Waterproof Boots

Waterproof walking boots are hiking boots built with a breathable waterproof membrane for mens and women that keeps water out while letting sweat escape, so your feet stay dry from rain, puddles and wet ground without overheating. They’re the single most useful piece of kit for walking in the British climate. Hi-Tec’s waterproof range is built around our Dri-Tec membrane and grippy MDTraction soles, and several styles are recommended for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. 

Put simply: dry feet are happy feet, and happy feet go further. If you walk anywhere in the UK, you walk in the wet sooner or later — these are the boots that mean it doesn’t end your day early. 

How do waterproof walking boots work? 

A waterproof walking boot has a thin membrane layered inside the upper. The membrane’s pores are far too small for a water droplet to pass through from the outside, but large enough to let water vapour — your sweat — escape from the inside. That’s the clever part: a boot that sealed water out would leave your feet swimming in sweat within a mile. Our Dri-Tec membrane does both jobs at once, keeping you dry from puddles and perspiration. Pair that with a sealed, gusseted tongue and a durable water-repellent finish on the outer, and rain has nowhere to get in. 

What makes Hi-Tec waterproof boots different? 

Dri-Tec — dry from the outside in, and the inside out 

Our own breathable waterproof membrane is the heart of every boot in this range. It’s tested to keep water out over the long haul, not just on day one, so the boots you trust this winter are still keeping you dry next winter. 

MDTraction — grip where it counts 

Wet boots are only as good as their grip. Our deep-lugged MDTraction rubber outsole is designed to bite into the exact surfaces British walking throws at you: wet rock, mud, wet roots and loose scree. It grips on the climb and brakes on the descent. 

Comfort and support for long, wet days 

Cushioned footbeds, supportive midsoles and padded ankle collars mean these boots carry you comfortably through the kind of long day where the weather never quite makes its mind up. Lightweight options keep the effort down over distance. 

Are waterproof walking boots worth it? 

For walking in the UK, yes — emphatically. Our climate means wet grass at dawn, surprise showers, boggy ground and stream crossings are part of the deal for most of the year. Waterproof trainers & boots keep your feet dry and warm, which prevents blisters, keeps you comfortable and lets you walk longer without cutting the day short. The only time to consider non-waterproof boots is hot, dry, dusty conditions where maximum breathability matters more than keeping water out — not a common British problem. 

Mens and womens waterproof boots 

This collection of Waterproof Boots includes waterproof styles for both mens and women, in a range of heights and weights. Whether you want a tall, supportive boot for upland expeditions or a lighter mid boot for trails and the daily walk, there’s a Dri-Tec option here. Use the gender and feature filters to narrow things down, and look forDofE-recommended styles  if you’re kitting out for an expedition. 

Best Hi-Tec waterproof boots to start with 

Keeping your waterproof boots waterproof 

Waterproofing isn’t forever — but it’s easy to maintain. Rinse off mud after muddy walks (caked dirt holds moisture against the membrane), dry boots naturally away from radiators and direct heat, and re-apply a spray-on or wax proofer a few times through the season once water stops beading on the surface. Treat them well and a good pair will keep your feet dry for years, not seasons. 

Frequently asked questions 

What are the best waterproof walking boots? 

The best waterproof walking boot is the one that fits your foot and suits your terrain — but it should always combine a breathable waterproof membrane, a grippy lugged outsole and all-day cushioning. Hi-Tec’s Dri-Tec range delivers all three, with DofE-recommended options like the Eurotrek Lite WP for expedition use and lighter styles like the V-Lite Explorer WP for fast trail days. 

Are waterproof boots breathable? 

Good ones are. A quality membrane such as Dri-Tec lets sweat vapour escape while blocking water from getting in, so your feet stay dry without overheating. Cheap “waterproof” boots that simply seal water out tend to leave feet damp with sweat — which is why the membrane matters. 

How long do waterproof walking boots stay waterproof? 

With proper care — cleaning off mud, drying naturally and re-proofing a few times a season — a good pair stays waterproof for years. Waterproofing fades fastest when boots are left caked in mud or dried on a hot radiator, both of which degrade the materials. 

Can I wear waterproof boots in summer? 

Yes. Dri-Tec is breathable, so waterproof boots are comfortable across the seasons in the UK climate. In genuinely hot, dry conditions some walkers prefer a more ventilated non-waterproof shoe, but for typical British summers — which rarely stay dry for long — waterproof boots are a safe bet.