We’ll take a look at what characteristics make a great pair of waterproof boots. Also see How To Choose The Best Waterproof Boots later in the article.

In the following reviews we choose the brands and styles considered the top-rated and best waterproof boots for the money.

Best Waterproof Boots

Also see: Waterproof Boots Comparison Table

Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Waterproof Boots

1. (Overall) – Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
2. (Work Boot) -Keen Utility Men’s Tacoma Waterproof Work Boot
3. (Hiking Boot) – Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot
4. (Women’s) – Columbia Women’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
   
5. (Winter) – Tundra Men’s Toronto Boot
   

Waterproof Boots Reviews

Best Waterproof Boots

#1 Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot

Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot at a Glance:

After much research, I finally decided that the best overall waterproof boot for general use is the Timberland White Ledge. It has a half inch platform with multidirectional traction. The nice oiled leather finish is sure to keep your feet dry.

They also have a comfortable and breathable footbed that can easily be removed and cleaned or replaced if necessary.

The gusseted tongue helps to relieve pressure on the top of your foot and around the ankle while still providing a secure and comfortable fit.

The Timberland White Ledge is my top recommendation for an all around, high quality comfortable men’s leather waterproof boot.

If you need a boot that’s comfortable right out of the box, but rugged enough for backpacking trips or working in the garage, this is your boot.

The boot comes to just above the ankle, so it feels supportive without restricting mobility. It also has a sole with good arch support, thought it’s removable so you can quickly dry them out or replace it with your own preferred insole. It’s also fully leather without any synthetic or mesh on the upper.

This means it will certainly keep your feet dry and plenty warm as long as you wear wool socks. They’re lightweight, coming in at only 12 ounces, but durable enough to last through tough outdoor and indoor wear.

I love these boots because they work just well as comfortable waterproof work boots and as they do hiking boots.

They are great waterproof boots for hiking, working, and even playing in the snow.

Best Waterproof Work Boots

#2 Keen Utility Men’s Tacoma Waterproof Work Boot

Keen Utility Men’s Tacoma Soft Toe Waterproof Work Boot at a Glance:

Though these Keen Utility Men’s waterproof work boots have a soft toe instead of a steel toe, they are made of strong leather with a leather and rubber sole making them still a great choice for work boots.

I think this is the best waterproof work boot for men on the market. They’re comfortable right out of the box with little to no break in time, so you can immediately get to work in comfort. If you work in wet or oily conditions, the traction on these is unbeatable. The rubber sole has been tested to meet or exceed slip resistant standards for water and oil.

Waterproof work boots will be a little heavier than hiking boots because the sole is thicker and made for cement or gravel work conditions, not necessarily the trail. The sizing on these is a little small so you may want to order a half size up. The toe box is wider, a feature of most Keen’s, making them even more comfortable if you have wide feet.

They do have a soft toe, which helps make them warmer, especially with some thick socks. It also adds to the all-day comfort, making them to most comfortable waterproof work boot I’ve found. despite the slightly heavier weight. However, if you’re looking for the safety of a waterproof steel toe boot, your challenge is greater.

Keen makes an excellent steel toe version, the Milwaukee Steel Toe Work Boot, which you can find linked here. The steel toe version unfortunately is not a waterproof safety boot, though you could certainly treat the leather to make it water-resistant.

Whether you are working on the farm or working construction or even working in a restaurant kitchen, these are our top-rated best waterproof work boots. They are comfortable, durable, and provide you with the stability that you need when you spend all day on your feet.

Best Waterproof Hiking Boots

#3 Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot at a Glance:

For the mountaineer in all of use, Columbia has designed their Newton Ridge Plus li waterproof hiking boots. Made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials, they are the top-rated best waterproof hiking boots.

They are designed with waterproof hiking in mind. They even include seam-sealed construction to make sure water doesn’t seep in at the seams.

The Omni-grip no mark traction rubber provides you with the traction you need to climb those rock faces and trees. They are also lightweight thanks to the lightweight midsole design for additional comfort.

