Best waterproof hiking boots—for all walking levels and budgets

Finding the best waterproof hiking boots is essential if you're tackling tricky terrain in wet weather. Our guide has something for everyone, with affordable, breathable, and lightweight options.

Whether you're new to hiking or are looking to take your walks to the next level, a pair of trusty hiking boots is a must-have for keeping you safe and comfortable. But, is it really necessary to invest in a waterproof pair? If you're planning on hiking in rainy locations, we think so (check out our guide to the best women’s walking shoes overall, if you want to weigh up some other options). 

"Waterproof generally means the boots can be submerged in water, up to the height of the waterproof membrane," says Jeremy Stevens, footwear buyer for Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports. "You should be able to see the membrane inside the boot—usually covering the tongue and coming up to the ankle. This indicates the depth of the puddle or stream you can safely step into."

As well as looking for the usual features all good walking shoes should have, such as support, grip, comfort, and fit, picking the right outer material is also key to finding good waterproof hiking boots. "Broadly speaking, boots fall into two camps—full-grain leather or fabric/suede uppers," says Stevens. "Classic full-grain leather and nubuck uppers give reliable and durable waterproofness. Fabric and split-leather uppers tend to be lighter, more flexible, and less expensive, but have less inherent waterproof properties."

We've put popular brands to the test, including Salomon and The North Face, to bring you our round-up of six of the best waterproof hiking boots on the market right now. Armed with a pair of the best boots and a set of the best walking poles, there's no stopping you! 

How we tested and selected the best waterproof hiking boots

We put each pair of hiking boots through its paces, in a range of weather conditions and across different terrain. We tested them on everything from damp grass and tarmac to earthy, rocky trails, and assessed them not only on how well they kept our feet dry in wet conditions, but also how well they fit, how much support they provided us with, and how comfortable they were as we hiked. We've tested lots of different hiking boots at w&h, and not every product we test is featured. You can rest assured the waterproof hiking boots in this guide really were the best. 

The best waterproof hiking boots as chosen by our experts

If you want to make a style statement on the trails, these Salmon hiking boots are available in three fun colors. But, it's not all about style with this pair. Whether you're walking for weight loss or just enjoying a casual stroll in the park, these boots do an excellent job of keeping your feet safe and dry on trails and in wet weather.

They lack a little in cushioning compared to other hiking boots, but they make up for it when it comes to fit and style. The laces draw the boot in snugly to your foot, and the long ankle cuff ensures you're well protected as you hike. Despite the high ankle cuff, they’re easy to get on and they’re lightweight, too. 

Salmon certainly knows a thing or two about good grip, combining a sleek look with a very technical shoe. The lug pattern of the Contagrip sole has been designed to keep you stable and safe on any terrain. 

Are they waterproof? Absolutely. The Gore-Tex membrane makes these hiking boots ready for all wet-weather excursions. They might be one of the more expensive boots on the market, but we think they're a sound investment.

While The North Face hiking boots are a little trickier to get on and off than other options, once they're on they're a superb fit. The laces allow you to adjust to the fit you want, while the ankle cuff offers ultimate protection if you’re trekking on uneven ground. Thankfully, all this protection doesn’t add any extra bulk and these boots are relatively lightweight, too. 

Boasting a Futurelight membrane, these hiking boots are waterproof but breathable, and the specially coated woven mesh provides protection against debris, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole helps keep you steady on wet and rocky terrain. Although the sole feels a little less flexible than some of the others, they will provide great support on challenging terrain. 

The only real downside to these hiking boots is the price. We think they're worth the investment, but might be best suited to a serious trekker who's happy to invest in boots they'll use for years to come.  

If you're looking for affordable hiking boots that are breathable and supportive, the Quechua boots could be the one for you. The brand has focused on ensuring the boots are snug and comfortable, which will keep your feet protected as you hike. While the ankle cuff of the boot is slightly rigid at first, it softens up the more you wear them. Top tip: wear your hiking boots around the house to break them in before you hit the trails! 

These hiking boots are waterproof, but breathable—making them ideal for all weathers—and stones and tree roots won’t be a problem either, thanks to the protective rubber guard. What’s more, the rubber sole offers good traction on dry or muddy ground. 

The only downside to this pair is the cheap price tag, you may find these boots need re-waterproofing after lots of wear in rainy conditions. But, for newbie hikers or those who have just started their Nordic walking journey, they're a great option. 

For a comfortable, supportive, and stylish waterproof hiking boot, look no further than the Scarpa Maverick GTX Boots. Whether you’re tackling tricky trails or walking the dog, the Scarpa boots do an excellent job of keeping feet dry. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, these boots keep water out but still allow sweat to escape so you stay comfortable and dry as you walk. 

We found the sole, made with SuperGum rubber and featuring 4.5mm deep lugs, provided great traction and kept us stable as we climbed hills and navigated rocky terrain. Best of all, the Scarpa hiking boots are made from synthetic leather and polyester mesh, making them a vegan-friendly option. 

The mid-rise cuff made these boots easy to put on and take off, however, we did find the fit slightly big so recommend sizing down half a size or wearing a pair of the best walking socks with this style. 

We love the North Face VECTIV Exploris Futurelight Boots for long treks. They are easily the best lightweight waterproof hiking boots of all the options we tested. 

The 4mm lugs, Ortholite foam footbeds, and VECTIV midsole offer great support when taking on steep terrain, with just the right amount of cushioning for comfort. The boot is available in a range of colors, and also comes in a standard shoe style as well as the traditional mid-top boots. 

The Futurelight material is waterproof and breathable, which will keep you cool and dry in all weather. The only downside to these hiking boots is the Cordura mesh upper is tricky to clean, so it's best to opt for one of the darker colors if you're worried about mucking up your boots. 

If you're ready to invest in a pair of waterproof hiking boots, you can't go wrong with the Aku Trekker Pro GTX boots. They may come with an expensive price tag, but you'll definitely get what you pay for with this pick. 

The stylish boots provide lots of stability, with a rubber sole and deep multi-directional lugs offering a super-secure grip. They're a sturdy option and we felt totally supported as we hiked (even on rocky terrain, thanks to the toe caps). Made from breathable leather-synthetic fabric with Gore-Tex properties, your feet will stay dry through wet weather in this pair. 

For us, the only downside to these trendy hiking boots was the weight. Coming in at over 1kg per pair, they are much heavier than other options on the market and might not be best for those after a lightweight option.   

See our full Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws review

Leather versus Fabric options