7 BEST Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women [2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The best waterproof walking shoes for women are the On Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof and the Sorel ONA Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker. I’d pick the Cloudhorizon for all-day comfort and the ONA Ave if you want one stylish waterproof shoe that goes with everything.

I’ve been a fan of walking everywhere since I can remember. I’m that friend on the trip who convinces you to walk a few miles instead of taking an Uber. It’s my favorite way to explore a new city or take in the scenery at a slower pace.

The one thing that tends to get in the way of all that walking is rain. You don’t always need a waterproof shoe for it. Plenty of people just use a waterproofing spray on their regular sneakers and call it a day. But if you live in a wet climate, or you’re traveling somewhere rainy and still want to be out exploring every day, a good waterproof pair is nice to have.

The catch is that cute and comfortable waterproof shoes are hard to find. The membrane that keeps water out also makes a shoe stiffer and less breathable, so a lot of them end up either stylish but not very supportive, or supportive but way too bulky.

That’s why I’ve spent so much time on this article, researching and testing different waterproof shoes to find the pairs that strike a good balance of both.

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at all of our favorite waterproof walking shoes

• ON Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof – best all-around waterproof walking shoe
• Sorel ONA Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker – most stylish for travel
• Vessi Stormburst High Top – most durable waterproofing
• Merrell Antora 4 Waterproof – best city-to-trail hybrid
• Columbia Konos TRS OutDry – best value athletic pick
• HOKA Clifton 9 GTX – best for serious support
• Lems Boulder Summit Waterproof – best barefoot waterproof shoe

What to Look For in Waterproof Walking Shoes

Not all waterproof shoes are created equal. Truly waterproof shoes use a sealed membrane (like GORE-TEX or a brand’s proprietary technology) that blocks water from getting in while still allowing some breathability.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a pair:

• Waterproof vs. water-resistant – Water-resistant shoes have a coating that repels light moisture but will eventually soak through. Waterproof shoes have a membrane built into the construction that keeps water out even in heavy rain or standing puddles.
• Breathability – The more waterproof a shoe is, the less breathable it tends to be. Some technologies handle this better than others. Vessi’s knit, for example, builds the waterproofing into the fabric so it breathes more than a typical membrane shoe. But even the best options run warmer than a regular sneaker.
• Support and cushioning – A waterproof shoe is useless if your feet are aching by noon. Look for shoes with good arch support, adequate cushioning, and a good heel-to-toe transition. Several shoes on this list are APMA-approved or podiatrist-recommended.
• Style vs. support – This is the central trade-off for waterproof shoes as a whole. A few pairs manage to look like normal, cute sneakers while still supporting you for a long day. Others are built for serious comfort but look like running shoes. Neither is wrong. It just depends on whether you care more about how the shoe looks with your outfits or how your feet feel after being on them all day.
• Fit and sizing – Waterproof shoes tend to run smaller or narrower than their non-waterproof counterparts because of the added membrane. Almost every shoe on this list has sizing quirks worth knowing about, so I’ve included specific notes for each one.

#1 On Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof

Best All-Around Waterproof Walking Shoe

The Cloudhorizon 2 is technically a hiking shoe, but it doesn’t look or feel like one. It sits somewhere between a cushioned everyday sneaker and a trail shoe, which is exactly why it works so well for travel and all-day walking. It carries you through a packed sightseeing day, a light hike, and a rainy afternoon of errands without missing a beat, and you can honestly get away with packing just this one pair.

I’ve put countless miles on On’s CloudTec cushioning over the years, and it’s one of my favorites for long days of walking. It’s soft and bouncy enough to keep your feet fresh while still feeling supportive. On is a Swiss brand too, with a trendy look that fits right in on a trip through Europe.

One thing I’ve noticed about the cushioning is that it’s built for forward motion, which makes it great for walking but less stable when moving side to side. That’s why I wear my On shoes for walking but switch to my HOKAs at the gym. The tread on these is also great, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on slick sidewalks.

The trade-offs are price and breathability. At $200, it’s one of the pricier picks here, and like most waterproof shoes, the membrane runs warm on hot days. Sizing is easy, though, since it fits true to size.

If you want one super comfortable, good-looking pair of waterproof shoes that does almost everything, this is the one I’d pack first.

