Nothing ruins a day of sightseeing faster than cold, wet socks. One deep puddle in London, a surprise storm in Paris or a muddy trail in a national park, and you’re squelching around for hours.
The best waterproof shoes for travel keep your feet dry and stay comfortable for long days on your feet. That second part matters. A heavy hiking boot is great on a muddy trail but overkill for a city break. A sleek sneaker looks great in a café but won’t help much on rocky ground.
So we compared 12 waterproof shoes and boots for men and women, from city sneakers to rain boots, business shoes and hiking boots. Below you’ll find our author’s top 3 picks, a quick comparison table, a short review of each shoe, and simple advice on choosing the right pair for your trip.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, JoinHikes earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through an Amazon link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How we researched this: Features and list prices come from the brands and major US retailers. JoinHikes has not hands-on tested these shoes. Amazon prices, sizes and stock change often, so check the listing before you buy.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel?
For most travelers, the On Cloud 6 Waterproof is the best waterproof travel shoe. It looks like a normal sneaker, has a waterproof membrane, light cushioning and an easy slip-in opening, which is handy at airport security.
If your trip includes real hiking, get the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof. Women who want a stylish city sneaker should look at the SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof.
On a tighter budget? Compare the Columbia Crestwood Waterproof, Skechers GO WALK Flex Waterproof, SHULOOK and HUMTTO options below.
Quick Comparison: Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel
| Shoe | Best for | Style | Main trade-off | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloud 6 Waterproof Author’s #1 | Everyday city travel | Lifestyle sneaker | Premium price | Check price |
| Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Best seller | Hiking-focused trips | Hiking shoe | Bulkier for cities | Check price |
| SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof Best for women | Stylish city breaks | Court sneaker | Not for trails | Check price |
| Timberland White Ledge Waterproof | Muddy, rugged trips | Mid hiking boot | Takes luggage space | Check price |
| Rockport Northfield Waterproof Oxford | Business travel | Leather oxford | Not for outdoors | Check price |
| Timberland Redwood Falls Waterproof | Casual outdoor travel | Leather outdoor shoe | Heavier to pack | Check price |
| Columbia Men’s Crestwood Waterproof | Men’s light hiking | Low hiking shoe | Not dressy | Check price |
| Columbia Women’s Crestwood Waterproof | Women’s outdoor sightseeing | Low hiking shoe | Not dressy | Check price |
| Skechers GO WALK Flex Waterproof | Easy everyday walking | Slip-on walking shoe | Not for rough trails | Check price |
| Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boots | Very rainy cities | Ankle rain boot | Less cushioning | Check price |
| SHULOOK Waterproof Hiking Shoes | Budget outdoor trips | Low hiking shoe | Less proven brand | Check price |
| HUMTTO Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes | Budget mixed terrain | Hiking shoe | Less proven brand | Check price |
The table compares what each shoe is designed for, not lab test results. Always check the exact Amazon listing for size, color and current price.
How We Chose These Waterproof Travel Shoes
“Waterproof” on the label is only the start. Here’s what we looked at.
Real waterproofing
A membrane or sealed bootie, not just a water-repellent spray.
All-day comfort
Cushioning and fit for 15,000+ steps of sightseeing.
Travel style
Does it look right in a restaurant, a meeting or on a trail?
Wet grip
Rubber soles that grip on wet pavement, stone and dirt.
Packability
Weight and bulk matter when you travel carry-on only.
Brand trust
Established brands first, with budget options clearly labeled.
The 12 Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel, Reviewed
1. On Cloud 6 Waterproof — Best Waterproof Shoe for City Travel
Best for: Airports, city breaks and long sightseeing days in the rain.
If you want one shoe that handles a rainy airport walk, a full day of museums and dinner out, this is it. The Cloud 6 Waterproof looks like a clean, everyday sneaker, but it has a PFAS-free waterproof membrane built in.
On uses its CloudTec cushioning with Zero-Gravity foam, plus a Speedboard plate for a bit of bounce. REI lists it at about 10.4 oz per shoe, which is light for a waterproof sneaker. A wider opening makes it easier to slip on and off, a real bonus at airport security.
