No matter what the forecast may say, the weather is a wild card entirely out of your control. Don’t go thinking you’re ready for anything just because you’ve tossed a teensy tiny umbrella into your bag. A spring downpour with a small umbrella will do little to keep your feet dry.
And truly, there is nothing worse than slogging around in drenched shoes and socks. This is when a good pair of waterproof shoes would come in handy.
If you’re imagining a pair of clumsy rubber galoshes, don’t. Waterproof doesn’t have to mean hideous. Below are our top picks for the best waterproof shoes for travel.
Pack these versatile waterproof shoes for your next trip.
Blondo Liam Waterproof Bootie
These don’t at all look like they’d fair well in rain, but don’t judge a boot by it’s cover. In this case, the suede is waterproof and seam-sealed with Aquaprotect® construction. Another perk? These are easy to slip on and off, and won’t hold you up at TSA security checks.
The waterproof suede Liam is available in all black, dark taupe, gray, mushroom, and olive.
Buyer Review: “I absolutely love these booties -- I have them in the 'mushroom' and dark grey colors and have found that they wear well, are super comfortable and are true to size (as long as you aren't wearing super thick socks.) I generally wear 8.5 to 9 in shoes and sneakers and find the 8.5 to be just right -- and my feet tend towards the wider end of the spectrum. I've worn the mushroom color for a year through Seattle rainy winters and they still look almost brand new. Love the skid-resistant soles, too, perfect for rainy sidewalks.”
Sam Edelman Tinsley
Confidently stomp through every puddle in your path. These classic pull-on Chelsea boots feature a glossy waterproof synthetic exterior and surprisingly springy footbed. While ideal for long drizzly walks, these boots are just as stylish in perfect weather.
Buyer Review: “I love these boots! I only wear them for the style, not the function. They are cute when paired with thicker socks and leggings/skinny jeans. I wear a 7.5, but sized up to 8 just in case. They fit better with thicker socks and they are comfortable. You can walk long distances without issue. 10/10 recommend.”
Hunter Original Chelsea
Live out your Kate Moss Glastonbury fashion dreams, but in a much easier to pack Chelsea boot instead of Hunter’s too-tall Wellie style. These are a bit more rugged with a solid rubber construction and serious tread. Available in men's or women's sizes.
Buyer Review: “Love these. So comfy and look great with skinny jeans. Easier to walk in than the Hunter tall boots and great for warmer rainy weather.”
SOREL Madson Chukka Waterproof
For guys, this classic waterproof suede chukka boot is seam-sealed with a comfy memory foam footbed. Walk the city by day, dress ‘em up a little for dinner. You could easily get by on these boots alone for most trips. Available in
Buyer Review: “I read all the Zappos reviews on Chukkas. While I love style, if they are not comfortable... I won't wear them. I chose this shoe because I liked the look and because many reviewers commented on how comfortable they are out-of-the-box. I am not disappointed. Size was perfect and they are, in fact, comfortable out-of-the-box. I added a full-length Spenco arch-support insole to the existing in-sole (which I do for all my shoes), loosened the laces a wee bit and voila, super comfortable with the cushion and support I like. I've only had them for a week but love 'em.”
Blundstone BL566
From the wilds of Tasmania, this sturdy Australian classic will hold up in any weather. Waterproof uppers keep your feet safe and dry while the TPU outsole prevents slips. In Australia, these are commonly worn year round by tradesmen, even with shorts on summer days. However hot the temperature climbs, the outsole is heat resistant to 284F. A cushioned heel absorbs shock and keeps skeletal stress to a minimum. Available in both men's and women's sizes.
Buyer Review: “Extremely comfortable out of box. Arrived the first day of a week-long rain storm and they held up incredibly. Warm and dry feet for the whole day, took on any puddle I encountered, and was able to laugh at my coworkers with their soggy feet. I'm constantly running around between work and school, and my feet have had no complaints. I'm usually a women's 6,5(ish) and the AU 4 (W7) fits nicely, with a bit of roominess for a thicker sock if I wanted. The lined footbed is great at keeping my feet toasty, to the point where they get TOO warm sometimes. On hotter days I just swap out the sheepskin bed with an orthopedic insole and life is great. Only qualm is that for the first few days the back part of the 'mouth' of the shoe rubbed up against the back of my calf and caused a little bit of discomfort. Wearing higher socks helped remedy this, and after two weeks the irritation is gone. Overall extremely happy with the boots. Comfy, look great and go with everything.“
