For wet weather
The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots (2027)
The best waterproof hiking boots for 2027: membranes compared and the boots that actually keep water out.
The short answer
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX has the best waterproofing system in 2027 with its GORE-TEX membrane. For most hikers, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof seals out water just as well in real conditions for less money.
Our top picks at a glance
- Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTXThe current X Ultra: Matryx upper, All Terrain Contagrip, GORE-TEX.Best waterproofing
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WaterproofAmerica's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.Best all-rounder
- KEEN Targhee III Mid WaterproofThe wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.Best for wide feet
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus IIThe budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.Best budget
- Oboz Bridger Mid BDryA burly nubuck backpacking boot with a wide, stable platform.Best for rugged backpacking
- Salomon Quest 4 GTXA supportive backpacking boot built for multi-day mileage.Best for heavy loads
- HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTXMaximum cushioning in a waterproof mid-cut hiker.Best cushioning
- KEEN Targhee IV Mid WaterproofThe wide-fit all-rounder, rebuilt with a glue-free fused construction.Best all-rounder
- Danner Mountain 600Heritage full-grain leather looks with modern trail comfort.Best heritage build
- Lowa Renegade GTX MidThe benchmark leather backpacking boot, resoleable for years.Best classic leather
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Stepping through shallow crossings and wet grass without a second thought simplifies route choices
- Sealed boots paired with gaiters handle muddy shoulder season trails calmly
Common complaints
- Once water gets in over the collar, a waterproof boot holds it and dries slowly at camp
- Membranes run warm on summer trails, trading dry feet in rain for hot feet in sun
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Style | Waterproofing | Upper | Outsole | Midsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX | Best waterproofing | Mid-height waterproof hiker | GORE-TEX membrane | Matryx | All Terrain Contagrip | EnergyCell with Molded OrthoLite sockliner |
| 2 | Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Best all-rounder | Mid-height waterproof hiker | M Select DRY membrane, bellows tongue | Pigskin leather and mesh | M Select GRIP, 5mm lugs | - |
| 3 | KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof | Best for wide feet | Mid-height waterproof hiker | KEEN.DRY membrane | - | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber, 4mm lugs | - |
| 4 | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II | Best budget | Mid-height waterproof hiker | Seam-sealed waterproof construction | - | Omni-Grip | Techlite |
| 5 | Oboz Bridger Mid BDry | Best for rugged backpacking | - | B-DRY membrane | Nubuck leather | Granite Peak (maple and brown sugar) | Dual-density EVA with TPU chassis |
| 6 | Salomon Quest 4 GTX | Best for heavy loads | - | GORE-TEX | - | Contagrip TD | - |
| 7 | HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Best cushioning | - | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Nubuck leather | Vibram Megagrip | Sugarcane EVA |
| 8 | KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Best all-rounder | - | KEEN.DRY membrane | Nubuck leather and mesh | KEEN.RUGGED | - |
| 9 | Danner Mountain 600 | Best heritage build | - | Danner Dry | - | Vibram Fuga | Vibram SPE with nylon shank |
| 10 | Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Best classic leather | - | GORE-TEX | Nubuck leather | Vibram Evo | DuraPU |
Best waterproofing
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
The current X Ultra: Matryx upper, All Terrain Contagrip, GORE-TEX.
GORE-TEX remains the benchmark membrane, and the X Ultra 5 pairs it with All Terrain Contagrip traction for the complete wet-weather package.
Strengths
- All Terrain Contagrip outsole grips wet rock better than most in this class
- Matryx upper is exceptionally durable for a light boot
- GORE-TEX membrane is the waterproofing benchmark
- EnergyCell midsole with a Molded OrthoLite sockliner for all-day cushioning
Limitations
- Narrow last squeezes wide feet; try before buying
- Less cushioned than the Moab for all-day comfort
- Premium pricing for the GORE-TEX version
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX membrane |
| Upper | Matryx |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip |
| Midsole | EnergyCell with Molded OrthoLite sockliner |
Best for: Fit hikers who want agility and grip on technical terrain.
Skip if: You have wide feet; Salomon's precise last runs narrow.
Best all-rounder
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
America's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.
M Select DRY plus a bellows tongue seals the two classic water entry points. The Moab 3 is the waterproof boot most hikers should default to.
