One of the worst things about being caught in bad weather is to have the wrong shoes on your feet. Walking in soaked through socks or soggy shoes is one of the worst feelings. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of the best waterproof boots for men. These boots will ensure your feet stay dry even in the worst weather conditions. However, whether it’s the best men’s waterproof winter boots or the best men’s rain boots, you want to be sure that they’re not just water-resistant but waterproof. Water-resistant shoes are good for a light drizzle but will not keep water out in bad conditions.
Shoes are one of the most important accessories that can either enhance your outing or ruin it. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right shoes. If it’s the best waterproof hiking shoes for men that you’re on the lookout for or the best water shoes for men, you’ll want to make sure that they fit well.
How To Choose The Best Waterproof Boots For Men
The most important factor to keep in mind when selecting men’s winter waterproof boots or the best waterproof boots for men is where you’ll be using the boots. As with any footwear that you purchase, waterproof boots also have specific uses. You can’t wear the best waterproof hiking shoes for men to ride a horse just because they’re waterproof. You’ll need a good pair of horseback riding boots for that activity. Besides the activity that you’ll be using these boots for, there are other factors worth keeping in mind.
Weight
Some of the best waterproof boots for men may look bulky but that doesn’t mean that they’re heavy. Many of these boots are extremely lightweight which makes walking in them easier. Avid trekkers will appreciate a pair of lightweight waterproof boots on their feet as it means less strain on the legs. Midweight waterproof boots are also good for hiking but they will take up a little more space in your backpack. Mountaineers usually use heavy-weight boots as the terrain calls for something more solid on your feet. Though these boots are the least versatile of the lot, they provide the protection you’ll need. That being said, those on the lookout for the best men’s rain boots or everyday waterproof boots will do well to choose something lightweight.
Material
The material that your boots are constructed from will go a long way in enhancing the waterproofing of the shoe. While Gore-Tex provides the ultimate protection, there are other synthetic waterproof materials that do a great job too. Waterproof boots generally have a membrane that keeps water out. They’re also seam-sealed for added protection.
Traction
Waterproof boots are generally used in inclement weather so it’s but natural that the traction of these shoes should be spot on. Hiking boots usually have well-treaded outsoles to match the terrain. The best waterproof shoes for men also come with thick rubber outsoles to keep water out.
What Is The Difference Between Waterproof Boots and Water Resistant Boots?
Waterproof boots are designed for the worst weather conditions. You can submerge your foot into a puddle and know that your feet will remain dry. Beads of water generally form on the tops of waterproof shoes which is a sign that water isn’t seeping in. Alternatively, water-resistant shoes will not protect your feet from water seeping in if you walk into a puddle of water. They’re good in a light drizzle.
Should I Waterproof My Waterproof Boots?
The best waterproof boots for men have a waterproof membrane that ensures water will stay out of your shoes. It isn’t necessary to add more waterproofing to these boots. You’ll know when the waterproofing of your shoes is losing its strength. If instead of forming beads water gets absorbed into your shoes, it’s time to reinforce the waterproofing.
Lowa Mens Renegade Gore-Tex Mid Nubuck Boots
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If you’re in the market for a good pair of hiking boots, the Lowa Men’s Renegade Gore-Tex Mid Nubuck Boot is one of the best waterproof boots for men in this area. Completely waterproof, these boots do a great job of keeping water out. The seam-sealed Gore-Tex membranes not only protect your feet from water getting in but also help moisture to escape. This means your feet will stay cool if the weather changes and temperatures rise.
You can be sure your shoes will go the distance with the long-lasting Nubuck leather and Cordura nylon uppers. This material makes the boots lightweight and flexible. As for comfort, that’s there too with the breathable synthetic textile lining. The removable insole is also padded for shock absorption and cushioning. When it comes to traction the non-slip Vibram Evo Trac rubber sole provides excellent grip and traction on any terrain.
