<p>After selecting boots that are marketed as waterproof, our testers didn’t just subject each pair to a little rain. They checked for breathability, support, <a href=” target=”_blank”>comfortable insoles</a>, and how deep they could be submerged without letting water in. Different activities require different features from boots so we tried to provide options for every situation where your shoes may be getting wet. Whether you’re commuting to work in the rain, hiking a puddle laden trail, spending all day fishing with your buddies, don’t let soggy shoes ruin your day. </p><h2>What to Consider</h2><h3>Material</h3><p>The tradeoff that you have to keep in mind when selecting a material waterproof boots is breathability. Rubber is the only 100% waterproof material, but it is also the least breathable. That means while it keeps water out, rubber also locks sweat and body heat in. If you’re selecting a rubber rain boot, look for some type of ventilation like ankle gussets—the flexible panels found on <a href=” target=”_blank”>Chelsea boots</a>—or mesh panels. </p><p>To get more breathability from a waterproof boot, look for other materials like nylon and leather that have been treated to keep moisture out. If you’re dealing with situations where you’re going to sweat, or if you plan on wearing boots all day long, you will need a higher degree of breathability. The big tradeoff here is that most waterproof treatments degrade with time and will eventually need to be reapplied.</p><h3>Welt</h3><p>A welt is how the upper part of a shoe is attached to the sole. This is the most vulnerable area to moisture creeping in. Here are the types of welts to look for in descending order of effectiveness.</p><ul><li><strong>Injection Molded</strong>: When the entire body of the shoe is one solid piece of material, meaning that there is no welt. No welt means it is impossible for water to get in.</li><li><strong>Cemented:</strong> Most waterproof boots have cemented welts, which means the upper is glued to the sole. As long as the adhesive is strong enough, this creates a watertight seal that is effective even when fully submerged.</li><li><strong>Stitched Welt:</strong> Most leather shoes have a stitched welt. There are different varieties, but the only two that can be waterproof are Goodyear welts and storm welts. However, even these aren’t perfect, as it is very challenging to make a leather boot truly waterproof. </li></ul><h3>Seams and Closure</h3><p>The guideline is that the fewer seams a boot has, the more likely it is to be waterproof. Leather boots and <a href=” target=”_blank”>hiking boots</a> that have several seams are only waterproof if the entire shoe has been treated in some way to create a moisture barrier. </p><p>Boots with not closure are the most waterproof, meaning that you slip your foot right in. Elastic gussets on the ankles are helpful for comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Just make sure that the seams along the gussets are watertight. If the boot has a lace-up closure, check how high up the boot the tongue is attached to the upper. The space between the tongue and the upper is one of the most vulnerable spots to letting water in. </p><h2>How We Selected</h2><p>To find the best waterproof boots for men, <em>Men’s Health</em> writers and editors looked for boots that were marketed as waterproof and put that claim to the test. They tested them to see how well they kept our rain and splashing. and how deeply they could be submerged. With the boots that performed the best with keeping water out, they then looked how much support and cushioning was provided, as well as how breathable the boots were. It was important to cover every type of activity where moisture is a problem with the best footwear option. </p><p>Along with comfort and water resistance, style was the most important factor in testing. Every boot was worn with multiple outfits to see how functional it was for everyday wear, along with its intended use. After all, even the most water resistant boot isn’t helpful if you don’t want to be seen wearing it. </p>”/>
Hunter landed the top spot on our list because it was the only waterproof boot we tested that checked every box. It kept our feet dry in heavy rain and after being submerged up to the gusset. A supportive footbed, flexible ankle, and overall light weight kept our feet comfortable all day—more on that shortly. Best of all, the Original Chelsea is stylish enough to rock even when it is bone dry outside.
We tested this boot for warm and cold weather wear, and it is truly a year-round option. The large gusset panels provided plenty of air flow, and when paired with a cotton sock to regulate sweat, it worked great in warm summer rain. For colder fall temperatures, we just swapped in a heavy winter boot sock.
The best part about this Hunter boot is the overall ease of use. It slips right on, thanks to the flexible ankle gussets. Any mud or smudges wipe right off with a wet rag. Styling it was very easy because it looks great with jeans, chinos, or dark dress slacks. Our favorite looks were with jeans and a flannel button down, and business casual with dark chinos and a thin navy wool crewneck sweater.
Read more: Best Winter Boots for Men
| Material | Rubber |
|---|---|
| Welt | Cemented |
| Closure | Gusseted slip-on |
Best High Ankle Boot
SeaVees Marshall Boot
In terms of overall waterproofing, the Marshall boot from Seavees came in second place in our testing. It is constructed entirely of rubber, with several panels on the upper and a single piece sole being securely glued together. The key feature is that the tongue is attached to the upper at the third eyelet from the top, which sits seven inches off the ground. We stepped into the equivalent of a six inch deep puddle and our socks stayed dry.
