy asphalt. From hardy leather boots to classic rubber rain boots to rugged trail running shoes to dress sneakers, these 18 best waterproof shoes for men below will come in clutch when the weather disagrees with you.

Pegasus Trail 4

Designed for tackling wet trails, this Nike kick also makes for a great everyday sneaker on those particularly damp afternoons. The sole is designed for traction to keep you from slipping, and the shoe upper is waterproof and quick-drying.

Facet 75

Columbia built this trail sneaker to be watertight up to the mid-ankle. Not only does the built-in double mesh knit sock liner, topped with an elastic collar, keep your feet dry, it provides exceptional comfort through added cushioning. The TechLite outsole offers a little extra bounce in every step while being tough enough to handle the gnarliest trails.

Bolinas Off Shore Boot

Stay dry and fly in the wettest of weather with these stylish and 100% waterproof chelasea boots. SeaVees built the entire upper from a single piece of injection molded natural rubber, meaning that there are no seams for moisture to get in through. The elastic gusset makes for easy slip-on and slip-off, along with adding flex in the ankle.

Mountain 600 Hiking Boot

With vintage style built from modern materials, these GORP-tastic hiking boots from Danner can conquer any mountain, or make you look good during a soggy night out. The rugged suede upper contains a waterproof lining and a Ortholine footbed. A two layer Virbam sole delivers cushioning from the EVA midsole and exceptional grip from the Fuga outsole.

Aerios Mid GTX Shoe

Arc'teryx, which churns out some of the best rain jackets in the game, provides serious waterproof performance for your feet as well. This Gore-Tex equipped hiking sneaker is waterproof, yet breathable. A padded mid-height ankle provides extra support, backed up by a Vibram Meagrip outsole for ultimate traction. The lower half of the upper is wrapped with a reinforced layer for abrasion resistance and added moisture protection.

ØriginalGrand Water-Resistant Golf Shoe

Don't let a little precipitation keep you from your tee time. Cole Haan built a water resistant golf shoe with old school looks and cutting edge performance. Water resistant leather is used for a timeless brogue longwing upper. The spikeless rubber outsole is extra grippy to handle slippery surfaces.

Know Your Wings: A longwing wraps around the entire shoe, while a wing tip is just a "W" shaped toe cap.

Cloud 5 Waterproof

Sure, the bouncy midsole, slip-resistant outsole, and waterproof upper are designed for all sorts of activities in inclement weather, but we love On's sneaker for comfy every-day wear. The easy slip-on design and versatile monotone color options work well with everything in your closet. Bonus points for keeping your feet dry during an unexpected downpour or an unfortunate puddle step.

Chandler Weatherproof Chukka Boot

Even the best looking boots should still protect your feet. Fortunately, Allen Edmonds built the ultra-stylish Chandler Chukka Boot with a watertight 360 welt and double stitched upper, then tucked in a waterproof membrane into the upper for good measure. Rock it with a suit just as easily with jeans and a biker jacket, regardless of the weather.

Challenger 7 GTX

The Hoka Challenger is built for off-road runs. "The rubber outsole with its 5mm lugs provides the kind of confidence-inspiring grip you'll truly appreciate on mixed terrain," our fitness team wrote in their review of the Challenger 7. "It's also impressively comfortable for a trail shoe, especially for those who prefer the Hoka rocker and tend to strike from the heel or midfoot."

Digger Slip-On

Bogs are kind-of a trade secret among anyone who makes a living on the water. Every shoe that the brand makes is absolutely watertight, completely slip resistant, and comfortable enough to stay on your feet all day. Some are even pretty stylish, like the Digger Slip-On, which looks great as a casual shoe for rainy days and wet activities.

Shoes Boulder Boot Waterproof

You have to see this boot to believe it. Lems' waterproof shoe weighs under a pound, and its heels and toes fold up. That makes it a great travel shoe for stashing in a carry-on bag. It boasts a classic aesthetic, with no neon laces in sight, and is rendered in waterproof, full-grain leather.

