20 Best Waterproof Shoes for Rainy Weather - Water Repellent Shoes

2022-05-11 08:46:49 By : Ms. Shirley Cheng

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Protect your feet from rainy days in these comfortable and stylish picks!

Sure, an umbrella will help keep you dry in the rain — or at least it will help protect some of you. But it won’t do anything to keep you from getting soaked by puddles of muddy water you inadvertently splash right into underfoot. And that’s where waterproof shoes come in handy as an extra measure of protection that keeps you dry and warm in any season.

Waterproof shoes aren’t just for the rain, of course. Think about hiking, boating, walking, music festivals, garden parties, beach strolls—there are plenty of occasions for waterproof shoes in all seasons. So beyond just rain boots, consider all the other waterproof shoes that could add major functionality to your wardrobe, whether for work or play—from boots to sandals and every style in between.

“A waterproof shoe is constructed to prevent water penetration within all layers of the shoe construction,” explains Vionic Design Team senior designer Annie Pho. She notes that the “performance of a waterproof shoe will be mostly consistent over the product’s lifetime”—so as long as your shoe lasts, so should its waterproof properties.

Read on for our list of the best waterproof shoes to add to your wardrobe.

We researched waterproof styles that are popular, highly-reviewed, and best selling in their respective categories. We looked for styles that were on trend—or timeless. And we sought feedback from Annie Pho, senior designer at Vionic, for her help unpacking the related terms and materials to look for, plus on-trend styles.

Zhush up Crocs’ classic style with a fun animal print. Ventilation ports make them more breathable and help shed water and debris. The pivoting heel strap helps keep them on securely, and they’re so lightweight and comfy, you may never want to take them off. These dry quickly and are easy to clean.

“Water-repellent shoes are built to keep your feet dry under light water exposure” and shoes with these properties are mainly important as a way to "prevent water staining over sensitive shoe upper material like suede or nubuck. But in contrast, truly waterproof shoes are made to block out the wetness entirely. These are “built to keep your feet dry under normal wear conditions,” Pho explains.

To that end, some classic Birkenstock styles are merely water-resistant, but these are fully waterproof. Modeled on the original cork style, this sandal is made from flexible EVA. They’re ultra-lightweight, comfortable, and totally cute.

These low-cut rain boots are vegan-friendly and 100-percent waterproof. The upper is made from PVC-free vulcanized rubber, and the insole is a removable molded EVA footbed with nontoxic Cleansport NXT treatment meant to help eliminate odor. These come in versatile grey or black, as well as notice-me yellow or blue.

If you’re really going to be exposed to the elements, shield not just your feet but your entire lower legs with these classic Hunter boots. They’re fully vegan and made from vulcanized natural latex construction for a totally seamless waterproof armor. They pull on easily and have an adjustable buckled strap at the back of shaft. A cushioned footbed has a multilayered sponge insole.

These waterproof hiking boots with a leather sole have a side-zip entry and laces to keep them nice and snug. “Love these hikers!” Pho says. “They’re the perfect mix of rugged and stylish. I wore them in the snow and couldn’t get enough compliments. The lug bottoms are also great for traction.”

Aerosoles is known for comfort, and these waterproof shoes will make your feet happy in tons of diverse scenarios. Oversized buckles add a pop of on-trend style to this timeless molded slide. They come in seven colors for a look that goes with everything you love to wear.

Keep your look polished and professional with this all-weather waterproof loafer—more sporty than preppy. It comes in four colors, from subdued sand or black to standout poppy red or light blue.

Those puddles are no match for your outdoor cardio in these 100-percent waterproof sneakers. They’re made of vegan materials in a breathable knit, and go off and on easily with pull tabs in the back. This highly reviewed fan-favorite comes in four original, versatile colors, plus five more seasonal options.

Serious outdoor athletes will find a worthy splurge in this performance-minded waterproof shoe. It features GoreTex Waterproofing with a suede leather upper, an Ortholite breathable insole, and a mixed compound sole for top-notch performance without sacrificing flexibility.

These thong sandals come in the cheeriest melon-inspired colors. This version is modeled on the brand’s cork sandal, but is made from flexible and waterproof EVA.

Nominally a boat shoe, this slip-on is really an all-purpose water shoe. Despite the slip-on construction, they stay on securely with a tailored shape that hugs the foot. The material is quick-drying and hydrophobic so you’re good to go.

These seam-sealed waterproof nubuck boots have an interior zipper, buckle detail, and block heel for a polished and versatile look, whether at home or on the road. “These are great for a sleek city look. There’s a slight opening at the top of the ankle so you don’t feel constricted when walking, “Pho says. “The waterproof nubuck looks and feels luxurious.”

The dainty dots add whimsy to Chooka’s lightweight waterproof ballet flats. Made with rubber with contrasting leather trim, these flexible slip-ons have a dainty bow detail to finish the look.

These budget-friendly waterproof shoes are great for working in the garden, walking in the rain, or wearing just about anywhere. Constructed from 90 percent PVC and 10 percent cotton, these dirt-resistant lace-up shoes come in multiple colors.

Get your garden on with these 100 percent rubber/neoprene shoes with a pull loop in the back for easy on and off. Thick neoprene makes them comfortable and flexible, and a breathable lining wicks away moisture. A shock-absorbing sole is built for traction. Plus, it’s the only gardening footwear endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

A waterproof espadrille? It’s true! This shoe reimagines the classic espadrille design reimagined as a waterproof version with a quick-drying neoprene upper and durable rubber sole. These are great for the beach—and perfectly packable for vacation. They come in 12 lively colors and patterns.

These boots are warm on the inside and waterproof on the outside, available in an array of exciting colors for a major fashion statement. Lightweight and weather-rated to temperatures as low as negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit, these boots have a translucent waterproof upper enclosing a faux shearling and wool blend lining.

Score these rubber-soled water shoes for under $20. An air mesh upper is breathable, and the midsole is super lightweight. They offer good traction and dry quickly.

This fan-favorite wedge boot cuts a stylish profile, but it’s made for performance. The waterproof upper is a full-grain leather/suede combination, and a molded rubber outsole keeps feet warm and dry. With a three-inch wedge heel and three-quarter-inch platform, these are still comfortable, practical, and totally wearable.

Grab a few pairs of these wallet-friendly aqua socks — after all, they’re unisex, come in sizes that fit the whole family, and are available in 20 colors. It’s like being barefoot…except you can’t cut your feet on coral, rocks, or broken glass.