Whether you’re headed out to the trail for a long day hike or a backpacking trip where every ounce counts, these lightweight Columbia’s are my favorite waterproof boots for hiking in the mud and rain. The traction is specifically designed to shed mud and hold their grip even on slick rock or grass.

The rubber soles are a little softer than a traditional hiking boot, which makes the traction better, but does slightly decrease their durability, so keep that small tradeoff in mind. That is, if you’re a frequent hiker, you will love these, but they may need to be replaced more quickly than hiking boots with harder rubber soles.

The suede leather does need to be treated to truly keep the water out, which is normal and is just good practice when it comes to waterproof boot care. However, the mesh upper allows your foot to breathe while you’re working hard. With some good wool socks, it’s hard to beat these Columbia’s when it comes to waterproof boots for walking or hiking.

Best Women’s Waterproof Boots

#4 Columbia Women’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Columbia Women’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot at a Glance:

For the women who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty whether on the hiking trails or on the job, there is a waterproof boot designed just for you.

The Columbia Crestwood Mid Waterproof boot is specifically designed for hiking but could also be used in other situations like work boots.

They are lighter in weight than most of the waterproof hiking boots designed for men and they only weigh about 14 ounces. They are made of a combination of leather, textile, and synthetic materials.

They are comfortable from the moment that you put them on right out of the box and you don’t have to worry about them rubbing blisters on your feet. The Columbia Crestwood is our top-rated best waterproof women’s boots.

I love the Columbia Crestwood’s because they’re lightweight but sturdy enough for long hikes or backpacking trips.

Like the men’s version, they’re waterproof for wandering through tall wet grass, wading through shallow streams, or getting caught—by accident or on purpose—in the rain.

In fact, the rubber traction is made specifically to shed mud. The suede leather does need to be treated to truly keep the water out, but that’s normal even for waterproof leather.

It’s just good care practice. Some boots claim to be breathable, but the solid leather upper doesn’t really allow your foot to breathe.

These have a mesh upper that’s still waterproof, but also makes a truly breathable boot that is also more comfortable on the top of your foot and around the ankle.

This extra padding also makes them excellent waterproof boots for walking, especially if you grab a pair of comfy wool socks to keep your feet extra warm in cold or wet weather.

The rubber soles are a little softer than a traditional hiking boot, which makes the traction better, but does slightly decrease their durability, so keep that small tradeoff in mind.

Whether you’re working in the barn, just out on a daily walk, or ten miles into a backpacking trip, this style is one of best waterproof boots for women.

Because these are specifically a hiking boot with softer rubber soles, they won’t necessarily double as a work boot. If you’re looking for a women’s waterproof work boot, Wolverine makes a great women’s pair, linked here.

Best Waterproof Winter Boots

#5 Tundra Men’s Toronto Boot

Tundra Men’s Toronto Boot at a Glance:

The final waterproof boot on my list is the Tundra Men’s Toronto Boot. The name pretty much said it all, if it is good enough for winters in Toronto, it’s good enough for you.

In our review the Tundra Toronto is the top-rated best waterproof winter boots.

These winter boots are made of fabric and synthetic materials but they are are still pretty water resistant as long as you don’t try to walk through a semi-frozen river. The fleece lined inside makes them super warm and the can easily be paired with thick socks for extra warmth.

Instead of laces that need to be tied, they have a bungee lace system so they are easy to tighten and loosen.

The shaft of the boot is about 12 inches so it should go up to about the middle of your calf, helping to keep the snow from getting down in your shoes.

It’s a great feeling to know you’ve earned the exhaustion you feel from a day of outside work—especially on a cold winter day.

It’s an even better feeling to kick off your boots knowing you don’t have to spend 20 minutes waiting for the feeling to come back to your wet, numb toes. The Tundras are simple.

They’re a comfortable waterproof work boot with a synthetic waterproof bottom, shell, and toe.

I love them because they’re just what’s needed for the cold—the actual cold: they’re temperature rated to -40F/-40C; they’ll certainly keep you warm in the snow and ice.

The bottom shell is waterproof, but the synthetic upper is only water resistant, so they work well in the snow, but aren’t great for rain or wet, heavy snow.

