7 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
Carla Arbuckle
The move from the old bulky and super heavy boots to the lightweight and more compact boots is what drives modern technology to advance research on the best design and material choices. Through the years, more orthopedic and anatomical discoveries and experimentation has pushed for boots that do not offer only performance and durability for your heavy-duty hobby, but also a great support for your feet and ankles while providing comfort caused by friction and many other issues brought about design and material choices, even muscle and joint protection have been incorporated for a more holistic effect.
As prevention is better than cure, get the most out of your money by investing in a pair of boots that offer you maximum comfort and protection. Check out our list and get ready for the greatest hike of your life!
7 Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
1. KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
2. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
3. Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
4. Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
5. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
6. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
7. Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Targhee Mid II from KEEN offers four-wheel-drive performance for your feet. The shoe is revamped with the KEEN.DRY waterproof 100% nubuck leather with a breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The aggressive outsole has 4mm lugs to bite into the terrain, providing excellent traction control. The ESS shank provides torsional stability for a secure ride, while the mid-cut height increases ankle support through canyons and over mountaintops.
Pros
- Four-wheel-drive performance
- Waterproof
- Great support for wide feet
- Very Comfortable
Cons
- Doesn’t have a long life span
Our Take
With the performance that is comparable to a 4x4 truck, I could say that wearing these boots really gives great overall power and comfort in hiking. I also do not have to worry about getting my foot soaked because of its KEEN DRY waterproofing technology. It feels really breathable because my feet do not feel as hot as if my feet were placed in an oven especially when I go on a hike on a hot summer day. I could say that my ankles really felt great support because of its padded mid-cut collar.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
For more than a decade in the industry, the Merrell Moab has been the choice of hikers around the world. Recognized for its comfort, and respected for its durability, no hiking boot is trusted on more trails. This pair of shoes highlights an M Select DRY barrier impermeable membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape and a pigskin leather-and-mesh upper. Its closed-cell foam tongue prevents moisture and debris while having a protective rubber toe cap with a breathable mesh lining. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED has a molded nylon arch and a removable contoured insole with enhanced heel and arch structure and integrated cushion pod give medium support while its Shank Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Its midsole is made from EVA foam for stability and a Vibram TC5+ 5mm lug depth.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- None
Our Take
A versatile pair of shoes like the Merrell Moab 2 should be one of your choice of shoes for your next hike! One of the reasons for buying these shoes is that they last a long time. It is also essential to note that the soles are made with a Vibram TC5+ with a 5mm lug depth, this means they do not wear out whether you are hiking mountains or just doing the daily urban hiking of a walking city like New York. The shoes also feature the M Select Dry technology. You are assured that water is sealed out and that moisture can escape from the inside to keep you dry especially when you're on the move.
Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
These Timberland White Ledge boots have uppers made with 100% premium waterproof leather from an LWG Silver-rated tannery with great seam-sealed construction. It has a rustproof, speed lace hardware with lace hooks at the top. Its tongue is fully gusseted and its EVA footbed and EVA midsole promote anti-fatigue and great compression for great comfort. It features a solid rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs, you're sure to have an outdoor positive experience when you have these waterproof boots on your feet. They're comfortable, durable and great looking.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Rustproof laces and pins
- Great support and compression
- Lightweight
Cons
- Different manufacturers may differ in quality
Our Take
It is very important to me that my feet are supported well. while some shoes offer compression that feels like my feet are being squeezed so tightly, this Timberland White ledge gives me the perfect support and compression right out of the box. It takes time for some shoes to break in and get used to, but this one I could take out the box and wear them immediately out to a hike. I don’t have to worry about my feet being soaked in water by morning dew or stepping on puddles because of its waterproof body, what is also great is that the metal parts of these boots are rust-proof, you’ll not have to worry about shoelace discoloration or even pins falling out of place.
It is important to note that many shoe brands have different manufacturing locations, this means that they have the tendency to have different qualities and sizes. Timberland is not an exemption on this as outsourced manufacturing helps in maintaining lower costs while keeping great quality. Just be sure to do a little more research and fit them before buying.
