Best Waterproof Walking Sneakers: 8 Picks Compared

Our verdict

Top Picks at a Glance

A wet commute, a rainy city break or a dog walk across soaked grass all go better when your socks stay dry. This guide compares eight waterproof sneakers and low walking shoes, from cushioned road shoes to two trail-capable walkers, and for each one names the waterproof layer, quotes what the maker claims for it, and says which version we link: men’s or women’s, at which size and colour.

This keyword covers both men’s and women’s shoes, so each link opens one specific version at one size and colour, named above and in each review; the reviews say whether the other gender’s version exists. Change the size on the Amazon page. If you want only women’s models, our guide to the best waterproof women’s shoes covers nine of them, including women’s versions of three lines here (Ghost 18 GTX, Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX and Konos TRS OutDry).

Compare the picks

Compare the 8 Waterproof Walking Sneakers

The table gives the maker’s own wording where we could read it and names the source where we could not. Weights are not comparable across shoes: some are a maker figure without a size, some are a reviewer’s measurement at one size, and several are not published, so each is shown with its basis.

How We Chose Walking Sneakers for Wet Days

What every pick had to show

• A shoe for walking, not a boot. Road walking and running shoes, lifestyle sneakers, and low trail shoes that the ranking guides for this search include (Switchback Travel’s waterproof hiking shoe list and Good Housekeeping’s walking list both carry low hikers). No mids, no rain boots.
• A named waterproof layer and the maker’s claim for it. GORE-TEX, Columbia’s OutDry, or the maker’s own unnamed membrane, quoted as the maker words it. No membrane keeps water out when it pours in over the collar, and every membrane wears with use.
• One gender, one size, one colour per link. Each review says whether we link the men’s or the women’s model and whether the other version exists; one pick is sold in women’s sizes only, and the review says so.
• Stocked on Amazon, new, at our check on 22 October 2026. Where the buy box belonged to a seller other than Amazon.com, the review names that seller.
• Independent evidence, graded. Each review carries an evidence line saying whether a test covered this exact model, a sibling in the same series, or nothing but the maker’s data.

Sources and how we graded them and what travellers on Reddit said

Sources and how we graded them

The independent sources behind this guide are RunRepeat’s waterproof walking shoe guide and its lab reviews, Switchback Travel’s waterproof hiking shoe guide, two Advnture reviews, Good Housekeeping’s waterproof walking shoe guide and Travel + Leisure’s women’s waterproof walking shoe guide. RunRepeat buys the shoes it tests, weighs and cuts them, and earns commissions on sales; none of these sources sells the shoes. Where a test covered a sibling (the non-waterproof Ghost 18, the Konos Mid, the non-waterproof Go Walk Joy), the review says so. Specs come from the makers’ pages; where a maker’s site refused our reader (Brooks, HOKA, Columbia) or we did not read it (adidas, Skechers), we used the brand’s Amazon listing and say so.

What travellers on Reddit said

A thread on r/travel from someone with wide feet looking for comfortable waterproof walking shoes for Japan ranks for this search. One reply lists brands (“Merrell Bravada Vessi lineup of shoes Allbirds Mizzles Adidas Terrex Free Hiker low Altra lineup of shoes”) and adds “I can’t recommend Salomon for people with wide feet, even with their wide sizing.” Another points out that “Pretty much any company that does trail running shoes will have a waterproof versions.” An owner’s reply about Vessi warns: “In the beginning, sure they resisted water. But after a couple years, I guess the coating degrades or breaks down.” A Sorel owner adds: “They do make my feet sweaty so best to wear on days you really need the waterproofing.” Two points from these owners are worth keeping in mind for any pick: waterproofing can wear over time, and membranes tend to run warmer than mesh.

Detailed Reviews of the 8 Picks

On Cloud 6 Waterproof, Easy-On City Sneaker

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. RunRepeat: men’s Cloud 6 Waterproof, US 9.

RunRepeat’s lab review sums it up: “The On Cloud 6 Waterproof takes the sleek, everyday appeal of the regular Cloud 6 and equips it for rainy days.” Its testers rated the outsole grip highly and listed “Enclosed bootie upper” and “Easy on-and-off” among the pros, but also wrote: “However, considering the shoe’s premium price point, we expected more comfort and cushioning for all-day wear.” Travel + Leisure’s women’s guide tested the women’s version and reports that the shoes “kept our feet bone dry on dog walks during downpours and while hoofing it around New York City—for up to 6-mile jaunts at a time.” The two sources disagree on weight feel: Travel + Leisure calls the shoe “incredibly lightweight”, while RunRepeat weighed the men’s US 9 at 11.2 oz (318 g) per shoe and called it heavier than average.

