Many hiking boots are waterproof but not all of them. Some have a waterproof mesh lining them such as GOR-TEX, others are simply treated with a waterproofing spray but even a well polished leather boot will keep your feet dry in most conditions. If you decide you do not want waterproof hiking boots then you can find breathable fabric options.
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How Waterproof Are Waterproof Hiking Boots?
Unlike waterproof jackets, companies do not often advertise a waterproof rating for hiking boots making it difficult to directly compare. Some name the waterproof membrane brand such as GOR-TEX or there own version, others simply just say waterproof.
In practical terms this means that a new waterproof hiking boots should be able to withstand multiple puddles, bogs and exposure to wet grasses for several hours or even longer without letting any water through. The amount of water hiking boots resist will be impacted by the effectiveness and durability of the waterproofing method used by the company and the way in which it is incorporated into the footwear.
Many of the waterproof hiking boots have a mesh membrane as just using a water repellant spray will only give some water resistance. There are many brands of these waterproof membranes now but GORE-TEX is the most well known and used by a lot of the higher end outdoors brands.
These membranes will still allow vapour out and aid with the breathability of the boot preventing your feet from getting wet from sweat. Just imagine walking with your feet in a plastic bag. It will keep your feet dry but it will leave your feet sweating and stinking! That’s why the breathability of these membranes are so important.
If you are looking for new hiking boots then you will see a huge range of price points for waterproof boots from under £50 up to several hundred of pounds and in most cases you will get what you pay for.
The best way to establish how waterproof a pair of hiking boots are without trailing it yourself is to look at the reviews. If people are saying they are not waterproof on a simple dog walk then they either are not constructed well with the membrane or the membrane breaks down easily over time, letting water through the holes. Also look to see if the seams stay intact as this is usually the first place any waterproof boot or show will fail at.
Why Do My Feet Still Get Wet In Waterproof Boots?
Your feet can still get wet in waterproof boots because of the sweat of your own feet. You can tell this from a leak because it will be even all over your socks as apposed to radiating from a set location if it’s a leak in the boot.
Having waterproof boots usually compromises the breathability of the shoe as it is another layer added despite being designed to allow air to pass through and water to not. Deciding how breathable a boot is can be difficult compared to other garments like waterproof jackets which clearly give ratings to compare. Mesh like fabrics are the most breathable and different brands of waterproof membranes are more breathable than others.
If you do not have sweaty feet then it is likely that the waterproofing is failing on your hiking boot. This could be due to do much exposure to water (even GOR-TEX has a limit), degradation of the waterproof membrane due to wear and tear or holes forming in your boots. In every pair of waterproof shoes I’ve owned, it is normally the seal between the sole and boot at the toe crease that fails first. You can tell when you have a distinctive wet pack on your socks spreading out from the area.
If you are planning a long hike in boots consider putting a bit of talcum powder in your socks or on your feet before the trip. The talc will absorb the moisture from your sweat whilst remaining a dry feeling for your skin. Dry skin copes better with blisters and helps deter any nasty infections such as athletes foot. It also feels a lot nicer if you have to put your feet back into wet boots if your thru-hiking.
How To Dry Waterproof Boots Fast
Waterproof hiking boots will dry slower than non-waterproof alternatives but to speed it up you need to take out the insole, increase the temperature (no direct heat) and increase airflow.
If you haven’t been hiking and felt the feeling of dread as cold water suddenly rushes over the top of your boot as you misjudge a boggy section then you are lucky. Waterproof boots are great for walking through wet grass, puddles and shallow streams but they do have a nice big hole at the top. Whether its crossing a ford (if you have a change of shoes to cross this is worth changing) or sinking into a bog once the water is over the top of the boot its game over. Wet feet guaranteed for the rest of the day.
The downside of waterproof boots is that it works both ways, which means it keeps the water in when you don’t want it to. So if you do find yourself in a situation where water has gone over the top the best thing you can do is pour the water out as soon as your in a dryer spot.
Once you are back home or at camp take off your shoes and take out the insole if you can. I find these act as sponges and hang them up if you can in a sunny spot with a breeze. Same if you are camping.
As for your boots warm sunny spot with a good breeze. In hotels and at home I have used a hairdryer on the cold setting to help speed things up but otherwise it is a waiting game unless you really want to sway your boots around. Talcum powder also absorbs moisture and you can pour out the rest. You can use clothes or towels to squeeze out the padded sections in the boot also although don’t keep them in there when saturated as it reduces the air flow.
In the morning, if it still hasn’t dried your dry socks will wick some of the moisture and if you talc your feet then it shouldn’t feel too bad. The heat from your feet will also speed up the drying process. Just if you are spending days walking with wet feet make sure to dry your feet off and air them at every opportunity especially overnight.
Should You Get Waterproof Boots?
Waterproof hiking boots are an excellent choice for anyone who is going to be hiking where there is a persistently high chance of rain so your feet are protected from the rain itself, puddles, boggy areas and small water crossings. Having dry feet helps prevent blisters from forming on the softened skin and from infections.
On the other hand, if you are somewhere hot, dry, on good gravel or tarmac paths or planning to wear them for prolonged periods of walking in water (such as up a river hiking) then you should a lighter, more breathable non waterproof boot would be a better option. This is because your feet can breath so won’t be wet with sweat or if you are highly likely to have wet feet then the boots will dry faster.
What Are The Alternatives To Hiking Boots
There are multiple types of footwear that can be used for hikes. The classic being the hiking boots, but you can also get hiking shoes, trail running shoes and even hiking sandals to carry out your hike in. Each style has a different feel and will suit different people and terrains better than others.
Comparison Table Of Hiking Footwear
Below is a table of comparing the different types of hiking footwear in different situations, although depending upon the quality of each there is a wide range of variations so equivalent price ranges are considered. For example, you can get some hiking boots that weigh less than other hiking shoes due to different materials used.
| Category | Hiking Boot | Hiking Shoe | Trail Running Shoes | Hiking Sandals |
| Waterproofing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Heaviest | Heavy | Light | Lightest |
| Micro-spikes | Yes | Yes | No- too flexible and will come off | No |
| Ankle Support | Yes | No | No | No |
| Flexibility | No | Some | Yes | Yes |
| Bog | Yes | Some | Some | No |
| River crossings | Shallow | No | No | Yes- fast drying |
| Toe Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Conclusion
All hiking boots offer some resistance to water ingress with many claiming to be waterproof which is why it appears that they all are. With advancements in waterproofing technology it is hard to find a reason not to get a waterproof hiking boot as they are still lightweight and breathable and retailers have listened to demand.
If you really do prefer to have non waterproof hiking boots then try summer versions and talk to shop assistants either online or in store as the only way to find the perfect boot fit is to try many on. Happy Hiking!
