Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel, Waterproof shoes are essential for travelers facing rainy cities, muddy trails, or unpredictable weather, ensuring dry, comfortable feet during urban exploration or outdoor adventures. Our top five picks for 2025—Kizik Unisex-Adult Lima Hands, New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX, Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX, Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Boots, and On Cloud 5 Waterproof—excel in waterproofing, comfort, and versatility.
Key factors include waterproofing (Gore-Tex, Dyma-tex), comfort (cushioning, arch support), weight (≤1 lb per shoe), traction (Vibram, rubber outsoles), and price ($79–$250). These selections suit city tourists, backpackers, and adventurers navigating European cobblestones or Iceland’s trails.
Also Read: Best Luggage for European Travel
Why Choose Waterproof Shoes for Travel?
Benefits of Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Waterproof shoes keep feet dry in rain, puddles, or slush, preventing blisters and discomfort, per Dr. Suzanne Levine (Travel + Leisure). They’re ideal for city sightseeing in wet weather, light hikes, or multi-climate trips like Europe’s rainy streets or Iceland’s rugged trails. Features like breathable Gore-Tex or Dyma-tex membranes, lightweight designs, and grippy soles ensure safety on slick surfaces, per National Geographic. Their versatility—stylish for urban settings, durable for trails, and packable for carry-ons—makes them a travel essential.
Top 5 Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Below are five shoes compared for waterproofing, comfort, weight, traction, price, and suitability for travel scenarios.
1. Kizik Unisex-Adult Lima Hands – Best Overall
- Hands Free Slip On Sneakers: Effortlessly step into Kizik’s mens & womens walking shoes thanks to the patented Internal …
- All-Day Comfort & Support: With the Rabbit Foam cushion sole and a roomy toe box, these Kizik shoes for men and women of…
- Premium Materials: These Kizik sneakers are crafted with a breathable 4-way stretch knit upper and a soft, washable inso…
- Features: Unisex slip-on sneaker, Dyma-tex knit upper, 8 oz, moderate cushioning, rubber outsole, 100% waterproo.
- Pros: Lightweight, breathable, stylish for cities, easy slip-on for airports, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cons: Narrow fit, less ideal for wide feet.
- Best For: Urban travelers and casual sightseeing in rain.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX – Best for Comfort
- Fresh Foam midsole foam cushioning with approximately 3% bio-based content is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-c…
- Synthetic material
- GORE-TEX waterproof fabric protects feet from wind, rain and water without sacrificing breathability
- Features: Running shoe, Gore-Tex upper, 7 oz (women), 9 oz (men), foam midsole, grippy rubber outsole.
- Pros: Lightweight, supportive cushioning, excellent waterproofing, wide sizes available, per Verywell Fit.
- Cons: Less stylish for formal settings.
- Best For: Long walks in wet cities or light hikes.
3. Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX – Best for Hiking
- Hoka
- Unisex Shoes
- Hiking Shoes
- Features: Low-top hiker, Gore-Tex upper, 14 oz, Vibram Megagrip outsole, cushioned midsole.
- Pros: Exceptional grip, breathable waterproofing, wide toe box for comfort, per National Geographic.
- Cons: Heavier, higher price.
- Best For: Travelers mixing city and trail adventures.
4. Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Boots – Best for Cold Weather
- All-Weather Performance: The Blundstone 2241 Men’s All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots feature premium waterproof leather …
- Exceptional Warmth: Stay cozy with Thinsulate and leather lining that trap body heat while allowing moisture to escape, …
- Unmatched Comfort: Enjoy all-day support with a contoured footbed and XRD Technology in the heel, delivering outstanding…
- Features: Chelsea boot, waterproof leather, 1 lb, Vibram sole, Thinsulate lining, sheepskin footbed.
- Pros: Warm, durable, versatile for city or countryside, easy slip-on, per National Geographic.
- Cons: Less breathable, mid-calf height limits packing.
- Best For: Winter travel in rainy or snowy destinations.
