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These waterproof boots from Carhartt, Nike, The North Face, and Eddie Bauer will keep your socks dry. Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boots
There are many reasons to keep your feet dry while outside, especially during colder months when the combination of frigid air and moisture is a nightmare. Some boots — such as many leather varieties — are water-resistant, so they can hold their own against splashes and drizzle but aren’t the best options to be wearing in a downpour. Other boots are fully waterproof thanks to materials like Gore-tex.
According to Devon Vanoostveen, the Global Marketing Manager at Merrell, whether you need something that’s waterproof or water-resistant, high on your calf or up to the ankle, or with stout traction or flat depends on how you plan to wear them. “I think it's about looking at end use and then prioritizing what features and benefits are important,” she says.
To determine the best men’s waterproof boots, we dispatched 21 different products to our Travel + Leisure team. We wore the boots in different scenarios for six months to test their comfort, quality, waterproof capability, and overall style. We chose our top picks based on the results, with an array of options to help you find the perfect pair for your next trip.
They feel great straight out of the box and are available in soft- or steel-toe.
After several months of wearing these boots multiple times per week, the inner lining of the boot at the heel is beginning to rub off.
Anyone who has worn leather boots knows that it takes a while to break them in. Somehow, Carhartt has managed to steer clear of leather’s biggest drawback with its 6-inch Wedge Work Boot. During our tests, these boots were comfortable right off the bat and stayed comfy for up to 10 hours as we wore them throughout the day and for many days after. Another difference between these leather boots and others on the market is that they’re coated with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, which kept our feet dry while trodding through rainy sidewalks and into big, deep puddles. They also had enough grip to keep us from sliding around and look good enough to wear anywhere, not simply on the job as Carhartts are usually for. That said, if you want to use these on the worksite or in the warehouse, opt for the steel-toe option.
The biggest drawback we found with these boots is that they require you to wear long socks to prevent rubbing on the calf. Still, they didn’t cause any abrasions or rashes when we wore them with short socks. They’re also wide and fit large, so consider sizing down as much as a full size. We also found that after six months of use, the material on one heel began to wear down and made it annoying to slide our feet out. While we were disappointed to see this kind of wear, we would still recommend these based on their comfort and support, although we'll try to get them on sale so durability issues aren't quite as financially painful. We should note that while Carhartt doesn't offer a specific warranty period, they do have a "Built to Last Commitment" that promises buyers the company will repair, replace, or credit for damage that does not meet expectations.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Tanned leather upper, PU insole, rubber outsole
These have a timeless look, even if you’re not at a punk show.
Like most Dr. Martens, these take a long time to break in and after several months of use, the tread has worn down slightly.
Gone are the days when Docs were simply for punks, goths, and emos. Nowadays, Dr. Martens have become some of the most tried and trusted boots on the market, and they exude coolness. The thing with Docs is that contrary to the Carhartts listed above, they’re extremely stiff and take a long time to break in. We wore them for three hours at first, then for several days afterward (including eight hours in the rain), and they still weren’t fully broken in. That said, they did get more comfortable over time and we expect that to continue as we wear them for months to come. And we will absolutely wear them. Not just because they look cool, but because they’re made of excellent materials that will hold up in any urban weather, including winters in New York City. If you do plan to wear these in the winter, know that the inner lining is very warm and cozy, and they’re as waterproof as advertised. After six months of use, we found them to be much more comfortable and are happy to see that they have held up great through frequent use in rain, snow, and slush.
The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 | Connection WP leather and coated nylon
They're very light but still offer great support for long hikes.
If you want more ankle support, Danner also sells the Recurve hunting boot (see below).
Hiking boots these days are anything but simple, with flashy colors and all the fabrics and layers you can imagine. So it’s delightful that Danner keeps its boots classic while adding all the necessary technology. We found these boots to be unbelievably light and comfortable, as well as waterproof thanks to the Gore-tex coating. They fit true to size and provided ample arch and ankle support for a day out on the trail. Throughout six months of testing, we even noticed that they became more and more comfortable with every wear. We also loved the grip and that they come with an extra set of laces.