Two internal features also made this one of the top selections for us. First is the polyester fleece lining, which provides a soft feel for your feet and a bit of insulation, without retaining any moisture. The other is the foam footbed, which is comfortable and removable for easy drying in the event that it does get wet. Last but not least, it is one of the most stylish boots we tested, pairing really well with both jeans and chinos.
| Material | Rubber |
|---|---|
| Welt | Cemented |
| Closure | Lace-up |
Best Traction
Bogs Arcata Urban Chelsea
Bogs won two categories in our testing, with the Arcata Urban Chelsea boasting the warmest insulation and hands down the best traction. Making this the best waterproof boot for cold and snowy conditions. It also held up the best in the mud, thanks to really deep treads on the outsole. The solid rubber upper and neoprene lining and gusset were pretty much watertight as well. Breathability was the only shortcoming for this boot, with sweat building up after a long wear.
For a boot that is so rugged and functional, it has a sleek and stylish look. Our style editors like the Chelsea boot design for anything from off-hours to business casual looks. You can wear this to the office in troublesome weather and keep them on all day.
| Material | Rubber and Neoprene |
|---|---|
| Welt | Cemented |
| Closure | Gusseted slip-on |
Longest Lasting
L.L.Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 8″
The Bean Boot, or Maine Hunting Boot as it was originally known, comes steeped in legend. Chances are you’ve seen this boot around and if you’re wondering about if it lives up to the hype, we can assure you that it does. By combining a rubber bottom and leather ankle, L.L. Bean provides the best of both materials. The rubber bottom was completely watertight up to the triple stitched leather upper. With the tongue being attached to the upper at the third eyelet from the top, it provided ample protection from rain and puddles. Having a leather upper increases breathability and ankle support, compared to a fully rubber boot.
The top feature of this boot is longevity because the Maine outfitter will resole and repair it for you at the same factory where it is made. The “duck boot” look is very distinctive, and most people either love it or hate it. Our style editors are fans, especially during the fall. So if you like the classic New England look, this is one the top waterproof boots out there for comfort and durability.
| Material | Leather and rubber |
|---|---|
| Welt | Triple stitched |
| Closure | Lace-up |
Best for Boating
Xtratuf Vintage 6in Ankle Deck Boot
If keeping your feet dry and steady is the top priority, then the Ankle Deck Boot is the way to go. Xtratuf makes the most waterproof boot we tested out, and it was among the most comfortable, but it lost some points for breathability and style. We submerged the boot up to the gusset without any water getting in, while the neoprene lining—the same stuff wetsuits are made out of—hugged around our ankle to keep our feet nice and dry.
As effective as the neoprene lining is at staying dry, it is just as good at locking in body heat and sweat, so that was the big trade off. We recommend wearing a thick cotton sock to help soak up that sweat. From a styling perspective, the Vintage model has a sneaker-like appearance that our style editors like more for everyday wear than the standard Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot. It pairs well with jeans, but works best for sporting and boating activities.
| Material | Rubber and Neoprene |
|---|---|
| Welt | Cemented |
| Closure | Pull-on |
Best for Hiking and Camping
Merrell Speed Solo Mid Hiking Boot
Pros
- Flexible and breathable upper
- Speed hook lacing
- Light-but-strong Vibram outsole
Cons
- Upper absorbs water when submerged
Waterproof boots are crucial for hiking and camping in rainy and wet conditions. The problem is that rubber rain boots don’t provide enough support or breathability for those activities. Merrell built a waterproof boot from multiple water resistant materials that provide several layers of protection. It handled rain and puddle splashes really well, but took on water when fully submerged above the outsole.
When on the move in wet conditions, the Speed Solo Mid provided strong ankle and arch support, along with firm traction. It was light enough to not weigh our feet down, and allowed for plenty of ventilation. Whether you’re in the city or the woods, this is a great boot for rainy days, just steer clear of streams and deep puddles.
Read more: Best Snow Boots for Men
| Material | Leather and nylon |
|---|---|
| Welt | Cemented |
| Closure | Lace |
Best Leather Boot
Thursday President Rugged & Resilient
Pros
- Can be a go-to, every day boot
- Waxed leather creates a water resistant barrier
- Goodyear welt is water resistant
Cons
- Not fully waterproof, especially when submerged
We have to state up front that it is virtually impossible to make leather footwear fully waterproof. However, Thursday did the best job of any brand we tested to make an affordable, water resistant dress boot. The two most important areas to protect are the seams and the welt. Thursday used a Goodyear welt, which creates a strong bond between the upper and sole. To cover up the seams, there is a waxy finish that works the same way as waxed canvas, causing water to bead up and roll off.
This is a stylish leather plain toe boot that can handle anything from jeans and a flannel, to a suit and tie. If you’re heading out in the rain, this boot will keep your feet dry, even in heavy downpour. The weaknesses show up when it gets submerged, so try to avoid puddles.
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Welt | Goodyear stitch |
| Closure | Lace-up |
Can Rubber Boots Be Re-Soled?
Almost all rubber boots are either one solid piece or cemented together, which means that they cannot be resoled. Too much damage is caused to the structure of rubber shoes when the original outsole is pulled off. It is pretty much impossible to create the same watertight seal when attempting to attach a new sole. This means that, unlike leather boots with stitched outsoles, the lifespan of rubber waterproof boots is limited to how long the outsole holds up.
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