Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes | Top 5 Hiking Shoes & Comparison
The comfort and freedom in your movement depend highly on your footwear. It can be said that good quality shoes keep your feet healthy, and we all know healthy feet mean a healthy body.
While different types of shoes have different applications, similarly, for hiking and camping, you need hiking shoes. But things do not end here, while buying hiking shoes, there are several elements you need to take under consideration.
Among those important factors is the waterproof feature. It is obvious that while on a hiking trip, you are likely to encounter sudden rain, storm, or snowfall. In that case, getting your shoes wet is the last thing you need on the list of your problems.
Wet shoes not only slow you down, but they also can hurt your feet. To avoid such havoc from happening to your long waited hiking trip, you need the best waterproof hiking shoes.
List of Top 5 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Buyer Guide to Select the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
While buying waterproof hiking shoes, other than waterproofing, there are several other much-needed features you should look for in the shoes you are buying.
1. Waterproof Material
As well all know, the quality of waterproofing of anything depends on the material it is made from. In the case of hiking shoes, they can be made from several waterproof materials, including tightly knitted fabric, suede leather, and premium-quality rubber.
If you want to ensure that the shoes you are buying are highly waterproof, make sure they are made from one of the mentioned materials.
2. Types of Hiking Shoes
Generally speaking, hiking shoes are made to facilitate your movement on rough terrains. But to ensure the user gets as much comfort and satisfaction as possible, the manufacturers came up with different hiking shoe designs.
The hiking shoes are categorized based on how well they facilitate you to varying types of outdoor adventures.
i. Regular Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes that fall below the ankle are perfect for day hikers, thru-hikers, and backpackers. Such types of shoes are perfect for people carrying light loads walking on mixed terrain. Hiking shoes are much more rigid and durable.
When it comes to material, a hiking shoe is made from leather and nylon fabric, while other types may or may not contain mesh.
ii. Trail runner shoes
Trail runner shoes are well-known for their lightweight. If you prefer faster movement, you should buy trail running shoes. These are the perfect option for people hiking on established terrain or for minimalist trekkers.
That said, trail runner shoes do not offer many toes and ankle support when you are carrying heavy equipment. Although they are faster, comfortable, and lightweight, they are not the best option for people walking off-trail or backpackers.
iii. Approach shoes
Approach shoes are made for climbers and hikers to tackle rocky terrains. Such shoes are designed to provide a firm grip over the ground. The large rubber toe rand and a low profile underfoot offer maximum grip on rocky terrain.
If your hikes include climbing low-grade rocks, then there is no better option than the approach shoes. That said, the approach shoes are not the best option for a daily driver, as they aren’t as secure and comfortable on smooth or muddy terrains.
3. Breathability
Surely, comfort is everyone’s number one priority when it comes to footwear. To ensure your hiking shoes are comfortable, make sure that the shoes are made from breathable material.
Woven synthetic nylon and open synthetic mesh are well-known for their breathability, so make sure your shoes are made from either one of them. That said, there are also known for being less durable than other materials.
Apart from that, there is no measure of breathability, so you will have to put them on and see if they are comfortable to wear.
4. Weight
Nowadays, the weight of the shoe is the main focus of hiking shoe manufacturers. Sturdy but slim fabric and the shift to low-ankle shoes have made putting on longer hikes much easier.
It’s no surprise that most experienced hikers prefer lightweight hiking shoes to heavier leather boots. It is also true that lightweight impacts durability, but there are brands that manufacture lightweight and durable shoes.
Lightweight shoes are the perfect partners for day hikes, thru-hikes, and backpackers.
5. Lacing system
Often easily overlooked, the lacing system plays a vital role in fit and comfort. You don’t want to constantly readjust your loosening poor lacing system, and neither do you want to get blister because it doesn’t secure your heel correctly.
Keep in mind that you can replace your laces but cannot replace the lacing system.
Make sure your shoe has the appropriate and ergonomic lacing system like the single-pull lacing system. People who have finicky feet and have to fine-tune their laces should avoid buying shoes with a quick lacing system.
6. Midsoles
Midsoles play a vital role in the breathability and comfort of the shoe. Midsoles cushion your feet and provide a protective layer that absorbs shocks, impacts, and sharp rocks.
Midsoles can be of various thicknesses, they can be slim like those in minimalist runner shoes, or they can be thick as found in the burly hiking shoes.
EVA or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate midsoles are made from a comfy rubber-like material, so they provide better protection against impacts and stings from walking on rocky terrains.
