Will These Actually Keep Your Feet Dry? We Put 5 Pairs Of Water Resistant Shoes To The Test

When you think of water repellant, wool probably isn’t the first material that comes to mind. But Allbirds uses no ordinary wool. Their trademark soft, cozy, and sustainable Merino wool changed the game for footwear, and with the Runner Protect, they’ve also added a rain-repellent shield and breathable water-resistant membrane. Would they be able to handle a whole lot of drizzle and really stay dry though?

I took the Runner Protect for a jog on a rainy December day. On my wider-than-normal feet, they felt comfortable and super supportive, and on slick pavement, the rugged grip certainly came in handy. Even when I ran through a somewhat sizable puddle, the reinforced toe and heel made sure no moisture was getting in. While there was plenty of water beading on the wool upper of the shoe at the end of my run, my foot was still totally dry. The rain shield did indeed work quite well, and these sneakers have earned a spot in winter footwear rotation.

Part rain boot, part Chelsea boot, and part sneaker, the Beyond & Back Boot from Seavees is also part of a collaboration with adventure photographer Jeff Johnson. And that makes sense, considering this a hybrid wear-anywhere boot made to handle all terrain and almost any weather. The rugged oiled leather upper is water-resistant, and the partly recycled rubber sole is vulcanized for durability. A pull tap and elastic sides also make these easy to slip on – and head out into the worst winter has to offer.

True to its name, I took this boot beyond and back, wearing it on neighborhood walks, to dinner, on hikes, and even to do some yard work. The first thing I noticed was these boots were actually comfortable (courtesy of a memory foam footbed) and did not make my foot overly hot (something I dread while wearing most boots). They also have a versatile look that can easily be dressed up or down. As for their ability to keep out rain and snow, they handled that with aplomb. Seavees ensured nothing was going to get in or get my socks even the slightest bit damp.

Slipping on these sneakers, I immediately understood why they’ve been named Cloudrunner. It pretty much feels like your feet are floating on a cloud. The secret to said comfort, I discovered, is On’s Helion™ super foam for cushioning in the midsole plus CloudTec® cushioning to absorb impact as you take each step. But we all know even a cloud can hide a bit of rain, so I wanted to see if they were really as weatherproof as they were comfortable.

I took this cushioned pair onto a soggy trail for a New Year’s Day walk. While the mesh upper didn’t appear to be waterproof, it does indeed feature a waterproof membrane intended to keep out rain and moisture. And keep out it did! There were plenty of spots that were waterlogged, and I made sure to really soak in them, saturating the sole and part of the upper. But not so much as a drop made its way in. My toes were dry, and the extra grip on the sole also kept me from any slipping or sliding. For those seeking a combination of incredible comfort and everyday winter protection, you should certainly try this pair from On, on.

Rain boots are a staple of inclement weather. But as I have learned, not all rain boots are created equal. When it comes to Sperry’s Float Rain Boot, this isn’t just a rubber shell: it also features a comfy elastic fabric bootie that keeps your foot secure and snug. The sole is a bit more rugged as well and is designed with added traction for slick surfaces. And aesthetically speaking, the cool marbled design on the EVA also gives this pair a unique look that stands out from other offerings - and hopefully stands up to some showers.

What impressed me the most about these boots was that they were both lightweight and rugged. They feel like nothing on your feet, yet I felt I could tackle most terrain, from a slippery sidewalk to an uphill trail. When I took them for a spin during a rain shower that turned into a downpour, they performed as expected, with my feet well protected. I will say that in a pair of thin socks, my feet got a little chilly on a 40-degree day (which could be remedied by a thicker pair), but they most definitely did not get wet.

Canada Goose is well known for their top-tier (and seriously warm) outerwear that is developed for sub-zero temperatures. But what about its footwear? The Glacier Trail Sneaker is certainly packed with advanced details, like a rubberized leather wrap and an interior body made with HDry® membrane, a patented technology that promises to be 100% waterproof and 100% breathable. Heck, even the laces are coated with a hydro treatment for water resistance!  So you could certainly say I  had high hopes that this sneaker would be as warm and weather-resistant as Canada Goose’s trademark parkas.

Of all the shoes I tested, these felt the most substantial and solid. Tons of grip on the sole paired with an elastic bungee cord at the back means your feet are contained and in control of each step on any surface (including when I walked through a couple of inches of snow). True to their claims, the sneaker was also not letting even a drop of moisture through that membrane, and still provided breathability. While they may be a bit pricier than some other options, for a winter shoe that will last through snow and rain for decades, don’t hesitate to pick up this pair.