But what really stands out about these boots is Danner’s commitment to sustainability with its recrafting program, which allows you to send in your old boots and have them fixed up using the same equipment that made them. That means one less thing in the landfill and more years of comfort for your feet. Aside from a few minor scuffs and scratches, these boots are still in really great shape after six months. The insoles have broken in nicely and the upper tongue softened a bit — making them even more comfortable and form-fitting.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Leather, Gore-tex, Vibram Outsole with Megagrip | 2.3 pounds
You can wear them through multiple seasons — just remove the sheepskin footbed in warmer weather.
They don’t lace up, so wear them hiking at your own peril.
Go somewhere with rough, rainy winters like Toronto, Seattle, or London and just count the Blundstones. We guarantee you’ll lose count because these Chelsea boots are so tried, tested, and true. Made with premium materials, Blundstones will last you years. During our tests, we had no trouble maintaining traction on snow and ice and keeping out water. In fact, we sprayed a hose on them for several minutes and not a single drop got inside, not even through the elastic.
They’re a bit heavy, but that’s because they’re meant to handle winters, and they don’t tighten up, so we wouldn’t personally wear them hiking, but there are many who do. A neat feature is that the cozy sheepskin footbed is removable, so you can easily slide in regular insoles in warmer weather to be able to wear them through different seasons. These boots held up perfectly throughout our six-month testing period, including a very damp winter. They haven't scuffed or received any water damage, and they remain easy to clean.
The Details: Sizes 4 to 13 | Waterproof leather, Thinsulate insulation, removable sheepskin footbed, TPU outsole
They’re so light and comfortable.
They run small, so order a size up.
If you don’t want a waterproof boot that looks like a waterproof boot, check out the Larimers from The North Face. Stylish and casual like a skate shoe, they’re fully waterproof thanks to North Face’s Waterproof DryVent membrane. Insulation inside will keep your feet warm, and there’s solid ankle and arch support. We felt comfortable in these boots from day one, but ordered a size up as recommended, and that worked out perfectly. They were noticeably lightweight, which is a good alternative to some of the heavier options we tried. After six months of wearing, they are still in great condition and seem to be well-built for long-term use.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof suede and ballistic nylon upper, insulated inner, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds
These boots instantly became our primary daily footwear.
It takes a few days to work them in.
From almost the first moment wearing these boots, we found them to be some of the most comfortable footwear we’ve worn, and they immediately became our go-to, not just on rainy days. The reason is because they’re so comfortable and supportive. They’re sturdy without being cumbersome, and the grip was unnoticeable, which is the best compliment possible as we had no slips on asphalt/concrete, grass, sand, or mud. And the price point is affordable, too.
We should report that we got a blister on our road toe on the second day of wearing these, but we were quite comfortable afterward, so they just require a short break-in period. After that, these shoes became more comfortable with each wear. Some people may not love the presence of the big Timberland logo, but that’s a personal preference.
We did find that after six months of testing, the toe piece started to peel away slightly from the upper, allowing water inside if we stepped in a puddle or shallow creek. The durability is impressive otherwise, but this flaw was impossible for us to ignore. We still recommend these for comfort, but buyers should be cautious when putting them through strenuous or water-related endeavors.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Waterproof leather, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole
They’re perfect for camping, yard work, or trudging around on a rainy day.
These are best worn with heavy socks.
For stomping around in messy weather and rough terrain, check out these Wolverines. When we trudged through a creek, wet grass, and mud, we didn’t feel any water inside of the boot — even when we dipped our foot directly into the creek. We found them comfortable and they showed no abnormal signs of wear during our six-month test. They also have great traction that felt stabilizing even in ice storms.
Some may be concerned with the weight, with each boot weighing in at 1.6 pounds, and you may want to wear heavy socks to prevent rubbing. But if you’re looking for something heavy-duty to keep the water out at a solid price, take a look at these.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof leather upper, DuraWarm insulation, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole, nylon shank | 3.2 pounds
The price is unbeatable, especially when it’s on sale.