#2 Sorel ONA Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker

Most Stylish Waterproof Shoe For Travel

If you care most about your waterproof shoes being versatile enough to go with all of your outfits, this is a good pick. The Sorel ONA Ave Low is a clean, court-style sneaker with a low platform that looks just as good with jeans as it does with dresses. This is the one I’d grab for a city trip where I want to look stylish the whole time.

The full-grain leather upper and waterproof bootie construction keep feet dry even in heavy rain without sacrificing style, and the foam midsole and rubber outsole give you decent cushioning with a little lift from the platform.

The honest downsides are support and break-in time. The arch support is minimal out of the box, so swapping in a good insole is worth it if you plan to walk more than a few miles a day or deal with foot issues. Also, the tongue is pretty stiff initially and can press uncomfortably against the front of your ankle during the first few wears.

Another good stylish waterproof option that I tested recently is the Vessi Soho. I wore it all day at a music festival, and it held up well through hours of standing, though my feet were a little sore by the end. It’s a vegan leather sneaker with the same dressed-up look, and like a lot of leather shoes, it feels stiff at first and needs breaking in.

#3 Vessi Stormburst High Top

Most Durable Waterproofing

I’ve tested almost every Vessi style over the years, and the Vessi Stormburst High Top is one of my favorites. I wear their Weekend Classic regularly too, but it isn’t supportive enough as a dedicated walking shoe. The Stormburst is a step up in cushioning and support.

What sets Vessi apart is that the waterproofing is built into the Dyma-tex knit itself instead of being added as a separate membrane or coating that can wear off over time. That’s a big reason their shoes have stayed fully waterproof for me even after years of regular wear.

The Stormburst also has decent non-slip tread, protective toe caps, and a wide toe box with room for your toes to spread.

When I first put these shoes on, they felt almost too heavy, but once I got used to them, I appreciated how protected my feet felt. This is the shoe I’d bring on an Ireland or Scotland trip for serious waterproofing and rugged, wet weather.

The main downside is that the arch support is decent but not exceptional, so if you need more support, the HOKA below is a better pick. Vessi doesn’t make half sizes, and these ran a little big for me, so I’d size down if you’re between sizes. The Stormburst also comes in a low top version if you prefer that look.

–> Read my Vessi shoes review here

#4 Merrell Antora 4 Waterproof

Best City-to-Trail Waterproof Shoes

I’ve been wearing Merrell’s Moab 2 Mid hiking boots for years, and they’re some of the best hiking boots I’ve owned, so I have a lot of trust in the brand. The Antora 4 puts Merrell’s expertise into a much lighter, more versatile package that works on city sidewalks and trails alike.

Like the On Cloudhorizon, part of what makes this shoe so versatile is that it doesn’t look like a trail shoe. The slim shape and soft colors come across more like a casual sneaker, so it lands in that hard-to-find middle of stylish enough for the city while still being supportive.

It has a women-specific fit, a cushioned foam midsole, and reliable traction on wet sidewalks and light trails. It’s lightweight at 7.3 oz and comes in regular and wide widths. These are comfortable right out of the box with no break-in needed.

There are a couple of small things to know, though. They run narrow, so if you have wider feet, go for the wide version. And the waterproof lining also makes a slight crinkling sound with each step, which can be annoying.

#5 Columbia Konos TRS OutDry

Best Value Athletic Pick

If you want a supportive, athletic-style waterproof shoe without paying a premium price, the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry is the value pick on this list. It’s the most affordable of the sportier options I’ve rounded up, and you still get decent cushioning and traction at a lower price.

It’s a lightweight road-to-trail shoe that handles travel days that mix walking with a little trail time, and the low-profile look is a bit less chunky than a typical running shoe.

The waterproof layer is built right into the shoe’s upper, so water has nowhere to sneak in, and your feet stay dry even through deep puddles and stream crossings. You also get solid cushioning and traction, with no break-in time needed.

A few things to keep in mind, though. Like most waterproof shoes, these run warm on hot days. But the bigger thing to watch is how long the waterproofing lasts, since Columbia’s OutDry shoes have a track record of wearing out fairly quickly on heavily used pairs. The Konos hasn’t had that issue yet, but it’s worth knowing. They also run slightly small, so size up a half size.

