There are few feelings worse than having cold, rain-soaked, soggy feet. And while your local weather person can do their best to help you steer clear of wet conditions, if you’re walking, cycling, or just out and about running errands, you’re eventually going to be caught in the rain at some point. Staying inside forever may appeal, but it’s hardly realistic. That’s why we suggest being prepared with a pair of the best waterproof sneakers.
Where average sneakers drink in puddles and leave your feet feeling cold, drenched. and eventually weirdly wrinkled (you know what we’re talking about), waterproof shoes repel both falling and surface water to keep your feet dry and comfortable. In addition, these shoes don’t sacrifice style or comfort, with the very best waterproof shoes for men often delivering as much style as they do protection.
When it comes to choosing the best waterproof sneakers for you, it’s worth considering a number of factors. These include:
Function
Perhaps the biggest question to ask yourself is exactly what you want your sneakers to do. For more exercise-focused users, there are sneakers made for the task which are more than capable of being used in workouts and daily runs. On the other end, if you’re just in need of casual wear, consider a less complicated and more fashionable shoe.
Durability/Waterproofing
As these shoes are designed for use in wet conditions, it should come as little surprise that they are, on the whole, more durable than the average sneakers. If you’re after the best of the best at keeping water out, it’s worth investing in shoes with Gore-Tex covering, which is an industry-leading, waterproof fabric that also lets your feet breathe for an impressive mix of dryness and comfort.
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Style
Just like everyday sneakers, there are plenty of choices when it comes to the look of waterproof shoes. These sneakers are available with every kind of look, ranging from sporty styles to classier looks which border on being office compatible.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the 13 best waterproof sneakers for fighting the wet weather. Each is waterproof and able to get you where you want to go with dry feet intact. Options include shoes from popular brands like Nike, Merrell, and Allbirds.
Find the right pair for you, and you’ll never have to worry about soaked socks from the rain ever again.
1. Vessi Men’s Everyday Waterproof Sneakers
BEST OVERALL
For the best waterproof sneakers, check out the Vessi Men’s Everyday Waterproof Sneakers. These kicks look so good that we never would’ve guessed they’re 100% waterproof. The secret is in Vessi’s patented breathable knit. We know the idea of a waterproof yet breathable knit seems like an oxymoron, but whatever Vessi did with its Dyma-tex knit, it works.
2. The North Face Men’s Ultra 109 Waterproof Trail Shoes
RUNNER-UP
For waterproof gear, you can trust The North Face for everything, including The North Face Men’s Ultra 109 Waterproof Trail Shoes. With a waterproof membrane, polyurethane-coated leather mudguard, textured rubber outsole, and rubber toe cap, there’s no environment this shoe won’t handle with aplomb while keeping your feet dry.
3. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Waterproof Slip-On Shoes
BEST SLIP-ON
Merrell makes gear for active people, so the company knows how important waterproof sneakers are for those wet days. The Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Waterproof Slip-On Shoes are perfect for the rainy commute to the office or a wet day on a nature trail. Though they’re 100% suede, notorious for its ability to soak up water, these sneakers feature a waterproof membrane, so even if the sneakers get wet, your feet definitely won’t.
4. On Cloud Waterproof Sneakers
MOST FLEXIBLE
With a deep-grooved, flexible design, the On Cloud Waterproof Sneakers are a solid choice for users looking for a comfortable and functional pair of waterproof sneakers. Whether you’re running along the beach or heading into town, these sporty shoes will keep you comfortable and dry. The mesh upper includes synthetic overlays which add to the structural support you’ll enjoy when the shoes are on your feet. You’ll also find a slip-on compatible, speed-lacing system which makes putting the shoes on extra quick. In addition, these shoes are available in three different colors and include reflective strips to keep you visible if you’re out at night.
5. Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles Mid Weather Resistant Sneakers
BEST RUNNING SHOES
Allbirds get a bad rap from some people for their dad-shoe aesthetic but we are all in on the Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles Mid Weather Resistant Sneakers. Though we wouldn’t characterize these kicks as fully waterproof, they’re highly water-resistant, thanks to a merino wool upper and a water-repellent coating. It’s also worth mentioning that they’re damn comfortable and pretty great for moderate runs and jogs.