Strengths
- Out-of-the-box comfort is legendary; most wearers skip break-in entirely
- Bellows tongue keeps trail debris out of the boot
- M Select DRY waterproof membrane seals out water in wet conditions
- 5mm lugs with M Select GRIP handle mud and loose trail well
Limitations
- 2 lb 6 oz per pair is not light by modern standards
- Soft midsole lacks support for 40-plus-pound packs
- Waterproof membrane runs warm in summer heat
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 2 lb 6 oz (1.08 kg) |
| Waterproofing | M Select DRY membrane, bellows tongue |
| Outsole | M Select GRIP, 5mm lugs |
| Upper | Pigskin leather and mesh |
Best for: Day hikers and beginners who want proven comfort with zero break-in drama.
Skip if: You need a stiff boot for heavy packs or technical scrambling; the Moab is a soft, forgiving hiker.
Best for wide feet
KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof
The wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.
KEEN.DRY waterproofing in the roomiest boot here. Wet-weather hikers with wide feet have one clear answer.
Strengths
- Generously wide forefoot fits feet other boots pinch
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps water out reliably
- 4mm multi-directional lugs bite on varied terrain
- Sturdy construction handles rocky trails and heavier loads
Limitations
- 2 lb 4 oz per pair feels clunky next to modern light hikers
- Break-in takes longer than the Moab's instant comfort
- Bulky profile looks and feels traditional
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 2 lb 4 oz (1.02 kg) |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY membrane |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber, 4mm lugs |
| Fit | Wide forefoot, generous toe box |
Best for: Hikers with wide feet who have suffered in narrow European lasts.
Skip if: You want a light, fast boot; the Targhee is a sturdy traditional hiker.
Best budget
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
The budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.
Seam sealed waterproof construction at a budget price and under 2 lb per pair. The membrane is basic next to GORE-TEX, but for wet weekend trails it keeps water out for a fraction of the premium cost.
Strengths
- Seam-sealed waterproof construction at a budget price
- Techlite midsole gives responsive cushioning on trail
- Omni-Grip outsole performs respectably on wet and dry surfaces
- Under 2 lb per pair keeps it light for the price
Limitations
- Materials and construction will not outlast premium boots
- Ankle support is modest for heavy loads
- Fit runs slightly narrow for a budget boot
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 1 lb 15 oz (0.88 kg) |
| Waterproofing | Seam-sealed waterproof construction |
| Midsole | Techlite |
| Outsole | Omni-Grip |
Best for: New hikers and occasional trekkers who want waterproof protection cheaply.
Skip if: You hike weekly on rough terrain; the materials will not match premium boots for longevity.
Best for rugged backpacking
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry
A burly nubuck backpacking boot with a wide, stable platform.
The B-DRY membrane inside a nubuck leather upper handles sustained rain on multi day trips, and the TPU chassis keeps the boot stable when a loaded pack pushes water crossings and mud together.
Strengths
- Nubuck leather upper is exceptionally durable
- B-DRY waterproofing keeps feet dry in sustained rain
- TPU chassis adds torsional stability under heavy loads
- O-FIT insole is comfortable out of the box
Limitations
- 2 lb 6 oz per pair is heavy for light hikers
- Stiff build needs break-in time
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | B-DRY membrane |
| Outsole | Granite Peak (maple and brown sugar) |
| Midsole | Dual-density EVA with TPU chassis |
Best for: Backpackers carrying heavy loads on rugged, rocky trails.
Skip if: You hike light and fast; these are overbuilt for day hikes.
Best for heavy loads
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
A supportive backpacking boot built for multi-day mileage.
GORE-TEX waterproofing proven in all conditions, Contagrip TD holding on wet rock and mud, and a chassis built for long descents. The wet weather load carrier, at the heaviest weight here.
Strengths
- ADV-C 4D chassis guides the foot on long descents
- GORE-TEX waterproofing is proven in all conditions
- Contagrip TD grips wet rock and mud reliably
- OrthoLite sockliner adds comfort on multi-day trips
Limitations
- 2 lb 14.2 oz is the heaviest in this guide
- 12 mm drop feels tall for low-drop fans
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 14.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
| Chassis | ADV-C 4D Advanced Chassis |
| Outsole | Contagrip TD |
| Drop | 12 mm |
Best for: Multi-day backpackers who want running-shoe agility with boot support.
