Women's Waterproof Walking Shoes: Dry Steps for Every Adventure

Perfect for rainy city miles, the Cloud 5 Waterproof kept us dry during our review while delivering that signature springy CloudTec ride. The hands‑free speed‑lacing makes quick exits and airport security a breeze, and the lightweight feel suits all‑day wear. Do note they run small compared to other On models—we recommend sizing up—and some users report faster outsole wear over months. With medium breathability and a membrane that can trap odor, rotating pairs or using deodorizing inserts helps.

Easygoing and fully waterproof, the Vessi Weekend kept our feet dry through rain and puddles while feeling feather‑light for everyday wear. The Dyma‑tex knit breathes well in mild weather, and the EVA midsole adds enough cushioning for errands, dog walks, and travel days. Our experience shows the outsole can be slick on wet, polished surfaces, so take care on tile and marble. Fit can run narrow or inconsistent, and in very hot, humid conditions the knit can feel a bit warm.

Built for speed, the VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT kept our feet dry without the swampy feel, thanks to its breathable waterproof membrane. We found the lightweight, responsive cushioning great for fastpacking and long day hikes, and the grippy outsole held firm on slick, mixed terrain. The fit trends narrow and some users note durability concerns with the mesh upper under heavy abuse. If you need ankle support in a light package, this hits the sweet spot, but consider sizing up if between sizes.

For plush comfort and wet-street grip, the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 C.RDY impressed us with its Continental rubber outsole and ultra-cushioned Boost midsole. The sock-like collar offers supportive hold, but several testers found the fit snug around the ankle until it breaks in. Keep in mind the upper is splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so prolonged rain or deep puddles can seep through. During our review, we favored these for long urban walks and light, drizzly trail days.

On a budget but need reliable wet‑weather walkers? The Trailstorm Ascend impressed us for $66, keeping feet dry in rain and slushy snow on casual outings, with Omni‑Grip traction that felt secure on slick sidewalks. The lightweight midsole is responsive enough for long walks and easy day hikes. It’s not a boot for heavy downpours or prolonged immersion—water can creep in—and the low‑top offers minimal ankle support. We found the toe box snug; consider a half size up if you’re between sizes.

Salomon’s X Ultra 4 GTX impressed us with its lightweight feel and excellent Contagrip traction across wet rocks, roots, and packed dirt. The GORE-TEX membrane kept us dry in steady rain, though breathability runs low compared with non-waterproof models and can feel warm in summer. Our experience shows the Quicklace system is fast but its thin laces may wear sooner than traditional ones. Some users reported durability issues within a year, and the low-cut profile offers minimal ankle support.

When trails turn slick, the KEEN Targhee IV Mid kept us confidently planted, with a durable TPU outsole that bites into wet roots and loose dirt. The waterproof membrane held up in steady rain, and the mid‑height collar offers welcome ankle support for uneven terrain. There’s a mild break‑in—during our review the uppers felt stiff for the first few hikes—and sizing can be inconsistent, so consider trying two sizes. Breathability and cushioning are moderate, balancing comfort with long‑term durability.

Runners who won’t skip a workout for drizzle will appreciate the Ghost 17 GTX, which kept us dry in puddles thanks to GORE‑TEX Invisible Fit. The updated DNA LOFT v3 foam feels softer underfoot without getting mushy, making it a comfortable pick for wet‑weather runs or long walks. Traction is best on roads and sidewalks, and breathability sits mid‑pack. If your forefoot is wide, our experience shows the toe box can feel snug—consider a wide option or trying a half size up.

We found the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof comfortable right out of the box, with a supportive footbed and medium cushioning that’s great for everyday hikes. The Vibram TC5+ outsole grips packed trails and wet rock well, and the waterproof membrane keeps out puddles and shallow crossings. Some users report failures after months of heavy use, and its lugs can clog in deep mud. With a low-cut profile, ankle support is limited, so save it for moderate terrain.

In our testing, the Danner Trail 2650 GTX delivered instant comfort and reliable waterproofing for rainy city walks and long day hikes. The lightweight build makes miles feel easy, while the GORE-TEX membrane kept shallow splashes out and the all-terrain outsole offered dependable grip. It runs narrow for some, and the shallow lugs don’t bite well in loose mud or deep snow. Not rigid enough for heavy backpacking, it shines as a versatile, everyday waterproof hiker.