On describes it as “Our all-day signature shoe that’s rain-ready” with “a waterproof membrane”; On does not name the membrane. On lists it at $180 and says it is “True to size”, while RunRepeat’s reader poll says it fits slightly small and its gel cast found it a few millimetres narrower inside than the non-waterproof Cloud 6. RunRepeat measured a 9.5 mm heel-to-toe drop. On sells it in men’s and women’s versions; we link the men’s.

At our check the linked men’s US 8 in Iceberg/Tin was sold and shipped by YORK OUTFITTERS LLC, a third-party seller, with only one pair left in that size.

Specs (linked: men’s US 8, Iceberg/Tin)

• Waterproofing: waterproof membrane, not named (On)
• Upper: polyester (On)
• Weight: 11.2 oz (318 g) per shoe, men’s US 9 (RunRepeat, measured); On’s figure not on the page we read
• Drop: 9.5 mm (RunRepeat, measured)
• Fit: true to size (On); slightly small (RunRepeat reader poll)
• Price tier: $$$ (live Amazon price in the table above)

Brooks Ghost 18 GTX, Cushioned Road Walker

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. RunRepeat: Ghost 18, non-waterproof.

We link the men’s Ghost 18 GTX here; the women’s version is the rainy-day road pick in our women’s waterproof shoe guide, and it earns a place in this one because Brooks pitches it at walkers as well as runners. Brooks’s Amazon listing says: “THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners and walkers seeking reliable waterproof protection with premium cushioning for wet, rainy, or unpredictable conditions.” RunRepeat tested the standard, non-waterproof Ghost 18 and concluded: “The Ghost 18 remains a reliable, everyday-ready workhorse that handles runs, walks, and daily life with the same no-fuss character fans have come to expect with every update.” It also listed “Tapered toebox may bother some feet” among the cons. That test covers the shared platform, not the waterproofing.

Brooks’s Amazon listing describes the waterproofing as “a lightweight, flexible GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane bonded directly to the upper”, with an outsole “specifically designed for enhanced grip and traction on wet surfaces” and reflective details on the eyestay and heel. Brooks’s list price was not published in what we could read (its site refused our reader), and neither was its weight or drop for the GTX.

At our check the linked men’s US 8.5 in Chateau/Black/Metallic was sold by Charm City Run, a running specialty store, not Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: men’s US 8.5, Chateau/Black/Metallic)

• Membrane: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, bonded to the upper (Brooks Amazon listing)
• Midsole: DNA LOFT v3 foam (Brooks Amazon listing)
• Outsole: designed for grip on wet surfaces (Brooks Amazon listing)
• Weight and drop: not published on a page we could read
• Price tier: $$$ (live Amazon price in the table above)

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX, Trail-Ready Walker

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Switchback Travel: men’s and women’s Moab Speed 2 GTX.

Switchback Travel names the men’s and women’s Moab Speed 2 GTX the runner-up in its waterproof hiking shoe guide: “Overall, we think the Speed 2 offers both a sturdy, planted feel and a decent amount of cushion, making it a great choice for beginner and intermediate hikers.” Switchback also notes that it “requires very little break-in time” and is “a step down in durability and support from a traditional hiker”. It is a hiking shoe, but its sneaker styling is why it is here: it suits wet towpaths, park trails and travel days that end on gravel. The women’s version is in our women’s guide; we link the men’s here.

Merrell’s claim is “GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, exceptional breathability and waterproof performance”. Merrell lists 12.87 oz (365 g) per shoe without naming the size, a 10 mm drop, a 34-24 mm stack and 4 mm lugs on a Vibram TC5+ outsole. Merrell lists it at $175.

At our check the linked men’s US 9 in Asphalt was sold by Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: men’s US 9, Asphalt)

• Membrane: GORE-TEX (Merrell)
• Upper: nylon ripstop and TPU (Merrell)
• Weight: 12.87 oz (365 g) per shoe, size not stated (Merrell)
• Drop: 10 mm; stack 34-24 mm; lugs 4 mm (Merrell)
• Outsole: Vibram TC5+ (Merrell)
• Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)

HOKA Transport GTX, All-Weather Commuter

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. RunRepeat: Transport GTX, likely men’s (RunRepeat compares its lab figures with the women’s version’s stated stack), size not stated.