It’s the most expensive shoe in this guide at a $180 list price. But if you walk a lot on pavement, the comfort and everyday look make it worth it.
- Looks like a normal sneaker.
- Light for a waterproof shoe.
- Comfortable for long city walks.
- Easy on and off at the airport.
- Premium, trusted brand.
- Highest price in this guide.
- Not made for rocky trails.
- Warmer than mesh sneakers in summer.
- Some buyers say it runs slightly large.
2. Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof — Best for Hiking-Focused Trips
Best for: National parks, trails and trips with lots of outdoor walking.
The Moab is one of the most popular hiking shoes ever made. Merrell itself calls it the world’s best-selling hiking footwear. There’s a reason so many people buy it: it’s comfortable straight out of the box and works on almost any trail.
The waterproof version has a waterproof membrane, a protective toe cap and a grippy Vibram TC5+ rubber sole. That makes it a much better choice than a city sneaker if your trip includes rocky paths, mud or wet roots. The men’s version lists at around $140, and it often goes on sale.
- Hugely popular, proven design.
- Grippy Vibram outsole.
- Little or no break-in time.
- Great for national park trips.
- Often discounted.
- Looks too outdoorsy for city dinners.
- Bulkier to pack than a sneaker.
- Can feel warm in hot, humid weather.
3. SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof — Best Stylish Women’s Sneaker
Best for: Women’s city breaks where looks matter as much as dry feet.
Picture four rainy days in Paris or Copenhagen. You want dry feet, but you don’t want to wear hiking shoes to a nice restaurant. The ONA AVE Low solves that. It looks like a stylish court sneaker but has waterproof bootie construction inside.
SOREL adds a removable cushioned footbed and an EVERTREAD rubber sole. One small catch SOREL itself points out: the laces aren’t waterproof. List price is $110, and it’s often on sale.
- Stylish, works with everyday outfits.
- Real waterproof construction.
- Removable footbed (fits orthotics).
- Trusted rain-footwear brand.
- Not made for hiking trails.
- Laces aren’t waterproof.
- Low cut, so deep puddles can get in.
4. Timberland White Ledge Waterproof — Best for Rugged, Muddy Trips
Best for: Countryside walks, forest trails and wet-season outdoor trips.
The White Ledge is a classic mid-height waterproof hiking boot. The taller cut covers your ankle, so it keeps out more mud and splashes than a low shoe. It’s a smart pick for autumn trips, muddy trails and cool, wet destinations.
The downside is size. It takes more room in your bag and feels like too much boot for flat city streets. Wear it on the plane to save luggage space.
- More coverage than low shoes.
- Great in mud and wet grass.
- Classic, trusted outdoor brand.
- Bulky to pack.
- Too much for city-only trips.
- Needs breaking in before you travel.

5. Rockport Northfield Waterproof Oxford — Best for Business Travel
Best for: Work trips with rainy commutes and important meetings.
Business trips need a different kind of shoe. You might walk through rain to the train, then go straight into a meeting where sneakers look wrong. The Northfield is a leather oxford with waterproof construction, so you can do both in one pair.
That can save you packing a separate pair of dress shoes. Just don’t take it hiking.
- Smart, office-ready look.
- Rain protection for commutes.
- One pair instead of two.
- Not for trails or mud.
- Dress-shoe fit needs care.
- Less flexible than sneakers.
6. Timberland Redwood Falls Waterproof — Best for Casual Outdoor Travel
Best for: Autumn trips, small towns and countryside weekends.
The Redwood Falls sits between a casual shoe and a hiking shoe. It has a sturdy, traditional outdoor look that goes well with jeans, and it works for cool, changeable weather.
It’s heavier than a sneaker, so it’s better for road trips than carry-on-only travel. Check the exact listing to confirm the waterproof version.
- Classic outdoor style.
- Good for cool, wet weather.
- Goes with casual outfits.
