Are waterproof hiking boots worth it?

Waterproof hiking boots are worth considering for wet trails in cooler weather, where keeping external moisture out is useful. Their liners also restrict breathability and trap sweat. For dry climates, skip the waterproof liner rather than treating it as an automatic upgrade; match your footwear to the conditions you actually hike in.

Will my feet sweat in waterproof hiking boots?

They can. Waterproof liners restrict breathability, so sweat can accumulate inside even when outside moisture stays out. The reviewed boots are generally better suited to damp, cooler conditions than hot, arid hikes. Wear appropriate hiking socks, but do not expect socks to eliminate the liner's breathability trade-off.

Do waterproof hiking boots grip well on wet rocks?

Waterproofing does not establish wet-rock traction. The women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped has dependable grip on packed dirt, but our review notes reduced traction on polished wet rock. Assess outsole condition and terrain suitability separately from moisture protection, and use caution on slick surfaces regardless of the waterproof label.

How should waterproof hiking boots fit?

Try them with the socks you plan to hike in. Look for a secure heel without painful pressure, and enough toe room to avoid contact on descents. Walk around before deciding. Sizing varies by model, so check the manufacturer's sizing guidance rather than assuming your usual size will fit.

The best waterproof hiking boots

The Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot and women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped are our joint highest-scoring waterproof hiking boots, best suited to cooler, damp trails rather than hot, dry hikes.

Research-based article drawn from our 17 hiking footwear & backpacks reviews. Updated September 2026.

Short answer

Our leading waterproof hiking boot picks are the Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot and women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, both scoring 7.5/10. Choose the Men's Mt. Maddsen Hiking Waterproof Boots for more structured support under moderate loads. Waterproof liners block external moisture but trap sweat, so skip them in dry climates.

Our picks for “waterproof hiking boots”

Leading men's pick: Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot is our leading men's choice for wet, cool-weather trail walking. Its 7.5/10 score ties the women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped for the highest score among the waterproof boots reviewed here. The supplied price is $89.99, with a customer rating of 4.5/5 from 37,044 ratings.

An ankle-height leather upper provides support for established routes, while the integrated waterproof liner keeps external moisture out. That makes this a sensible starting point for recreational hikers who regularly encounter damp conditions rather than dry summer trails.

The compromise is breathability: the liner traps internal sweat and can feel excessively warm in arid weather. Before taking it onto technical terrain, inspect tread depth and out-of-the-box flexibility. Fit and suitability for your route matter more than its narrow score advantage over the other men's options.

Read the reviews: Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

Leading women's pick: women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped

The women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped suits recreational day hikes in cooler regions. At the supplied $99.99 price, it earns 7.5/10 from us and has a customer rating of 4.5/5 from 3,266 ratings. It is the women's option to consider first within this reviewed selection, particularly if you prefer a traditional leather-and-suede upper.

Its supportive mid-cut collar and waterproof construction fit the brief for casual hiking in damp weather. Packed dirt is a suitable surface: our review notes dependable grip there, but reduced traction on polished wet rock. Waterproofing should not be confused with dependable grip on every wet surface.

Allow for break-in time rather than planning a long hike straight out of the box. Try the boots with your intended hiking socks and check for heel movement and toe pressure. For warm, dry trips, the heat and sweat retained by the waterproof build are reasons to choose unlined footwear instead.

Read the reviews: womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped

For moderate pack loads: Men's Mt. Maddsen Hiking Waterproof Boots

The Men's Mt. Maddsen Hiking Waterproof Boots are the more structured choice for rugged, wet trails in moderate temperatures. Their leather build provides foot stability and solid torsional support under moderate loads. Our score is 7.4/10, and the supplied customer rating is 4.5/5 from 13,027 ratings.

At $130.00 in the supplied data, this is the most expensive of our four picks. The reason to spend more is its sturdier construction for carrying moderate pack weight, not a higher review score. Hikers seeking that support have a clearer reason to consider it than those taking gentle walks with minimal gear.

The waterproof membrane protects against wet terrain but retains heat and sweat on dry summer ascents. Try the boots with your hiking socks and assess pressure points before committing to a longer outing. A structured boot still needs to fit your foot; support alone does not establish comfort.

Read the reviews: Men's Mt. Maddsen Hiking Waterproof Boots

Lower-priced pick: Men's Transverse Hike Waterproof

The Men's Transverse Hike Waterproof is the lower-priced option among our four picks, listed at $79.99 in the supplied data. It scores 7.4/10 and has a customer rating of 4.6/5 from 3,345 ratings. It suits mixed trail walking in damp conditions, balancing general walking comfort with moderate weather resistance.

The waterproof bootie offers protection against shallow crossings, mud and splashes. Its limitations are worth considering before purchase: the lined interior overheats in warm weather, and the outsole compound may wear quickly on asphalt. Inspect tread depth if your usual routes include loose shale or wet roots.

Choose this option for damp trail outings rather than dry-climate hiking or frequent pavement use. Across all four picks, start with climate and fit, not waterproofing alone. Try footwear with your usual hiking socks, check for pressure points, and follow the manufacturer's manual or care instructions where cleaning and waterproofing treatments differ.

Read the reviews: Men's Transverse Hike Waterproof

Frequently asked

Are waterproof hiking boots worth it?: Waterproof hiking boots are worth considering for wet trails in cooler weather, where keeping external moisture out is useful. Their liners also restrict breathability and trap sweat. For dry climates, skip the waterproof liner rather than treating it as an automatic upgrade; match your footwear to the conditions you actually hike in.
Will my feet sweat in waterproof hiking boots?: They can. Waterproof liners restrict breathability, so sweat can accumulate inside even when outside moisture stays out. The reviewed boots are generally better suited to damp, cooler conditions than hot, arid hikes. Wear appropriate hiking socks, but do not expect socks to eliminate the liner's breathability trade-off.
Do waterproof hiking boots grip well on wet rocks?: Waterproofing does not establish wet-rock traction. The women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped has dependable grip on packed dirt, but our review notes reduced traction on polished wet rock. Assess outsole condition and terrain suitability separately from moisture protection, and use caution on slick surfaces regardless of the waterproof label.
How should waterproof hiking boots fit?: Try them with the socks you plan to hike in. Look for a secure heel without painful pressure, and enough toe room to avoid contact on descents. Walk around before deciding. Sizing varies by model, so check the manufacturer's sizing guidance rather than assuming your usual size will fit.