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Nothing turns a fun day of exploring into a miserable one faster than cold, wet feet (ask me how I know!). But there’s more to shopping for the perfect waterproof boot than grabbing the first pair you see in your search.
While you could go with the traditional galoshes, they’re not a great option if you plan on doing a lot of walking or getting off the beaten path during your travel adventures. All year long, depending on where you travel, there’s a chance you could encounter summer thunderstorms or drizzly winter or spring showers – as long as you keep your feet dry, traveling in inclement weather isn’t that bad.
Plus, why would you pass up the opportunity to shop for a durable (but chic) pair of waterproof boots for all your adventures?
Shopping for the perfect waterproof boots came with these criteria in mind:
- Needs to be waterproof, not just weatherproof
- The material should be durable and repel water/snow
- Boots need to be comfortable for walking
In my recent search for waterproof boots, I needed something that I could pack easily without taking up too much space, and they needed to be durable enough for walking around cities and countryside trails. Here’s what I found.
If you love Ugg shoes, you’ll be happy to know there’s a good collection of waterproof boots to choose from, too. And when you think of cozy winter boots, Ugg is probably the first brand that comes to mind.
Some waterproof options have the iconic Ugg profile, and boots feature sheepskin lining, DryTech insulation, and extremely durable soles for traction across water, snow, and ice. These Ashton Lace Up Boots are designed to keep feet dry and look sleek enough for daytime wear with jeans and leggings.
Love the buckles and chunky soles – perfect for someone who wants to add a bit of edge to their fit.
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Nothing makes me want to go out and splash in puddles more than Cougar’s Ignite Rubber Waterproof Boots. With a faux shearling lining and anti-slip outsole, these boots pull double-duty, keeping your feet warm and dry.
The rounded-toe construction is a bonus; toes are comfortable no matter how much you walk!
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La Canadienne is a shoe lover's dream. Using their innovative technology, shoes in the City Dry collection are made waterproof and seamlessly blend with any look all season long. La Canadienne has everything you want if you’re looking for chic shoes to wear on your travels but don't necessarily need them to be rugged.
The Pedale Loafers ($375) are super stylish and make the perfect shoe to wear, rain or shine. If you’re more into boots, Saint Leather Boots ($650) are something you’d have in your closet for a lifetime.
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Sorel checks all the boxes for someone shopping for waterproof shoes.
From boots to sneakers (!), there’s an option if you’re looking for something minimalist or want to go next level with your winter look. The Kinetic Impact Conquest Sneaker Boot is essential for hiking in various conditions thanks to the waterproof construction, warm insulation, and dual rubber sole that offers traction and flexibility.
The Sorel Evie II Chelsea Boot caught my eye when I was shopping for winter boots to wear on vacation to the United Kingdom and Wisconsin (both delightful cold and wintery). I loved the subtle wedge heels; they were super comfortable. I even went on a woodland walk in Scotland with them and felt like my ankles were supported the entire time.
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If you’re looking for something more geared toward hiking, the Lennox Hiker STKD Boot is a great option, too. They remind me of the boots I so desperately wanted as a kid growing up in the 90s! The Lennox Hiker Boot features chunky tread, perfect for non-slip on wet sidewalks or to wear out on the trails.
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Hunter is the quintessential outdoor brand and the ideal spot to shop for waterproof boots.
From rain boots to insulated winter footwear perfect for keeping warm on the slopes, Hunters are as durable as they are functional. The legacy brand, which dates back to 1856, handcrafts boots using FSC-certified natural rubber and constructs boots with several useful accents – nylon tabs and elasticized gussets that make wearing (and removing) easy. You can’t go wrong with any of Hunter’s styles – though the two best-sellers (for good reason!) are the Original Chelsea Boots and Original Tall Rain Boots.
As much as I wanted these for my travels, I knew I’d be doing too much walking to make them feasible for my needs. But they’re for sure going to find a nice home in my closet for those rainy days when I’m at home running errands.
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Chic, comfortable, and classic – I’m a sucker for high-quality loafers. Blondo’s School Loafer features water-resistant materials and sealed seams, offering protection from the elements if you’re out walking during spring or summer showers.
Thanks to the thick soles, loafers are a bit heavier of a shoe, so that’s something to keep in mind if you do a lot of walking.
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Ecco’s Soft 7 Tred Gore-Tex Boot is super chic and wears like a regular shoe but with all the added benefits of a cozy, waterproof boot. This casual Ecco boot combines a sporty side-zip feature, making getting them on and off easy.
These boots integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe, thanks to the rubber outsole, which offers the traction needed to keep you from slipping in rain or snow but is still flexible enough to account for natural step patterns The interior lining adds extra comfort and warmth, so you don’t need to worry about wearing thicker socks (but if you do wear them, consider going ½ size up).
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Want super transitional boots that can be worn regardless of the weather?
The OluKai Hawai’iloa Manu Hope waterproof booties come in a range of neutral colors to go with everything in your winter wardrobe. From the comfortable footbed to the laser-cut details, these boots are versatile and made with waterproof leather. Even better, Olukai takes proceeds from every shoe sale and donates to the Ami OluKai Foundation, which is committed to celebrating and preserving the spirit and cultural impact of the Hawai’ian islands.
The Molina Men’s Waterproof Leather Boots are a great choice for the guy in your life. Comfortable and versatile, these boots can be worn daily or used when on a wet winter adventure.
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Don’t let the weather stop you – get out there and get going with our top picks!