- Heavier to pack.
- Not for fast, sporty walking.
- Confirm the waterproof variant.
7. Columbia Men’s Crestwood Waterproof — Best Value Men’s Hiking Shoe
Best for: Men mixing sightseeing with easy trails.
The Crestwood is a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe from a big outdoor brand, usually at a friendlier price than the Merrell. It’s comfortable for walking and less clunky than a tall boot.
It’s a good middle ground for trips with parks, gravel paths and the odd rain shower.
- Trusted brand at a lower price.
- Low-cut and easy to wear.
- Good for easy trails.
- Too outdoorsy for dressy plans.
- Low collar lets deep water in.
- Confirm the waterproof variant.
8. Columbia Women’s Crestwood Waterproof — Best Value Women’s Hiking Shoe
Best for: Women on nature-focused trips.
The women’s Crestwood is built for scenic trails, park paths and long outdoor walks. It’s a practical, lower-cost alternative to the Merrell Moab for easier routes.
- Trusted brand at a lower price.
- Lighter than a hiking boot.
- Good for park and gravel trails.
- Doesn’t suit dressy outfits.
- Low cut, so deep puddles get in.
- Check sizing on the listing.
Budget-Friendly Waterproof Travel Shoes
These cost less than our top picks. They can be good value, but read recent reviews carefully for comments about leaks, sizing and grip.
9. Skechers GO WALK Flex Waterproof — Best for Easy Everyday Walking
Best for: Travelers who hate tying laces.
The GO WALK line is built for comfortable, casual walking. This waterproof version is a simple, easy-to-wear shoe for airports, taxis and wandering around town. Make sure you pick the waterproof version on the listing, not the regular GO WALK Flex.
- Very easy to slip on.
- Casual, everyday look.
- Comfortable for city walks.
- Not for hiking trails.
- Slip-on fit isn’t secure for everyone.
- Confirm the waterproof version.
10. Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boots — Best for Very Rainy Cities
Best for: Trips where rain is almost guaranteed.
Sometimes you just need a rain boot. These ankle-height Chelsea boots are easy to pull on and look fine with jeans. They’re great for short walks through puddles. For long sightseeing days, add a cushioned insole.
- Fully rain-focused design.
- Easy pull-on Chelsea style.
- Works with casual outfits.
- Less breathable.
- Less cushioning for long walks.
- Ankle height only.

11. SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes — Best Budget Pick for Men
Best for: Short trips with city walks and easy trails.
If you don’t want to pay for a big-name brand, SHULOOK’s low-cut waterproof hiking shoe is an option for national park visits and countryside weekends. Treat it as a budget choice and check recent reviews for leaks and sizing.
- Lower price than big brands.
- Outdoor-ready low-cut design.
- Fine for light trails.
- Less proven long-term.
- Waterproofing not independently tested.
- Sizing can vary.
12. HUMTTO Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes — Best Budget Pick for Women
Best for: Women who want an affordable outdoor shoe.
HUMTTO’s women’s waterproof hiking shoe is an affordable choice for occasional trails and outdoor sightseeing. Like any budget brand, check recent reviews for comments on grip, comfort and how well it stays dry.
- Budget-friendly price.
- Trail-ready design.
- Good backup pair.
- Less proven brand.
- Waterproofing not independently tested.
- Check fit before your trip.
Which Waterproof Shoe Should You Buy? Picks by Traveler Type
| If you are… | Get this shoe |
|---|---|
| Visiting rainy European cities | On Cloud 6 Waterproof or SOREL ONA AVE |
| Hiking in national parks | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof |
| A woman who wants style | SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof |
| On a business trip | Rockport Northfield Oxford |
| Walking muddy countryside trails | Timberland White Ledge |
| Wanting easy slip-on shoes | Skechers GO WALK Flex Waterproof |
| Going somewhere very rainy | Asgard Chelsea Rain Boots |
| On a tight budget | Columbia Crestwood, SHULOOK or HUMTTO |
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Waterproof vs water-resistant vs quick-drying
Waterproof
A membrane or sealed build blocks water. Best for cool, rainy trips.