Read More: Best Running Shoes
6. Rockport Men’s Storm Surge Waterproof Sneakers
BEST FOR THE OFFICE
For something a little more on the business casual side of casual, we like the Rockport Men’s Storm Surge Waterproof Sneakers. You get an Oxford-inspired design with the comfort and utility of a sneaker, plus Rockport’s Hydro-shield waterproof coating. Be warned that some users reported sole troubles, such as rapidly wearing out and/or coming detached, so there’s definitely a little risk with quality control.
7. Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield Running Shoes
MOST SPORTY
For the best in sporty sneakers these days, there’s only Nike. The Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield Running Shoes offer the sporty look you want with the water resistance you need. Rubber soles keep you from slipping on wet terrain and a water-repellent upper with sealed seams ensures water never seeps in.
Read More: The Best White Sneakers For Men
8. Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX Shoe
BEST SPLURGE
The Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX Shoe is another Gore-Tex-covered option. This monotone shoe is available in a number of different colors and incorporates many of the best features from other options on the list into a single shoe. The overall design has been inspired by long-distance running shoes, which means you get plenty of support and comfort as well as reliable grip in all conditions. The breathable materials further add to your in-shoe comfort as does the lightweight construction. Style-wise, the shoe is clean with only the Arc’teryx logo on the heel breaking the minimalist look.
Read More: The Most Comfortable Sneakers
9. SeaVees Men’s Mariners Boot Pig Suede Sneaker
BEST BOOT
On first viewing, you can tell that the SeaVees Men’s Mariners Boot Pig Suede Sneakers are ready to take on wet conditions. The shoes are constructed from 100% leather with a rubber sole which comes higher than on the average shoes. The uppers are made from a waterproof pig suede, and all seams are fully sealed to further protect your feet from getting wet. For added grip in the wet, the sole features a herringbone design, while the genuine gum rubber outsole delivers longer wear and a softer ride. In addition, there are three different colors to choose from — black, falcon and desert (shown).
10. Saucony Excursion TR14 GTX Men’s Trail Running Shoes
BEST THROWBACK
Saucony’s been making fresh, reliable sneakers since 1898 and the Saucony Excursion TR14 GTX Men’s Trail Running Shoes won’t let you down. They’re excellent overall trainers, perfect for an easy nature hike or a day in the city. But they wouldn’t be on this list unless they were waterproof, which they most definitely are thanks to their breathable Gore-Tex fabric membrane. Toss in a textured rubber sole for traction and you’ve got one excellent throwback pair of waterproof sneakers.
11. FootJoy Flex XP
BEST GOLF SHOES
The FootJoy Flex XP is a golf shoe that will help you raise your game and keep your feet dry should any unexpected downpours catch you out on the fairway. The shoes feature a lightweight mesh upper with several synthetic reinforcements for a comfortable yet secure fit. The lace-up closure lets you choose exactly how tight you want the shoes to feel, while the pull tabs on the heel and tongue make putting the shoes on easier. Finally, the multi-directional Versa-Trax outsole offers reliable traction, even in wet conditions.
12. Cole Haan Men’s GrandPrø AM Golf Sneaker in Habana
FROM THE COURSE TO THE OFFICE
Cole Haan has recently made a specialty out of sophisticated casual footwear that pretty much works in any environment, whether the office, the sidewalk, or the golf course. The Cole Haan Men’s Grand Prø AM Golf Sneaker can handle all three with ease. A rubber sole gives you the traction you need for that 250-yard drive, and leather delivers the classic appeal to look good wherever you go after the round. Plus, whether the day or course is wet or dry, the leather’s been waterproofed so you don’t have to worry about soaked feet.
13. Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi Gore-Tex Sneakers
MOST STYLISH
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars have always been cool, but somehow it still feels like they’re having yet another renaissance as streetwear comes back into vogue.
Generalities aside, the Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi Gore-Tex Sneakers are ultra-stylish and rain-ready thanks to the Gore-Tex upper. Now, you don’t have to choose between having waterproof sneakers and having stylish sneakers.
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