The 10 Best Waterproof Shoes for Wet Days (That Aren’t Just Basic Rain Boots)
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There seems to be a good shoe out there for every concern—from sandals with arch support to footwear for plantar fasciitis. But if you think the only shoe option you have for inclement weather is a basic, clunky rain boot, well, you’re in for a treat. Practically every style of shoe you know and love comes in a waterproof style—from Birkenstock sandals to easy slip-ons. So whether you’re looking to buy comfortable sneakers that can survive a puddle, or just want to upgrade your staple rainy-day kicks, you're bound to find your match in this list of the best waterproof shoes for women.
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The Top 5 Waterproof Shoes at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Waterproof Shoes for Women
To pick the best waterproof shoes I first looked in my own closet, where I evaluated my favorite plastic sandals and iconic Hunter rain boots that have lasted me for years. I also tapped PureWow editors to gather their tried-and-true recommendations for waterproof kicks, along with the main features they appreciate about each. For trending waterproof shoes that we have yet to try, I looked at reviews from real buyers to get a sense of their quality, durability and, of course, the effectiveness of the waterproofing.
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1. Birkenstock Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandal
The classic Birkenstock Arizona is now ready for any and all summer activities—including trips to the water park and splashes in the lake. Not only is this waterproof style known for being light as air, making them a no-brainer vacation shoe, they also come in a veritable rainbow of fun, summery colors. I personally love using mine at the beach or before a hot yoga class. They're a bit stiffer than the traditional Arizona slides, IMO, but Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak says, “The EVA material is nice and squishy in the footbed, and doesn’t feel hard on my bunions like the classic Arizonas do.” We can both agree that heir functionality and affordability makes them a win in any book.
2. Asics GT-2000 12 GTX
If you plan on hitting the trails after a big rainfall, waterproof sneakers are a must. Since these Asics are woven with durable Gore-Tex fabric, they’ll keep your socks dry and your feet cozy, while the textured outsole will prevent you from slipping on muddy terrain. As for their comfort level? I've used the regular GT-2000s as walking shoes and love how comfortable and supportive they are. (They helped me survive a week-long trip to Disney World.) Given that these have the same signature foam cushioning, I'd say they'll take your wet-weather runs to comfy (and dry) new heights.
3. Xtratuf Women's Ankle Deck Boots
Used by Alaskan fishermen, these short deck booties mean business, and PureWow's Director of Affiliate Strategy, Pam Masin, is a fan. "I love the 100-percent waterproof 6-inch ankle deck boots, mostly because I can easily slip these on and off without a struggle thanks to their ample ankle room and front and back loops," she says. But they also have excellent traction (ahem, that's why they're so popular with fishermen) and they're said to be breathable to boot. "I can wear them during summer rain storms or gardening without overheating, as well as in winter with a pair of thick socks."
4. Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
Finding a cute flat for work that won't be completely drenched on a rainy day can be a serious challenge, but editor-loved brand Vivaia has managed to turn one of its most popular styles into a water-friendly gem. The recycled material of the exterior is water-repellent in this particular style, so liquid should just bead right off. They are also machine-washable, though, which means you can always toss them into the wash if they do get a little messy. With a low cut and pointed toe, they feel posh and professional, even on dreary days.
Given what reviewers have to say about their comfort, I'd imagine you'll want to wear them even when it's not raining. "The back of the heel has a smooth memory foam pad and it feels like a luxury pillow for your heels," raves one buyer. "Even when I was in a [breaking-in] phase, I didn't get any blisters from it."
5. Reef Womens Water Xslide
PureWow's Assistant Commerce Editor, Natalie LaBarbera loves these EVA slides from Reef, and says they're great waterproof shoes for travel, especially if you're heading to the beach or pool. "I recently picked these up for a beach vacay because I knew I'd be spending a lot of time around the water...They have a touch less support than other Reef sandals I have due to the flexible material, but still stayed comfy through the week," she says, also adding that sand comes off them super easily. Into my suitcase they go...
6. Native Shoes Jefferson Sneakers
This pair of slip-on sneakers from Native are beloved for a ton of reasons, starting with their ventilated design. They’re also odor-resistant, shock-absorbent and hand-washable, so you can really wear them for any outdoor activity. One happy reviewer describes them as "very light, flexible and extremely comfortable." They add, "If you are a flip-flop type person and want something to 'cover up' a little more, this is the shoe for you. These shoes do tend to run narrow, but, it is not really an issue. With the EVA construction, the shoe will stretch and accommodate your foot. They fit snug without feeling restrictive, which is good in my opinion...they won't fall off your foot."
7. Ugg Adirondack III Waterproof Boot
Waterproofing is one of the key qualities of a good winter boot, according to podiatrists. Ugg's Adirondack series is made with a DryTech outer, and features the added bonus of the brand’s cozy UggPlush wool lining. Better still, the boot's insulation is rated to -32 degrees Celsius, meaning they should keep your feet dry, comfortable and warm no matter what Mother Nature has in store for the day.
"I’ve had these boots since high school (no, I’m not kidding) and they’re still in mint condition," says Stephanie Meraz, PureWow associate fashion editor. "Let me just say, I was beyond thankful to have these on my feet [in winter]. They held up through rain, slush, snow and icy conditions like a champ, keeping my toes warm and cozy in the process. And they look nearly the same over a decade later. In fact, I brought them to Utah with me for my snowboarding trip this past January."
8. OluKai Leather Pehuea Heu Sneaker
For days that are much milder, but still have a slight nip in the air, try these Hawaiian-made leather sneakers with a cozy shearling lining for extra warmth (because those no-show socks aren’t providing nearly enough). The back is also designed to easily fold down to turn them into backless slides if you’re just running to the end of the driveway to pick up the newspaper. "These shoes are nicely lined with [shearling] and feel great on my bare feet. They fit true to size and I love how the leather is waterproof," says one reviewer.
9. Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Almost all hiking boots have some level of water resistance, but Hoka's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX boot is fully waterproof, so you can head out for a hike in the rain without worry. Masin likes the "fashionable" colorways, and the fact that it features a Gore-Tex liner, which is the gold standard in waterproof materials.
"I wouldn't say these are for crossing deep pools of water, but they have held up during rainy nature walks and stream crossings," she says. "I've owned water-resistant hiking shoes before and I will hands down say it's worth it to spend a little more money to get a waterproof pair. There's no worse feeling than damp feet with hours left on the trail."
10. Hunter Original Tall Waterproof Rain Boot
Alright, I had to include one OG galosh on this list because you can’t go wrong with a classic, knee-high rain boot. Hunter is the go-to brand when it comes to galoshes you can rely on, especially if you want to invest in a pair that will last you for years. I've owned my pair of rubber Hunter boots for around seven years and they're still kicking. They're a bit tight to get on initially, but my feet never get wet once they're on.
What to Consider When Shopping for Waterproof Shoes
When choosing waterproof shoes for women, there are a few things to consider:
What Is the Best Waterproof Shoe?
The best waterproof shoe is, of course, dependent on your personal style and needs, but any option on this list would be worth adding to your rotation. However, multiple editors love the Birkenstock Arizona waterproof slide sandals for their comfort and design. For this reason, I'd like the call them the best waterproof shoe for most people, especially during the summer months.
The Best Raincoats for Women, from a Classic Slicker to an Everyday Trench
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