If you plan on going on a thru-hike or putting on some long terrain, we highly recommend you buy shoes with a firm and supporting EVA sole rather than a cushy sole. Cushy soles, although much comfortable, don’t last for a long time.
TPU or Thermoplastic polyurethane midsoles, on the other hand, are less cushy. They are more durable and better handle heavier loads. Furthermore, they don’t compress like the EVA; instead, they keep their form long.
Although both have different applications, some manufactures use TPU as midsoles to provide stability and toughness and the EVA as underfoot for comfortability.
7. Outsole
The primary purpose of converting from those flimsy cross trainer shoes to proper hiking shoes is to get more traction.
Ensure the shoes you are buying provide maximum grip and traction because that is what you will need once you get on a rocky, slippery, or steep terrain. While looking for a promising outsole, you should also make sure that it is made of durable material.
Top 5 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
1. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Men’s Hiking Boots
Value for Money
The Salomon X Ultra shoes take the “quality over quantity” approach to the everlasting question of the best waterproof hiking shoes. The Salomon is a well-known brand on the shoe market, it has years of experience in making top-notch shoes.
This Salomon X Ultra series model is made from pure synthetic, making it highly durable and waterproof. The shoe shaft measures mid-top from arch, providing more ankle support and much better waterproofing.
So, if you are hiking snowy mountains with thick snow beds or exploring the amazon rainforests, walking in its shallow creeks, your feet will remain dry and warm. This way, you will be safe from frostbites and diseases like trench foot.
This shoe is not only super-durable and waterproof but also outperforms other shoe brands in comfort and on-trail performance. Its ability to outperform other brands in almost every aspect, make it one of the best value for money hiking shoes.
It has thick and soft cushioning and padded collars to protect your feet from impacts and stings from walking on rocky terrain.
That said, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Shoes are on top of their class in performance. We highly recommend these shoes for backpackers, thru-hikers, and trail runners.
Benefits
- Extremely well-built and long-lasting
- Comfortable
- Provide better traction and grip
- Solid toe, heel, and midsole offers maximum protection from rocky and tougher terrains
- Wide range of sizes
Drawbacks
- Run pretty warm
- Quick lace system might not be suitable for some users
- Not for heavy backpackers
2. Salomon X Raise GTX Men’s Hiking Shoes
Best Price
It may not seem so budget-friendly, but when you look at its features and compare them to other similar models from different brands, it will all make sense.
The Salomon X Raise GTX hiking and running shoe is made from pure synthetic, ensuring durability and waterproofing.
With a modern look, a trimmed-down, and a well-cushioned structure, this shoe is perfect for thru-hikes. With these shoes, now you can take on the PCT or AT in rainy weather or winter season without worrying about getting your feet wet.
Additionally, this shoe has thick padding and is cushioned to the toes, ensuring maximum comfort and breathability.
The EVA midsole adds to the comfort and acts as a protective layer from rocks. Furthermore, the shoes are highly flexible and lightweight, making them the best option for going on long hikes.
When it comes to traction, this shoe can easily be trusted over rocky and rough terrains. Its Contagrip rubber outsole ensures you get maximum traction and grip over muddy or rocky terrain.
As far as stability and support are concerned, it performs much better on well-constructed paths, but it is not the best choice when it comes to steep terrain. In short, the Salomon X Raise GTX gives you the best hiking experience at a relatively low cost.
Benefits
- Perfect for thru-hikes
- Super-comfy and flexible
- Weighs 1 pound 6 ounces
- Provides better traction
- Long-lasting
- Kind of trail-runner but more durable
- At said cost, it is a good value
Drawbacks
- Its outsole is hard to trust in wet conditions
- Extra-padding means prolonged drying time
- Quick laces aren’t as convenient and comfortable as regular laces.
3. La Sportiva Mens Spire GTX
Most Comfortable & Best for Backpackers
The above reviewed waterproof hiking shoes were lightweight and trail-runner-like in nature. The La Sportiva Spire GTX, however, highly favors backpackers and people who carry heavy loads while hiking.
It is sturdy and substantial with its incredible stiffness and thick high-quality midsole. The upper section of this shoe is made from durable abrasion-resistant mesh so that water does not get through the material.
We tested these shoes for waterproofing and went on a hike on a muddy terrain that included shallow creeks.
To our surprise, they held up without a hiccup. Whether we dipped our feet into mud or missed a step while crossing the creek, these shoes kept our feet dry and moisture-free.
