We Got Messy Testing the Best Waterproof Boots for Men – These 14 Pairs Will Keep Your Feet Dry (2024)

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.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Tanned leather upper, PU insole, rubber outsole

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.

The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 | Connection WP leather and coated nylon

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 two 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.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Leather, Gore-tex, Vibram Outsole with Megagrip | 2.3 pounds

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 two months of 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.

The Details: Sizes 4 to 13 | Waterproof leather, Thinsulate insulation, removable sheepskin footbed, TPU outsole

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 two months of wearing, they are still in great condition and seem to be well-built for longterm use.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Waterproof suede and ballistic nylon upper, insulated inner, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.9 pounds

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, throughout our two months, 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.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Waterproof leather, EVA midsole, rubber lug outsole

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 two-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

How much did we like this boot? One of our team members wore them to get married! He wore them throughout his entire rainy wedding day and not a drop of water got inside despite there being plenty of mud and puddles. Later that night, after being outside all day, the boots finally got a little damp, but it’s hard to expect anything more from an extremely wet Minnesota day.

These wife-approved boots are very stylish and made with premium leather you can smell right out of the box. They’re comfortable, but take a day or two to break in —our tester got a little blister on the seam on the first day (not his wedding day, thankfully). Note that these aren’t made for hiking as there isn’t much cushion on the soles, so we’d recommend keeping them for work, destination weddings, or vacation date nights rather than trekking around in them all day long.

The Details: Sizes 6.5 to 15 | Waterproof leather, suede or nubuck upper, waterproof membrane, CustomCore insoles, rubber outsole

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 two 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

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 no signs of wear and tear, despite us testing the white model. 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

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.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Full-grain leather and suede upper, Vibram midsole and outsole | 2.8 pounds

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.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, thermoplastic rubber sole

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, but other than that, these are a great, travel-ready option.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | 1.94 pounds

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. They 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

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

  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.

• How do you clean waterproof boots?

  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.

• Can you wear waterproof boots in the snow?

  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.

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