Water-resistant
Handles drizzle and splashes, but soaks through in real rain.
Quick-drying
Lets water in but dries fast. Best for hot, tropical trips and river crossings.
Match the shoe to your destination
| Trip type | Shoe type to pick |
|---|---|
| London, Amsterdam, Seattle in rain | Waterproof sneaker |
| Paris or Copenhagen city break | Stylish waterproof sneaker |
| National parks and easy hikes | Waterproof low hiking shoe |
| Muddy trails, wet season | Waterproof mid hiking boot |
| Business trip | Waterproof leather oxford |
| Hot, humid tropics | Breathable, quick-drying shoe |
Fit beats brand
Try shoes with your travel socks. Toes need room and your heel shouldn’t slip.
Check wet grip
Waterproof doesn’t mean non-slip. Look for soft rubber soles for wet stone and tile.
Think about heat
Waterproof shoes breathe less. In summer, quick-drying shoes may be more comfortable.
Weight and packing
Going carry-on only? Pick a light sneaker, or wear your boots on the plane.
Hiking near water too? For river crossings, see our guide to the best hiking sandals for river crossings, and keep your gear dry with the best waterproof bags for hiking.
How to Keep Waterproof Shoes Working Longer

Clean off mud
Dirt clogs the material and stops it breathing. Brush it off after muddy days.
Dry them slowly
Air-dry with insoles out. Never put them on a heater or radiator.
Re-treat the outside
Use a waterproofing spray made for your shoe’s material when water stops beading.
Break them in first
Wear new shoes on a few walks at home before a big trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best waterproof shoes for travel?
The On Cloud 6 Waterproof is our top pick for city travel. For hiking trips, the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof is the better choice. Women who want a stylish option should look at the SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof.
Are waterproof shoes comfortable for walking all day?
Good ones are. Look for cushioning, a secure fit and a light weight. Always walk in new shoes for a few days before your trip.
Should I take waterproof sneakers or hiking boots to Europe?
For a city trip, waterproof sneakers are more practical and look better. Take hiking shoes or boots only if you’ll spend real time on trails.
Are waterproof shoes too hot for summer?
They can feel warm in hot, humid weather. For summer trips, breathable or quick-drying shoes are often more comfortable.
Can waterproof shoes handle heavy rain?
They keep rain out of the upper, but water can still get in over the top, especially with low-cut shoes. Taller boots protect more in deep puddles.
Can I wear waterproof hiking shoes at the airport?
Yes. Low hiking shoes are fine for airports. Heavy boots are better worn on the plane than packed, to save luggage space.
Are expensive waterproof shoes worth it?
Often, yes. Brands like On, Merrell and SOREL usually stay waterproof longer and feel better on long days. But the best shoe is always the one that fits your feet.
Can I travel with only one pair of shoes?
On short trips, yes, if the pair is comfortable and versatile. On longer trips, pack a light second pair in case your main shoes get wet inside.
Final Verdict: The Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel
For most travelers, the On Cloud 6 Waterproof is the one to buy. It keeps your feet dry, feels great on long city walks and looks like a normal sneaker.
If your trip includes hiking, choose the best-selling Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof. For stylish women’s city travel, pick the SOREL ONA AVE Low Waterproof. Business travelers should look at the Rockport Northfield, and budget shoppers at the Columbia Crestwood.
Author’s Choice: On Cloud 6 Waterproof. If we could pack only one pair for a rainy trip, this would be it.
Our winner: Check On Cloud 6 Waterproof on AmazonMore Hiking and Travel Gear Guides
Editorial disclosure: JoinHikes researched these shoes using information from the brands and major US retailers. This is not a hands-on test by JoinHikes. List prices are a guide only; Amazon prices, availability and ratings change, so check details before buying. Photos are illustrative stock images from Unsplash and do not show the exact products.
2 thoughts on “12 Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel (2026): Top Picks for Rain, City Walking & Hiking”