--- title: "The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes of 2026, Tested and Reviewed" description: "We reviewed the best waterproof hiking shoes to determine which are waterproof in name only and which will actually keep you dry." date: "2023-04-19" modified: "2025-05-13" authors: - name: "Laura Lancaster" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/laura-lancaster/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-waterproof-hiking-shoes/" categories: - "Adventure" - "Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" - "MPR" --- # The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes of 2026, Tested and Reviewed ![10 pairs of waterproof hiking shoes sitting on a bench]() *Photo by Laura Lancaster* Everyone with waterproof hiking shoes knows a secret: rainy days are the best for hiking because the trails are nearly empty. You can hike for miles without running into another soul. It’s not too hot on those uphill climbs. And when the sun does finally peek out from behind the clouds, the light twinkling through the trees, the smell of fresh earth rising with the mist, is better than any vista. If you want a piece of this hiking heaven, you’ll need one of the best rain jackets and pants, a cover for the [best daypack](), and a pair of the best waterproof hiking shoes: Here are my top picks. | **Best Overall** | **Best Value** | **Most Comfortable** | **Lightest** | **Best for Scrambling** | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX | Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX | Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX | Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX | Asolo Space GV ML | Danner Trail 2650 GTX | Oboz Sawtooth Low B-Dry Waterproof | La Sportiva Spire GTX | Zamberlan Circe GTX Low | Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0 | | ![Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX sitting on a wood bench]() | ![Oboz Katabatic sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Asolo Space GV ML sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Danner Trail 2650 GTX sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Oboz Sawtooth sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![La Sportiva Spire GTX sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Zamberlan Circe GTX sitting on a wooden bench]() | ![Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0 sitting on a wooden bench]() | | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | | | | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | [![]()]() | | [Read the Review](<#SalomonXAPro>) | [Read the Review](<#ObozKatabatic>) | [Read the Review](<#HokaAnacapa>) | [Read the Review](<#MerrellMoabSpeed2>) | [Read the Review](<#AsoloSpaceGVML>) | [Read the Review](<#DannerTrail2650>) | [Read the Review](<#ObozSawtooth>) | [Read the Review](<#La%20Sportiva%20Spire%20GTX>) | [Read the Review](<#ZamberlanCirceGTXLow>) | [Read the Review](<#MeindlPowerWalker>) | ## The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes: My Top Picks ### Best Overall: [Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX]() Of all the waterproof hiking shoes I tested, the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX (mouthful, anyone?) hit the sweet spot of technical performance and a fit that should work for most people. I was especially impressed by its fast dry time and comparatively affordable price point. Increasingly footwear is falling into one of two camps: traditional, locked-in footwear that keeps your feet from sliding around inside your shoes and spacious designs that reflect the natural movement idea that feet should be allowed to do what feet do. Technical fit is favored by individuals who are scrambling, while natural fits are preferred by individuals who have spent time strengthening their feet. Most people should look for a shoe that falls in between these two camps — like the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX— as hiking is neither the time to overly challenge your foot strength nor let it atrophy. **Read Next:** [The Anatomy of a Shoe]() This one runs true to size, but has a high degree of arch support, which may aggravate individuals who naturally have lower arches. ### Best Value: [Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX]() It is unbelievable how expensive footwear is these days. Spending upwards of $100 on a pair of waterproof hiking shoes is virtually unavoidable, with some closing in on $200. So I appreciated that the Oboz Katabatic kept costs under $150 while still delivering on the technical side of waterproof hiking shoes. This pair took longer to dry than some of the lighter weight waterproof hiking shoes in this story, but it wasn’t the worst performer in this test on that metric. And I appreciated that it ran true to size with a low arch support, as it has the best chance of fitting the widest range of hikers. Note that this one is more of a technical fit than others on this list, so if you’d rather splay your toes when you are