Because they’re synthetic, they also dry much faster than leather. This warm waterproof winter boot is also great for wide feet.

Though it doesn’t specifically come in a wide option, you can order up a half size to accommodate wider feet as these are meant to be worn with warm wool socks anyway.

Tundra also makes a women’s waterproof work boot called the Augusta. The shaft also has a nice plush inside for an added bit of comfort so they don’t rub your calves or leave blisters.

Waterproof Boots Comparison Table

Author’s Expertise / Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

I started writing online for my own outdoor sports blog in 2010. Right out of the gate I landed opportunities to test gear for Road ID, Hydrapak, Wolverine, Helle Knives, Pearl Izumi, and GU Energy. Those were the days when growing a no-name blog was easy. Today niche blogging is a different story.

In 2012 I left Central Wyoming College with a degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership. Soon after, I was on a month-long expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Outdoor Educator Course which helps would-be outdoor guides ascend from “aspiring” to “inspiring”.

Between here and there I’ve participated in and spoken at length about outdoor pro-deal programs for companies like Patagonia, Smith Optics, Giro, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, MSR, Columbia, and many more. I still work closely with tons of outdoor gear companies to review and analyze products. If you have a product opportunity you’d like to discuss, please review my guidelines and contact me here.

After several seasons of guiding backpacking trips and working as a certified Alpine Ski Instructor at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT for several seasons, I had to move on. As any educator will tell you – teaching doesn’t pay the bills very well.

In 2016 I began building my freelance writing career as readers and other bloggers reached out to me for help with technical outdoor sports content strategy for online businesses. Within weeks I was overloaded with requests for freelance writing and my new career blossomed.

2018 saw the launch of Hike With Less, my ultralight backpacking partnership program with Dustin Walker.

How to Choose the Best Waterproof Boots

We’ve all been there. You think you found the right boots for the job, but halfway through the day, you feel it--that squishy, soggy, cold, uncomfortable feeling that comes with wet socks and freshly forming blisters.

Your waterproof boots aren’t very waterproof and your day just got a lot less fun. When looking for the best waterproof boots, you’ll want to consider their primary use--trail or garage.

You’ll especially want to think about the surfaces or terrain you’ll most often be walking on.

Hiking trails, concrete floors, and grass all call for slightly different traction, yet there is a lot of overlap in a comfortable waterproof boot.

Waterproof hiking boots, for example, are versatile and made for comfort over a long, active day. But there’s no rule saying you can’t wear them as work boots.

So while your hiking boots may never touch a mountain trail, that doesn’t mean comfortable waterproof hiking boots aren’t the best choice for you. You simply need boots that are right for the job.

Regardless of your outdoor sport, hobby or work-related activity the need for waterproof boots is pretty commonplace. The best waterproof boots can repel water away and create a barrier to seal out moisture and keep dryness inside the boots.

Your feet need to stay warm and dry for safety, comfort and performance, no matter whether it’s a fun or a working event. In this article we review and compare the top-rated waterproof boot brands and their top-performing waterproof boot product.

Whether you work at a construction site every day or you enjoy going hiking on the weekends, a good pair of boots can come in handy. Especially, if that pair of boots is waterproof. Not all waterproof boots are created equally though so if you want to get your money’s worth, doing your research is a good idea.

After doing the research, I have come to the conclusion that these are the best waterproof boots in five different categories. I am giving you the best boot overall, in addition to the best boots for work, hiking, women, and winter.

I am also going to give you a list of things to look for if you decide to do some more research, FAQs, and a few helpful hints for shopping for waterproof boots. Let’s get started!

Before you go to the nearest shoe shops and buy the first pair of waterproof boots you see, stop and finish reading this article first. My intentions are to get you a pair of boots that are top quality for a good price that will last you a long time.

Stop and consider these five things before running out and buying something. I believe you’ll thank me for it if you do.

Things to Consider Before You Buy Waterproof Boots

Material

For truly waterproof boots, they have to be made of a high quality, waterproof material. Most boots that are waterproof are made of either leather or synthetic material. Occasionally, you will find some that are made of a textile material that has been treated to be waterproof as well.

