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Rain doesn’t have to cancel your hiking or travel plans. The right waterproof shoes keep your feet dry, your steps confident, and your luggage light. I’ve rounded up nine travel-friendly options that balance protection, comfort, and compactness for 2025. Stick around to find the pair that fits your budget and itinerary.
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
You want a shoe that performs in the rain and on mixed terrain. The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX offers a strong waterproof membrane and a secure chassis that remains stable on roots and slippery pavement. It’s nimble without sacrificing bite, allowing you to move quickly between city streets and forest trails.
Traction shines on wet tiles thanks to the sticky outsole pattern and assured edge grip. The fit is performance-tuned, making off-camber walks and light runs easier. For travel, the low profile stores easily and dries enough overnight to keep your bag cool.
Switchback Travel called it the best waterproof hiking shoe for 2025, and it holds true underfoot. The cushioning is balanced, not cakey, so long days don’t punish your arches. If you need an all-purpose waterproof shoe, start here.
Keen Hightrail raincoat
When value counts, the Keen Hightrail Waterproof exceeds its price. You get solid rain protection and a roomy forefoot that allows the toes to splay during long sightseeing walks. The toe bumper is a classic Keen, handy when curbs and rocks appear without warning.
Grip is reliable on wet roads and the midsole provides a soft, relaxed ride. It’s not the lightest, but the comfort per dollar is compelling for casual hikes and rainy days around town. The materials are durable enough to survive airports, buses, and muddy detours.
Switchback Travel touts it as the best budget waterproof choice for 2025, which reflects my experience. If you want a wallet-friendly shoe that still handles wet trails, this is an easy recommendation. Pack it, forget it and go exploring.
Hoka Challenger 7 GTX
Want lightness and cushioning while staying dry. The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX brings that Hoka softness with a waterproof liner that protects against drizzle and puddles. It feels quick underfoot, so airport sprints and hilly trails pass without heavy steps.
The outsole uses multi-surface lugs that grip surprisingly well on gravel trails and wet parks. It’s not a technical rock dog, but it shines for travel and gentle hikes. Breathability is respectable for a waterproof construction, keeping wetness under control.
Switchback Travel recognizes it for its lightweight protection, and that’s the sweet spot here. If your route mixes running, walking and casual hikes, this shoe keeps you moving. Comfortable, versatile and easy to pack, it’s a rainy day favorite.
La Sportiva Spire GTX
When the trails get rough and wet, the La Sportiva Spire GTX feels boxed in. The platform is stable with a precise feel, and the Vibram outsole digs into wet rocks and roots. The waterproofing is robust and the shoe resists lateral deployment on uneven terrain.
It’s stiffer than casual kicks, but that stiffness pays off on steep hills. The ventilation works better than most waterproof shoes, making wet hikes more manageable. Expect a secure, high-performance fit that encourages decisive footwork.
Switchback Travel presents it as a more technical option for difficult terrain, and that’s exactly how it works. Bring it when your trip includes challenges and sustained climbs. If you value control in the rain, this is your choice.
Merrell Moab 3 waterproof
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof is your gym bag’s familiar and reliable friend. The cushioning is soft and supportive, with an outsole that grips well enough for wet parks and moderate trails. It’s instantly comfortable, so you can hop off a plane and start exploring.
Waterproofing stands up to showers and puddles, while the suede and mesh upper resists scuffs. It is not ultra light, but the comfort/price ratio is excellent. The fit is accommodating, which is ideal for varying sock thicknesses when traveling.
Outdoor Life and other roundups frequently recommend the Moab for rainy days, and the reputation is deserved. If you want a waterproof, drama-free shoe that works, this is it. Easy to trust, easy to wear, easy to pack.
Oboz Katabatic Low B-Dry
Versatility is the calling card of the Oboz Katabatic Low B-Dry. The shoe balances a responsive midsole with reliable waterproofing for rainy commutes and weekend hikes. Supportive sidewalls keep your foot centered when trails tilt and twist.
The outsole grips wet dirt and rough pavement with equal confidence. The weight remains reasonable and the heel cup locks down with no hot spots. The materials are durable, which is helpful if your route includes back-to-back rainy days.
Treeline Review praised its wet-weather versatility for 2025 and that dual personality shows up on the trail and around town. If you want a pair for everything, this one hits the spot. Pack it for trains, trails and downpours without hesitation.
Columbia Crestwood waterproof
The Columbia Crestwood Waterproof is a budget-friendly option that still covers the bases. The membrane blocks showers and the Omni-Grip outsole stands up to wet pavement and single trails. The padding is comfortable for long days at the museum and quick hikes to viewpoints.
The build quality beats the price, with overlays that resist abrasion from travel-related abuse. Breathability is modest, but manageable if you rotate the socks and air them out. The fit is relaxed, making it easy to wear with thicker travel socks.
Wildernesspaths and other guides recognize it on budget lists for good reason. If you want waterproof peace of mind without overspending, start here. It’s a solid backup or primary shoe for wet trips.
Altra Lone Peak 9 waterproof
If you like natural sensations, the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof keeps you going zero drops in the rain. The wide toe box lets your forefoot relax on long travel days, while the membrane repels puddles and spray. Cushioning is moderate and flexible, promoting an easy stride.
The grip inspires confidence on wet sandstone and gravel, and the shoe makes a nice transition between jogging and hiking. This is not the most favorable, so heavy bags are not ideal. For light missions, however, comfort and agility stand out.
Included in Switchback Travel’s 2025 Waterproof Roundups, it’s suitable for casual hikers and travelers who value freedom of foot shape. If you prefer a discreet ride, this is a winner in wet weather. Take it when movement and comfort matter most.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX
For cloud-like comfort in the rain, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX delivers. The plush midsole shortens long days of walking, and the waterproof ankle boots block constant drizzle. Traction is secure on wet sidewalks and cobblestones, keeping steps calm and quiet.
The heel geometry smoothes transitions and the fit accommodates various foot shapes. The materials include recycled elements, which is a nice touch for eco-conscious travelers. Despite the cushioning, stability remains predictable on gentle trails.
Treeline Review often cites it as the most comfortable waterproof hiking shoe for 2025. When routes require miles in the rain, this pair treats your feet kindly. If comfort is the priority, end your search here.