Pros:
- Seam-sealed Gore-Tex membranes
- Breathable
- Durable uppers
- Lightweight and flexible
- Vibram Evo Trac rubber sole for traction
Cons:
- Heavier than most hiking shoes
- Expensive
Kamik Men’s Forester Snow Boot
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One of the highly-rated men’s winter waterproof boots is the Kamik Men’s, Forester Snow Boot. These tall boots provide excellent protection for your feet in the snow. They’re made from a mix of rubber and nylon and can be worn in extreme weather conditions. For men looking for a great pair of waterproof boots in freezing temperatures, these boots are your answer. Designed for temperatures as low as -40 degrees, you can be sure your feet will remain warm and dry in these boots.
Apart from also ranking as one of the best men’s rain boots, these boots double up as excellent hunting boots in cold weather. The 8mm thermal guard removable liner provides the insulation that you’ll need in freezing temperatures. Since the liner is removable you can also wear these boots in the summer without them. They’re easy to slip on or take off with the adjustable nylon collar and have great traction too.
Pros:
- A mix of rubber and nylon material
- Designed for temperatures as low as -40 degrees
- 8mm thermal guard for insulation
- Inner lining can be completely removed to wear during summer
- Easy to slip on or off
Cons:
- While these boots work well in freezing climate they could cause sweating if you move around too much in them
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
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Timberland is a trusted brand for hiking shoes and sturdy workboots having been in the business since 1973. The Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Boots is a testament to how great their products are. These waterproof boots keep your feet dry in a rugged style. 100% premium waterproof leather from an LWG Silver-rated tannery and seam-sealed construction keep the elements out. Additionally, rustproof, speed lace hardware and a fully gusseted tongue enhance the waterproofing.
The oiled-leather finish is durable and breathable while keeping your feet snug and dry inside. It’s no wonder these boots sit so high on most people’s lists of the best waterproof boots for men. A lace-up vamp and rear pull-loop make these easy to put on or take off. They’re big on comfort too with the removable dual-density EVA footbed and padded collar. Incredible traction is provided by the solid rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof leather
- Solid rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs
- Fully gusseted tongue
- Lace-up vamp and rear pull-loop
- Removable dual-density EVA footbed
- Padded collar
Cons:
- The sole is not very durable
BOGS Men’s Sauvie Slip On Chukka Boot
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Men looking for a practical, no-fuss pair of waterproof boots will love the BOGS Men’s Sauvie Slip-On Chukka Boot. Highly rated on Amazon as one of the best men’s rain boots, these shoes are waterproof and easy to wear. With the 3mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation, you can be sure that your feet are warm and water will stay out.
Lasting comfort is provided by the rebound cushioning while the BioGrip slip-resistant outsole keeps you steady on slippery surfaces. Apart from these features, another plus point about these boots is the DuraFresh organic bio-technology that keeps odors out. In addition to this, the Bogs Max-Wick keeps your feet dry by wicking sweat.
Pros:
- 3mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation
- Rebound cushioning for lasting comfort
- BioGrip slip-resistant outsole
- Bogs Max-Wick takes sweat away
- DuraFresh organic bio-technology keeps odors out
Cons:
- Very low volume fit that doesn’t leave much ‘wiggle’ room
Blundstone Thermal Series
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When it comes to picking out a sturdy pair of all-purpose waterproof boots, it doesn’t get better than the Blundstone Thermal Series. Family-owned, Australian brand Blundstone has been in the boot business since 1870 and the durability of their boots is quite legendary. You can be sure a Blundstone will last you for years to come!
The reason why the Blundstone Thermal Series ranks high on our list of best waterproof boots for men is the versatility. You can wear them to the office or out in the barn and they’ll still look good. These ‘ go-anywhere, do-anything boots’ are also excellent as horseback riding boots. The 100% durable leather and Thinsulate lining provide incredible waterproofing and warmth too. That’s another reason why these boots also make incredible men’s waterproof winter boots.
