Best-Shoes-for-Hiking-In-Wet-Weather

5 Best Shoes for Hiking In Wet Weather in [2023]

Looking for the best shoes for hiking in wet weather? Then you are in the right place!

I love a good hike in the rain. There’s nothing quite like the smell of wet grass or trees, and I enjoy the pitter-patter sound of falling drops. But the same wetness that compels us to go on a hike also becomes the biggest hurdle. 

The wet path is most likely extremely slippery, making it hard to even stand on it, let alone hike. But that is nothing compared to the horrors of wet and soggy shoes if you go out during a mild shower or get caught in one. 

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Best Shoes for Hiking In Wet Weather

There are many accessories and specialized tools to help you fulfill your dream of hiking in the rain. But, when it comes to hiking in wet conditions, the first and foremost thing to do is pick the right shoes. 

Here I will discuss the best hiking shoes to use in wet weather and their importance.

Why You Need Good Hiking Shoes for Wet Weather

Combat the elements with ease

If you have wet, cold feet and you can’t dry your shoes until the end of your hike, it’s not a fun experience. You don’t need to hesitate when you have waterproof boots. Just jump in and splash about like a child again. It’s a lot of fun. 

There will be rain where there are puddles. No matter if it is a light drizzle or a torrential downpour, waterproof boots keep your feet comfortable and dry.

Hiking with wet shoes can cause blisters to form more quickly. Keep those feet dry! Do not let the rain stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Snowy conditions are also ideal for waterproof hiking boots.

You can go wide through ankle-deep streams

With waterproof footwear, you can cross shallow streams and bogs with confidence. You don’t have to hop from rock to rock, hoping that you won’t miss – unless you enjoy it. 

 If you wear waterproof boots, they will keep your toes dry even if submerged in water. Just make sure the water doesn’t reach the top of the boots. If that happens, you may want to bring gaiters or an alternative pair of shoes for crossing a creek.

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Breathable, waterproof boot technology is advancing

The body’s breathability is the ability to allow water vapor to escape from sweat while keeping water from outside elements out. Your boots may not be very breathable if your feet are clammy when you return from a hike.

You don’t need waterproof boots for hiking unless they also breathe. Imagine walking in rubber boots. Since rubber is naturally waterproof, you wouldn’t get your feet wet by external sources. 

No water will enter your shoes, even if you stand in a puddle all day. Rubber is not breathable, and your feet will become wet after hiking.

5 Shoes for Hiking In Wet Weather

Are you looking for shoes that can navigate wet weather easily? Do you want to keep your feet dry while traveling through rain or snow? If the answer to the above-posed questions is a big yes, then check the list below of best waterproof pair of hiking shoes:

1. Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots 

Price:$55.99 to $145.00

Dimensions15.91 x 11.61 x 5.55 inches
Weight15.6 Ounces
ManufacturerMerrell
Department Womens
Material100% Leather
SoleRubber

Are you choosing the best shoes for hiking in the water? Then waterproof Merrell shoes will be a great lightweight choice for your next adventure.

The waterproof Merrell shoes will be a great lightweight choice for your next adventure. This hiking shoe has a contoured insole that provides real arch support.

A heel air cushion and a footbed that is padded with EVA foam will help to absorb shocks so your feet are happy when walking long distances.

The Vibram soles maybe 100% waterproof, but moisture can seep through the mesh after a long hike in a wet forest.

It’s not a big deal unless you are planning to walk into a lake. This is one of the best hiking shoes of 2023 for exploring the trails or the streets.

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Pros

  • Comfortable, good arch support
  • Perfect for outdoor rainy adventures
  • The bottom grip is good.
  • High-quality materials

Cons

  • Not Very Versatile
  • After a day of rainy hiking, they take some time to dry.

2. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking

Price:$150

Dimensions 10 x 14 x 6 inches
Weight13.62 Ounces
ManufacturerSalomon
Department mens
MaterialSynthetic
WaterproofingGORE-TEX
Lacing systemFlat laces

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX shoes offer a balance between durability and weight that is unmatched. The hiking shoes are built like traditional shoes but fit like trail runners.

The X Ultras are much more nimble and require no break-in time than other shoes of their kind. These water-resistant shoes have traction that is above average, making them ideal for day hikes or backpacking on difficult terrain.

