6 Best Waterproof Hiking Sneakers, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on
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Get a new pair of sneakers that is built for both the city streets and the trails. Regardless of how bad the weather gets, any of these best-rated waterproof hiking sneakers will keep you comfortable, stylish, and dry all day. These trail-ready kicks allow you to easily escape the city and go straight to commune with Gaia.

From Nike’s Air Max Goadome to Adidas’ Primeknit boots to Merrell Moab Adventure kicks, these new breed of waterproofed sneakers are every bit as rugged-looking and durable as their purpose-built hiking counterparts, except their refined designs and stylish looks that enhance their appeal to the sneaker community.

For this guide, we tested 10+ pairs of the best waterproof hiking sneakers available out there. After considering all the gathered data from the tests, we ranked all the models accordingly. Below are our top picks.

How we test sneakers

Each pair in the bunch was given special attention before given a rating. That means careful checking, analysis, and a battery of mechanical tests were done to all the kicks. To check each model’s waterproof technology, our testers submerged the sneakers in a bucket of water and tried them out outside on a rainy day. 

We do the following:

  • Do the legwork of researching all the pairs of hiking sneakers from various brands. We perform all the tests utilizing our own funds. This keeps all the reviews completely independent and objective.
  • Assess each model’s actual fit, waterproof system, comfort, supportive features, traction, and many other aspects of the footwear. We also take note of the price tags, styles, and materials used.
  • Wear the shoes running errands on a rainy day or a quick jaunt with friends in the local trail.
  • Scour the internet for more expert feedback and hundreds of other customer reviews to supplement our data.

Finally, we end the guide with the finalization of the top rankings and the individual ratings of the waterproof hiking sneakers in the database. Check the CoreScore to find your ideal match.

Best waterproof hiking sneakers overall

Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2
Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 2,006 users

Pros

  • All-weather
  • Water-resistant
  • Grippy
  • Extra comfortable
  • Supportive
  • Heatproof
  • Arresting style
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Tad heavy

What makes it the best overall?

The Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2 brings you long-lasting comfort and style as you walk down the street or through the sleet. Packed with features that makes your feet dry and warm, this is an excellent go-to pair perfect for unpredictable weather conditions.
Read our full review of Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2 here

Best Nike waterproof hiking sneakers

Nike Air Max Goadome
Nike Air Max Goadome

Corescore

91
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 5,868 users

Pros

  • Super plush
  • Precise fit
  • Cozy
  • Waterproof
  • Highly wear-resistant
  • Grippy
  • Lightweight
  • Noise-free sole

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Too elevated

What makes it the best Nike?

The Nike Air Max Goadome is a highly comfortable shoe that would not look out of place in the workplace, a casual setting, or in a semi-formal event. The shoe gives the right amount of traction for different kinds of surfaces. Despite it not being a running shoe, it feels so considerably light on the feet that you can even run in it. This is a hardy kick made for harsh weather.
Read our full review of Nike Air Max Goadome here

Best high top waterproof hiking sneakers

Sorel Kinetic RNEGD Conquest
Sorel Kinetic RNEGD Conquest

Out of stock in all 52 shops

Sorel waterproof hiking sneakers  

Corescore

85
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 568 users

Pros

  • Sporty and stylish look
  • Gets bombarded with compliments
  • Surprisingly lightweight
  • Keeps feet warm and dry
  • Amazing ankle support
  • Comfortable off-the-box
  • Waterproof
  • Good for light hikes

Cons

  • Leather comes off
  • Not good for slippery surfaces
  • Pricey

What makes it the best high top?

The Kinetic RNEGD Conquest from Sorel is a winter boot with an incredibly fresh design. Its aesthetics are extraordinary, drawing attention from others and leaving them in awe. Its on-foot experience is fantastic, taking the comfort of a sneaker and adding a few features to make winters simply the best.
Read our full review of Sorel Kinetic RNEGD Conquest here

Best low top waterproof hiking sneakers

Skechers Crossbar
Skechers Crossbar

Corescore

91
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,402 users

Pros

  • Cushioned comfort
  • Durable
  • No break-in period
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Works as a hiking and everyday sneaker
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Lacks support
  • Wide

What makes it the best low top?

Never stop hiking even in the rainy season with Skechers Crossbar. This hiking-inspired kick from Skechers has an impressively durable water-repellant upper that gives you the security of taking on mud and soft trails. It stays breathable for relaxing comfort even when worn from sunrise to sundown. It is not heavy on the pocket either!
Read our full review of Skechers Crossbar here

Best value

KEEN Kaci Winter Waterproof Mid
KEEN Kaci Winter Waterproof Mid

Out of stock in all 52 shops

KEEN waterproof hiking sneakers  

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 3,615 users

Pros

  • No break-in period
  • Can customize orthotics
  • Functional rounded toe box
  • Rugged style
  • Keep feet warm and dry
  • Lightweight
  • Provides ankle support
  • Great outsole traction

Cons

  • Runs roomier
  • Poor durability

What makes it the best value?

An ankle-high cleat, the KEEN Kaci Winter Waterproof Mid is designed for women who want to add a rugged flair to their everyday style especially during rainy or cold weathers. This trainer has been praised for the comfort it delivered. Purchasers especially liked the roomy toe box and how it was able to accommodate custom orthotics.
Read our full review of KEEN Kaci Winter Waterproof Mid here
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.