RunRepeat’s lab review: “We found that the HOKA Transport GTX lives up to its name as it was able to get us from point A to point B with dry and warm feet in the ugliest of weather.” It describes the upper as a Cordura weave on top of the GORE-TEX membrane, a semi-gusseted tongue and a Vibram EcoStep Recycle EVO outsole, and named it the durability pick in its waterproof walking shoe guide. The trade-offs it lists: “A bit heavier than average”, a stiffer feel than plusher walking shoes, and a reader poll saying it “fits half size small”. RunRepeat weighed it at 11.6 oz (330 g) without naming the size. RunRepeat’s lab figures appear to be from the men’s shoe (it compares them with the women’s version’s stated stack); we link the women’s version.

The linked shoe is the first Transport GTX, the model RunRepeat tested; HOKA has since released the Transport 2 GTX; the Amazon listings we checked for it were resellers with thin stock, so it is not reviewed here. HOKA’s list price was not published in what we could read (its site refused our reader), and the brand’s Amazon listing gives no feature text beyond the materials.

At our check the linked women’s US 6 in Dune/Eggnog was sold by Voadera, a third-party seller, not Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: women’s US 6, Dune/Eggnog)

• Membrane: GORE-TEX, under a Cordura upper (RunRepeat)
• Outsole: Vibram EcoStep Recycle EVO (RunRepeat)
• Weight: 11.6 oz (330 g), tested pair (likely men’s), size not stated (RunRepeat, measured)
• Fit: runs half a size small (RunRepeat reader poll)
• Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)

HOKA Clifton 9 GTX, Walk-and-Run Road Shoe

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. RunRepeat: gender and size not stated.

Good Housekeeping names the Clifton 9 GTX the best overall pick in its waterproof walking shoe guide, for “Walkers and runners who want a cushioning shoe for sunny or rainy days”. Its hands-on notes are from the non-waterproof Clifton 9: the writer says “I personally wear the Clifton 9 sneakers nearly every day for my daily walks and short runs.” RunRepeat’s lab review covers the GTX itself and concludes: “In our view, HOKA has really nailed it with the Clifton 9 GTX, expertly waterproofing it while retaining the beloved features of the original version.” Its lab found a fully gusseted tongue and 360-degree reflectivity, and lists “May be too narrow for many” among the cons. The two sources differ on wet grip: Good Housekeeping says the extra traction “helps prevent slipping on wet surfaces”, while RunRepeat’s wet-concrete test found that “wet performance is just average”. RunRepeat also warns the toe box is sealed and may feel warm in summer.

By cutting the upper, RunRepeat found “a thick knit combined with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane”. Its lab pair weighed 9.6 oz (271 g); RunRepeat does not name the gender or size it weighed, but that figure matches the men’s weight it lists. It measured an 8.6 mm heel-to-toe drop against HOKA’s stated 5 mm, and its reader poll says the shoe fits true to size, while Good Housekeeping’s writer recommends sizing up a half size in HOKA sneakers. HOKA’s Amazon listing names a jacquard knit upper; HOKA’s list price was not published in what we could read (its site refused our reader). HOKA makes men’s and women’s versions; we link the men’s.

At our check the linked men’s US 9.5 in Oyster Mushroom/Truffle Salt was sold by Erie Distributors, a third-party seller, with only one pair left in that size.

Specs (linked: men’s US 9.5, Oyster Mushroom/Truffle Salt)

• Membrane: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit under a knit upper (RunRepeat)
• Upper: jacquard knit (HOKA Amazon listing)
• Weight: 9.6 oz (271 g), tested pair (likely men’s), size not stated (RunRepeat, measured)
• Drop: 8.6 mm (RunRepeat, measured); 5 mm (HOKA, as quoted by RunRepeat)
• Fit: true to size (RunRepeat reader poll); size up a half size (Good Housekeeping’s writer)
• Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry, Road-to-Trail Value Shoe

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Advnture: women’s Konos TRS OutDry Mid, US 6.

Advnture’s reviewer, who wore the low Konos before testing the women’s Mid at US 6, wrote: “Columbia hiking shoes have often missed the mark for me, but this spring, the Konos TRS OutDry came along and changed all that.” In the Mid review she stood in small streams and found the membrane watertight, and she sized up half a size because she thinks “these shoes run slightly small”. That full test is of the Mid, a sibling of the low shoe we link. The women’s low Konos is in our women’s guide; here we link the men’s, as the entry-tier pick for walks that drift onto gravel.

