The 5 Best Hiking Shoes Waterproof

Waterproof hiking shoes keep out a shallow puddle, but they can also hold sweat and dry slowly after water spills over the collar. I would buy them for wet grass, mud and repeated damp trails, not for a hot summer walk that rarely sees rain. Fit is the first filter: heel slip and toe pressure will make even the best membrane feel like a mistake.

The low-cut KEEN Targhee 4 is the everyday wet-trail pick. The current Targhee 3 alternative keeps a similar low-shoe role when the Moab 3 Mid offer is unavailable. Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid favors faster movement, Columbia Transverse is the lower-priced mid boot, and NORTIV 8 is the cheapest ankle-height option. I would choose low or mid cut by terrain and fit, then check traction and drying needs.