As far as comfort goes, the PU midsole and removable shearling footbed ensure your feet are well taken care of. It’s easy to get these boots on or off your feet with the elastic gore panel and loops. Also, they don’t need much of a break-in period as they’re comfortable enough to wear straight out of the box.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof leather
- Durable
- Excellent traction
- PU midsole
- Easy to wear
- No break-in period required
Cons:
- We would be nitpicking if we found anything to fault about these incredible boots
Quicksilk EYUSHIJIA Men’s Waterproof Snow Boots Hiking Boot
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An affordable pair of waterproof boots that holds the tag of number one bestseller in men’s waterproof winter boots on Amazon is the Quicksilk EYUSHIJIA Men’s Snow Boots. With their soft interior and solid construction, these boots stand out as one of the best waterproof boots for men. Though these boots come with an incredibly affordable price tag there is no compromise on quality and style. They look great and perform pretty well too.
The upper is fashioned from faux leather and stitched securely to keep water out. These boots have a wide fit so they may not be an ideal fit for men with narrow feet. The fur lining ensures your feet stay warm when the temperatures drop. Also, a padded collar enhances the comfort of wearing these shoes.
Pros:
- Affordable and good value for money
- Soft interior and solid construction
- Fur lining
- Padded collar
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- A thicker insole would be great for better cushioning
- The warmth is insufficient for extremely cold weather
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Snow Boot
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The Columbia brand has some incredible waterproof boots to suit various outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking in rugged terrain, trudging through snow, or hunting, you’ll find a boot from the brand to suit you. One of their best men’s winter waterproof boots is the Bugaboot III Snow Boot. These boots are ideal for temperatures as low as -32 degrees Celcius and for heavy snow days. However, if you plan to wear them in the rain, these definitely won’t cut it as the best men’s rain boots.
That being said, the boots are still quite outstanding. Providing you ultimate heat management, the thermal reflective lining on these shoes is pretty impressive. The dot patterned inner lining is designed to retain and regulate heat. An injection-molded shell and 200g insulation ensure your feet will stay warm. With the seam-sealed waterproof shell, you can be sure that water will stay out.
The lace-up support on these full-height snow boots makes them ideal for rocky terrain or climbing. Your ankles are also well supported and protected with these on your feet. A nonmarking outsole with OmniGrip technology will keep you sure-footed on any slippery surface. These boots provide excellent comfort too with the cushioning from the lightweight TECH LITE midsole.
Pros:
- Combination of leather, nylon webbing, and metal hardware to enhance waterproofing
- Seam-sealed shell
- Omni-Heat technology
- Good ankle support
- Comfortable lightweight midsole
- Superior traction
Cons:
- Sizing tends to be an issue
Bogs Men’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain Boot
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Another great pair of waterproof rain boots from Bogs is their Men’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain Boot. These shoes definitely stand out as one of the best men’s rain boots. Unlike the slip-on Chukka boot, these tall boots are excellent in the winter too. They come with a four-way stretch inner bootie that provides good insulation. You can comfortably wear these in sub-zero conditions when temperatures plummet to -40 degrees.
The waterproofing on these boots is top-notch due to the combination of neoprene and rubber on the outer material. If the fit of these boots is an area of concern, don’t worry. The contour fit provides maximum support and movement. Combined with the non-slip marking and self-cleaning outsole, these boots sure do pack a punch.
Pros:
- Designed for sub-zero conditions
- Excellent waterproofing
- Neoprene and rubber material
- Contour fit for maximum support
- Non-slip marking and self-cleaning outsole
Cons:
- As with most boots, the sizing on these could be a problem
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
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Any listing of the best waterproof boots for men would be incomplete without the addition of at least one pair of shoes from the KEEN brand. Whether you’re looking for the best water shoes for men or the best waterproof shoes for hiking it’s worth checking out a pair from this brand. The KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is an excellent pair of waterproof boots for the outdoors.
It features a waterproof, breathable membrane that helps keep your feet dry throughout the day. While no water can get into the boot, the moisture from your feet will not remain inside either. The boots have a low profile upper that provides a secure fit and comfort. Other than this, they have excellent arch and ankle support. The External Support Shank ensures your ankles are well supported while the rubber outsole is tops for all kinds of terrain.