Salomon X Ultra is one of our favorite hiking shoes. It offers a combination of comfort, performance on the trail, and durability, making it ideal for all types of hikes, from day hikes to overnight adventures.

The shoe has the same fantastic combination of agility, support, and durability as its predecessor, with enough cushioning to last a full day, even when carrying a heavy pack.

Pros

  • Only a small amount of break-in is required
  • Lightweight for their durability/supportiveness
  • Excellent traction
  • Breathable
  • stable

Cons

  • Quicklace takes some getting used to

3. KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Price:$130

ManufacturerKEEN
Department mens
Material100% Fabric
UpperNubuck and textile upper
LiningKEEN.DRY waterproof membrane

Keen Targhee is a brand that has become synonymous with the best shoes for hiking in wet weather. Targhee II offers extra support around the ankle. This shoe provides up to an additional inch of ankle support compared to other low-top hiking footwear.

The Keen Targhee II also offers greater toe protection compared to other hiking shoes. Rubber outsoles wrap around and over the top and front of the shoe.

The leather shoes on this list will need more time to break in than some of the lighter models, but they will last for many miles.

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Roomy toe box
  • Secure lacing system

Cons

  • Stiff soles

4. Clorts Hiker GTX Shoe

Price:$76.99 to $115.99

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ManufacturerClorts
Weight2.35 pounds
Department mens
MaterialSuede/ Leather/ Mesh
Width OptionsRegular Medium

This is one of the most comfortable and best shoes for hiking in wet weather. Clorts Women’s Hiker GTX Shoe can be used to get deep into wet Canyons. 

This is a great pair of shoes for hiking in rivers and other bodies of fast-moving water. This footwear is guaranteed to grip even the wettest surfaces. 

This footwear is not as attractive as others, but it will keep your toes dry and healthy even in the most wild of wet weather.

The upper part is also made up of a 40 percent mesh, which allows water to flow easily through. The remaining 60 percent is made of waterproof leather. Additional support is provided by a shaft that extends from the arch to the middle.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Cushioned and comfortable
  • Grippy and great for crossover appeal.

Cons

  • Difficult to clean

5. Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot 

Price:$190.00

ManufacturerOboz
Weight1.1 Pounds
Dimensions12 x 8 x 4 inches
Department Womens
UpperNubuck full leather 

The Oboz Bridger hiking boot is durable and sturdy, providing excellent traction and ankle support. It’s perfect for hiking in wet weather or if you are returning to the trails.

You will need waterproof footwear if you’re hiking through the water during cold weather. Waterproof shoes are also required for any hike that involves a lot of water.

These shoes are great for hiking in wet weather. This type of footwear also offers better rubber protection to prevent your toes from getting jammed.

Your feet will stay dry if you wear this footwear. These hiking shoes are perfect for those who want to be completely dry and still get support.

Pros

  • Support with a well-defined arch
  • Regular EVA is used to make the midsole.
  • Adds comfort

Cons

  • Heavy and a bit stiff

Why Do We Need To Think About What Shoes To Wear For Water Hiking?

We have to take into consideration the following factors because waterfall hikes usually involve walking in water.

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  • Comfort
  • Safety
  • Cost

Comfort

We’ve seen hikes ruined by poor shoe selection or bad fit. By discomfort, we do not mean something that is superficial. We don’t just want to suck up the pain and keep going.

In fact, discomfort can lead to more serious problems, such as open wounds that are prone to infection, injuries that are debilitating, and a risk to your safety.

Safety

Safety is another important reason why choosing the right footwear to hike waterfalls is so important.

We care not only about healthy, fully-functional feet but also about balance and control when hiking.

Even on trails that we found easy to navigate, people wearing improper footwear can slip and fall.

We should take safety seriously and weigh up the costs versus benefits of buying the right shoes for our waterfall hikes.

Cost

We also consider the cost of the footwear when choosing which shoes to wear on our waterfall hikes. But we are not only talking about the price of the footwear.

Consider the long-term cost of the shoe or boot, such as how long it will last.

We also consider the costs associated with infection, injuries from broken bones, torn tendons or ligaments, and search-and-rescue due to incapacitation.

Tips for Buying Waterproof Hiking Boots

The above-mentioned shoes are perfect for anyone looking to buy waterproof hiking shoes. But there is more to the best hiking shoe than being waterproof. 

