Waterproof Shoes for Every Activity
Waterproof shoes use a sealed membrane or bonded upper to stop water entering, while still letting sweat vapour escape. Unlike water-resistant footwear, which only delays water, a waterproof construction is built to keep feet dry through a full day of wear.
In British weather, dry feet are not a luxury, they are essential. Skechers waterproof shoes keep you moving when the forecast turns, whether you are walking, running, hiking, playing golf or heading to the gym. This guide covers waterproof shoes and trainers for every activity, from sealed walking styles to specialist golf and hiking options, plus care tips to make your pair last.
Tips for the right pair of waterproof shoes:
- Waterproof and water-resistant are not the same thing so make sure to check the label before you buy
- Match the outsole to your surface. Wet pavement, loose mud and fairway grass each need a different tread
- Breathability matters as much as sealing. A shoe that traps sweat feels wet from the inside
- Direct heat destroys membranes. Never dry waterproof shoes on a radiator or in a tumble dryer
- The factory water-repellent finish wears off. Reproof every few months to keep it working
What makes a shoe waterproof?
Waterproofing is a construction, not a coating. Several elements work together to seal a shoe. The key features of our Skechers waterproof shoes are:
- A waterproof membrane stitched or bonded into the upper
- Sealed seams to stop water tracking through stitching
- A gusseted tongue that blocks water at the lace area
- Treated outer fabric that beads water on the surface
If you plan to spend serious time outdoors, look for the waterproof label rather than water-resistant. Skechers waterproof shoes use sealed constructions designed to keep your feet dry across a full day of wear.
Waterproof walking shoes
Waterproof walking shoes are the most versatile category in the range, suitable for dog walks, commutes, countryside routes and city use. The best waterproof walking shoes combine three things: a sealed upper, a cushioned midsole. and a grippy outsole that handles wet pavement and muddy paths.
For women, ladies waterproof walking shoes such as the Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: GO WALK Flex - Clear Creek and Waterproof Relaxed Fit: D'Lux Walker - Get Oasis offer a lightweight sealed upper with cushioned support, while UNO Rugged - Spotted Terrain adds a more rugged outsole for uneven terrain.
For waterproof walking shoes for men, the Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: Summits - Corbos is built with a fully waterproof construction and a supportive midsole, making it a solid choice for staying dry on longer walks. Our GO WALK collection is designed around lightweight cushioning and flexibility for everyday distance. Browse the full range of walking shoes for women and walking shoes for men to compare sealed styles.
Waterproof running shoes
Waterproof running shoes use lightweight membranes to keep moisture out without adding bulk, so wet weather does not interrupt your training. The best waterproof running shoes feel no heavier than a standard pair once you are moving.
The Waterproof: GO RUN Consistent 2.0 - Piedmont and Waterproof: Max Run - Vorteza are road-ready options with the breathability needed for higher-effort sessions. Browse the GO RUN collection or full range of running shoes for women and running shoes for men to compare our Skechers waterproof styles.
If you are still looking for the best waterproof running shoes and want more detail on choosing a running shoe for your stride and surface, read our running shoes guide.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes are built for uneven ground, with reinforced uppers, lugged outsoles and sealed membranes working together. Compared to walking shoes, they offer deeper tread, more structured support and stronger protection against scrapes.
Women's waterproof hiking shoes such as Waterproof Relaxed Fit: Trego - Trail Destination combine a sealed construction with a lightweight feel for longer days on the trail. Waterproof: Max Protect Legacy - Weekend Getaway waterproof hiking shoe adds extra support for rockier routes.
For men, Waterproof Relaxed Fit: Relment - Pelmo and Waterproof: Equalizer 5.0 Trail - Tumbler Ridge cover everything from a gentle ramble to proper hillwalking. The best waterproof hiking shoes for men typically feature a deeper tread pattern and a more structured upper than walking equivalents. Still want more? Check our hiking shoes guide to find inspiration for the best waterproof hiking boots and the ultimate hiking outfit.
Waterproof golf shoes
Waterproof golf shoes are essential for year-round play in the UK, where morning dew and unexpected rain are part of the game. The best waterproof golf shoes pair a sealed upper with a spikeless or soft-spiked outsole for grip through the swing.
For women, ladies waterproof golf shoes like Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: GO GOLF Prestige SL keep feet dry across eighteen holes with the all-day cushioning needed for walking the course. Waterproof: GO GOLF Jasmine 2 offers a more classic silhouette for traditional tastes.
