If you want the best waterproof hiking shoes for women to start with, the CC-Los pair is the first pick for a lightweight shoe for everyday walking and light trails. It suits beginners and walkers who mostly use paved paths and mild trails. Learn more in KEEN Utility Davenport Waterproof Boots: Review and Best Uses.
The maker lists a waterproof design that keeps your feet dry, a memory foam sockliner and a lightweight non-slip rubber outsole. For you, that means a rainy sidewalk or a wet park path should not soak through, and the padded insole adds comfort on long days on your feet.
Rougher, steeper ground calls for a sturdier pick, so the other four shoes in this roundup cover those trips. Read on to see how each one differs.
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How we picked: from products sold on Amazon for this need, compared by what their makers state and what buyers report in their reviews.
The Picks at a Glance
Product | Best for | Outer material | Sole material | Inner material | Buyer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CC-Los Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes | lightweight daily walks | 100% Polyester Warp-Knitted Mesh | Rubber | Mesh | 4.2 of 5 (1,690 reviews) | |
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | mixed trail days | Suede | Rubber | Mesh | 4.4 of 5 (1,462 reviews) | |
Columbia Women’s Strata Trail Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe | wet, cool weather | Canvas | Rubber | Cotton | 4.1 of 5 (369 reviews) | |
NORTIV 8 Women’s Lightweight Ankle Hiking Boots | rugged trails | Nylon,TPU | EVA,Rubber | Fabric | 4.5 of 5 (1,020 reviews) | |
OUTJET Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes | shoppers who want a light pair | Nylon | EVA,Rubber | — | 4.1 of 5 (1,171 reviews) |
Buyer ratings as shown on Amazon on October 13, 2026; they change.
CC-Los Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Best for lightweight daily walks
CC-Los Women’s Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes are the first pick for daily walkers who want a light, waterproof shoe. The maker’s main claims are a waterproof build, a cushioned insole and a grippy sole, which fit errands, city walks and mild paths. It also helps to read KEEN Utility Arvada Work Shoes Review: Who They Suit.
The maker says the waterproof design keeps your feet dry at all times. For a daily walker, that means a rainy walk to the bus stop or a puddle on the way home does not soak your socks. The maker also says a memory foam sockliner and a lightweight non-slip rubber outsole give support and traction on any terrain. A cushioned insole helps on long days on your feet, and the grip helps on wet steps and curbs.
The upper is mesh, which the maker says promotes airflow and helps prevent excessive buildup of foot sweat. On a warm afternoon, that airflow is what keeps a waterproof shoe from feeling like a plastic bag. The sole is also described as anti-slip and wear-resistant, with a reinforced toe that the maker says adds safety and stability.
Pros
Buyers say the shoes are lightweight, which matters when you walk for an hour or more.
Buyers say the water resistance keeps their feet dry.
Buyers say traction is excellent on slippery ground.
Buyers say the shoes work well in cold and snowy conditions.
Cons
Some buyers say the shoes run small.
Some buyers report poor comfort, with blisters between the smaller toes.
If your walks mix in more rocky or muddy trail days, look at the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe instead.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe: Best for mixed trail days
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe is the pick for hikers who want one shoe for several trail types. Its waterproof membrane, heel cushioning and multi-sport outsole are built for mixed days rather than one kind of terrain. For a closer look, read Best Hiking Jackets: Two Picks and How to Choose.
The maker lists a waterproof membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape. In daily use, rain stays out while sweat has a way to leave, so your feet are less likely to stay damp inside on a long walk in wet weather.
The upper combines pig suede leather with a breathable mesh section. The leather adds durability on rough trail, and the mesh keeps air moving on warm days.
A Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. On a steep descent, that cushioning eases the jolt on each step, and the stability helps your heel stay settled on uneven ground.
The Super Rebound Compound midsole provides durable shock absorption and helps reduce torque. The Vibram TC5+ outsole provides exceptional traction for outdoor multi-sport activities, so the grip you get on dirt trails carries over when you move to rocky or muddy ground.
Pros
Buyers say the shoes are comfortable right out of the box.
Buyers say the toe box is wide and the arch support is good.
Buyers report that the shoes hold up well in daily use and humid climates.
Cons
Some buyers find the shoes not waterproof at all.
If your hikes are mostly wet and cool, the Columbia Women’s Strata Trail Low is the better pick for that weather.
Columbia Women’s Strata Trail Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe: Best for wet, cool weather
Columbia Women’s Strata Trail Low Waterproof is the pick for hikers who spend long stretches in moderate rain or snow. The maker lists a multilayer waterproof material, cushioning with energy return and a lug pattern for rock, dirt and gravel. Together, these point to a shoe for wet, cool days more than dry summer trails.
The waterproof layer is described for prolonged exposure to moderate rain and snow. It is built from a breathable material that releases excess heat and moisture. On a long, damp walk, that means your feet stay dry and sweat has a way out, so the inside is less likely to feel clammy.
