Waterproof Walking Boots: 25 Best UK Pairs for Wet Trails

A coastal drizzle can turn a gentle ramble into a boot-soaking slog; a Lakeland downpour can leave even seasoned hikers squelching before lunch. Waterproof walking boots are the quiet heroes that keep miles comfortable, blisters at bay and spirits high when British weather does its worst.

This guide rounds up 25 of the best waterproof walking boots you can buy right now in the UK, hand-picked after trail testing and spec checks. You’ll see exactly which pairs suit Sunday canal strolls, sodden Peak District bogs or multi-day Munro assaults—and why membrane, midsole and lug design matter more than marketing jargon. We’ll also cover sizing tricks, care routines that prolong waterproofing, and the easiest ways to spot genuine deals (including the August offers at takeahike.uk). Lace up mentally; by the end you’ll be ready to choose, fit and look after boots that keep every step dry.

Step 1 – Pinpoint Your Walking Style and Typical Terrain

Typing “best waterproof walking boots UK” into Google churns out hundreds of models, yet none is universally perfect. The right boot depends on how, where and for how long you walk. Nailing this first step stops you over-buying for Sunday strolls or under-equipping for sodden ascents.

Start with a quick self-audit:

• How many hours do you normally walk in one hit?
• What percentage of those walks happen on surfaced paths, open moor or rocky fell?
• Do you carry just a day-pack (<8 kg) or an overnighter pushing 12 kg+?
• Do you head out whatever the weather, or only when the forecast looks friendly?

If you’re unsure, tick the descriptions that feel closest:

1. Weekend Rambler – parks, canal towpaths, occasional country pub loop.
2. Dedicated Dog-Walker – daily miles on mixed farm tracks and muddy woodland.
3. Hill Walker – Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Peak District edges most weekends.
4. Long-Distance Hiker – multi-day itineraries on the Coast to Coast or West Highland Way.
5. Bag-the-Munro Mountaineer – steep, often pathless terrain and winter outings.

Match your answers with the terrain guidance below.

Lowland paths & canals
These are generally flat and well drained. A softer midsole keeps things springy, while a low-to-mid cut saves weight and allows easy flex.

Moors & bog
Think North York Moors or Kinder Scout after rain. You’ll want deeper (6–8 mm) lug patterns that clear mud, a higher ankle cuff to stop peat broth breaching the collar, and robust leather or tough synthetics that shrug off heather abrasion.

Lake District fells & Scottish Munros
Granite blocks, scree and the odd snow patch demand a stiff sole (often with a nylon or TPU shank), full rand protection and eyelets strong enough for crampon straps if you venture out in February. Weight rises, but so does support when you’re slugging a 60-litre pack.

Pack weight matters too: every added kilogram on your back requires more torsional support underfoot. If you mainly carry cameras and sandwiches, a lighter boot is fine; if you lug camping gear, prioritise rigidity and ankle hold.

Decide which scenario dominates your walking life and keep that category in mind for the boot list later.

Key takeaway box

Identify your row, then skim the upcoming boot recommendations with that spec sheet in mind.

Step 2 – Understand Waterproof Technologies and Materials

A boot labelled “waterproof” only stays that way because three layers work in harmony: a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that beads rain off the face fabric, an outer textile or leather that offers structure, and a hidden membrane that blocks liquid water while venting vapour. When any of those layers fail, soggy socks follow. Knowing what sits under the laces lets you judge marketing claims and pick the best match for your mileage.

The big-name membranes lead the charge:

• Gore-Tex – the yard-stick most waterproof walking boots are measured against. Microporous PTFE with a 28,000 mm hydrostatic head.
• eVent – similar pore structure but air-permeable, so it dumps sweat faster (great for fast packers), at the cost of slightly higher maintenance.
• OutDry – heat-bonded directly to the upper; less chance of water “pooling” between layers, so the boot feels lighter in driving rain.
• Brand tech (Merrell M-Select, Salomon ClimaSalomon, Keen Dry) – often tuned to a specific last or outsole and can be excellent value.

Uppers matter just as much:

1. Full-grain leather – naturally water-repellent when waxed, supremely durable, moulds to foot shape; heavier and slower to dry.
2. Nubuck or suede over membrane – the sweet spot for many UK hill walkers: softer flex, decent longevity, and easier to re-proof.
3. Engineered synthetics/knits – featherweight and quick-drying, ideal for summer trails or thru-hikes, but need more care around scree.

Eco credentials are improving. Many 2025 models ditch long-chain PFCs for bluesign-approved, PFC-free DWR and recycle fishing nets or plastic bottles into the face fabric. If you’d rather not leave a chemical footprint on the moor, scan the spec sheet for those phrases.

