Wet-Weather Kicks: The Best Waterproof Sneaker Models
Inclement weather can easily dampen your spirits, but don’t let it dampen your socks too. The right footwear can keep your feet dry in even the heaviest of downpours, but before you sacrifice style in the name of weather protection and resign yourself to wearing Wellington boots all season, just know that there are plenty of options out there that can keep you sheltered from the rain and looking good at the same time.
Waterproof sneakers are our first choice when it comes to staying dry, comfortable and stylish when the weather takes a nosedive. They’re practical, easy to wear, and if you buy the right ones they can actually look pretty good.
There are loads of brands making waterproof sneakers, and not all of them are going to be what you’re looking for. These functional shoes tend to veer towards the outdoorsy, utilitarian end of the aesthetics spectrum, which might not suit style-conscious individuals seeking something they can wear casually day to day.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a few of our current favourite waterproof sneakers that blend function and fashion. Here are the shoes we love from the likes of Nike, Adidas, Salomon and more.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX
This most recent iteration of Terrex’s best-selling Free Hiker sneaker improves on what is in our opinion one of the best Gore-Tex sneakers in the game. Available in high-top and low-top versions, it’s a sort of trail runner/hiking boot/sneaker hybrid that’s equally at home in the great outdoors or just chilling around town.
It has a nice durable outer with a Gore-Tex membrane to seal the rain and snow out, and it features plenty of cushioning underfoot for cloud-like comfort.
We love how the Free Hiker 2 looks too. Granted, you’re probably not going to be teaming it up with tailoring, but it’s still versatile enough to mingle with everyday casualwear without looking out of place. And, if you live somewhere really cold, there’s a special insulated version available with waterproof zip closure that’s ideal for trudging through snow.
Salomon XT-6 GTX
Until relatively recently, French alpine sports brand Salomon was a relatively unknown name in the world of fashion. Sure they’ve been making skis and trail-running gear since the 1940s, but its products bore little relevance to anyone but those who like to hurl themselves down mountains for fun.
These days it’s a very different story. Over the last five years, Salomon has become one of the key players in the world of sneakers. This is thanks largely to the success of the XT-6 – a reissued trail running shoe from the brand’s archives that captured the interest of fashion influencers and insiders, taking the label’s footwear stratospheric in the process.
This waterproof version makes use of Gore-Tex tech to seal out the elements while retaining breathability. Oh, and it looks pretty great too.
New Balance 2002R Gore-Tex
New Balance has been on a roll for the past few years, releasing some of the hottest sneakers in quick succession, one after another. And despite models like the 990v6, the 550 and the 1906R being some of the most popular shoes in recent memory, the 2002R is just as worthy of some attention.
Taking its cues from the Bostonian brand’s best-selling 990 line, the 2002R serves up the same great looks in a slightly more affordable package. Best of all, the 2002R is also available in a Gore-Tex version, which employs a special membrane to keep your feet dry in bad weather.
Converse Chuck 70 Gore-Tex
Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star is a shoe that should need no introduction. But as iconic as it may be, it’s probably one of the worst things you can choose to wear on your feet when the weather is anything but dry. The canvas uppers soak through quickly, allowing water to seep inside, and the cotton construction means they take an eternity to dry out.
That was until these winterproof versions landed at least. Featuring a Gore-Tex layer to block water from getting through, this winter-ready model retains all of the All Star’s signature style while making it completely waterproof.
Perfect if you’re looking for a waterproof sneaker that’ll blend in easily with your casual clothes.
Hoka One One Clifton 9 GTX
French brand Hoka One One has become the leading name in maximalist running shoes with big stack heights and outrageous amounts of cushioning. This has made it the go-to for comfort-focused runners and those looking for sporty yet plush every day sneakers.
Its wild colour schemes and chunky silhouettes aren’t for everybody, but if you’re not put off by a bit of bulk, a pair of Gore-Tex sneakers from the brand might not be a bad option.
The Clifton 9 is the latest version of Hoka’s award-winning daily trainer, designed for taking on long, easy miles in comfort, but equally adept at handling general day-to-day duties. Add in some Gore-Tex and you’ve got a perfect option for tackling rainy days in comfort and style.
Adidas Superstar Gore-Tex
Eighties hip-hop icon the Superstar is one of Adidas’ best-loved models. Its rubber toe has always made it a decent option for fending off poor weather, but with a Gore-Tex membrane thrown into the mix, it’s perfect for the job.
Team it up with loose-fitting jeans, a hoodie and a big coat to get through downpours the right way.
ON Cloudwander Waterproof
Swiss label ON specialises in unusual running shoes that utilise unique cushioning ‘pods’ in the soles to aid comfort, responsiveness and bounce. A growing favourite among runners and casual consumers alike, these performance-orientated sneakers are highly functional while dipping a toe into the fashion world at the same time thanks to an ongoing series of collaborations with Loewe.
The Cloudwander is one of ON’s hiking-optimised silhouettes, designed to take on hills rather than pounding pavements. As a result, it’s geared up for durability and weather protection, making it an excellent waterproof sneaker option for handling those miserable winter months.
What makes a good waterproof sneaker?
Salomon
What exactly should you be looking for when it comes to picking the perfect waterproof sneaker? Well, there are just three boxes that need to be ticked as far as we’re concerned: they have to look good, they have to feel comfortable and they need to perform well.
The first two points are largely subjective, but the last one is basically down to the material. That’s why we’d always advise going for Gore-Tex.
Lots of brands have their own proprietary waterproof materials, and some of them might be OK, but Gore-Tex is the gold standard. It’s the material all other waterproof fabrics aspire to be. This is thanks to its unique breathability, which allows water vapour to escape from within while denying entry to water droplets from the outside. It’s this which makes it perfect for use in sneakers.
