Are hiking boots typically waterproof?

Waterproof hiking boots and a good waterproof hiking jacket enable you to embrace being outdoors in any weather. When you buy the right hiking gear, you don't have to worry about avoiding puddles or being caught in a rain shower. A waterproof hiking boot keeps your feet dry while its grippy rubber soles provide incredible traction even on soft, wet ground. Waterproof boots and hiking shoes from Columbia Sportswear® use advanced waterproofing technologies that repel water while allowing your feet to breathe. They are ideal for hikers who love a casual stroll or relish a challenging trail. Don a pair of these boots and you can be sure of a longer more enjoyable hiking experience, no matter the conditions.

Are you planning to hit the trails during damp or cold weather? Could the terrain be wet, muddy or covered in snow? Will you be crossing any streams? These are all excellent reasons to choose waterproof shoes for men, women and kids. After all, there's nothing like wet feet and soggy hiking socks to spoil the fun. With standard outdoor footwear, water can easily seep right through to your foot, requiring several days worth of drying out time before you can wear them again. And that's not all. Hiking when your feet are wet could cause you to develop painful blisters or even fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

Our waterproof all-terrain shoes also offer extra protection. With superior Omni-Grip™ traction technology, you’ll get a stable and lighter fit, ideal for winter and wet conditions. It uses specially designed lug patterns to give you stability and excellent grip, even on wet and slippery surfaces. The mid and high-cut design of walking shoes also provides your ankle with excellent support and protection from sharp rocks,

Waterproof hiking boots for women and men are designed with innovative materials and footwear technologies that stop water from penetrating the shoe. There are three key waterproofing technologies that will keep your feet dry when you can't dodge the puddles:

Are you venturing out in heavy rain or snow? Then OutDry™ is your new best friend. This incredibly robust, 100% waterproof technology provides all the protection you need to keep your feet dry and comfortable. It allows a waterproof and breathable membrane to be moulded directly onto the outer fabric of waterproof hiking shoes or boots. It creates a one-piece barrier without seams or gaps so water cannot penetrate. You can walk in wet snow or on wet or dewy grass and the inside of your boot will remain dry. Plus, it also stops any risk of waterlogging, so you’ll stay lighter on your feet and enjoy a more comfortable hiking experience.

Men's and women's hiking boots infused with Omni-Tech™ technology are ideal for hiking in light snow and moderate rain. The thin, multilayered, lightweight material stops water from getting into the shoe while allowing moisture vapours to escape. Thanks to this waterproof, breathable barrier, your feet won't feel sweaty and clammy at the end of your hike.

For those hikes when there's light rain or the air is moist, Omni-Shield™ comes into its own. It creates an effective water-repelling barrier on your comfortable hiking shoes that stops moisture from being absorbed into the outer fabric or leather. Meanwhile, the technology ensures maximum breathability and flexibility while also helping to reduce staining.

You can wear waterproof mountain shoes at any time of year. Whether a rainy spring, hot summer day or a snowy winter hike, waterproof footwear suits all weather conditions. In colder winter weather, leather hiking boots or snow boots keep your feet dry in snow, icy or slushy terrain. They also provide exceptional warmth thanks to an Omni-Heat™ Infinity reflective lining and 200 grams of cosy thermal insulation. Meanwhile, their super grippy outsole will ensure you don't miss a step on icy and slippery surfaces. During warm, dry weather, you can switch to a lightweight boot, low hiking shoe or mens walking sandals. These options help keep your feet cool and dry in warm, humid summer weather.

Make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store for your family’s next hike. Browse our hiking gear content guide for our full range of waterproof mountain hiking shoes and hiking clothes for women and women’s hiking shoes. With our help, you’ll be well-prepared for every adventure, no matter the weather.