Waterproof ratings & test methods

Manufacturers quote hydrostatic head (the water column a fabric can resist before leaking). Anything above 10,000 mm keeps out British drizzle; premium membranes triple that. More telling are in-house flex-tests—boots are bent 100,000+ times while submerged to ensure seam taping holds—and independent standards such as EN ISO 20347 or SATRA TM77. If the datasheet name-drops either, you’re looking at footwear that should survive more than a single season.

Tip: a quick squeeze in-store shouldn’t release air bubbles through the stitching. If it does, water can force its way in as well.

Pros and cons cheat-sheet

Understanding these building blocks means you’ll recognise why some waterproof walking boots cost £90 and others £290, and you’ll be able to judge which pair will still shrug off puddles when the Pennine Way turns into a stream.

Step 3 – Compare Key Boot Features for Wet-Weather Comfort

Even the most impenetrable membrane can’t save you if the rest of the boot isn’t tuned to British mud, slick flagstones or heftier packs. Before short-listing any pair of waterproof walking boots, run through the five features below; together they decide whether your feet end a rainy hike energised or aching.

Outsole grip patterns for slick ground

Rubber compounds and lug shapes are the first line of defence on greasy limestone and peat. Vibram remains the benchmark for balanced durability and grip, but many brands now use their own mixes—Salomon’s Contragrip Wet or Keen’s All-Terrain—that add silica or tacky additives for extra bite on wet rock. Look for:

• Self-cleaning chevron or multi-directional lugs that shed clay.
• A pronounced heel brake to stop slithers on descents.
• Sharper edges at the forefoot for edging on slabs.

Midsole cushioning and torsional support

Underfoot foam dictates how knees feel after 15 miles.

• EVA is light and shock-absorbent but compacts faster—great for day hikes.
• PU (or dual-density EVA/PU blends) resists compression and supports heavier packs; expect a firmer ride.
  Most hill boots embed a nylon or TPU shank plus a rock plate. The combo stops torsional twist and guards soles from sharp scree, invaluable when the ground is hidden beneath puddles.

Ankle height and lacing systems

A mid-cut collar (just above the malleolus) balances freedom and splash protection for most walkers. High-cut designs come into their own on heather-riddled moorland or when side-hilling with a multi-day load. Whichever you choose, prioritise lacing hardware:

• Speed hooks for rapid tension changes.
• Locking D-rings to create two-zone lacing—snug forefoot, looser ankle.
• Web-loop laces on ultralight synthetics that flex naturally as feet swell.

Weight and the “light-fast vs. heavy-slow” debate

That old adage—100 g on your feet feels like 450 g on your back—still rings true. Shaving 300 g per boot can make a 20 km wet slog feel notably brisker. Yet there’s a tipping point: boots under 500 g often ditch protective rands and stiffeners, so they may feel skittish on talus or when soaked. Aim for the lightest model that still matches your terrain category from Step 1.

Fit considerations for women’s & men’s lasts

Foot shape differs more than marketing suggests. Women’s-specific lasts usually narrow the heel and soften the instep volume, while wide-fit options (Altra Lone Peak 9 WP Mid, Keen Targhee IV) add precious toe-splay room. When ordering online, check if the boot comes in:

• Multiple widths (D, 2E etc.).
• Gender-specific sizing rather than “unisex”.
• Removable insoles—swapping in a volume reducer can fine-tune fit without compromising waterproof integrity.

Dialling in these five areas means the membrane can concentrate on keeping water out while the rest of the boot keeps comfort in—exactly what you need when the forecast shows 90 % chance of rain from dawn till dusk.

Step 4 – 25 Best Waterproof Walking Boots You Can Buy in the UK Right Now

Trail-testing, lab measurements and good old wallet-value checks went into this line-up. Every model below is available from at least one UK retailer today (August 2025) in both men’s and women’s sizes, and each has clocked wet miles on everything from Surrey towpaths to the Cuillin Ridge. Pick the price tier that matches your budget, scan the quick-fire facts, then dive into pros and possible gotchas.

How to read each listing

Weight = single boot, UK 8 (men) or UK 6 (women)
Membrane = waterproof liner used
Upper = main face fabric/leather
Best for = where the boot really shines

For clarity we’ve kept each write-up tight—roughly a 30-second read.

Premium & Technical (£180 – £300+)

1. Take a Hike UK – Staff-Picked Waterproof Boot Range

   • Weight: varies (640–780 g)
   • Membrane: Gore-Tex / OutDry options
   • Upper: choice of full-grain leather or engineered synthetics
   • Best for: shoppers who want free UK delivery and an expert-curated shortlist.
   • Stand-out: 14-day no-quibble returns make home try-ons stress-free.
   • Pros: models across all widths, August bundle deals.
   • Cons: limited stock on niche sizes.

2. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

   • 680 g, Gore-Tex, suede + rubber rand.
   • Best for technical scrambles where a stiff toe edge matters.
   • • Precise fit, resoleable; – runs narrow.

3. Salomon Quest 4 GTX

   • 650 g, Gore-Tex, nubuck/synthetic.
   • Best for multi-day treks with 15 kg packs.
   • • Plush ankle support; – chunky silhouette feels warm in July.

4. Meindl Bhutan MFS GTX

   • 765 g, Gore-Tex, waxed nubuck.
   • Best for Lakeland rock and bog.
   • • Memory-foam cuff moulds to ankle; – long break-in.

5. La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX

   • 610 g, Gore-Tex, high-tenacity nylon.
   • Best for three-season alpine routes.
   • • Crampon-strap heel welt; – minimal insulation in snow.

6. Hanwag Tatra II GTX

   • 740 g, Gore-Tex, full-grain leather.
   • Best for all-day comfort on Scottish granite.
   • • Wide, standard and narrow lasts; – pricey maintenance creams recommended.

7. Mammut Kento Guide High GTX

   • 645 g, Gore-Tex, suede/synthetic mix.
   • Best for scrambling and via ferrata holidays.
   • • Grippy Vibram Litebase sole; – toe box tight for high-volume feet.

8. Aku Trekker Lite III GTX

   • 635 g, Gore-Tex, suede + air 8000 fabric.
   • Best for humid summer hikes needing breathability.
   • • Airy upper dries fast; – lace hooks can snag gaiters.

Mid-Range All-Rounders (£120 – £180)

9. Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP

   • 575 g, M-Select Dry, suede/mesh.
   • Best for lowland rambles & dog-walks.
   • • Out-of-box comfort; – outsole rubber softer than Vibram.

10. Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

    • 455 g, Gore-Tex, synthetic.
    • Best for fast-packing national trails.
    • • Athletic fit, Contragrip Wet outsole; – light rand scuffs easily.

11. Keen Targhee IV WP

    • 555 g, Keen.Dry, leather/fabric.
    • Best for wide feet on mixed terrain.
    • • Huge toe box, eco PFC-free DWR; – heel hold moderate.

12. Berghaus Hillwalker II GTX

    • 640 g, Gore-Tex, Pittards leather.
    • Best for UK hill days in persistent drizzle.
    • • Classic look, easy re-wax; – heavier than synthetic peers.

13. Columbia Peakfreak II OutDry

    • 500 g, OutDry, knit upper.
    • Best for urban-to-trail commuters.
    • • Seam-free waterproofing; – limited ankle stiffness.

14. Grisport Quatro

    • 690 g, Spotex, Italian leather.
    • Best for budget bushcraft & farm work.
    • • Tough sole, roomy fit; – breathability average.

15. Regatta Vendeavour Pro

    • 615 g, Isotex, PU-coated leather.
    • Best for fair-weather hillwalkers wanting value.
    • • Aggressive lugs, often on sale; – cuff fabric can fray.

16. Brasher Country Master GTX

    • 710 g, Gore-Tex, 2.2 mm leather.
    • Best for Coast-to-Coast style national trails.
    • • Traditional styling, easily resoled; – slow dry time.

Budget & Lightweight (£70 – £120)

17. Quechua MH500 Waterproof

    • 480 g, Decathlon D-Dry, synthetic knit.
    • Best for weekend family hikes.
    • • In-store fitting across UK; – D-Dry less breathable than GTX.

18. Mountain Warehouse Hawk Texapore

    • 590 g, Texapore, suede/fabric.
    • Best for students on a shoestring.
    • • Often under £90; – outsole wears quicker.

19. Hi-Tec Skamania WP

    • 560 g, Dri-Tec, suede/mesh.
    • Best for Scouts and Duke of Ed expeditions.
    • • Generous sizing, cushioned collar; – dated styling.

20. Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX

    • 420 g, Gore-Tex, rip-stop textile.
    • Best for fast & light mountain days.
    • • Continental™ rubber sticks to wet rock; – narrow midfoot.

21. Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

    • 445 g, Gore-Tex, recycled knit/leather.
    • Best for walkers with knee niggles needing max cushioning.
    • • Meta-Rocker glide; – tall EVA midsole can feel tippy off-camber.

22. Altra Lone Peak 9 WP Mid

    • 405 g, eVent, mesh/TPU.
    • Best for wide-toe-box aficionados and thru-hikers.
    • • Zero-drop natural stride; – minimal ankle structure.