The TECHLITE cushioning is made for lightweight impact absorption on varied surfaces, with long-lasting cushioning and high energy return. On a rocky descent, that softens each step, and the energy return gives some spring on flat stretches. The outsole is listed for multi-terrain traction on rock, dirt and gravel, in wet or dry conditions. On a wet trail with loose gravel, that grip matters most.
Pros
Buyers say the shoes keep water out well.
Buyers say the shoes are comfortable and did not cause blisters.
Buyers say the shoes have good grip and do not slip.
Cons
Buyers say the shoes run too big for some.
Buyers say the shoes wear out quickly for some.
Buyers say the shoes give less ankle support than boots.
If you want more ankle support on rugged ground, look at the NORTIV 8 Women’s Lightweight Ankle Hiking Boots instead.
NORTIV 8 Women’s Lightweight Ankle Hiking Boots: Best for rugged trails
NORTIV 8 Women’s Lightweight Ankle Hiking Boots suits hikers who want an ankle boot for rocky or rugged paths.
The maker builds the upper from sturdy Oxford fabric with TPU patches in high-wear areas, which the maker says resist abrasion and tearing. For you, that means scrapes from rock and brush are less likely to wear through quickly.
At 12.3 oz per shoe, the boot is light enough that it will not weigh you down over a full day of walking. The EVA insoles keep each step cushioned and responsive. The mesh covering improves ventilation, so your feet stay more comfortable on longer walks. The rubber outsole gives slip resistance on the trail.
Pros
Cushioned EVA insoles
Mesh covering for ventilation
Abrasion-resistant upper with TPU patches
Rubber outsole for slip resistance
Cons
Water resistance is timed. The maker gives four hours of static water-resistant ability, so do not rely on this boot through a long soaking.
If you mostly walk paved paths or want the lightest option, CC-Los is the first pick.
OUTJET Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Best for shoppers who want a light pair
OUTJET Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a good fit for shoppers who want a very light waterproof pair. The maker states each shoe weighs 10.7 oz, and the sheet also lists a thickened EVA midsole and a waterproof sock inside the shoe. Those are the facts that set this pick apart from the heavier options on this list.
The maker says the shoes are only 10.7 oz each and describes them as light enough to release the burden on your feet. In daily use, that means less fatigue on a long day of errands or a walk on the trail, since you carry less weight with every step. The weight is per shoe, so a pair adds up to a little under 1.4 pounds.
The maker also states a thickened EVA midsole for shock absorption and a rubber sole for stronger grip. The midsole is the foam layer between your foot and the ground, so thicker foam softens each step on pavement or rocky ground. The waterproof sock inside the shoe is meant to keep water out, so wet grass or a rain shower is less likely to soak through.
Pros
Weighs 10.7 oz per shoe, which is light for all-day wear
Buyers say the shoes keep their feet dry in rain and snow
Buyers say the soles grip well on varied terrain, including snow and ice
Thickened EVA midsole adds cushioning
Cons
Buyers say the shoes run small, so sizing is inconsistent
Buyers say the shoes wear out quickly for some, while others get nearly a year of use
If you need a shoe for rugged trails or a higher ankle, look at the NORTIV 8 ankle boots instead.
How do you choose the right waterproof hiking shoe?
Choose the shoe by the ground and weather you will cover most, then compare weight, grip and fit. Terrain narrows the choice more than anything else, so start there.
If you mostly walk in steady rain or snow on longer outings, look for a multilayer waterproof build. Columbia describes its OMNI-TECH layer as made for prolonged exposure to moderate rain and snow. For rocky or rugged paths, an ankle boot with reinforced uppers suits better. NORTIV 8 uses Oxford fabric and TPU patches in its high-wear areas.
Waterproofing and breathability work together. A waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape, so rain stays out while sweat has somewhere to go on a warm walk. Mesh and suede uppers add airflow as well.
Weight and cushioning matter more as the distance grows. The OUTJET pair weighs 10.7 oz per shoe and has a thickened EVA midsole, which suits a light everyday walk. The NORTIV 8 boot weighs 12.3 oz per shoe, which is more to lift over a long day.
Outsole grip should match the ground. Vibram TC5+ outsoles give exceptional traction for outdoor multi-sport activities, while Columbia’s lug pattern suits rock, dirt and gravel. Pick the tread that fits the trail you will walk most.
Fit decides comfort. Some Merrell buyers repeat that the toe box is wide and the arch support is good, while some CC-Los buyers report blisters between the smaller toes. Sizing also varies: some buyers say the CC-Los runs small, and others say the Columbia runs too big.
Which pair should you start with?
If you mostly walk paved paths and mild trails, CC-Los is the first pick for light, everyday waterproof walking. Buyers say the shoes are lightweight and that water resistance keeps their feet dry. For daily use, that means you can wear them all day without the weight of a heavy boot.
Before you compare the rest, decide your main terrain and weather. A pair built for wet, cool days or rocky ground points you to a different pick than one for light walks, and that one choice narrows the five pairs quickly. Pick the terrain you hike most, then read the matching section.