It might not be as durable as other boots.
We can’t say enough good things about these Columbia boots. They’re lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, and have excellent traction — all for less than half the price of many of its competitors. We wore them on a week-long camping trip, and they did the job of keeping our toes dry, even on small creek crossings, slippery rocks, and through a cave hike. The fit was true to size, and they were ready to go out of the box without much breaking in. After six months of tests, they are still in great condition, and we actually prefer the rugged look caused by the normal wear and tear. The size range is also extensive, going up to size 17.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 17 | PU coated leather, suede, and mesh upper, Omni-tech waterproof membrane, Techlite midsole, Omni-grip rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds
Plenty breathable, these experience minimal wear and tear during hiking and city walking.
The clunkier style can take some time to get used to.
These handsome boots from Nike would fit in as well on the runway as they would on the mountain. A tall synthetic upper, Gore-Tex waterproofing and serious traction on the bottom make these boots very athletic — we could even run in them. These boots were more breathable than any we reviewed and showed minimal signs of wear and tear after six months of testing — our white model has a few scuffs and scratches, but we expected some of that after hiking and walking around the city. They also held up incredibly well in the rain, except when a puddle got onto the tongue, but that’s probably beyond normal use. Unfortunately, they tend to sell out quickly, so if you like them, act fast.
The Details: Sizes 3.5 to 15 | Synthetic upper, Gore-Tex, rubber outsole
These are surprisingly lightweight for the support.
These boots are heavy and, during testing, we noticed some fatigue when wearing for long periods of time.
Danner’s dedicated hunting boot goes up higher above the ankle, offering outstanding support for rough terrain. Despite the height, we loved how lightweight these boots were and that they were easy to slide into. We wore them at a farm and while doing yard work and found them to be completely waterproof. The Vibram sole had great traction, too. Break-in time was minimal, and they stayed comfortable throughout the entire day. These boots are quite pricey, so unless you really want the extra support, they might not be worth it. They also aren’t very breathable, but few waterproof boots are. Aside from a few minor scuffs and scrapes on the leather, these boots are still in great shape after six months.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Full-grain leather and suede upper, Vibram midsole and outsole | 2.8 pounds
These have a classic look and can be worn with dressier outfits.
They don’t look good with shorts.
If you like the classic look of a Chukka boot and still want some waterproofing, this pair’s for you. We found the Clarks Morris Peaks to be just as promised. The tumbled leather upper kept out all the water we threw at it, and they were quite comfortable after we broke in the initially stiff leather. The arch support seemed better than other Chukka boots we tried, and we liked the look, though not with shorts on. We did find them a bit on the heavy side, but it’s hard to complain for the affordable price. After six months of use, these boots are still in great condition and show no signs of fraying or breaking down.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, thermoplastic rubber sole
These keep you from slipping on muddy or wet trails.
The dual density midsole takes some time to get used to.
On has really been making a name for itself as of late, and we can see why. The Swiss brand’s Cloudtrax Waterproof are excellent hiking boots, with significant traction to have you speeding up and down the trail, even if it’s muddy or slippery. Initially, we found the boots stiff and tough to get on, but that quickly changed, and we never had pain wearing them. The shoe didn’t feel flimsy and appeared made of excellent quality materials — some of which are recycled which adds some sustainability points. We also found them completely waterproof and the price to be fair. The one thing we didn’t love about this boot is the curved heel that makes these slightly awkward to walk in, but other than that, these are a great, travel-ready option. After six months of testing, these boots have held up well and show no signs of wear and tear.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | 1.94 pounds
These shoes are very durable, comfortable, and waterproof with a classic Chukka style.
Their rigidity takes some getting used to.
