The 7 Best Women’s Waterproof Sneakers
Waterproof sneakers are a great way to keep your feet protected from inclement and unpredictable weather. They also make for a great alternative to common rainboots when you need something with a more casual vibe that can still withstand exposure to ample amounts of rain and water. While fully waterproof sneakers aren’t as common as other shoe types, they do exist, and there are some exceptional options for women who are interested in a pair.
In this article, we will list our top seven recommendations for waterproof sneakers for women. As you read, you’ll learn how waterproof sneakers work and how to determine if their a worthwhile investment for you. We’ll then close the article with our list of recommendations and a brief description of what each option has to offer.
How Do Waterproof Sneakers Work?
“Waterproof” isn’t a feature you see on every pair of sneakers, and there’s a reason for this. Typically, you’ll see the term “water-resistant” instead, but these terms do not mean the same thing, and knowing what waterproofing entails and how it works might help reassure you that a pair of fully waterproof sneakers is a worthwhile investment.
A waterproof shoe is one that can be exposed to significant amounts of liquid without its materials becoming soaked or saturated. This quality is usually attributed to a shoe’s materials through some degree of treatment with a water repellent product or the materials is naturally water repellent (ex. leather, rubber, various synthetics).
This treatment or the material’s natural ability to repel water will provide a waterproof membrane around the shoe’s exterior that functions as a sort of barrier between rain or other liquids and the inner threads of the shoe material and, consequentially, the shoe’s interior where your feet lie.
As droplets fall onto your sneaker, the protective layer will prevent any droplets from seeping inside. However, the challenge with this design is that you risk the shoe’s waterproof abilities also trapping any sweat vapor or perspiration inside as well. This is why breathability is a crucial feature to look for in any waterproof sneaker.
Are Waterproof Sneakers Worth It?
If you’ve briefly searched “waterproof sneakers” online, you no doubt have seen that most of the top choices sport a price tag of $80 or more. This could make anyone quickly question whether these convenient pieces of footwear are really worth the extra cost.
Whether it is worthwhile to invest in a pair of waterproof sneakers is entirely up to the individual. The answer to this question is highly dependent on the weather in your region, your daily activities, and how much you’re willing to pay for this versatile footwear that is prepared for a wide range of conditions.
If you need a cheap pair of shoes to toss on for the occasional rainstorm, we’d recommend investing in a $20 pair of rubber rainboots instead.
However, if you live in a region that rains regularly or if you frequently expose your footwear to water in your daily life (either because of your passions/activities, career, etc.) then investing in these shoes will likely be worth the convenience and peace of mind.
The 7 Best Women's Waterproof Sneakers
Finding high quality women’s sneakers that are completely waterproof can be an exceptionally daunting task, especially if you want these shoes to have other sought-after features, such as comfort, grip, breathability, and so on. Add a fashionable or sleek appearance on top of all that and you really have a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you!
The seven best waterproof sneakers for women include:
- Loom Waterproof Sneakers- Women
- Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner Mizzles
- Vessi Women’s Everyday Move
- Sorel Women’s Out N About Sneaker
- DKSUKO Waterproof High or Low Top Sneakers
- Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
- Columbia Women’s Pivot Waterproof Shoe
Below, we have provided a description of each option regarding its best features, design, and other attributes that will allow you to choose the one that suits your personal style and needs best.
Check out this article on shoe companies using recycled materials.
1. Loom Waterproof Sneakers- Women
Starting off our list is this sleek and sporty pair of sneakers by Loom. These shoes come in black or white colors and provide one of the most comfortable fits, thanks not only to its 100% H2-Go waterproof layer, but several other unbeatable features, including:
- 4-way sticks, durable and high quality Loomwear Merino wool interior for breathability temperature-regulation, and antibacterial protection
- Double merino wool lined cushion for maximum comfort and support
- Pediatric designed excelcast sole for shock absorption to protect the wearer’s knees and ankles
The culmination of these features means you’ll have a breathable, anti-odor shoe you can wear in nearly any outdoor conditions without worrying about comfort or support. These shoes are also incredibly lightweight and flexible to support high levels of activity and their materials are stainproof and easy to clean to make sure those activities don’t ruin their overall appearance.
2. Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner Mizzles
A highly praised sneaker you’ll find on numerous lists of “the best waterproof sneakers” are Allbirds’ Wool Runner Mizzles.
Although they are a bit on the pricier side, these stylish but overtly casual looking sneakers are fantastic for anyone looking for a warm and comfortable sneaker they can wear around the house, at work, or on daily outings without worrying about the weather conditions.
