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GQ Recommends
Rainy days aren't great. The wrong shoes can make them worse.
By Gerald Ortiz
In a fashion mishaps tournament bracket, wet socks easily make the finals (facing off against ripped pants). And unless you're going for this very prestigious championship, waterproof shoes for men should be in your closet, ready to sub in at a moment's notice.
You want three main things out of a waterproof shoe. First, and this might come as a shock, is that they should be waterproof. Not water-resistant, waterPROOF. That's not to say that your rain-ready shoes have to be knee-high rubber boots. The amount of rain you typically encounter might only require a pair of low-top waterproof sneakers (or some DEFCON 5-level all-terrain boots). Second, they should have a good slip-resistant outsole. Wet socks aren't the only thing you have to worry about. Third, they should look good. Having to trudge through through the rain is glum enough and having to do it with a nasty pair of galoshes just makes it worse. Though most of the men's shoes that we consider to be essential earn that status for their timeless design, waterproof shoes make the cut for their utility. But that doesn't mean you're stuck with a shoe designed by some schmuck.
Thankfully there's plenty of hydrophobic footwear on the market to get you through the rain drip dry. Trail running shoes, work boots, even loafers come in waterproof variants. So whatever your style is, there's a shoe that will fit in your closet and keep your feet dry. We filtered through it all and brought you only the best of the best. So scroll on and keep your drip dry.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/21
Timberland 6-inch premium waterproof boot
The NYC boot of choice happens to be waterproof. It's a classic work boot style that pulls its weight when the weather gets bad and excels in style when you need a good platform for your outfit. It was one of the first boots to claim a waterproof design thanks to the cemented construction. Over half a century since its introduction, that iconic suede nubuck still holds up.
2/21
Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra trail running shoes
Waterproof, breathable, and some of the best cushioning around, these vivid shoes will beat the rainy blues.
3/21
Merrell Moab 2 GTX waterproof hiking boots
Crunchy hikers have been backpacking through trails in these shoes for decades, pushing the waterproof hiking shoes to reach verified classic status. Pair 'em with some swishy convertible pants and a lightweight puffer or just some good jeans and your favorite hoodie.
4/21
L.L. Bean Original Bean Boot
You might call this an ugly duckling. But beauty is in the eye of the shoe wearer and the Bean boot is a verified classic that'll swim through deep puddles thanks to the waterproof rubber and water-resistant leather uppers. It's the kind of shoe that feels at home with a pair of thick corduroy pants and a flannel shirt, but can easily slip into a dressier look.
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5/21
Blundstone Original 500 Chelsea boot
What more can we say about Blundstones that we haven't already? They're waterproof, they're comfortable, and they look good with any outfit.
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7/21
Magnanni waterproof chukka boot
When you need to suit up, these dress shoes are ready to nab you that promotion and keep you dry.
8/21
Muck Boot Arctic winter boot
When the water you're worried about comes in a frozen state, you'll want to slip on these rugged snow boots. They feature an impenetrable rubber upper and ice-grabbing Vibram soles to ensure you stay dry and stay and upright.
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9/21
Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-1 sneakers
Don't worry—your tried-and-true skate shoes come in a weatherproof version (so you can obviously keep doing kick flips in the rain).
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11/21
Red Wing Heritage classic moc Gore-Tex
Red Wing's moc toe boots are a perennial best seller that's even better with waterproofing.
12/21
Danner Mountain Light boot
Originally introduced in the 1970s, Danner's Mountain Light remains as cool as ever. The heavy-duty lugged outsoles are perfect for trekking any terrain, whether it's a gravely mountainside or on 5th avenue. And the Gore-tex lining gives these boots gold-standard waterproofness and breathability.
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13/21
Hunter original tall rain boot
When it comes to rain boots, Hunter should be the first to come to mind.
14/21
Mephisto HydroProtect waterproof genuine shearling lined boot
This handsome boot definitely has a sweet cabin up north energy.
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15/21
Grenson "Jude" rubberized boots
Waterproof leather boots like these are dressy enough to pair with a suit, but rugged enough to take on some hardy canvas work pants.
16/21
Bottega Veneta shearling-lined Puddle boots
Bottega's infamous Puddle boots splashed onto the fashion scene a few seasons back. Now, this shearling-lined version will get you through a bitter winter with the warm fuzzies.
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17/21
Tingley overshoe
If you somehow can't bear to be ripped away from your favorite non-waterproof shoes, you can at least give them their own rain coat.
18/21
Puma Suede vintage Gore-tex
Classic white kicks aren't just for the dry seasons.
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19/21
Converse x Haven Gore-Tex Chuck 70 sneakers
Canadian retailer Haven's collab with Converse is one of the best iterations on the ubiquitous sneaker out there. This high top version comes with Gore-tex so hardcore Converse fans (aka Devin Booker) can opt for their favorite kicks even in inclement weather.
20/21
Suicoke Pepper-evab Slip-On Sneakers
Your torso gets a puffer jacket in winter. Why not your feet?
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21/21
Arc'teryx Konseal FL2 approach shoe
Yes, you can film TikTok videos in the shower with these shoes.
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