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Besides, the market is filled with fakes and false advertisements. Here are the things you need to look out for when shopping for wet weather hiking shoes:

#1-Look for truly waterproof materials

It’s important to know the difference between boots that are waterproof and water resistant. A boot that works well for a muddy hike may not work as well in a rainstorm. Your boots should be made of materials that are both waterproof and breathable, like Gore-Tex.

#2-Be Materialistic

Material is important when it comes to hiking boot material. If you choose the wrong material, your feet can become hot and uncomfortable. The right material is essential for maximum comfort on the trail.

Synthetics: These materials are usually nylon or polyester. These materials are lightweight, easy to break into, and dry quickly when wet. But they are less resistant to water.

Split-grain leather: This material, which is often made from half leather and half synthetics (or a combination of both), is very breathable. It’s not quite as water-resistant, however, as full-grain.

Hiking Shoe “Upper” Materials: The material used to make hiking shoes isn’t the most interesting topic. But the way it is constructed can provide valuable information about its performance. The material will directly affect a shoe’s durability and breathability.

#3-Traction

When choosing waterproof shoes, you need to consider the traction they provide, especially if you are likely to encounter slippery conditions like rain, ice, and slush.

#4-Grip

You must also consider the possibility of slipping or falling when choosing the best shoes to wear while hiking on water. It is important to have a good grip on your hiking shoes.

Most hiking areas that have a water feature include a slick surface. It could be the rocks that are at the bottom of a stream or the leaves that have been wet.

Even a light drizzle can make a hike that is normally stable more difficult. Make sure that your shoes are well-gripped if you do not want to slip while hiking through or in water.

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Vibram grip is usually the most common type of grip used on the bottoms of hiking shoes that are water-safe. Vibram grip is on three pairs of hiking boots and my wet weather boot. 

#5-Weight

Another thing you should consider for buying waterproof hiking boots is weight. The best hiking boots used to be heavy, slow-drying boots. Both hikers and manufacturers realized that there must be a better solution to creating a hiking shoe designed to get wet.

The best shoes to wear on the water are now made from lighter materials.

The lighter the shoe is when dry, the lighter it will be when wet. Don’t add extra weight to your hiking trip!

#6-Duration of your hiking trip

Water hiking boots are not designed for multi-day hikes with heavy packs and difficult terrain. You can still use them for short hikes, whether you’re crossing a 200m creek or exploring a canyon that takes a full day.

 The longer your water hike is, the more support you will need. You should therefore look for a product with more stability and cushioning.

#7-Give Them a Test Run

Never take your boots out of the package and go straight to the trail. Wear your boots around the house or on errands. This will help them break in. 

You’ll also get a better sense of whether they are the right hiking boots for you. If not, you can return to the shop to ask for more information or exchange your boots for another pair.

#8-Breathable 

Outside moisture is not the only thing standing between you and a good hiking experience. Sweat causes just as many problems as rain or a wet path. Putting a plastic bag over your shoes will make them waterproof, but this will also cause you to sweat a lot and get the soggy shoes that you were trying to avoid. 

So make sure that the shoes that you are looking for online are breathable in addition to being waterproof. Excessive sweat can also result in the skin of your feet getting destroyed, leaving you in a state of pain and costing you money in the form of medical bills.

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FAQ

Can water be poured inside waterproof hiking boots?

No, generally water can’t be poured inside waterproof hiking boots. For truly wet terrain, you’ll want to use hiking gaiters. In order to prevent water from leaking into your feet hours after submersion, you must seal any inner Gore-Tex membrane.

How much should hiking boots weigh?

Winter and backpacking boot styles weighed more. You want to find the perfect balance between durability and weight. The lighter boots will cause you to be less tired as they are less likely to drag your feet.

Conclusion

So, these are some best shoes for hiking in wet weather. Irrespective of whether you are moving through rivers, rain, or snow, a good set of hiking shoes or boots will keep your feet dry. They also need to have aggressive tread to prevent skipping in the mud.

Additionally, the shoes listed here also are great fashion accessories. You can wear them not only for a hike but also day to day. For more great men’s hiking gear and women’s hiking gear, click these links. I particularly like Danner hiking shoes, so I also recommend checking out the Danner collection today. I hope you find the article “Best Shoes for Hiking In Wet Weather” helpful.