The 8 Best Waterproof Boots for Men, Tested by Menswear Editors

Hunter landed the top spot on our list because it was the only waterproof boot we tested that checked every box. It kept our feet dry in heavy rain and after being submerged up to the gusset. A supportive footbed, flexible ankle, and overall light weight kept our feet comfortable all day—more on that shortly. Best of all, the Original Chelsea is stylish enough to rock even when it is bone dry outside.

We tested this boot for warm and cold weather wear, and it is truly a year-round option. The large gusset panels provided plenty of air flow, and when paired with a cotton sock to regulate sweat, it worked great in warm summer rain. For colder fall temperatures, we just swapped in a heavy winter boot sock.

The best part about this Hunter boot is the overall ease of use. It slips right on, thanks to the flexible ankle gussets. Any mud or smudges wipe right off with a wet rag. Styling it was very easy because it looks great with jeans, chinos, or dark dress slacks. Our favorite looks were with jeans and a flannel button down, and business casual with dark chinos and a thin navy wool crewneck sweater.

Read more: Best Winter Boots for Men

In terms of overall waterproofing, the Marshall boot from Seavees came in second place in our testing. It is constructed entirely of rubber, with several panels on the upper and a single piece sole being securely glued together. The key feature is that the tongue is attached to the upper at the third eyelet from the top, which sits seven inches off the ground. We stepped into the equivalent of a six inch deep puddle and our socks stayed dry.

Two internal features also made this one of the top selections for us. First is the polyester fleece lining, which provides a soft feel for your feet and a bit of insulation, without retaining any moisture. The other is the foam footbed, which is comfortable and removable for easy drying in the event that it does get wet. Last but not least, it is one of the most stylish boots we tested, pairing really well with both jeans and chinos.

Bogs won two categories in our testing, with the Arcata Urban Chelsea boasting the warmest insulation and hands down the best traction. Making this the best waterproof boot for cold and snowy conditions. It also held up the best in the mud, thanks to really deep treads on the outsole. The solid rubber upper and neoprene lining and gusset were pretty much watertight as well. Breathability was the only shortcoming for this boot, with sweat building up after a long wear.

For a boot that is so rugged and functional, it has a sleek and stylish look. Our style editors like the Chelsea boot design for anything from off-hours to business casual looks. You can wear this to the office in troublesome weather and keep them on all day.

The Bean Boot, or Maine Hunting Boot as it was originally known, comes steeped in legend. Chances are you’ve seen this boot around and if you’re wondering about if it lives up to the hype, we can assure you that it does. By combining a rubber bottom and leather ankle, L.L. Bean provides the best of both materials. The rubber bottom was completely watertight up to the triple stitched leather upper. With the tongue being attached to the upper at the third eyelet from the top, it provided ample protection from rain and puddles. Having a leather upper increases breathability and ankle support, compared to a fully rubber boot.

The top feature of this boot is longevity because the Maine outfitter will resole and repair it for you at the same factory where it is made. The “duck boot” look is very distinctive, and most people either love it or hate it. Our style editors are fans, especially during the fall. So if you like the classic New England look, this is one the top waterproof boots out there for comfort and durability.

If keeping your feet dry and steady is the top priority, then the Ankle Deck Boot is the way to go. Xtratuf makes the most waterproof boot we tested out, and it was among the most comfortable, but it lost some points for breathability and style. We submerged the boot up to the gusset without any water getting in, while the neoprene lining—the same stuff wetsuits are made out of—hugged around our ankle to keep our feet nice and dry.

As effective as the neoprene lining is at staying dry, it is just as good at locking in body heat and sweat, so that was the big trade off. We recommend wearing a thick cotton sock to help soak up that sweat. From a styling perspective, the Vintage model has a sneaker-like appearance that our style editors like more for everyday wear than the standard Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot. It pairs well with jeans, but works best for sporting and boating activities.

Waterproof boots are crucial for hiking and camping in rainy and wet conditions. The problem is that rubber rain boots don’t provide enough support or breathability for those activities. Merrell built a waterproof boot from multiple water resistant materials that provide several layers of protection. It handled rain and puddle splashes really well, but took on water when fully submerged above the outsole.

When on the move in wet conditions, the Speed Solo Mid provided strong ankle and arch support, along with firm traction. It was light enough to not weigh our feet down, and allowed for plenty of ventilation. Whether you’re in the city or the woods, this is a great boot for rainy days, just steer clear of streams and deep puddles.

Read more: Best Snow Boots for Men

We have to state up front that it is virtually impossible to make leather footwear fully waterproof. However, Thursday did the best job of any brand we tested to make an affordable, water resistant dress boot. The two most important areas to protect are the seams and the welt. Thursday used a Goodyear welt, which creates a strong bond between the upper and sole. To cover up the seams, there is a waxy finish that works the same way as waxed canvas, causing water to bead up and roll off.

This is a stylish leather plain toe boot that can handle anything from jeans and a flannel, to a suit and tie. If you’re heading out in the rain, this boot will keep your feet dry, even in heavy downpour. The weaknesses show up when it gets submerged, so try to avoid puddles.

Blundstone Chelsea boots are notoriously rugged and weather resistant, so we were pleased to find that this refined version provided all the same performance with a more stylish look. The leather upper is glued to the sole so the welt was completely watertight in our testing. On the inside, it provided exceptional arch and ankle support. The only weak point that we found was that the elastic gusset can leak when fully submerged.

Our style editors are big fans of Blundstone for rugged durability, but most models are bulky and only work for casual attire. By making a sleek leather option with most of the same specs, the Austrian brand has created a waterproof boot that works with formalwear. We loved this as an office shoe for elevated business-casual looks.

Can Rubber Boots Be Re-Soled?

Almost all rubber boots are either one solid piece or cemented together, which means that they cannot be resoled. Too much damage is caused to the structure of rubber shoes when the original outsole is pulled off. It is pretty much impossible to create the same watertight seal when attempting to attach a new sole. This means that, unlike leather boots with stitched outsoles, the lifespan of rubber waterproof boots is limited to how long the outsole holds up.