5 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Men in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
5 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Men in 2023
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Have you ever been on a hike where the sun would bail on you and get replaced by gloomy clouds and rain? Trust us, in such a situation, you’re better off with the best waterproof hiking shoes for men.

We’ve tested over 150 pairs of watertight kicks for the homies to come up with this compelling list. Whether you’re looking for an impermeable all-rounder or you’re in dire need of a highly affordable waterproof pair, this manly selection is for you.

How we test hiking shoes

A comprehensive list like this is as challenging to make as it is rewarding. For the curious Joes, our selection process is made up of the following:

  • We buy men’s waterproof hiking shoes, expensive or not, using our own money.
  • We hit the wet trails (right away most of the time) to test each waterproof pair’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • To make our reviews on the best waterproof hikers for men as comprehensive as possible, we include in the mix thousands of reports from regular trail-goers and gear experts alike.

A CoreScore is assigned to every reviewed men’s waterproof shoe. The score a hiker receives, which can be anywhere between 0 and 100, plays a vital part in our selection process.

Best waterproof hiking shoes overall

What makes it the best?

If you’re looking for an almost indestructible, waterproof rugged low-cut hiking shoe, then look no further.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Fits perfectly
  • Amazing lockdown
  • Incredible heel cup
  • Waterproof
  • Decent traction
  • Good lacing system

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Grip fails in wet conditions
  • Very firm
  • Not supportive
Full review of Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
black (CM7492)
Green (CM7497)
Black (BC0383)
BLACK (EF3363)

Best waterproof hiking shoes for speed hiking

What makes it the best?

Sporting the ultra comfy Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX has leveled up the hiking game for many. Taking inspiration from agile trail running shoes, this waterproof and grippy wonder will push you forward across technical terrain with or without rain.

Pros

  • Instant comfort
  • Impeccable waterproofing
  • Very lightweight
  • Exceptional grip
  • Excellent support and lockdown
  • Stable platform
  • Roomy toebox

Cons

  • Quicklace is not for everyone
  • Too-high collar
Full review of Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Magnet Black Monument (L412870)
Quiet Shade/Black/Evening Primrose (L416229)
Legion Blue/Black/Fall Leaf (L416230)
Black (L412892)
Green (L413853)
Beige (L417314)

Best waterproof day hiking shoes for men

What makes it the best?

The Merrell Moab 2 GTX is a well-built hiking shoe. With heaps of comfort and a solid waterproofing system, the Moab 2 GTX might be your best choice for your go-to day hiking shoe.

Pros

  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Waterproofing that actually works!
  • Durable upper
  • Perfect for short one-day hikes
  • Soft, plush feel
  • Protects from sharp rocks underfoot
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Poor heel lockdown
  • Average grip
Full review of Merrell Moab 2 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Brown (J06041)
Brown (J06035)
Beluga (J06039)
Black (J06037)
Black (J03548)
Boulder (J03333)
Grey (J50006)
Blue (J12135)

Best waterproof wide toe box hiking shoes for men

KEEN Targhee II
85
Great!

Pros

  • True to size
  • Roomy toebox
  • Waterproof
  • Impressively durable
  • Grippy outsole

Cons

  • Loose fit
  • Rigid feel
  • Break-in period needed
Full review of KEEN Targhee II

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Men
Women
Any color
Gargoyle/Midnight Navy (1002363)
Cascade Brown/Golden Yellow (1015704)
Syrup Flint Stone (1026847)
Raven/Tawny Olive (1012213)
Black/Steel Grey (1026583)
Canteen Dark Olive (1018119)

Best men's waterproof hiking shoes for urban hiking

What makes it the best?

A sporty shoe that looks good on the trail and on the street, the Vitesse OutDry from Columbia ticks the box for comfort, stability, and protection. This waterproof hiker is lauded for its seam-sealed construction which means less water intrusion and enhanced upper strength and durability. Plus, the lightweight midsole creates a cushiony platform and absorbs impact well.

Pros

  • True to size
  • Waterproof
  • Very comfy
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Stable
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Lacks grip for technical downhill
Full review of Columbia Vitesse OutDry

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Men
Women
Any color
Compass Blue/Black (1888511491)
Dark Grey Red Quartz (1888511089)
Olive Green/Gold Amber (1888511319)
Black/White (1888511010)
Graphite Cobalt Blue (1888511053)
Dark Seas Persimmon (1888511375)

Comparison of the 5 best waterproof hiking shoes for men

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.