Skechers waterproof golf shoes for men, such as Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: GO GOLF Prestige have become a popular choice on tour and at club level, balancing stability through the swing with proper waterproofing. Waterproof Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 6 offers a sportier alternative for golfers who prefer a trainer-style shoe.
Not sure which pair suits your swing? Our golf shoes guide covers grip, stability and style across the full GO GOLF range, so you can pick your pair before your next tee time.
Waterproof boots
Waterproof boots offer more coverage than low-cut shoes, making them the right choice for winter walks, frosty mornings and any day where puddles are unavoidable. They sit higher around the ankle and usually feature deeper outsoles.
Women's waterproof boots in the Skechers range cover both casual and outdoor styles. UNO Rugged - Moonlight Ridge pairs a sealed upper with a cushioned footbed. For men, Waterproof Relaxed Fit: Garlan - Deno combines waterproof construction with the supportive feel of a Skechers trainer.
From frosty morning dog walks to full winter downpours, there is a boot built for it. Browse our hand-picked list of the best winter boots to find the style that carries you through the coziest season. for winter to find the style that carries you through the season.
Waterproof sports shoes and slip-ins options
Waterproof sports shoes give you the freedom to keep training regardless of the forecast, from gym sessions to park intervals. The Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: Summits - Best Choice for women and Waterproof Relaxed Fit: Edgeride - Konzo for men are flexible choices for cross-training and general gym use.
For anyone who wants something easier to get on and off, waterproof Slip-ins shoes such as Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: Glide-Step Pro - Soft Mist offer the same weather protection in a hands-free design, useful for quick errands and unpredictable forecasts.
Waterproof shoes for work
Waterproof work shoes matter for anyone on their feet all day, from hospitality roles such as receptionists, waiting staff and kitchen teams to delivery drivers and nurses. Many also feature slip-resistant outsoles for added safety on wet floors.
For a closer look at the right styles for different roles, read our work shoes guide.
How to care for waterproof shoes
To keep waterproof shoes performing, follow four basic steps:
- Wipe off mud and grit with a damp cloth after wet outings, before it dries in.
- Air-dry at room temperature, stuffing the shoes with newspaper. Avoid radiators and tumble dryers, as direct heat damages the membrane.
- Reapply a waterproofing spray every few months. The factory water-repellent finish wears off over time, and topping it up keeps water beading on the surface.
- Check the laces and tongue for wear, as damaged laces can let water track inside even when the rest of the shoe is sound.
For a full step-by-step on cleaning different materials, read our guide on how to clean your Skechers.
Looked after properly, a good pair of waterproof shoes will see you through several seasons. Whether you are after waterproof trainers for the daily commute, hiking shoes for the weekend or golf shoes for the course, the right pair is the one that lets you stop checking the forecast and get on with the day.
FAQs on waterproof shoes
Waterproof shoes use a sealed membrane and taped seams to stop water passing through the upper entirely. Water-resistant shoes use a treated fabric that repels water on the surface but lets it through under sustained rain. For wet walks or full days outdoors, choose waterproof.
Yes. Waterproof running trainers work well for wet-weather road running and everyday training. In warm, dry conditions a standard mesh trainer will breathe better, so many runners keep waterproof pairs for autumn and winter and rotate to a lighter shoe in summer.
Pair them with moisture-wicking socks rather than cotton, which holds sweat against the skin. Choose a style with a breathable membrane rather than a fully coated upper, and air your shoes out between wears so any trapped moisture can escape.
For light trails and towpaths, yes. For proper hiking they are not a substitute for hiking footwear, as they lack the lugged outsole and torsional support you need on loose or uneven ground. A dedicated waterproof hiking shoe is the safer choice.
The membrane itself lasts the life of the shoe if it is not damaged by heat or heavy creasing. The outer water-repellent treatment wears off much sooner, usually within a few months of regular use, which is why reproofing spray is worth reapplying each season.
No. Machine washing can damage the membrane, loosen bonded seams and strip the water-repellent finish. Clean waterproof shoes by hand with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry at room temperature away from any direct heat source.
Yes. Waterproof construction is no longer limited to technical outdoor footwear. Casual trainers, slip-ins and boots across the Skechers range use the same sealed uppers, so you can keep an everyday look while staying dry on the commute or the school run.
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