11 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Every Type of Trail

• Quick-toggle laces
• Great for sporadic weather

• Not as durable as other options

For any clothing item that might be on the trail or in the city, it's Nike ACG forever. These sneakers are the best for low-key hikes when you're not totally sure what the weather is going to do. They are easy to slip on with those toggle laces and solidly waterproof. I also like them for going to the gym or running errands in bad weather without having to commit to a rain boot.

• Easy-to-use pull tab
• Vibram lug sole

• Height might feel unstable for some

Our beloved Hoka cushioning in a grippy, waterproof sneaker form is everything and more. These are by far the cushiest trail sneakers we have tried, great for easy hikes that last a long time. We like how roomy the pull tab is for easily slipping them on and off, as well as the high, soft knit collar that protects more of your ankle without irritating it.

• Excellent water and mud protection
• Indestructible design

• A bit heavy

Come to Danner for both waterproof hiking boots that you hike in and ones that you don't. These kinda work for either. They're outdoorsy in the ways we appreciate, like with high ankle protection and a virtually indestructible design. These are waterproof and abrasion-resistant, with an extended waterproof barrier that wraps up over the outsole for keeping mud and rain out.

• Great cushioning
• Not super hike-y feeling

• Not a ton of ankle protection

On Cloud makes a smart pair of waterproof hiking shoes that feel very much like the brand's other shoes we know and love. The Cloudhorizon has a soft underfoot and an easy 6mm heel drop. They are soft and flexible, easy to move up and around uneven terrain in. These are best for moderate hikes or relaxed trail walks.

• Cool design
• Fun upper materials

• Pricey

These are the kind of shoes that some will interpret as a personal affront, should those people know I just called them cool. But I love them! They're like the chunky, techy, functional trendy shoe that's done in a water-repellent chocolate brand. Great for the trail. Great for everywhere.

• Feel like sneakers
• Fitted foot but roomy toe

• Narrow for some feet

For outdoor adventuring, I'm trusting Arc'teryx with my life. The stuff is expensive, but it's made well. It's the kind of brand I don't mind shelling out for, because the stuff really is worth it. These mid Gore-Tex boots are a great example. They feel more like a high-top sneaker than a boot, with a smartly designed foot shape that's wide in the toe and more fitted toward the ankle.

• Very protective
• Very reliable grip

• Probably unnecessary for low-key hikers

Listen, we love a Salomon that is hiking adjacent as much as the next person behind you in line for coffee. But we can't deny the brand's bread and butter: actual hiking. These hiking boots are for the advanced hikers among us, with a crazy protective design, a stable base, and a water- but also everything-proof design. They are extremely grippy and extremely protective.

• Comparatively lightweight
• Cool design

• Not a ton of ankle protection

Can you believe these are Merrell? I can't. These are so fun, and you don't even need to definitely go hiking in them. They fit and feel like a sneaker but with a grippy Vibram outsole, stabilizing TPU heel counters, and of course, a waterproof membrane. Great for long, winding hikes.

• Waterproof on the outside and inside, and seam-sealed
• 5mm lug outsole

• Run narrow

These are built to explore high, low, wet, dry—you name it. The mid height keeps ankles stable and more of the leg dry. In addition to a Gore-Tex outer and waterproof internal membranes, these are also seam-sealed. That means where other shoes might eventually allow water to seep in after wear and tear, these will far outlast them.

• Stabilizing sole
• Grippy outer

• A bit stiff

Adidas's Skychaser is built with a combo we don't normally get in a trail shoe: The top feels like a sneaker, but the bottom feels like a boot. Usually it's the other way around. We like these because they don't feel as constricting as a boot, but they get us higher off the ground and with a boot-like lug sole for stability. They give you a feeling like how sitting in a truck makes you feel a little taller and more in control on the road.

How do you choose a good pair of waterproof hiking boots?Focus on fit: Get a shoe that's snug yet supportive, with ample room in the toe box to allow your feet to move comfortably. This will help prevent hot spots and blisters and any other foot pains from cropping up. Consider breathability too. While waterproof boots are generally less breathable than standard hiking shoes, some materials (such as mesh and suede) offer better airflow. Lastly, always try on your hiking boots with hiking socks. They differ from regular socks and are crucial to maintaining comfort, preventing slippage, and avoiding pinching on the trails.What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof boots?While this list features predominantly waterproof options, it also includes a few pairs made from water-repellent materials. Waterproof boots completely block water ingress, allowing them to endure almost any weather condition. On the other hand, water-resistant boots are designed to repel water, making it more difficult for moisture to penetrate, but they do not provide complete protection from water.Can waterproof hiking boots be submerged in water?Technically, you can submerge waterproof boots in water, but you shouldn't. Waterproof hiking boots have a membrane in the upper, which means water can still seep in over the top of the boot. And once water gets inside, trust us, you'll regret it. So as tempting as it may be, walk around that deep puddle instead.