Columbia’s Amazon listing describes OutDry as “designed with an impenetrable membrane, and bonded construction that seals water out” and rates it “For moderate to heavy rain or snow”. That is the maker’s wording, not a promise for every puddle. The listing also names a Techlite+ midsole and an Adapt Trax outsole “for advanced traction in wet or slippery conditions”. Columbia’s list price and the men’s weight were not published in what we could read (its site refused our reader).

At our check the linked men’s US 11 in Black/Mountain Red was sold by Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: men’s US 11, Black/Mountain Red)

• Membrane: OutDry, bonded to the upper (Columbia Amazon listing; Advnture)
• Midsole: Techlite+ (Columbia Amazon listing)
• Outsole: Adapt Trax (Columbia Amazon listing)
• Weight and drop: not published on a page we could read
• Fit: runs slightly small (Advnture, women’s Mid)
• Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)

adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX, Budget GORE-TEX Hiker

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Advnture: Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex, men’s.

Advnture tested the Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex and wrote: “It’s all too easy, when you first glance at shoes like adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex with their distinctive three-stripe logo, to dismiss them as merely jazzed-up sports shoes.” Its verdict calls it a year-round hiking shoe that can “still look inconspicuous in a pub or on the street”. The reviewer wore it on sodden hill footpaths, stony trails and clifftop tracks and found the grip good; the cautions are that it runs warm in mid-summer, has a short lace area, and is too chunky for some. Advnture’s review dates from 2022; adidas has since added the Terrex Skychaser AX5, and the AX4 is still sold.

The adidas Amazon listing claims a “GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof, breathable performance”, an EVA midsole and a Continental rubber outsole; Advnture adds 4 mm lugs and gives 15 oz (430 g) per shoe at men’s size 11. adidas’s list price was not published in what we could read. adidas makes it for men and women; we link the men’s. The Amazon family also holds non-waterproof AX4 listings, so check that the size you choose still says Gore-Tex.

At our check the linked men’s US 7.5 in Core Black/Carbon/Grey was sold by Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: men’s US 7.5, Core Black/Carbon/Grey)

• Membrane: GORE-TEX (adidas Amazon listing)
• Midsole: EVA (adidas Amazon listing)
• Outsole: Continental rubber (adidas Amazon listing); 4 mm lugs (Advnture)
• Weight: 15 oz (430 g) per shoe, men’s size 11 (Advnture)
• Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)

Skechers GO WALK Joy Sareh Waterproof, Washable Slip-On Walker

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Good Housekeeping: Go Walk Joy, non-waterproof.

Good Housekeeping picks it as the value choice in its waterproof walking shoe guide and notes it comes in women’s sizes only, so this is the one pick here without a men’s version. Its evidence is indirect: “Amanda Constantine, a product analyst in the Textiles Lab, wore the non-waterproof version of these shoes while standing for hours at a food service job in the past.” Good Housekeeping also quotes an online reviewer who wore them in Ireland: “It rained nearly every day, and my feet stayed dry.” It adds that some Amazon reviewers had to size up half a size.

Skechers’s Amazon listing describes a “Waterproof, breathable athletic mesh upper” and does not name a membrane; it lists 5Gen cushioning, an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole, a “Flexible traction outsole”, and “Machine washable, air dry”. Skechers’s list price, weight and drop were not published in what we could read.

At our check the linked women’s US 7.5 in Mauve was sold by Amazon.com.

Specs (linked: women’s US 7.5, Mauve)

• Waterproofing: waterproof mesh upper, membrane not named (Skechers Amazon listing)
• Cushioning: 5Gen midsole, Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole (Skechers Amazon listing)
• Outsole: flexible traction outsole (Skechers Amazon listing)
• Care: machine washable, air dry (Skechers Amazon listing)
• Weight and drop: not published
• Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)

Rain, Puddles and Pavement: Choosing Your Pair

What “waterproof” means on a sneaker

Every pick here relies on a waterproof layer behind or bonded to the upper. GORE-TEX (Ghost 18 GTX, Moab Speed 2, Transport GTX, Clifton 9 GTX, Terrex AX4) is a licensed membrane; OutDry is Columbia’s own; On and Skechers do not name theirs. RunRepeat’s buying guide adds that a waterproof shoe’s tongue should be fully attached to the upper so water cannot seep through the gaps. Among the tests cited here, RunRepeat kept dry feet in “the ugliest of weather” in the Transport GTX and calls it ready for puddles, slush and snow, and Advnture stood in small streams in the Konos Mid. Three limits apply to every pick: water that comes over the collar gets in and stays in, membranes tend to run warmer than mesh, and wear on the upper can let water through over time. Pair any of them with a sock that wicks; our guide to women’s merino wool socks explains why wool helps. Picks: Brooks Ghost 18 GTX, HOKA Transport GTX, Columbia Konos TRS OutDry.

