When relentless rains strike or temperatures drop below freezing, waterproof hiking shoes play a crucial role in keeping your feet warm and dry.
Women’s waterproof hiking boots and shoes and boots have a waterproof liner below the outermost layer, keeping your feet dry from the inside out. These layers have microporous tears that allow internal vapor to evaporate through the holes without letting external moisture in, which is why they’re advertised as “waterproof-breathable”. Waterproof membranes work best when the outside temperature is colder than the temperature inside your shoes, so they’re primarily used in colder climates and don’t have much place in three-season adventures.
There are a variety of waterproof membranes on the market with slight differences in the constructions and benefits. GORE-TEX (or GTX) is the biggest name brand and is known for durability and breathability. A few brands have their own proprietary waterproofing as well, including DannerDry, KEEN.Dry, and The North Face’s FutureLight.
If you have a preferred women’s hiking shoe but find yourself in need of something with a little more waterproofing, you may be in luck. Many brands make waterproof versions of their most popular shoes by adding a waterproof membrane beneath the outer layer.
I’ve spent the past eight years hiking 7,000 miles on long-distance trails through rain, snow, and water and I’ve learned the difference between water-resistant and truly waterproof shoes. Read on for my top picks and everything else you need to know about women’s waterproof hiking boots and shoes.
Benefits of waterproof vs. water-resistant hiking footwear
Though GORE-TEX and leather are often described as “waterproof,” they’re technically only “water-resistant” and will eventually wet out over time. These materials are designed to breathe, though, which is key for active endeavors.
Truly waterproof shoes are made of rubber or vinyl, do not breathe at all, and are generally more durable than water-resistant boots. You won’t see these types of shoes advertised for hiking, though (think Xtratufs and Muck Boots), so for this article I’ll stick to the hiking industry’s terminology and refer to hiking shoes with membranes as “waterproof.”
Key features to look for in waterproof hiking boots and shoes
The upper and internal membranes dictate the waterproofing and breathability of a shoe. Leather uppers are naturally water-resistant, but water can soak through over time and they need to be treated with a waterproofing product occasionally. Synthetic waterproof boots feature a thin, waterproof membrane beneath the outer layer to block water and sometimes a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish as well. These do not need as much care as leather but may still need to be treated with a DWR spray eventually.
Waterproof boots should also come with a grippy outsole that’s designed for wet terrain. Vibram Megagrip is known to provide unparalleled traction and durability in wet terrain, but many brands have proprietary soles. Be sure to look for a rubber outsole and lugs that are made for high traction when choosing a waterproof hiking boot.
If you're hiking in warm climates where water crossings and rain are likely, I suggest trying a pair of women's hiking sandals, rather than closed toe shoes or boots.
How to care for and maintain waterproof hiking footwear
Nothing stays waterproof forever, which is why there are a number of products to care for your waterproof hiking shoes and waterproof running shoes. Before applying any products, though, make sure your boots are as clean as they can get by using either a rag or a stiff brush and soaking them in water to remove any debris. The internet is mixed on whether you should apply product when they’re wet or dry, so find out if there are any recommendations for your specific product.
For leather boots, apply small dollops of leather cream like Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather around the upper. Work it into the leather with a cloth until it’s spread evenly then allow to dry naturally (do not apply heat). Different products will have different processes though, so be sure to look at the method for your specific product.
GORE-TEX provides instructions for reviving your synthetic waterproof shoes, mainly by cleaning the same as above but by applying a durable water repellant spray or pump. GORE-TEX does not specify any particular DWR products, so you’re free to choose from available DWRs like Nikwax or Gear Aid.
My personal recommendations
- Waterproof Hiking Boot: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
- Waterproof Hiking Sandal: Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo Pro
- Waterproof Trail Runner: Salomon Genesis GORE-TEX
Top-rated waterproof hiking footwear for women
- Best Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade GTX Lo, , La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX,Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
- Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes for women: Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex
- Best Women's Waterproof Trail Runner: Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low, HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX
How to pair your waterproof hiking footwear with other hiking gear
Depending on the kind of wet terrain you’re venturing into, you’ll likely want a few other pieces of waterproof gear beyond your hiking shoes. (Check our out guide to how to select the best hiking clothing for women.) A rain jacket or poncho is non-negotiable on any trip, as mountain storms build suddenly and getting wet far from the trailhead can be a bad combination. Most rain jackets can handle regular storms, but if you’re going to be getting wet often, look for something that’s rated 20,000mm / 20,000g or higher.
Waterproof pants or a skirt could be beneficial as well, depending on the temperature. In most climates, I don’t pack either as I usually wear shorts and have time to dry out after a storm. But if you’re heading into cold or particularly wet terrain, you shouldn’t overlook your bottom layers.
You’ll also want some sort of waterproof system for your pack - I keep my sleeping bag and clothing together in a trash compactor bag, but your pack may come with a raincover that will work well too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best shoes for hiking?
The best shoes for hiking trips depend on the weather and terrain, so check out our guide to choosing hiking shoes for different terrains. Breathability is more important than waterproofing for most hikes though, so shoes without waterproof membranes or leather are your best bet.
Studies show that healthy hikers do not need ankle support and that higher ankles don’t provide adequate support anyways, so boots generally only offer a weight penalty. Hikers without a history of ankle injury will do better with lighter, more breathable hiking shoes or even waterproof trail runners.
Are waterproof boots really waterproof?
Unless we’re talking about rubber rain boots, “waterproof,” as it’s colloquially used for hiking footwear, is actually water-resistant.
Though leather and certain synthetic liners are often described as “waterproof” materials, they’re actually only “water-resistant” and will eventually wet out over time. Truly waterproof materials like rubber and vinyl are not breathable, which is why leather and GORE-TEX are used in active footwear instead.
Waterproof boots are generally more durable than water-resistant boots, given the materials used. However, water resistant boots will be substantially more comfortable for hiking than stiff rubber rain boots.
Do you need waterproof hiking shoes?
Waterproof hiking shoes are only necessary in particular circumstances, particularly cold, wet terrain. Waterproof membranes work best when the outside temperature is colder than the temperature inside your shoes, allowing the cooler air to draw the warmer air out through tears in the membrane.
Additionally, water-resistant membranes are good at letting water vapor out but not as great at letting actual water droplets escape. This means that waterproof shoes can actually trap water inside if they’ve been submerged and they are not quick to dry, so it’s best to avoid waterproof shoes unless they’re absolutely necessary.
How much should hiking boots weigh?
Hiking boots can easily weigh 3lbs each, which is quite a load on your feet. If the weather and terrain call for boots and you are a healthy hiker without any history of sprains, shoot for lightweight models, which are generally anything under 2lbs.
What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots?
Hiking boots are cut higher than hiking shoes and may feature thicker soles and a shank in the midsole for added stiffness. Materials vary, but hiking shoes often use slightly more breathable materials in the upper and soles to keep the shoes lighter weight. Hiking boots can often be resoled as well, which makes them a potential lifetime investment.
Published 11-14-2024
