The 8 Best Waterproof Shoes You Can Buy Online
We've all had that horrid moment when we're outside enjoying the day, when suddenly clouds gather and water begins to plummet from the sky. To make matters worse, if you weren't prepared for the change in weather, wet socks and waterlogged shoes will be your best friends until you're able to get home to change. To prevent this mishap, having a pair of waterproof shoes on-hand is a great solution to avoid being a miserable mess when the weather is unpredictable.
Even if you know you’re going to run into mud, rain, or snow, waterproof shoes are still an absolute must. Whether you need old-fashioned duck boots for trekking through wet weather, or something comfy to wear while gardening, the best waterproof shoes keep your feet dry and comfortable, while still providing plenty of support and even a hint of style.
To make your hunt for a solid waterproof shoe easier, we evaluated several options from across top brands to find the very best ones on the market. We also consulted Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, physician owner of Torres-Hodges Podiatry and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, for insights on finding shoes that support your best health. For a style perspective, we also asked Alex Rivera, Stitch Fix Stylist, for fashion tips.
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A super-stable sole and a soft, waterproof upper combine with a classic look for a wear-anywhere everyday shoe.
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The style and color choices lean sporty and are a bit limited.
Hitting the sweet spot between function and fashion, the Sorel ONA Blvd Classic Women’s Waterproof Sneaker keeps your feet dry and your outfit well-coordinated. These shoes get their water-resistance from waterproof canvas and suede uppers, which allow for breathability while keeping feet dry on a rainy day. A removable, molded footbed made from EVA — a soft, flexible, rubber-like plastic — provides support with the ability to adjust, while vulcanized (strengthened) rubber soles provide stability.
These shoes are designed primarily for everyday wear, rather than high-performance athletics, and their overall design and look reflect that. The style itself is a very classic “tennis shoe” look, as is the two-tone (or even multi-color) color scheme. If there’s a quibble to be had, it’s that the current color options are primarily sporty grays and whites, and it would be nice to see a couple more vibrant or pastel shades to really expand the appeal.
Size Range: 5–12 | Materials: Suede and waterproof canvas
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They’re reliably waterproof, non-slip, stylish, and come with plenty of color options.
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The arch support could use more cushion, and the shoes aren’t designed for heavy-duty wear.
If you’re looking for a fashion-forward, yet budget-friendly pair of comfortable rain boots, the Asgard Ankle Waterproof Chelsea Boots fits the bill. The shoe’s rubber upper keeps your feet protected from the elements, while a non-slip rubber sole helps you avoid slipping. When it comes to comfortability, the elastic side panel does provide more stretch, but it does mean that the boot isn’t 100% waterproof across every surface.
With a slight heel, a low ankle, and tons of color choices, these classic Chelsea boots are versatile enough to wear with most outfits (even if it’s not raining). The downside to that short ankle, especially in conjunction with the porous nylon side, is that these boots aren’t the best option for a true downpour. You should be fine on a moderately wet day, but even at this low price point, these boots may not stand up to serious weather conditions.
Size Range: 5–12 | Materials: Rubber and nylon
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