We’re in that season when you don’t know what weather you’re going to get when you step outside the door — it could be a light bright day in the morning, then turn into an outright downpour by the afternoon. While rain boots are practical, they can also be quite uncomfortable and not always appropriate for every occasion.
For the days when rain is in the forecast or you just “have a feeling” it is going to rain, we talked to our editors about what shoes they recommend that are, of course, 100% waterproof. Read on below to discover everything from comfortable summer sandals, walking, hiking and winter boot styles that will keep your feet dry.
What to look for in waterproof footwear
We test a ton of footwear at Shop TODAY, so we have had many conversations with footwear experts about how to find the right option for you. We previously spoke with Carla Lopez, who is a footwear designer, about how to find the best winter boots. She recommends that those who want a stylish leather boot look for a shoe with waterproof synthetic leather, so you don't have to deal with waterproofing normal leather.
We also previously spoke with footwear designer Damien Lee about what material to look for in waterproof options. He says to look for options with Gore-Tex, "This is a tried and tested material that makes the boots both waterproof and breathable."
When it comes to hiking shoes, mountain performance coach Jason Antin says, “The only circumstances you’re going to need a hiking boot is if you need warmth for your feet, you need them to be waterproof and the last component is that it needs to be compatible with some sort of traction."
The best waterproof sneakers and flats
For those who like to adventure off the beaten path, try out these hiking sneakers that offer waterproof protection from the elements. The shoe has a bungee lacing system to keep your foot secure and a traction bottom that reviewers liked for its 'non-slip abilities."
When you think of Crocs, you usually think of shoes with holes in them, but this pair is different; they are a completely solid flat that doesn't let water inside. Many reviewers loved these flats for their chicness and for rainy days.
Another great option for outdoor adventures is this pair of waterproof hiking boots that offer a lot of traction and sturdiness, according to reviewers. One reviewer said they "wore them on the Cinque Terra trails in Italy and (they) did a wonderful job on steep rocky terrain."
If you are traveling and doing a lot of walking, but don't want to walk around in clunky rain boots, these sneakers are a great option. They go with pretty much everything and are 100% waterproof — plus they have Sorel's livelyfoam footbed for added comfort when walking.
Duck boots or bean boots were originally popular in the early 2000s for their preppy style and look, and they have recently come back into style for their look as well as their ability to keep your feet dry. I [Shigo] have these and recently wore them during a torrential downpour rainstorm that left the subways flooded and my feet never got wet. Needless to say, these work!
This sneaker won a 2025 Shop TODAY Travel Award for best hiking sneaker. Former photo editor, Vivian Le, tried them on her trip to Ireland in the mountains on rainy terrain and said, "As advertised, they were also waterproof and great for walking through the many puddles of water along the hiking trails I encountered. Overall, they were a great shoe to take on a trip with varying landscapes."
If you're a runner, you're going to want to try these sneakers from On. Shop TODAY editor and producer Julie Ricevito calls these her favorite pair of sneakers for running. “They’re super supportive, cushioned and have the perfect amount of bounce to them," she says.
Arc'teryx is a brand known for braving the rain and keeping you dry. Their rain jacket shells have been popular for years for everyone from elite athletes to city people. This pair of shoes is made for heavy-duty trekking with rough terrain, so you can feel supported with both dry feet and a sturdy shoe.
These sandals won our 2026 Travel Award for best waterproof sandal. Shop TODAY Editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson, put them to the test and said, “I’ve had these shoes for over a year, but this was the first time I’ve really submerged my feet in water with them on. They were already one of my favorite summer shoes because they’re cute and comfortable but now, I’ve learned they’re also great at what they’re designed for – the water! I wore these in the ocean when the waters were particularly rough and felt strong in my footing out there. They were also very easy to clean off with water to get rid of all the excess sand. And once they dried, I wore them the next day to walk around for more than an hour, and my feet were comfortable the whole time. These are worth every penny.”
Bombas have become some of the most popular waterproof sandals on the market. The soles are designed with honeycomb-shaped treads that allow for walking through all kinds of weather. The EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) makes for an easy wipe-down when finished.
Waterproof flats are perfect for those warm, rainy days. These colorful Vessi flats eliminate the bulkiness that sneakers or boots may have, while also keeping your feet dry and fun for summer.
Commbi The Atlas Clog
Editor Vivien Moon has just gotten this pair of clogs recently and has continued to rave about how comfortable and versatile they are. “I wore them during an unexpected storm while walking my dog and was so glad that I was wearing these because it meant I didn’t need to do a deep clean of my shoes or have to worry about them drying poorly. I also love that I can change out the footbed to give them the look I want.”
The best waterproof boots
This pair of boots looks like a classic Chelsea boot, but they are insulated and waterproof. They are made with 100% waterproof natural rubber and have a faux fur lining to keep your feet toasty. The rubber outsole makes them easy to clean off when you get home with a quick swipe of a towel or simply run them under the sink.
When I asked the team what waterproof shoes they love, one of the first answers I heard was Sperry’s Torrent boot from former editor Rebecca Brown. I also own these boots, and I’m always grabbing them when it is cold out. These are great for the colder months when it can be rainy and wet, they keep your feet cozy and dry. They have double gore, so no water is getting inside and they’re easy to slip off.
For those days that are full of a wintry mix, go for these Sorel boots that have an added 200 grams of insulation and are lined in warm microfleece for extra warmth. Many reviewers applaud the shoes for their comfort and arch support. Lopez likes these boots for their comfort and durability.
Editorial director Adrianna Brach recommends these boots for those rainy and cold days. “They’re not ‘rain boots,’ but they’re waterproof. You get a stylish Chelsea style that’s built for rain and snow. They’re so comfortable and I can wear thick socks with them too,” she adds.
Former Shop TODAY production coordinator, Camryn Privette, swears by these Danner boots for their comfort. “They’ve gone on hikes, beach walks, city errands and everything in between. They took little to no time to break in and the footbed is comfortable for long days on my feet. Plus, they’re lined with Gore-Tex, which makes me feel like they’re unstoppable and I can wear them in any climate,” she says.
An Oprah's Favorite Things recent pick is this pair of puffy boots from the list. They are waterproof and have the option to add a sleeve to make them knee-high boots. Oprah described them as "walking on clouds." The platform helps keep you out of the puddles, too, on rainy days.
I have been wearing Blundstones for years and love how great they are for cold weather, so when I saw they made a waterproof pair, I knew I had to add them to my list. The leather is waterproof and they added a sheepskin footbed so that your feet stay dry and warm.
How we choose
The Shop TODAY team looked through popular waterproof footwear options and spoke with our editorial team to hear about what shoes they recommend for inclement weather. We also rounded up options based on our past award winners and trending events like Oprah's Favorite Things 2025.
Meet the Experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Carla Lopez is a footwear designer and business development consultant based in California.
- Damion Le Cappelain is a footwear and accessory designer based in San Francisco.
- Jason Antin is a Colorado-based trainer and certified coach specializing in mountaineering and the co-founder of Beat Monday.
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