Currently, the shoes come in a variety of colors from white, gray, and black, to more colorful limited-edition options, such as green, blue, terra, and more.
In terms of features, Allbirds certainly rivals Loom with their:
- Puddle Guard technology for 100% waterproofing
- Extended, high-top uppers designed to stop splashes
- All-condition traction grips for slippery surfaces
- ZQ Merino wool for additional water repelling and overall comfort
- Use of natural materials for an eco-friendly and sustainable shoe
While this might be one of the pricier options on our list, every penny is worth the high quality materials and superb features you get from this comfortable sneaker that will go with nearly any causal or active-wear outfit.
3. Vessi Women’s Everyday Move
Vessi has become an increasingly popular shoe brand and now, they have an exceptional waterproof sneaker option for women with their Everyday Move.
This is another shoe you’ll find on numerous list, and not just those focused on waterproof footwear. Boasting an athletic design, these shoes also come in a wide selection of colors and include impeccable features, such as:
- Dyma-tex technology for 100% waterproofing as well as breathability, allowing sweat to escape without letting water in
- Improved midsoles for day-long comfort
- Outsoles fitted with rubber zones for abrasion resistance and grip
- Lightweight materials
- Creature free
A nice feature to highlight with these shoes that our previous options also worked towards is being more eco-friendly and animal friendly. This particular option is creature free for wearers who prioritize this in the products they purchase and the companies they purchase from.
4. Sorel Women’s Out N About Sneaker
Another viable option we want to recommend for women is the Women’s Out N About Sneaker by Sorel.
Compared to our sportier recommendations, like the waterproof sneakers offered by Vessi, we think these shoes are better suited to daily wear versus active wear. They have a cozy look to them that alludes to their comfortable EVA foam footbed and breathable suede-and-mesh upper to keep your feet from aching while you’re constantly on the move from one daily task to the next.
In addition to these features, these shoes have a vulcanized rubber midsole for grip and come in the following colors:
- Sea salt
- Sage
- Dove
- Black
While they might not be the most vibrant and exciting colors, they ensure these shoes compliment almost any outfit and stay true to their comfy aesthetic.
5. DKSUKO Waterproof High or Low Top Sneakers
We hear you; enough of the bank-breaking sneakers. Where are the budget-friendly options? Unfortunately, because waterproof materials and treatments tend to be expensive in of themselves, this reflects on the shoes. That being said, if you’re desperate for a cheap but effective waterproof sneaker option, these high or low top sneakers by DKSUKO are worth considering.
Through brilliant design and ingenuity, DKSUKO was able to blend the waterproof materials of the standard rainboot with the design and aesthetic of a converse sneaker. While these might not be the optional choice for daily wear, they are a budget-friendly option for anyone who wants to waterproof capabilities of a rainboot but the appearance of a sneaker without spending near $100.
6. Merrell Women's Siren Edge 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
We’ve provided an option that blends a rainboot and a sneaker, and we’ve provided more athletic shoes, but what about waterproof sneaker built for the outdoors?
Merrell is a well-renowned brand for outdoor footwear, and they currently offer the Siren Edge 3 which is labeled as a hiking shoe, but, in reality, it has the functionality of a hiking shoe with the appearance of the standard sneaker.
This shoe features:
- a removable contoured insole for flexible support
- a Vibram® TC5+ rubber sole for ultimate grip and traction
- Breathable mesh and TPU upper
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel to absorb shock and add stability
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole with zones of softer foam to help reduce pronation
Say goodbye to those blocky hiking boots that weigh your feet down every step and say hello to the only spring to fall sneaker you’ll ever need for daily wear as well as hiking conditions.
7. Columbia Women’s Pivot Waterproof Shoe
Closing our list is another budget-friendly option from a reputable brand, Columbia’s Pivot waterproof shoe.
While this option doesn’t have as many high-quality materials and state-of-the-art features found in some of our other recommendations, it does a pretty good job of giving you a comfortable, 100% waterproof sneaker to wear on dirty trails, out in the town, or even outside your home.
It features:
- Knit upper with suede and synthetic leather overlays
- Waterproof breathable seam sealed bootie construction
- Techlite™ lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return
- Omni-Grip™ non-marking traction rubber
For nearly half the cost of our most expensive options, we’re confident this shoe by Columbia will fulfill your basic needs of a waterproof sneaker and can last several years when treated with care.