Pros:
- 100% Waterproof Nubuck leather
- Waterproof, breathable membrane
- All-terrain rubber outsole
- Ankle and arch support
- Secure fit and comfort
Cons:
- The waterproofing could be better
- Not very durable
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
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Rated as the number one bestseller on Amazon for men’s hiking boots, the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Boot lives up to the hype. It scores big on all fronts; be it looks, comfort, durability, and of course protection. Fashioned from a combination of waterproof full-grain leather and mesh, these durable boots have a versatile style. While they work well as hiking boots, you can also use them as daily wear.
The boots feature a lightweight, durable midsole for long-lasting comfort. They also have superior cushioning and high energy return. What makes these a great pair of waterproof boots is the waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction. It also has a durable mesh tongue for breathability.
As far as traction goes, these boots feature the OmniGrip outsole. A dual-zone winter tread pattern makes these boots ideal for use on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow. It’s no wonder they also stand out as one of the best men’s winter waterproof boots. The boots are available in a good range of color combinations for both men and women. Given their outstanding features, they also rank high on our list of best waterproof boots for women.
Pros:
- Comfortable and durable
- Superior cushioning
- OmniGrip outsole
- Waterproof full-grain leather
- Wide range of color combinations
Cons:
- Not very breathable
Sperry Men’s Avenue Duck Boot
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It’s hard to rival Sperry’s Men’s Venue Duck Boot when it comes to the best men’s rain boots. The Sperry brand has been in the waterproof shoe business since 1935 and was the pioneer in boat shoes. The reason why their duck boots do so well is that they’re not just functional but are stylish too.
The top part of the boot is fashioned from 100% leather while the bottom half has rubber. The seam-sealed waterproof construction ensures your feet stay dry. In addition to this, the fully lined shaft and full-length memory foam footbed keep your feet warm. The insides have thermal linings ideal for winter. However, the boots are not regular men’s winter waterproof boots so if you’re looking for extra warmth, these boots may not fit the bill. Another great feature of these shoes is that they’re extremely lightweight.
Pros:
- Good range of color combinations in matt or shiny finish
- Seam-sealed waterproof construction
- Fully lined shaft with thermal lining for warmth
- Memory foam footbed
Cons:
- Not ideal for freezing conditions
Nortiv 8
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Perfect for both the outdoors and indoors, the Nortiv 8 is an excellent boot for snow and rain. It ranks high on our list of best waterproof boots for men because of its impressive features. The boots have a three warming system which pushes them right up the rankings of men’s winter waterproof boots.
A removable warm cushion insole provides great comfort and support. Added to this, you’ll find a 200g high-quality 3M Thinsulate cotton for insulation. This combined with the insulated lining is ideal for when temperatures drop to as low as -25F.
Another outstanding feature of these boots is the slick rubber outsole which makes them more stable on various terrain. The outsole is both slip and abrasion-resistant. These may not be the best men’s rain boots but they do a great job of protecting your feet from the elements.
Pros:
- Three warming system
- Can be worn in low temperatures as low as -25 degrees F
- Slip and abrasion-resistant outsole
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Takes a few days to break in
The North Face Men’s Chilkat IV
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An ultra-warm winter boot that scores big on comfort is The North Face Men’s Chilkat IV Boot. The improved fit of these boots keeps your feet snug as it retains the reliable Heatseeker warmth that defines the Chilkat family. You’ll have increased flexibility too with the streamlined, molded rubber shell.
A waterproof leather upper keeps your feet dry in snow and rain. It’s also compatible with a snowshoe or gaiter if you need extra protection. Your feet will also be extremely comfortable with the compression-molded EVA midsole that cushions the foot. These are another pair of great winter boots with the 200g Heatseeker insulation and molded footbed.
The temperature-sensitive rubber lugs provide excellent traction. These durable TNG Winter Grip rubber outsoles keep you firmly on your feet even in the worst weather. With The Northface brand you know you’re getting a reliable pair of outdoor boots. They come with a warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship.
Pros:
- Waterproof leather upper
- Extremely comfortable
- 200g Heatseeker Insulation
- Molded footbed
- Warranty to the original owner
Cons:
- Sizing is a problem