Skip if: You have narrow feet; the fit runs generous.
Best cushioning
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Maximum cushioning in a waterproof mid-cut hiker.
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit cuts bulk around the foot while Vibram Megagrip handles wet surfaces, inside the most cushioned ride here. Waterproof comfort for long, rainy trail days.
Strengths
- HOKA cushioning is the most comfortable in this guide
- Vibram Megagrip is the best all-around trail rubber
- Nubuck leather looks and wears well over time
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit reduces bulk around the foot
Limitations
- Soft midsole is less stable on off-camber terrain
- 2 lb 4 oz is not light
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 4 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
| Midsole | Sugarcane EVA |
Best for: Hikers with tired knees who want pillowy cushioning on long days.
Skip if: You scramble on technical rock; the soft ride is less precise.
Best all-rounder
KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
The wide-fit all-rounder, rebuilt with a glue-free fused construction.
KEEN.DRY waterproofing in the roomy KEEN last, with a glue free fused sole bond that removes one classic waterproof boot failure point: delamination after seasons of wet use.
Strengths
- KEEN.FUSION glue-free bond cannot delaminate like glued soles
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps feet dry
- KEEN.RUGGED outsole is twice as abrasion-resistant as rubber
- Roomy traditional KEEN fit suits wide feet out of the box
Limitations
- 2 lb 8.6 oz is mid-pack, not light
- Wide last can feel loose on narrow feet
- Newer model with a shorter track record than the Targhee III
| Weight (pair) | 2 lb 8.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather and mesh |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY membrane |
| Outsole | KEEN.RUGGED |
| Construction | KEEN.FUSION direct attach, glue-free |
Best for: All-around hikers, especially wide feet, who want one waterproof boot for most trails.
Skip if: You have narrow, low-volume feet; the Targhee last runs wide.
Best heritage build
Danner Mountain 600
Heritage full-grain leather looks with modern trail comfort.
Danner Dry waterproofing behind full grain leather and suede, with a Vibram Fuga outsole for wet trail grip. A heavier, heritage route to dry feet that also works in town.
Strengths
- Full-grain leather and suede upper is beautiful and tough
- Vibram Fuga outsole grips well on trail
- Danner Dry waterproofing handles wet conditions
- OrthoLite footbed adds underfoot comfort
Limitations
- 37 oz per pair is heavy
- 4.5 in height gives less ankle coverage than full mids
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair) | 37 oz |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.5 in |
| Waterproofing | Danner Dry |
| Outsole | Vibram Fuga |
| Midsole | Vibram SPE with nylon shank |
Best for: Hikers who want a boot that works on trail and in town.
Skip if: You count ounces; 37 oz per pair is heavy.
Best classic leather
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The benchmark leather backpacking boot, resoleable for years.
GORE-TEX inside the benchmark leather backpacking boot, resoleable for years of wet seasons. It needs break in and carries classic weight, and then it simply keeps water out, season after season.
Strengths
- Nubuck leather is famously durable
- DuraPU midsole resists breakdown over years
- Resoleable construction extends life well past resoling
- Proven fit works well for wide feet
Limitations
- 2 lb 10 oz is heavy
- Needs break-in before long trips
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair) | 2 lb 10 oz (1180 g) |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
| Outsole | Vibram Evo |
| Midsole | DuraPU |
Best for: Traditional backpackers who want a boot that lasts a decade.
Skip if: You want a light, fast hiker; this is a classic heavyweight.
Questions, answered
Is GORE-TEX worth the premium?
It is the most proven membrane, but proprietary membranes like M Select DRY and KEEN.DRY perform well in real hiking conditions. The premium buys marginal gains and brand confidence.
Do waterproof boots make feet sweat?
Yes, more than non-waterproof boots. Membranes breathe, but not like mesh. In hot weather the trade-off favors breathability; in wet weather it favors waterproofing.
How do I maintain waterproofing?
Clean boots after muddy hikes, and refresh the DWR coating when water stops beading. The membrane itself lasts the boot's life; the DWR needs renewal.
Will waterproof boots keep water out in deep crossings?
No. Water over the cuff enters any boot. Waterproofing handles rain, puddles, and wet grass, not submersion.