The higher quality the material and the assembly, the less likely you are to have leakage. If you aren’t sure what is good quality leather, talk to someone who has worn the shoes before, read a review, or check out the boots in this guide.

Sole

The sole of the shoes is very important. This is where you have arch support so your feet don’t get tired or achy and this is what fills the space between your feet and the ground. Making sure that you have a strong and supportive sole made of durable material is important.

Nowadays, most soles are made of synthetic materials because it is cheaper than leather and rubber. This doesn’t mean that the shoe quality is lower because it uses synthetic. In fact, synthetic material production is something that continues to improve as time passes.

Synthetic, leather, and rubber are all great choices for shoe soles. You just have to make sure it is a high quality of whichever material you choose to purchase.

Style

When it comes to waterproof boots, there are several styles to choose from. You have the rubber rain boots of course but those don’t work very well as waterproof winter boots. And they most certainly can’t be used as waterproof steel-toed work boots.

When you are getting into the higher quality waterproof boots for work and other activities, you have two things to consider with style. Do you want your boots to fall below the ankle or do you want your boots to go to the middle of your calf?

If you are looking for waterproof winter boots and you live in a place that gets a log of snow, consider the mid-calf boots. If you are just going hiking during the warmer months and won’t encounter deep snow, the waterproof boots that fall below the ankle should be more than suffice.

Traction

Traction is important in any style of shoe. But it is extremely important in the case of waterproof safety boots or waterproof work boots. The traction is essentially the bottom of the shoe and its ability to grip the floor so that you don’t fall.

A good solid traction design is going to include lugs going in multiple directions so that no matter which way you step, the shoe should still grip the ground.

The bottom of the shoe is just as important as the way it feels when you slip your foot into it. Pay attention to traction for the sake of your own safety. Waterproof slip-resistant boots are your best option when it comes to safety.

Toe Type

This is referring to whether it is a steel-toed waterproof boot or a soft-toed waterproof boot. If you are going to be using them as waterproof work boots, you might want to consider the extra protection that steel toe provides. If you are just using them for playing in the snow or working in the garden, the steel toe may not be necessary.

This tends to be a preference if it is not a job requirement. The good thing about steel toes is the additional protection. On the other hand, steel-toed boots also tend to be a lot heavier and can make you more tired when wearing them, at least until you adjust.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Boots

Q: Do I need waterproof or water resistant boots?

A: This, of course, depends on how, when, and where you’ll be using your boots.  Water resistant boots will hold up in mist, light rain or light fluffy snow, but not in the heavy wet stuff. So these will work only if you plan to use them indoor, on day hikes, or in very mild weather conditions. If, however, you work or play outside, near water, or in a rainy or snowy climate, you’ll want waterproof boots. The best waterproof boots are those you can fully submerge in water or wet snow without your feet getting wet. Of course the old fashioned rubber rain boots you see on kids will do the trick, but not for long hours on your feet. In order to keep your feet not just warm and dry, but also comfortable, you’ll want treated leather or suede.

Q: What’s the difference between waterproof hiking boots and waterproof work boots?

A: As long as you don’t need waterproof safety boots with a steel toe, hiking boots can sometimes double as comfortable waterproof work boots. The main concern though is safety. Many waterproof work boots have harder rubber soles that protect the wearer from electrical surges and are tested to be slip resistant in water and oil, whereas differences are in leather thickness and firmness of of the rubber soles. Work boots tend to have thicker leather that will protect your feet more than a thin suede or mesh upper is able to. That said, hiking boots tend to have more ventilation to let your feet breathe. Hiking boots are made for multiple types of terrain, from grass to rock, so they have great traction, though they’re not always as durable as, say, waterproof steel toe boots, they should still last for years.

Q: What’s the best way to care for my waterproof boots?