5. On Cloud 5 Waterproof – Best for Style
- Fabric: Performance mesh
- CloudTec rubber sole
- Wind and waterproof, Reflective detailing, Designed for everyday wear
- Features: Sneaker, waterproof membrane, 6.9 oz, CloudTec cushioning, rubber outsole.
- Pros: Ultra-light, stylish, packable, good traction, per Forbes.
- Cons: Stiffer fit, not ideal for snowy conditions.
- Best For: Fashion-conscious travelers in rainy cities.
How We Chose the Best Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Criteria for Selecting Top Waterproof Shoes
We evaluated shoes based on:
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex, Dyma-tex, or sealed seams, tested in wet conditions, per Verywell Fit.
- Comfort: Cushioning, arch support, and minimal break-in time, per Pack Hacker.
- Weight: Lightweight (≤1 lb per shoe) for packing and all-day wear.
- Traction: Vibram or rubber outsoles for slick surfaces, per National Geographic.
- Performance: User feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/TravelHacks), and reviews (Travel + Leisure, Forbes).
Comparison Table of Waterproof Shoes for Travel
| Model | Price | Type | Weight | Waterproofing | Traction | Best Use |
| Kizik Unisex-Adult Lima Hands | ~$$$ | Slip-On Sneaker | 8 oz | Dyma-tex | Rubber | Urban Sightseeing |
| New Balance Arishi v4 GTX | ~$$$ | Running Shoe | 7–9 oz | Gore-Tex | Rubber | Long Walks/Light Hikes |
| Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX | ~$$$ | Low-Top Hiker | 14 oz | Gore-Tex | Vibram Megagrip | City & Trail Adventures |
| Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal | ~$$$ | Chelsea Boot | 1 lb | Waterproof Leather | Vibram | Winter Travel |
| On Cloud 5 Waterproof | ~$$$ | Sneaker | 6.9 oz | Waterproof Membrane | Rubber | Stylish City Travel |
Benefits of Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Why Invest in Waterproof Shoes for Travel?
Waterproof shoes prevent blisters and infections by keeping feet dry, reduce slips with grippy soles, and offer versatility for urban and outdoor settings, per Travel + Leisure. They’re lightweight for easy packing, breathable to avoid sweat, and durable for cobblestones or trails. Priced from $79–$250, they provide budget to premium options with long-lasting materials.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
What Travelers Say About These Waterproof Shoes
- Kizik Unisex-Adult Lima Hands: Amazon (4.6/5, 2,500+ reviews) loves style and waterproofing, narrow fit noted (Reddit r/TravelHacks).
- New Balance Arishi v4 GTX: Amazon (4.7/5, 3,000+ reviews) praised for comfort, less stylish (X posts).
- Hoka Kaha 2 GTX: Amazon (4.5/5, 1,800+ reviews) great for trails, heavier weight mentioned (Reddit).
- Blundstone Thermal Boots: Amazon (4.8/5, 4,000+ reviews) durable and warm, less breathable (X posts).
- On Cloud 5 Waterproof: Amazon (4.6/5, 2,200+ reviews) stylish, stiff fit criticized (Forbes).
Concerns include fit, breathability, and weight.
Tips for Using Waterproof Shoes for Travel
Maximize Your Waterproof Shoes Performance
- Usage: Break in shoes before travel, wear moisture-wicking socks for breathability, clean mud from soles, per Pack Hacker.
- Setup: Apply water-repellent spray for extra protection, pack in waterproof shoe bags (e.g., Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags), check airline size limits, per National Geographic.
- Maintenance: Air dry after wet use, clean with a damp cloth, store in cool, dry places.
Conclusion
Choose the Best Waterproof Shoes for Your Travel Needs
Our 2025 picks cater to diverse travel needs: Kizik Unisex-Adult Lima Hands for urban exploration, New Balance Arishi v4 GTX for comfort, Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX for hiking, Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Boots for cold weather, and On Cloud 5 Waterproof for style. Match your shoes to your trip—city, trails, or winter travel. Shop now on Amazon, Vessi, or Hoka for dry, comfortable adventures in 2025!
