Not much is universal in this world, but one thing we can all confidently agree on is that no one likes a soggy shoe. Truly, there’s nothing like accidentally submerging your foot in a mystery puddle to suck the fun out of the remainder of your day.
Protecting your feet from the elements is also a safety concern, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York City, tells SELF. Chilly feet can be a real problem if you’re in cold weather—and if it’s wet outside, the ground could be slick, which may put you at risk of slipping or falling, she says.
That’s where the best waterproof shoes come in: Whether you’re walking, running, or traveling, these styles keep your toes dry and comfortable. Plus, they have great traction (so you don’t have to worry about falling on your tush). Shop our favorite podiatrist-approved pairs below.
Our top picks
1. Best for Trail Running: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
2. Best for Running: Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
3. Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
4. Best for Travel: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
5. Best for Walking: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 Gore-Tex
6. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
7. Best for the Office: Snibbs Spacecloud 2.0
8. Best for Cold Weather: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
Shop the best waterproof shoes
These grippy pairs can weather it all.
Best for Trail Running: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Roomy toe box
- Reflective details
- Tall ankle cuff keeps dirt and pebbles out
Cons
- Runs small, according to Nike, so consider sizing up
Trail runners who won’t let a little rain put a damper on their training schedule, the Pegasus Trail 5 is for you. The previous version—the Pegasus Trail 4, a SELF Sneaker Award winner—was cute enough to wear out to brunch and durable enough to help our tester maneuver through muddy terrain on off-road jogs.
“On that first run, I was looking for them to have four qualities: springy cushioning, a lightweight feel, enough stability so I didn’t slip, and the ability to keep my feet dry,” our tester said. “Not only did they exceed those expectations, but they even provided some extra surprises—like preventing rocks and pebbles from slipping into my sock thanks to the lining on the back.”
The updated Pegasus Trail 5 adds a protective toe cap, reflective details, and deeper lugs on the outsole—all in a cool, sleek package.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 millimeters | Weight: 8.9 ounces
Best for Running: Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
Pros
- Upper is made with recycled materials
- Comfy and not too heavy, according to our tester
Cons
- Only comes in one width, unlike many other Brooks shoes
One SELF tester owns two pairs of Brooks Ghosts: “I’m not a runner,” she says, “but I could walk for miles in these straight out of the box. They have the right amount of cushion to support my feet without feeling too pillowy, and they’re light, so my feet don’t feel weighed down.”
She’s not alone in loving these sneakers: One Brooks reviewer wrote that this Gore-Tex–equipped version also offers excellent padding. “Sometimes waterproof shoes aren’t as comfortable as the [standard version] because of the waterproof membrane. Not so with these. They are as comfortable as my regular Brooks 16s,” they explained. “I have a lot of foot problems, and I love these shoes.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 8.9 ounces
Best for Hiking: KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Pros
- Glue-free construction is designed to last a long time
- Won’t cause blisters, according to reviewers