A: If you have waterproof leather boots, you need to clean and dry them properly after they get wet or muddy. First, rise and scrub them gently with a toothbrush. Most hiking and work boots have removable insoles, so be sure to take out the insole, and stuff some newspaper or even paper towels into your boots. Leave them in a warm, dry room overnight, but be sure to avoid direct heat like a fire, stove, or heater. Direct heat can damage your boots.  This includes keeping your feet close to a fire for too long when you’re wearing your boots.

Q: Can you buy men’s waterproof boots for a woman to wear?

A: Yes, the only thing that you really need to keep in mind is the size differences. Waterproof hiking boots and work boots don’t have to be gender specific. In fact, the only reason they are referred to as “men’s” or “women’s” is for the purpose of size. As a general rule, when buying men’s shoes for a woman’s foot, buy two sizes smaller than the woman’s normal shoe size. But it is important to always try them on to make sure they are comfortable.

Q: Do they need to be treated with any special kind of oil?

A: This depends on the boots that you choose to buy. If you buy leather waterproof boots, yes, they will require some care and maintenance if you want to extend the life of the boots to their fullest potential. Mink oil is what is usually used on leather.

Q: What should I do if they get wet?

A: The exterior of waterproof shoes is usually the only part of the shoe that is completely waterproof. That means that if you decide to walk through a creek in water up to your knees, the inside of your shoes will most likely get wet. If the shoes are made of leather, you probably don’t want to use a heat source to dry them because this can dry out and damage the leather. You can try putting them in front of a fan or place socks filled with uncooked rice or even cat litter inside to help draw out the moisture. Then you can use foot deodorizers to help if there is a smell from getting them wet.

Q: Are waterproof boots heavy?

A: This is one of those things that depends on the specific boot. In my list, most of the shoes weigh around 2 pounds as a pair. There is one that is close to 5 pounds. If you buy steel-toed boots, they will naturally weight more. Synthetic also tends to be lightweight than leather. If you are looking for lightweight waterproof boots, you might have to be willing to sacrifices other features like the steel toe to make the boots lighter.

Q: Should I order a size larger or smaller than my normal shoe size?

A: Normally, boots run small. If you are going to be wearing thick socks to keep your feet warm, that is also something to consider. It is probably a good idea to order one size larger than what you would buy in tennis shoes. But of course, shoe sizes are not always the same between different companies so it is advisable to always try them on before you make a purchase. If you are ordering them online, make sure there is a return policy in case you receive them and they don’t fit.

Helpful Tips

1. Avoid getting water inside the shoes. Even shoes that say they are 100% waterproof are usually talking about the outside of the shoe, not the inside. To help extend the life of your shoes and avoid unnecessary wear and tear, don’t let water get inside, if possible. If it is unavoidable, take measures to dry out the insides as soon as possible.
2. Buy shoes that are designed for the job. If you are going hiking, buy waterproof hiking boots. If you are a woman, they sell waterproof boots for women. If you need them for work, make sure they have additional features like extra slip resistant waterproof boots or steel-toed waterproof bo
3. Keep them clean. If you want your shoes to last, you have to take care of them. That means cleaning them after tromping through mud puddles. Or applying mink oil to them if they are made of leather.

Now that you know so much about waterproof boots, you should be able to find the pair that is perfect for you. Once you have them, lace up your boots and get to work, hit the trails, or go outside and build a snowman if that’s what you want to do.

Thanks for reading The 5 Best Waterproof Boots. We hope this article has helped you to discover the best choice for waterproof boots to meet your needs and types of outdoor activities. You might also be interested in our informative article entitled, Winter Clothing Materials and Fabrics.

MORE WINTER GEAR  HEATED GLOVES | DOWN JACKETS | FLEECE JACKETS | BASE LAYERS | BEANIES | WINTER GLOVES | WATERPROOF BOOTS | NECK WARMERS & GAITERS | HEATED JACKETS | HARDSHELL JACKETS | SOFTSHELL JACKETS | WINDBREAKERS | ICE FISHING BOOTS

How We Researched

To come up with the best waterproof boots, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler was a full time ski instructor for Park City and The Canyons in Utah and also is an experienced hiking guide. 

To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow hiking guides.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources