While hiking, you can be greeted either with a bright sunny day or light to heavy showers of rain. So, you must be prepared to meet unpredictable weather changes. Your first attention should be on your feet, if it gets soaked in the rain for too long, then blisters might appear, ruining your hiking experience. So, to keep your feet safe and ready to breathe – get the top brand waterproof hiking shoes.
Are you going on a difficult to moderate hike? Depending on this, you must choose the hiking shoe. Other than these, there are certain factors that you must keep in mind before buying.
Now, it might be quite a daunting task to locate the perfect shoe from such a huge collection of brands and variety in the market.
Do not fret. We have done thorough research and listed the 6 most reviewed hiking shoes that provide value for money. So, let’s get started, and we believe you will find your match here.
Features of Top Brand Waterproof hiking Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes are a necessity for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. They provide protection from the elements and keep your feet dry and comfortable, even when walking through puddles or wet grass.
Here are some of the features that make waterproof hiking shoes essential for any hiker:
Waterproof membranes
A waterproof membrane is a thin layer of material that helps to keep water out while still allowing your feet to breathe. This is important because it prevents your feet from getting sweaty and uncomfortable and also helps to prevent blisters.
Good traction
Hiking shoes with good traction will help you to keep your footing, even on slippery or muddy surfaces. This is important for safety as well as comfort and can help you to avoid falls and injuries.
Comfortable fit
A comfortable fit is essential for any type of shoe, but it is especially important for hiking shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking in them, so they must be comfortable enough to wear them all day. So, look for top brand waterproof hiking shoes with plenty of padding and support, and make sure that they fit well before you buy them.
4 Things to Pay Attention to When Buying Hiking Shoes
Basically, waterproof hiking shoes are an essential piece of equipment for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. So, make sure to find a pair that fits well and is comfortable enough for any adventure.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing top brand waterproof hiking shoes.
- Consider the type of hike you will be undertaking. Will you be doing mostly day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips? The latter will require more robust and durable shoes, while the former can get away with lighter shoes.
- Think about the time of year you will be hiking. In winter, you’ll need shoes with good insulation and traction, while in summer, you’ll want shoes that are more breathable.
- Do consider the terrain you’ll be hiking on. If you’re undertaking mostly easy trails, you can get away with fewer sturdy shoes, but if you’re planning on doing some scrambling or off-trail hiking, you’ll need something more rugged.
- Finally, make sure to try on a lot of different shoes and pick the pair that fits you best. Everyone’s feet are different, so what works for your friend might not work for you.
With these things in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of hiking shoes for your needs.
6 Most Recommended Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Buying Guide
A waterproof hiking shoe is a godsend if you’re hiking in a wet area. It is quite obvious that a non-waterproof shoe can get wet relatively quicker when brought to comparison.
We understand the importance of waterproof shoes and want you to enjoy your hike and bring home memories. Thus, if you are facing difficulty in choosing the best-suited hiking shoe, we have solved your problem.
Here are the top 6 Waterproof hiking shoes from renowned brands:
-
Salomon Men’s X Ultra Pioneer Waterproof Hiking Boots – Best All-round Shoe
-
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe -Best for Comfort
-
Adidas – Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX – Best for All Weather
-
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe – Best for Rocky Terrain
-
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Gaviota 3 Textile Synthetic Trainers – Best for Support
-
La Sportiva Women’s Spire GTX Hiking Shoes – Best for Day Hikes
With the right shoes, you’ll be able to enjoy your hikes and explore the outdoors with confidence. So, go through this buying guide before you take a leap.
-
Salomon Men’s X Ultra Pioneer Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomon Waterproof Hiking Boot is a great option for hiking enthusiasts looking for an all-around shoe. This shoe’s waterproof bootie and Ortholite insole combine to provide superior cushioning and breathability. In addition, the boot’s durable rubber outsole helps keep your feet dry.
This men’s hiking shoe is lightweight, achieved through a combination of an injected EVA sole and a predominantly synthetic outer material.
The Salomon X Ultra Pioneer’s lightweight design makes it an ideal hiking shoe for many hikers on a budget. In addition, the shoe also has excellent traction, making it a great option for early-season conditions and the cold climates of Alaska and Canada.
Features
- Cushion- Regular
- Foot support- Neutral
- Foot protection- Medium
- Grip technology – Mud Contagrip
- Lace – Regular
What we like:
- Lighter materials,
- Superior cushioning and breathability,
- Keep your feet dry all day.
What we don’t:
- Lacks proper ventitaltion
- Decreased stability and durability.
-
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 hiking shoe provides a durable and comfortable fit. Its athletic styling and lightweight midsole make it an ideal choice for hiking. The Moab 2 is also available in women’s sizes.
This Merrell hiking shoe has a waterproof membrane and features a supportive footbed and Vibram traction. Here, the name Moab stands for Mother-of-All-Boots.
The waterproof Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoe is one of Merrell’s budget-friendly hiking shoes. It features premium cushioning around the heel area. Moreover, it also features a lace-up front for a comfortable fit and support.
Features:
- Sole – Synthetic
- Weatherized – Waterproof membrane seals
- Leather – Pigskin and mesh upper
- Lace – Traditional
- Lining – Breathable mesh
- Technology – Kinetic Fit ADVANCED
- Support – Medium Merrel Air heel cushioning
- Comfort – Lightweight EVA foam midsole
What we like:
- Durable and comfortable
- Lightweight
- Supportive footbed
What we don’t:
- Bit heavier.
-
Adidas – Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX
The Adidas – Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTCX waterproof hiking shoes are made to stand up to any kind of weather. It is one of the top brand waterproof hiking shoes. They are made with GORE-TEX lining and a durable Traxion outsole made from grippy Continental rubber.
This pair of shoes has many positive features, including a lightweight and breathable mesh upper. Its Gore-Tex(r) membrane ensures that it will keep your feet dry, while the TPU reinforcements keep the heel and forefoot stable.
The shoes are also built with Quicklace nylon lacing for a secure and comfortable fit. The Adidas shoes also feature a lace bungee that stows across the midfoot to keep your feet from getting tangled up.
Features:
- Sole- Rubber
- Durability- Ripstop mesh upper, TPU overlay, toe cap
- Laces- Bungee
- Weatherized – Gore-TEX, waterproof
- Grip- Traxion and Continental rubber
What we like:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Keep your feet dry
- Forefoot stability
What we don’t:
- Stiff and needs effort while moving faster
-
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe
These hiking shoes by Columbia feature a waterproof fusion of materials with a seam-sealed bootie. They also have a lightweight midsole with great shock absorption and cushioning. Finally, a traction rubber outsole provides a safe grip on any surface.
Inspired by classic mountaineering boots, the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped hiking boots provide waterproof performance and a stylish look. Full-grain leather construction and a responsive rubber outsole provide comfort and waterproof protection. These hiking shoes also feature a moisture-wicking lining and a waterproof breathable membrane.
This hiking boot is a great choice for short to moderate hiking trips. Its waterproof suede construction and Omni-Grip traction make it ideal for rocky terrain.
Features:
- Sole -Rubber
- Material – Leather, Suede, mesh
- Technology – Newton Ridge
- Weatherized – Waterproof Amped
- Comfort – TECHLITE lightweight midsole, rubber outsole
- Style – Mountaineering
- Terrain- All-terrain traction, Omni-GRIP non-marking traction
What we like:
- Lightweight
- Great shock absorption and cushioning
- Waterproof and Stylish look
What we don’t:
- Wear out quickly
- Not for long hikes
-
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Gaviota 3 Textile Synthetic Textile Synthetic Trainers
The HOKA Gaviota 3 is a new shoe that delivers the HOKA brand’s trademark comfort and support. The shoe’s premium stability sole and J-Frame(tm) design provide superior cushioning and shock absorption, making it ideal for various athletic activities. This is another popular top brand waterproof hiking shoes.
This lightweight and the textile-synthetic trail-hiking shoe is made of synthetic materials that are durable and protect your feet against abrasion. It weighs just under a pound and is also a few ounces lighter than its predecessor. The HOKA Gaviota 3 also features a breathable mesh upper, which keeps your feet cool and dry even when the weather is hot.
Features:
- Sole – Rubber
- Comfort – Breathable open-engineered mesh upper
- Support – Removable foam padding insole
- Technology – J Frame for stability
- Durability – Rubber outsole for grip
What we like:
- Comfort and support
- Great shock absorption and cushioning
- Premium stability
What we don’t:
- Not meant for long hikes
-
La Sportiva Women’s Spire GTX Hiking Shoes
The La Sportiva Women’s Spire GTX hiking shoes are waterproof and breathable. These shoes also feature a durable upper made from abrasion-resistant material and a Gore-Tex Surround membrane.
Spire GTX hiking shoes are also designed with open-side ventilation outlets and a Nano Cell 2.0 midsole to absorb shock. The Spire GTX also features a four-inch forefoot width, which is narrower than most models. The shoes’ outsole is composed of a very grippy Vibram XS Trek rubber compound.
The Spire GTX is an excellent all-around hiking boot, suitable for day hikes with variable terrain. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for backpackers looking for a waterproof boot that supports lighter loads.
Features:
- Material – Abrasion-resistant mesh
- Weatherized – Gore-Tex waterproof
- Sole – Vibram XS Trek
What we like:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Great shock absorption and cushioning
- Lightweight design
What we don’t:
- Not meant for long hikes
How to take care of your hiking shoes?
Hiking shoes are an important part of any hiker’s gear, and they need to be properly cared for to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips for taking care of your hiking shoes:
-
Don’t let them get wet
Hiking shoes are designed to keep your feet dry, but they can’t do their job if they constantly get wet. If you know you’re going to be hiking through wet conditions, pack a pair of waterproof shoes or boots to change into when you’re done.
-
Clean them after each hike
Dirt and grit can damage the materials of your shoes, so it’s important to clean them off after each hike. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt, and then let them air dry.
-
Store them in a cool, dry place
When you’re not using your hiking shoes, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This will help to prolong their life.
-
Don’t forget to restock
When your shoes start to look worn out, it’s time to replace them. Hiking shoes don’t last forever, and it’s important to invest in a new pair when the time comes.
By following these tips, you can keep your hiking shoes in good condition so that they’ll last for many hikes to come.
Final Verdict
When choosing hiking shoes, it’s important to consider the type of hiking you’ll be doing, the time of year, the terrain, and your own personal preferences. According to us, Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomon waterproof hiking boots are one of the best choices on the list. All its features make it a perfect partner for your hiking trip. It is lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof and also provides support and stability.
Basically, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to hiking shoes, so make sure to try on a variety of different pairs before making a decision. Pick the one that makes your feet happy on the trails. So, Good Luck and Happy hiking!
FAQ
Do Arch type and stability feature matter for hiking shoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer shoes with arch support and stability features, while others find them unnecessary. Ultimately, it depends on your own preferences and what works best for you.
What if you do most of the hiking in the summer?
If you do most of your hiking in the summer, you’ll want to focus on finding shoes that are lightweight and breathable. This will help keep your feet cool and comfortable during long hikes.
What is the Shoe-wear test?
A shoe-wear test is when you take a new pair of shoes out for a hike and then assess how they performed afterward. This can help you determine whether or not a particular pair of shoes is right for you.
What is the difference between Waterproof, water-repellent, and water-resistant?
Waterproof means that the shoes will keep your feet dry even if they are submerged in water. Water-repellent means that the shoes resist water but may not be completely waterproof. Water-resistant means that the shoes will provide some protection from water but are not designed to be fully waterproof.
How to clean waterproof hiking shoes?
To clean waterproof hiking shoes, first, remove any debris or dirt from the surface of the shoes. Then, wet a sponge or cloth with clean water and gently scrub the shoes. Finally, dry the shoes completely before storing them.
How to prevent water from entering my shoes?
There are a few things you can do to prevent water from entering your shoes. First, make sure to choose shoes that are waterproof or water-resistant. Second, if you’ll be hiking in wet conditions, consider using gaiters. Basically, gaiters are devices that cover the top of your shoes and help keep water and debris out. Finally, always take the time to dry your shoes completely after a hike and store them in a dry, cool place. By taking these steps, you can help keep your shoes in good condition and prevent water from entering them.