hiking, go with another choice, like the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX. ### Most Comfortable: [Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX]() Hoka’s comfort is already well-known among hikers, and the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is no exception to that. This is a very cushioned shoe that will protect your feet from feeling any discomfort underfoot. I also appreciated that this hiking shoe has a comparatively wider, more natural fit. You can definitely splay out your toes, which is helpful for balance and activating your arch, (something the low arch support here will only minimally interfere with). The wider fit is not only a boon to individuals with wider feet, it is also beneficial to individuals who like to kick out long on the days on the trail, which can lead to foot swell. **Read Next:** [Hoka Anacapa 2 Review]() Like all Hokas, the Anacapa 2 has a very beefy look and feel to it. If you aren’t used to these shoes, it can be disorienting at first to wear them. For plenty of well-maintained, low-key trails, this won’t be a problem. But if you plan to do anything technical this shoe is not the right choice. It has one of the more pronounced toe springs in my test: this is great if you lack big toe mobility, but the corollary is that it can lead to less flexibility in your big toe if you wear it habitually. It also has a chunky back outsole, which can impact your gait. Even though the Hoka Anacapa 2 wasn’t the lightest shoe in my test, it dried faster than anything else, an impressive result. ### Lightest: [Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX]() I was surprised that the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, the lightest shoe in my test, was also one of the slowest to dry. But when I checked the relative weight of each shoe — the one that had been subjected to my dry test and the control shoe — I found that there was a 0.3 ounce difference. This suggests that while this hiking shoe felt dry on the inside, it was actually holding onto a non-negligible amount of moisture. That helps explain, in part, why this one took so long to dry (the second longest in my test), and suggests that if you have unusually sweaty feet, this is probably not the right choice for you. But a lightweight shoe is great for all hikers, as it will reduce foot fatigue on the long haul. Simply put, the less weight you have to move through the gait cycle, the more energy you’ll have to hike longer. ### Best for Scrambling: [Asolo Space GV ML]() If you are planning to tackle more technical terrain, such as rock scrambles or scree, a shoe like the Hoka Anacapa is not the best choice. The comparatively looser fit means that your foot is that much more likely to slip, and your ankle that much more likely to twist with every step. A better choice would be the Asolo Space GV ML. This shoe had one of the more technical fits of what I looked at, locking in the toes, midfoot, and heel securely and comfortably. I also appreciated that its laces extended farther down is typical, giving you that much more control over the shoe’s fit. This one also has superior technical details as well, including a robust toeguard and the Vibram Megagrip outsole. I’ve used this particular outsole on several shoes now and have always come away impressed with how much better traction it provides on steep terrain. ## The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes: The Rest of the Field ### [Danner Trail 2650 GTX]() The Danner Trail 2650 GTX is an excellent waterproof hiking shoe. It was the second fastest drying shoe in my test, albeit taking eight hours longer than the Hoka Anacapa, is very lightweight, and had no problems whatsoever with the soak test. Its fit is on the technical side, and it features a Vibram Megagrip outsole to match. If I was going to quibble with anything, it would just be that this is a pricier shoe than some of the other picks on this list, including my best overall and best value picks. ### [Oboz Sawtooth Low B-Dry Waterproof]() If you have a narrow foot and a high arch, one waterproof hiking shoe to consider is the Oboz Sawtooth Low B-Dry Waterproof. This was one of the only waterproof hiking shoes in my test to not use a Gore-Tex membrane, and while it did just fine in the soak test, it took over two days for the shoe to dry out. Even after it had seemed dry on the inside, the shoe weighed about a half ounce more than it had before, suggesting it was still holding onto quite a bit of water on the inside. This one is also on the heavier side, which may lead to increased foot fatigue. The low price here, however, is notable and worth considering if these other factors don’t make it a no-go for your foot. ### [La Sportiva Spire GTX]() The La Sportiva Spire GTX neither excelled nor failed at any of my testing categories. Like all but one of the waterproof hiking shoes I tested, it passed the waterproof test. It took 42 hours to dry during the soak test, which was exactly middle of the road. Its