When it comes to weight, the La Sportiva Spire shoe is much heavier than other shoe brands, making it less likely to be used on thru-hikes.
What makes this shoe stand out among other shoe brands is its comfort; thanks to its lace system, it fits perfectly and does not exert uneven force on your feet. It has cushioning inside for protection against rocks and impacts.
Because of its high-quality midsole, outsole, and durable structure, it tackles heavy loads much better, making it a perfect option for backpackers.
Why isn’t it ranked higher? That’s because it is heavy for thru-hikes and sits high on the ankle. Secondly, it is much costly than other hiking shoes on the market.
Issues aside, it is hard to overlook its top-notch on-trail performance, durability, comfort, and its ability to tackle heavy loads much better than its competitors.
Benefits
- Durable construction
- EVA and TPU midsole
- Protection and sturdiness of hiking boot in a relatively lightweight shoe
- Provides solid traction
- The shoe design does not run narrow, which means it can fit various foot shapes.
Drawbacks
- Too heavy for a low-top hiking shoe
- Wide at the heel, might cause heel slippage
- Less breathable
4. Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX Men’s
Excellent Build Quality
The Arc’teryx is a Canadian-based company well-known for its experience in making top-notch hiking shoes. Although it has manufactured some mind-blowing models, it has yet to release a proper hiking shoe.
We introduce to you the Aerios FL, lightweight, waterproof, and super-durable. It is constructed with synthetic and Gore-Tex technology, ensuring weatherproofing and waterproofing.
Generally, waterproof shoes are not breathable, and they are warm. This shoe, however, promotes solid ventilation and ensures maximum breathability.
You won’t have to worry about wear and tear with this shoe as it is exceptionally well-built. The burly TPU midsole offers maximum protection against rocky terrain and boosts the performance and durability of this shoe.
In summary, the Aerios FL GTX shoe is the perfect combination of waterproofing, breathability, and durability.
Benefits
- A lightweight backpacking shoe and the perfect option for day hikers.
- Stable and provide maximum traction on various terrains
- More breathable than other Gore-Tex shoes
- Stylish and sleek
- Super-durable
Drawbacks
- Pricey
- Not well cushioned
- Low ankle height
5. The North Face Men’s Vectiv Exploris Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Best for Trail Running
For trail running, you need a lightweight and fast shoe. Fortunately, the North face company has decided to break its tradition of making heavy and throwback-styled shoes and finally introduce modern and lightweight shoes.
The Vectiv Exploris shoe is made from durable mesh that ensures absolute waterproofing and maximum durability.
This shoe outperformed many waterproof hiking shoes in waterproof testing, we hiked through muddy terrain with shallow mucks, puddles and creeks. Through it all, it held up pretty well and kept our feet dry and warm.
The shape of this shoe is modern but not as around-town friendly as the Arc’teryx Aerios shoes. We tested this shoe in rocky terrain, and it turned out they gripped pretty well and were more stable than most hiking shoes.
This shoe stands out among other shoe brands because of its flexible low-ankle design and featherweight, making them the best option for trail runners.
With this shoe, you get the durability of a backpacker shoe, the comfort of a hiking shoe, and the lightweight of the best trail running shoe all in one package.
Benefits
- Promotes fast and light hiking
- Highly comfortable and supportive interior
- The outsole provides excellent traction over various surfaces
- 3-layered Future light membrane ensures excellent waterproofing
- Functioning lacing system
Drawbacks
- Given the foot shape, some people might experience light rubbing over the ankle area
- It Could had been lighter in the said category
Comparison Of Above Listed Waterproof Hiking Shoes
| Salomon X Ulrta 3 | Salomon X Raise | La Sportiva Spire | Acr’teryx Aerios FL | The North Face Vectiv Exploris | ||
| Brand | Salomon | Salomon | La Sportiva | Arc’teryx | North Face | |
| Weight | 1 lb. 10.8 oz. | 1 lb. 7.6 oz. | 1 lb. 15 oz. | 1 lb. 10.3 oz. | 1 lb. 10.3 oz. | |
| Material | Synthetic | Synthetic | Mesh | Synthetic | Mesh | |
| Usage (best for) | Hiking and thru-hiking | Hiking and trail running | Hiking and backpacking | Hiking and trail running | Trail running | |
| Best For | Value for money | Best price | Most comfortable | Extremely well-built | Best for trail running |
