Fashion

The 10 Best Waterproof Shoes for Wet Days (That Aren’t Just Basic Rain Boots)

Make a splash without getting soaked

Courtney Campbell

By Courtney Campbell

Published Jun 17, 2024

Additional reporting by
Dena Silver

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Best Waterproof Shoes for Women: Reef Sandals, Black Vivaia Flats

How I Chose the Best Waterproof Shoes for Women

To pick the best waterproof shoes I first looked in my own closet, where I evaluated my favorite plastic sandals and iconic Hunter rain boots that have lasted me for years. I also tapped PureWow editors to gather their tried-and-true recommendations for waterproof kicks, along with the main features they appreciate about each. For trending waterproof shoes that we have yet to try, I looked at reviews from real buyers to get a sense of their quality, durability and, of course, the effectiveness of the waterproofing.

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What to Consider When Shopping for Waterproof Shoes

When choosing waterproof shoes for women, there are a few things to consider:

  • Activity: Think about what you're going to be using the shoe for. Muddy hikes or runs? Try a pair of sneakers or hiking boots. A vacation? Go for a comfortable sneaker or sandal that can stand up to multiple steps. Rainy day at the office? Stick with a cute rain bootie or rain boots.
  • Material: There are a few materials that are naturally waterproof or at least water-resistant, including rubber, neoprene and synthetic leather. You should also keep an eye out for shoes that have been outfitted with waterproofing like Gore-Tex to keep any dampness out.

What Is the Best Waterproof Shoe? 

The best waterproof shoe is, of course, dependent on your personal style and needs, but any option on this list would be worth adding to your rotation. However, multiple editors love the Birkenstock Arizona waterproof slide sandals for their comfort and design. For this reason, I'd like the call them the best waterproof shoe for most people, especially during the summer months.

Freelance Writer

Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career writing and editing shopping content. She has also tested everything from kombucha kits to standing desks for product reviews. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, lifestyle and home content. You can follow her on Instagram or see more of her experience on LinkedIn.

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