#6 Hoka Clifton 9 GTX

Best Waterproof Shoe with Serious Support

I’ve been wearing the regular HOKA Clifton 9 for a few years now, and the cushioning is incredible. The shoe is very lightweight, bouncy, and supportive; by far one of the comfiest walking shoes I own.

And the Clifton 9 GTX takes everything I love about the regular version and adds GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproofing for full weather protection.

At just 8.3 oz, it’s one of the lighter waterproof shoes on this list. The 37.2mm heel stack provides that “walking on clouds” sensation Hoka is known for, and the Meta-Rocker technology creates a smooth rolling motion that reduces fatigue on long walking days.

If you’re planning to walk 10+ miles a day and are okay with not having the most stylish shoes, these are the ones that’ll keep your feet feeling fresh from start to finish.

As with most of the other waterproof shoes on this list, the GORE-TEX membrane runs warm, so it’s not ideal for hot weather. And, as I mentioned above, these very much look like athletic shoes, which makes them less versatile for dressier days.

The GTX version is also noticeably stiffer than the standard Clifton because of the membrane, and sizing is less predictable than the regular version. Some people find it true to size, while others size up, so it’s worth trying your normal size first and adjusting from there. There’s no wide option.

–> Looking for more HOKA options? Read my guide to the best HOKA shoes for travel

Wearing my HOKA Cliftons on a hiking trail in Berkeley at golden hour. These are one of my favorite workout and walking shoes because of how supportive and comfortable they are. The main downside is that they very much look like athletic shoes and so aren’t as versatile.

#7 Lems Boulder Summit Waterproof

Best Barefoot Waterproof Shoes

The Lems Boulder Summit is the best pick for anyone who wants waterproof shoes with a wide toe box that lets their feet move naturally. I’ve been testing these for the past month, and they work well from city to trail, especially somewhere outdoorsy like the Pacific Northwest, where a rugged boot fits right in.

The wide toe box gives your toes room to spread, and the waterproof membrane and gusseted tongue keep water out. The insole is removable, so if you want more support than a barefoot shoe gives you, you can swap in your own. My feet felt good in these for longer distances with the Lems insole, even though I have flat feet.

The outsole has 4mm lugs and zig-zag grooves that grip well on uneven and slick ground. They aren’t insulated, but the thick leather runs warm, so with good socks they should handle cold days, and the waterproof build holds up in rain, mud, and slush. In fact, I’m planning to take these to the snow this winter, since the traction and waterproofing are so well suited for it.

The look leans a little masculine and hipster but is still practical and goes with jeans and leggings. Since they’re on the bulkier side, they don’t work well with dresses and dressier outfits, which is why these are really more for outdoorsy destinations.

Zero-drop is an adjustment if you’ve never worn barefoot shoes, and the minimal cushioning won’t work for everyone, so you should research whether barefoot shoes are right for your foot needs before buying.

–> Read my Lems shoes review here

A Note on the Sorel Out N About and Brooks Ghost GTX

Two shoes that used to be on this list are worth a quick mention because I recommended both for a while.

The Sorel Out N About was a past favorite, and it’s a cute, well-priced waterproof sneaker. The trouble is that it’s been hard to find in stock for months now, with most sizes sold out on Sorel’s own site, which makes me think they may be phasing it out. If you can track down your size, it’s still a solid buy, but I’d point most people to the Sorel ONA Ave above instead, since that’s the style Sorel is actively supporting.

The Brooks Ghost 17 GTX is a comfortable, supportive, podiatrist-recommended shoe, but it’s also been mostly out of stock lately. When a brand lets a popular style sit sold out like this, it usually tells me they’re not prioritizing it or planning to refresh it soon, so I’d rather steer you toward picks you can actually buy in your size today.

Honorable Mentions

These didn’t make the main list, but each one fills a specific need, so they’re worth knowing about.

The New Balance 880v15 GORE-TEX is the one to look at if you need a wide-width support shoe. It’s a cushioned, properly waterproof road shoe that comes in multiple widths. It didn’t make the cut because it looks like a straightforward running shoe, putting it in the same athletic lane as the HOKA without adding anything more stylish. It also runs small (size up a half size) and, like all GORE-TEX, runs warm.