fit should work well for anyone who wears a regular width shoe and doesn’t require low arch support. But it’s a pricey shoe, one of the few in my test to crack the $200 mark. I recommend going with another pick on this list unless you are able try it on. ### [Zamberlan Circe GTX Low]() Zamberlan makes some really great hiking footwear. Other models that I’ve tested have impressed me with their craftsmanship and fit. Unfortunately, this one impressed somewhat less. The biggest issue was that it was the only one to fail the soak test. At the end of eight hours, there was a puddle of water inside this shoe. Now, my test for waterproofing here was fairly extreme. There are virtually no use cases that I can think of where you would be hiking in standing water for eight hours. But at this price point, you expect the best, and this just isn’t delivering. ![pink shoelaces on the Zamberlan Circe]() *The red dye on the Zamberlan Circe ended up staining the shoelaces, an unexpected (and undesirable) side effect of the soak test. Photo by Laura Lancaster* The Zamberlan Circe GTX also runs fairly narrow. Even my standard-width foot felt fairly constricted in it. This likely reflects Zamberlan’s European origins, as Europeans feet (and thus, the lasts that they build shoes off of) typically run narrower than Americans. ### [Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0]() I was impressed after checking in with PR reps and scouring websites how well the outdoor industry has done in removing PFAS from their hiking shoes. PFAS is a group of chemicals used for waterproofing that, unfortunately, harm the environment. Thus, gear manufacturers like Gore-Tex have been working to remove it from their component parts, and some states (notably California and New York) have banned it from being sold in certain goods, including outdoor gear. **Read Next:** [PFAS Explained: These Forever Chemicals Are Being Banned from a Variety of Outdoor Products. Now Gear Makers Are Scrambling]() Unfortunately, the Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0 was one of the shoes that is still using PFAS. While there is no known risk to human health from wearing shoes containing PFAS, PFAS can contaminate ground and drinking water during the manufacturing and disposal process. I do not recommend supporting the use of these chemicals in footwear. There are a lot of other great options on this list; I suggest picking one of those. ## Fit of the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes I’m going to level with you: It’s always better to purchase a waterproof hiking shoe — or any footwear, really — after trying it on in person. That’s because footwear is designed around a “last” or foot-shaped mold, which can vary dramatically from brand to brand. However, I recognize that not everyone has access to a wide selection of waterproof hiking shoes to try on. To that end, I’ve provided relative notes below about the fit of each shoe compared to my own foot (a women’s size 9) that may be of help in making the choice for your foot. I evaluated: - **Size:** Does the waterproof hiking shoe run true to size? I have noted when it ran small (meaning you should size up) or whether it ran narrower than an average size foot would find comfortable. - **Fit:** There are basically two approaches to fit in footwear. The first is to lock the foot in a technical fit so that it stays exactly in place as you move throughout tricky terrain. The second is a more natural fit, which gives your toes room to splay, and your arch the ability to spread out and contract as you move through the gait cycle. Some shoes adhere strictly to one of these two poles, while others are more in-between. - **Arch Support:** While the arch does not typically require support if properly trained and strengthened, some people prefer some arch support when out on longer hikes or with heavier packs. The amount of arch support that will feel comfortable to you depends on your arch shape. I have noted when each shoe had more or less arch support built into it. Keep in mind that someone who desires more arch support can always add one of the [best insoles for hiking]() to their hiking shoe; however, do not purchase a waterproof hiking shoe with a high level of arch support if you have a low arch foot, as it will aggravate and annoy you. | **Waterproof Hiking Shoes** | **Price** | **Size** | **Fit** | **Arch Support** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **[Asolo Space GV ML]()** | $180 | True to size | Technical | Low | | **[Danner Trail 2650 GTX]()** | $190 | Runs small | Technical | Low | | **[Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX]()** | $180 | Runs slightly large | Natural | Low | | **[La Sportiva Spire GTX]()** | $210 | Runs slightly large | In-between fit | Medium | | **[Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0]()** | $190 | Runs true to size | In-between fit | Low | | **[Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX]()** | $170 | Runs true to size | In-between fit | Low | | **[Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX]()** | $145 | Runs true to size | Technical | Low | | **[Oboz Sawtooth Low B-Dry Waterproof]()** | $140 | Runs narrow | Technical | High | | **[Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX]()** | $160 | Runs true to size | In-between fit | High | | **[Zamberlan Circe GTX Low]()** | $240 | Run narrow | Technical fit | Medium | ## How I Tested the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes My focus on the best waterproof hiking shoes was, naturally, on how well its waterproofing worked. To determine this, I started by leaving each shoe in standing water that ran above the outsole (the soak test) for eight hours. At the end, I checked whether or not the interior of each shoe was still dry, giving a pass/fail grade as warranted. ![waterproof hiking shoes sitting in standing water in a tub with weights on top]() *The best waterproof hiking shoes were left soaking up past the outsole for eight hours to see if they lived up to their name. Photo by Laura Lancaster* Of course, the corollary to keeping water out is that the best waterproof hiking shoes often do not breathe well enough to vent any sweat your feet are kicking up. To figure out the extent of this issue for each waterproof hiking shoe, I completely soaked each shoe, inside and out, and then left them in a room with 50 percent humidity to see how long they would dry (the dry test). | **Waterproof Hiking Shoes** | **Price** | **Weight** | **PFAS Free?** | **Soak Test** | **Dry Test** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **[Asolo Space GV ML]()** | $180 | 11.8 oz | Yes | Pass | 42 hours | | **[Danner Trail 2650 GTX]()** | $190 | 11.6 oz | Yes | Pass | 32 hours | | **[Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX]()** | $180 | 13.4 oz | Yes | Pass | 24 hours | | **[La Sportiva Spire GTX]()** | $210 | 14.0 oz | Yes | Pass | 42 hours | | **[Meindl Power Walker Lady 3.0]()** | $190 | 13.5 oz | No | Pass | 65 hours | | **[Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX]()** | $170 | 11.3 oz | Yes | Pass | 48 hours | | **[Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX]()** | $145 | 11.5 oz | Yes | Pass | 46 hours | | **[Oboz Sawtooth Low B-Dry Waterproof]()** | $140 | 15.2 oz | Yes | Pass | 49 hours | | **[Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX]()** | $160 | 12.6 oz | Yes | Pass | 34 hours | | **[Zamberlan Circe GTX Low]()** | $240 | 14.3 oz | Unavailable | Fail | 42 hours | Additionally, I researched, reaching out to company reps when necessary, whether or not the waterproofing contained PFAS. PFAS, although common in waterproofing in recent years, is now understood to be contaminating waterways, where it is harmful to human health. I do not recommend purchasing waterproof hiking shoes that contain intentionally added PFAS. Finally, I weighed one shoe from each pair, both before and after the waterproofing test, noting the weight and any additional weight each had accrued. ## Things to Consider When Buying the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes ### PFAS in the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the danger of PFAS, a class of chemicals used for everything from durability to stain resistance to waterproofing. These chemicals were especially prevalent in Gore-Tex gear. While there is currently no evidence that wearing outdoor gear containing PFAS harms human health, the production of these chemicals is implicated in a variety of human health concerns. ([Gore-tex is currently dealing with a lawsuit brought on by residents near their Maryland facilities.]()) Thanks to new legislation out of California and New York, as well as retailer REI’s decision to ban it from certain items, PFAS is fast disappearing. While there may be some concerns about just how waterproof the new technologies are that replace PFAS, thus far my testing has shown that they are doing just fine. Choose footwear without PFAS whenever possible. ### Water Retention of the Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes The corollary to “waterproof” is “water retention.” There is forever a balance that must be found between keeping water out of your footwear, and trapping water inside (typically in the form of sweat). Consider what level of waterproofing, versus water resistance, you actually need before making a final purchase. ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts If wet feet are keeping you from heading out into the backcountry during the shoulder season then it may be time to invest in a pair of one of the best waterproof hiking shoes. And if you already have a favorite brand of hiking shoe, then start your search by checking to see if the manufacturer makes a waterproof version of that shoe. If you’re starting your search from scratch then consider any of these picks. ## Author Laura Lancaster is an Outdoor Life's gear writer where she focuses on in-depth testing of backpacking and camping gear, with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()