If you want a sturdy boot for staying on your feet for long hours but don’t need steel-toe protection, check out the Ariat Kingham. Made in a Chukka style, these boots fit similar to cowboy boots with a large heel and a rigid sole. They also have an enforced non-steel toe-box, which takes a little getting used to as it doesn’t allow for toe movement. Despite these particularities, it didn’t take long to get used to them, and we felt comfortable wearing them for hours on end, although we wouldn't recommend these to city-dwellers — six months of testing later, we consistently found them clunky to walk in and don't think they would be great for navigating bustling streets. They're great outdoor boots otherwise.
These provided excellent traction on rocky and slippery terrain and had no trouble staying dry (so long as no water gets in from the top). We even stood in a puddle and our socks stayed dry. One thing we didn’t love was how the sole sticks out from the back of the boot, but we still see these as a good option for those who want a comfortable, country-style boot.
The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, rubber sole
We tested so many boots this time around that we had a lot of great options to choose from. These ones performed well, with some small grievances that kept them from our main list.
Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot: While duck boots are praised for their watertight construction, we found this pair heavy and had some questions about their durability.
Sorel Men’s Carson Chukka Waterproof Boots: We loved the look, feel, and weight of these boots after working them in, but like the rigid leather, the competition was too stiff to put them above other Chukka-style boots we tried.
We dispatched 21 of the best waterproof boots on the market to our team members around the U.S. and put the products through a series of tests. First, we examined the boots for defects and assessed the weight before putting them on for an hour in our homes. After determining their initial comfort and breaking them in a bit, we wore the boots several times over the course of two weeks through both rainy and dry weather. We stood in puddles, crossed creeks, and trekked over rough terrain to test the waterproofing and traction of the boots. To really check if they’re waterproof, we stuffed the boots with dry paper towels and poured water on the outside to see if everything stayed dry on the inside. Our testing will continue for six more months to make sure our picks are built to last.
There are lots of different styles of waterproof boots made with different materials, so it’s important to decide what you really need them for. If you plan on hiking, you’re going to need boots with heavy traction, while you can get away with something lighter for a city getaway. You should also think about the temperature at your destination.“
A mom playing out in the snow, she's really going to want something that's insulated and super warm and cozy, is comfortable and [has good] traction,” says Vanoostveen. “Running errands, I might prioritize something that's a little more style-forward and maybe doesn't have insulation but has good traction.”
Versatility is the name of the game when you’re traveling since you don’t always have the option of packing three or four pairs of boots. So look for something that is comfortable for walking around, looks stylish, and that can handle some messier terrain. A bonus for versatility is that you can wear them at home, too, and get even more use out of them.
While you might like the look of a tall, chunky boot, they probably aren’t the best ones for stuffing into your luggage. Some boots are much heavier than others, too, although that may not be an issue if you’re driving somewhere. So keep your luggage space in mind before choosing which boot to buy.
Waterproofing is done through the deployment of materials like Gore-tex, which causes water to turn into droplets and simply slide off the boot. Water resistance can keep out some water, but it will eventually soak through and can take a while to dry. According to Vanoostveen, water-resistant boots might be enough for many people as they’re more breathable and still keep some water out.
You should check the instructions for each brand, but generally, it’s okay to clean off dirt and mud with a damp, soft brush or cloth. If that doesn’t work, you can scrub lightly with a solution of half water and half vinegar or a leather cleaning solution.
After you clean your boots, pour a little bit of water on them. If water gets absorbed into the material, you should add more waterproof coating. Some of these are water-based, but they also come in gels or creams. Water-based solutions will do a better job at maintaining the boots’ breathability.
Yes, but they may not be insulated enough to keep your feet warm. If looking for winter boots, look for boots with Thinsulate or other insulated lining, and make sure there’s enough traction. You’ll also want boots that are tall enough to keep out the snow depending on how much snow you expect to be walking through.
For this story, journalist Joel Balsam summarized the reviews of the T+L team after they tested the products, drew conclusions from expert interviews, and provided his own insights as a dedicated gearhead. We also interviewed Devon Vanoostveen, the Global Marketing Manager at Merrell, for her insights on how boots should fit and perform.
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