Water Coast

As you can probably gather from the image, these shoes can guard themselves against pouring rain and showers. Both of its EVA outsole and TPU upper are waterproof, and as a summer shoe, it comes with breathable mesh lining and feels breezy once you put it on. It's perfect for any water activities or at the beach, and it's very bouncy to boot.

Men's Bean Boots

Men who have been surviving all manner of inclement weather stand by their “duck boots,” or L.L. Bean boots, so you should, too. This OG duck boot is still handcrafted in Maine just as it were more than one hundred years ago. The rubber bottom boot is ultra-sturdy, and a steel shank provides support, and supple leather allows for some give.

Original Short Rain Boots

Another classic style with a cult-favorite following, these hardy rubber rain boots are meant to last a lifetime. Perfect for puttering around the yard or wearing on a coffee run, they’re surprisingly chic worn with tucked-in-jeans and a sweater.

Victor

This boot isn't playing around when it comes to keeping you dry. It combines waterproof full-grain leather with an insulating shearling lining to make a perfect pair of winter boots. Based on our testing, it gives you warmth and protection at once. It also boasts excellent grip and is lightweight, so you can reserve your energy for exploring.

Taylor Waterproof Cap Toe

This sharp lace-up won't slow down your Wall Street walk on rainy days, thanks to its weatherproof construction. waterproof materials, and seam sealing to keep your feet dry. A toe cap, of course, helps keep mud and debris out of your way, while the footbed provides excellent cushioning.

Everyday Chukka Boot

A versatile chukka style is upscale enough to pair with a suit or just your casual weekend uniform, but will still protect you from rainy days. It has a rubber sole, waterproof leather or suede, and a super-comfortable footbed.

Combat Waterproof Boot

This combat boot is insanely durable and completely waterproof, so you can stomp this through the mud, sleet, and, snow, no problem. It even comes with thermo-regulating wool socks for cold days.

Different Styles of Men's Waterproof Shoes

To find the perfect waterproof shoes for you, first decide whether you intend to run your neighborhood or the outdoor trail closest to you, versus setting off on a multi-day hike over less-friendly landscapes. Runners should look for a waterproof trail running shoe, even if your mileage takes you across cities, rather than mountains, because wet feet can make your long-distance runs a slog. Hikers should opt for proper waterproof hiking boots or sneakers when the environment requires stability.

There are lots of casual waterproof men’s shoe options for your non-athletic rainy-day pursuits as well. Sneakerheads will find plenty of fresh pairs that won’t be instantly ruined when they encounter a puddle.

For a more classic look, consider water-repellent, full-grain leather boot or dress shoe like a cap-toe oxford or a loafer. Classic rubber rain boots are also great during downpour commutes.

Waterproof Materials in Shoes to Consider

Leather: Waterproof full-grain leather and suede can often be found in waterproof boots as well as dress shoes, and it often make up the footwear's upper. The most ideal leather construction for waterproof shoes is a fully seam-sealed leather upper so there's no way water will get in.

Rubber: Rubber is the go-to material for the outsole of shoes nowadays since it's completely waterproof to prevent permeation or soaking through the bottom of shoes. An ideal rubber outsole should have a high level of grip too to counter slipping on wet surfaces.

GORE-TEX: Every product or fabric made with Gore-tex, a trademark membrane that is 100% waterproof, windproof, and breathable. You'll often find Gore-tex on trail boots and sneakers.

Others: Materials like synthetic, polyester, or fiber can come waterproof, whether as the upper or as the outsole of the shoes

How We Selected

Our fashion and commerce editors test hundreds of shoes every year. For this story, we chose our favorite waterproof shoes based on our aggregate testing. We considered shoes that had great waterproofing ability and looked as great as they performed.

Shop More of Our Favorite Shoes

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