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
A durable, lightweight hiking boot, with coated leather, built for comfort, protection, and style. Featuring waterproof, seam-sealed construction, cushioning, and superior traction outsoles – all geared for miles of terrain in any weather. This men's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. Designed for rugged wear with toe and heel barriers and an extended outsole toe overwrap to guard these key wear points. Combining waterproof seam-sealed construction, PU coated leather, suede, mesh and metal hardware upper, your feet will be comfortable, dry, and very happy in this hiking boot. The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return. It has a signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole that provides a high grip across a wide variety of terrain and versatile three-season use.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Techlite lightweight midsole
- Omni-grip outsole
Cons
- Not always available
Our Take
I love it when shoes give me the floating like feeling, by floating I mean maximum comfort while feeling very light on your feet. Boot often comes in this really thick and heavy body, as expected to provide for heavy-duty use and long-lasting durability. Not for these Columbia Newton Ridge Plus boots.
They truly live up to their lightweight claim. At first look, you'd probably think otherwise, but as soon as you pick them up, you are not going to expect how light it actually is, and not only that, you'd expect that the inner body would feel hard and uncomfortable which isn't the case for these awesome looking boots. Because of the TECH LITE lightweight midsole, you're sure to have long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return. Lastly, the shoes feature their signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole, so no matter what kind of terrain you are hiking on, in any season you are sure to be provided with a high grip.
Go and check out these cool boots from Columbia and expect to have a great time and comfortably light feeling in your next hike.
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
Built with leather and mesh — and made waterproof — this suede hiking boot is inspired by classic mountaineering boots. This durable mid-cut waterproof hiker provides great traction and comfort because of its TECHLITE lightweight midsole that offers provides superior cushioning and high energy return while its Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three-season use. This pair of boots is sure to provide comfort and style with a variety of colors and sizes to choose from for your most ambitious day trips over rocks, gravel, or any trail you forge along the way.
Pros
- TECHLITE lightweight midsole
- Omni-grip outsoles
- wide variety of colors to choose from
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Can be warm during the hot season
Our Take
These shoes are a must-have option for women. Offering a lightweight durable boot while giving a variety of fashionable choices, these boots are sure to impress your feet and your style. Its TECHLITE midsole minimizes the additional weight to the boots and because of this innovative technology it also gives so much comfort and great support to your feet as if you were floating on air on every step. What’s notable about these shoes too is its Omni-grip high-traction outsole to avoid that unpleasant slip, keeping your poise and posture in check. Check these out and choose the right pair to match your perfect outfit, being active doesn’t mean you have to forget your sense of fashion, right?
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
The same Moab 2 that everybody loves but upgraded for your pleasure with a leather and mesh upper ventilation system that provides breathability and durability on the trail. It has an M Select DRY barrier impermeable membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape. Its closed-cell foam tongue prevents moisture and debris while having a protective rubber toe cap with a breathable mesh lining. The Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with enhanced heel and zonal arch structure, and integrated cushion pod gives maximum support while its Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Its midsole is made from EVA foam for stability and a Vibram TC5+ 5mm lug depth.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Style is kind of old school
Our Take
It is necessary to note that the soles of this versatile pair of shoes are made with a Vibram TC5+ with a 5mm lug depth, this means they do not wear out whether you are hiking mountains or just doing the daily urban hiking. The shoes also feature the M Select Dry technology. You are assured that water is sealed out and that moisture can escape from the inside to keep you dry especially when you're on the move. What is also great is that breaking in was no problem because right off the bat, you get maximum comfort as soon as you put your feet in.
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Empowering women with more strength and durability while providing great comfort, this pair of shoes highlights an M Select DRY barrier impermeable membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape and a performance suede leather and a mesh upper. It has a closed-cell foam tongue that prevents moisture and debris while having a protective rubber toe cap with a breathable mesh lining. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED has a molded nylon arch and a removable contoured insole with enhanced heel and arch structure and integrated cushion pod give medium support while its removable insole, Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Its midsole is made from EVA foam for stability and a Vibram TC5+ 5mm lug depth.
Pros
- M Select dry technology
- Kinetic Fit Advanced insoles
- Vibram TC5+ outsoles
Cons
- Waterproof but not for long
Our Take
As expected from the Merrell Moab 2 line, this pair of boots offer great quality and durability in any season and terrain. The shoes, as usual, offer the M Select Dry technology that is sure to keep your feet amazingly dry as my experience is with the men’s version of the Moab 2. They sure are breathable and can wick moisture out because of this technology. Air cushions are placed on the heel of the midsoles to improve overall comfort that helps in reducing stress to your feet with every step. A Notable feature for in these Moab 2s is that they offer an easy-to-use lacing system so that tying your shoelace won’t be a bothersome chore in enjoying the comfort of these shoes.