In our testing, the Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX felt agile and sure-footed, with 5mm PWRTRAC lugs digging into wet roots, gravel, and sloppy singletrack. The GORE-TEX Invisible Fit kept water out while remaining surprisingly breathable for a waterproof shoe. Expect a stiffer feel and brief break-in, and note some users see quicker outsole or midsole wear with heavy mileage. The low-cut profile trades ankle support for speed, making these ideal for fast hikes and muddy 5K trail runs.

Built for wet commutes and travel, the Hoka Transport GTX kept us dry and happy with plush cushioning that makes long days on foot feel easy. The Vibram EcoStep outsole grips well on slick sidewalks and light trails, and we found the ride stable despite the generous stack. Watch the quick‑toggle laces—they can break under heavy use—and some pairs run large, so consider sizing down. A few testers also noticed the sole catching on stair edges; take care on steep steps.

For rugged day hikes in foul weather, the Oboz Sawtooth X Low proved a tank in our testing, sealing out water on wet trails and creek crossings. Its aggressive outsole bites into steep, loose terrain, and the cushioning feels protective under a loaded daypack. The trade‑offs: it’s heavier than many competitors and runs warm due to limited breathability, which can tire feet on long, hot walks. Some users also report fit changes and inconsistent sizing, so trying in person helps.

If you're chasing all-day comfort that can handle soggy fairways and rainy commutes, the ECCO Street 720 stood out in our testing. GORE‑TEX Surround kept our feet dry without overheating, and the spikeless E‑DTS TWIST outsole delivered reliable, multi‑directional grip from tee box to sidewalk. ECCO’s FLUIDFORM cushioning felt plush over full rounds and long walks alike. It’s pricey at $219.99 and won’t match a spiked shoe on slippery lies, but for versatile waterproof performance, it’s a winner.

For young adventurers who splash through every puddle, the Kids’ Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX kept little feet dry in our testing thanks to GORE‑TEX Invisible Fit. The Durabrasion/Vibram outsole grips confidently on playground mulch, wet sidewalks, and family hikes, while cushioning lands in a comfortable middle ground. Being a low‑cut shoe, ankle support is limited compared with mid‑height boots. If your kid tackles rockier trails, we’d opt for a mid version; for daily wear and weekend hikes, this is a standout.

If you want easy, everyday comfort for errands and dog walks, the slip-on Merrell Jungle Moc Evo is a breeze. The double stretch gore makes on/off effortless, while an EVA midsole cushions urban miles and Merrell’s sticky rubber grips sidewalks well. It’s not a waterproof model and the suede/knit upper can show stains, so heavy rain will likely seep in. During our review, we’d save these for dry days, light drizzle, and non-technical paths rather than muddy trails.

Columbia’s Crestwood felt featherlight in our testing, with the Techlite midsole soaking up shocks on long, wet walks. The Omni-Grip outsole gripped confidently on slick sidewalks and muddy park paths, and the waterproof build kept drizzle and puddles at bay. Our experience shows they run small, so consider sizing up a full size for the best fit. Note that some testers reported water creeping in during submersion, and the low-cut design offers minimal ankle support for rough, uneven terrain.

During our review, the Vans Ultrarange Exo Hi MTE-3 proved winter-worthy, pairing a GORE-TEX membrane with warm insulation to keep feet dry and cozy. The high-traction outsole and supportive collar handled slushy streets and mixed trails surprisingly well. Fit can run narrow and the short laces plus ankle stiffness created pressure points for some testers, so sizing up helped. We did see occasional seam wear over time, making these best for cold, wet commutes and light hikes rather than heavy abuse.

Want classic street style that doesn’t bail when the skies open? During our review, the Air Force 1 GTX Vibram kept feet dry in rain and slush thanks to a full GORE‑TEX liner, while the Vibram outsole noticeably improved grip on wet, slick surfaces. Cushioning sits in the comfortable middle for all‑day wear, and breathability is average for a waterproof sneaker. It does run narrow for many—if you’ve got wider feet, consider sizing up or trying before you buy.