The Keen Targhee Apex is a more rugged hybrid alternative to the Merrell Antora. If you want something that leans a little more outdoorsy and trail-capable while still being wearable around town, this is a solid option. It’s down here rather than on the main list mostly because it overlaps with the Antora, which I slightly prefer, and I’d rather not recommend two shoes that do nearly the same job.

The Dansko Paisley is properly waterproof and very comfortable for all-day standing and walking, with the kind of support people with foot issues tend to love. The reason it’s an honorable mention rather than a main pick is style. It has a sensible, slightly orthopedic look that skews a bit older, so it’s a strong choice if comfort is your only priority and less so if you want something more stylish.

The Kuru ATOM Waterproof is another comfort-first option built around the brand’s heel-cradling support, which is great for foot pain (I’m a fan of Kurus as a whole for this reason). It lands in honorable mentions for the same reason as the Dansko. The support and comfort are there, but the look is more practical than stylish, so it’s a better fit if how the shoe feels matters more to you than how it looks. I try to recommend shoes that are a better balance between style and comfort.

Waterproof Shoes I Don’t Recommend

A few popular options I’d steer you away from as walking shoes, and what to get instead.

• On Cloud 6 Waterproof – You’ve probably seen these at every airport, but the sealed membrane runs hot and stuffy, the waterproof version is stiffer than the regular Cloud 6, and the shallow tread gets slippery in the rain. Get the On Cloudhorizon Waterproof (#1) instead.
• Vessi Weekend Classic – I like mine as a casual shoe, but it doesn’t have the arch support or cushioning for a full day of walking. For Vessi’s waterproofing with more support, go with the Vessi Stormburst High Top. (#4).
• Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof – I was excited when Allbirds finally came out with a fully waterproof shoe because I’ve been a big fan of the brand for years, but the quality didn’t meet expectations. This one wasn’t nearly as comfortable or durable as I was hoping. There are more reliable options on this list. Not to mention, Allbirds is apparently becoming an AI company now instead of a shoe company (so weird), so I wouldn’t recommend buying from them at all anymore now that they’ve been bought out.
• Blondo sneakers – Their waterproof boots are decent, but their sneakers are narrow, stiff, have subpar arch support, and don’t have the best quality waterproofing. If you like the brand, stick to the boots.

Quick Tips For DIY Waterproof Walking Shoes

If you don’t want to buy a specific pair of waterproof walking shoes, you can always waterproof a pair of shoes you already have by doing the following:

• DSW waterproofing – Most DSW locations now have Imbox machines that spray a water-repellent coating onto your shoes in about a minute for around $9. It’s worth knowing that this is a temporary water-repellent treatment, not true waterproofing, and it lasts up to about eight weeks of regular wear before you’d need to reapply. It won’t turn a mesh sneaker into a rain shoe, but it helps water bead off and keeps your shoes cleaner, and can be nice to do before you go on a trip to a rainy destination.

• Grab some Nikwax and do it yourself – Nikwax makes a spray that adds durable water repellency to fabric, leather, and suede shoes. The trick is to clean your shoes first with their Footwear Cleaning Gel (you can get the duo pack here), since regular detergent leaves a residue that blocks the treatment. Then, apply the spray while the shoes are still wet and let them air dry. Match the formula to your material (Fabric & Leather Proof for most sneakers, Nubuck & Suede Proof for suede, and the wax for full-grain leather), and test light suede on a hidden spot first since it can darken. Like the DSW treatment, this adds water repellency rather than making a shoe fully waterproof, so it’s best for boosting a water-resistant shoe or refreshing one whose factory coating has worn off.

Conclusion: My Picks For the Best Waterproof Walking Shoes For Women

The truth about waterproof shoes is that there’s no single perfect pair, just the right one for how you travel and what your feet need.

If I had to send you off with one recommendation, it’s the On Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof for its comfort and versatility, or the Sorel ONA Ave if you’d rather have one stylish pair that goes with everything you packed. Both will keep your feet dry without making you choose between comfort and looking put together.

Whatever you land on, the goal is the same. Find a pair you can lace up on a rainy morning and forget about, so the weather stops being a reason to skip the walk. That’s the whole point of having good shoes in the first place.

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