When you might skip waterproof

RunRepeat’s guide argues against waterproofing for some walkers: if “You usually walk at temperatures above 50°F (10°C) and warm shoes make your feet sweat”, a breathable shoe with good socks may serve better, and if you step into ankle-deep puddles, “Once the water seeps inside a waterproof shoe, it will keep your feet soggy all the time.” The r/travel replies make the same point about sweaty feet. For a camping or travel kit, our camping packing checklist covers the rest of the bag.

Road shoe, city sneaker or trail walker?

Road shoes with thick foam suit long walks on pavement; city sneakers suit commutes and sightseeing; low trail walkers with deeper lugs suit muddy paths and gravel. Picks for pavement: Brooks Ghost 18 GTX, HOKA Clifton 9 GTX. Picks for city and travel: On Cloud 6 Waterproof, HOKA Transport GTX, Skechers GO WALK Joy Sareh Waterproof. Picks for trails: Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX, adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX, Columbia Konos TRS OutDry. If your wet-weather walks turn into trail runs, our guide to women’s trail running shoes covers lighter, grippier options.

Sizing a waterproof shoe

A membrane takes up a little room inside. RunRepeat’s gel cast found the On Cloud 6 Waterproof narrower inside than the regular Cloud 6, RunRepeat’s readers say the Transport GTX runs half a size small, Advnture says the Konos (women’s Mid) runs slightly small, and Good Housekeeping reports some buyers sizing up in the Skechers. Try shoes on later in the day with the socks you will wear. Picks: On Cloud 6 Waterproof, HOKA Transport GTX, Columbia Konos TRS OutDry.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on where you walk. For city days and travel, the On Cloud 6 Waterproof is the pick here; RunRepeat named it the slip-on choice in its waterproof walking shoe guide. For long walks on pavement, the Brooks Ghost 18 GTX keeps a cushioned road-shoe feel. For walks that leave the pavement, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX adds lugs and a Vibram sole.

No single shoe suits every walker. RunRepeat’s waterproof walking guide named the previous Brooks Ghost 17 GTX its overall pick and the HOKA Transport GTX its durability pick; Travel + Leisure’s women’s guide named the On Cloud 6 Waterproof its overall pick; Good Housekeeping named the HOKA Clifton 9 GTX its best overall waterproof walking shoe. We link the Ghost 18 GTX, the first-generation Transport GTX (HOKA now also sells a Transport 2 GTX), the Cloud 6 Waterproof and the Clifton 9 GTX here.

A shoe with a waterproof membrane, a tongue joined to the upper, and a rubber outsole with tread. RunRepeat’s guide recommends at least half the sole covered in rubber and warns that flat soles with exposed foam slip on wet surfaces. Every pick here is sold as waterproof; all but the Skechers name or describe a membrane. For slick pavement, the makers of the Ghost 18 GTX and the Konos describe outsoles designed for wet grip.

No single brand: the guides we used put different makers on top. RunRepeat’s waterproof walking picks span Brooks, On, HOKA and Nike; Switchback Travel’s waterproof hiking shoes are led by Salomon and Merrell; Good Housekeeping’s list includes HOKA, Skechers, On, Merrell, Vessi and Brooks. Many of these brands use GORE-TEX; Columbia uses its own OutDry.

Sometimes. Testers and owners report that the Transport GTX, the Konos (Advnture, women’s Mid) and the Skechers run small, while On says the Cloud 6 Waterproof is true to size and RunRepeat’s readers say it runs slightly small. Check each review above and try them on with your usual socks.

The bottom line

Final Verdict

For one waterproof sneaker for city walking and travel, the On Cloud 6 Waterproof (check price) is our starting point. For long walks on wet pavement, the Brooks Ghost 18 GTX (check price) keeps its familiar cushioned ride, and the HOKA Clifton 9 GTX (check price), Good Housekeeping’s overall waterproof walking pick, suits people who walk and run the same roads. The HOKA Transport GTX (check price) is the sturdy commuter for slush and city rain. When the walk leaves the pavement, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX (check price) brings GORE-TEX and Vibram lugs in a sneaker-styled hiker, the adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX (check price) does the same at an entry-tier price, and the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry (check price) crosses from road to trail on a budget. For women who want a washable slip-on, the Skechers GO WALK Joy Sareh Waterproof (check price) is the entry-tier choice.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.