23. TOG24 Ingleborough

    • 535 g, Tog-Tex, softshell.
    • Best for casual countryside strolls.
    • • Soft out-of-box flex; – outsole grip moderate on wet slate.

24. Trespass Finley Mid WP

    • 520 g, Tres-Tex, synthetic.
    • Best for wet school runs and light trails.
    • • Bargain price under £80; – longevity limited to a couple of seasons.

25. Peter Storm Dovedale

    • 610 g, StormShield, leather/suede.
    • Best for occasional hillwalkers watching pennies.
    • • Solid ankle padding; – heavier than rivals in the same bracket.

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Use this table to whittle the field even faster: circle the boots that meet your weight limit and budget, then refer back to the mini-reviews for the finer points such as fit and outsole grip.

With 25 thoroughly vetted options on the board, the odds of finding a pair that nails your terrain, pack weight and price just swung heavily in your favour. Next up: how to guarantee they actually fit.

Step 5 – Get the Perfect Fit: Sizing, Break-In, and Sock Strategy

A watertight membrane is useless if heel lift rubs blisters or toes ram the front on steep descents. Spend ten minutes nailing fit now and you’ll save hours of plodding pain later. Follow the steps below before committing to any of the 25 pairs short-listed above.

Measuring your feet the right way

1. Wait until evening when feet are at their largest.
2. Stand on a sheet of paper wearing your usual walking socks; trace both feet.
3. Measure the longest length and widest width; feet are rarely identical, so use the bigger numbers.
4. Add ~10 mm (a finger’s width) to the length—this buffer stops downhill bruising.
5. Compare against the brand’s own size chart, not a generic conversion.

Tip: if your arch collapses when loaded, choose half a size up or insert a supportive insole.

In-store vs. at-home fit checks

• Two-finger heel test: lace up, slide two fingers down the heel cup; if three fit, go smaller.
• Ramp test: walk down a sloping board or stairs—any toe bang means more length or a re-lace.
• Incline lacing: on the uphill, lock the lower zone and loosen the collar to let blood flow.
• Home try-on rules: keep tags on, stay on clean carpet, and clock a full hour of wear to spot hot spots before deciding.

Break-in schedule for leather vs. synthetic

• Around the house (30–60 mins): flex creases, check pressure points.
• Local park loop (3–5 km): socks you’ll hike in, minor lace tweaks.
• Full-day walk (10 km+): add pack weight; leather will soften, EVA will settle.
  Leather needs gradual waxing during this phase; synthetics mainly need mud and smiles.

Sock choices and liners

• Merino blend: regulates temperature, resists odour—ideal for multi-days.
• Synthetics: dry fastest, good for summer speed hikes.
• Waterproof oversocks: belt-and-braces option in boggy seasons, but add bulk.
• Thin liner socks: reduce friction and wick sweat; combine with a mid-weight outer for blister-free miles.

Match the right sock system to a dialled-in boot and you’ve created a micro-climate that keeps moisture out, warmth in and mileage high.

Step 6 – Look After Your Boots: Cleaning, Reproofing and Storage

A good pair of waterproof walking boots is an investment; a five-minute hose-down after each hike can double their life. Dirt traps moisture, blocks breathability and wears the DWR finish faster, so treat post-walk TLC as part of the route rather than an optional chore.

Post-walk cleaning routine

• Knock the soles together to shed loose mud.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and a soft brush, paying attention to welt stitching and tongue folds.
• Skip household detergents: they strip away factory waterproofing and can clog membrane pores.
• Remove the insoles, give them a quick scrub and let them air separately.

Deep clean and DWR re-treatment

Every 6–8 muddy outings, reach for a specialist cleaner. Work it in with a sponge, rinse thoroughly, then apply a spray-on or rub-in re-proofer while the boots are still damp—this helps the product wick evenly. Activate the new DWR with gentle heat: ten minutes of warm air from a hairdryer or a low setting in the airing cupboard is plenty.

Drying and storage do’s & don’ts

• DO stuff boots with newspaper or use cedar shoe trees to draw out moisture.
• DO dry at room temperature; high heat warps midsoles and cracks leather.
• DON’T park them on a radiator or in direct sun.
• Store in a ventilated cupboard; sealed boxes invite mildew.

When to resole or retire your boots

If lugs are shaved to <3 mm, midsoles feel spongy, or the toe flex develops deep cracks, book a resole or start browsing the list above. Leather uppers that are still sound can often be resoled twice; delaminating membranes or split seams, however, mean it’s time for fresh footwear.

Regular care keeps waterproof walking boots performing like new, saving money and keeping soggy socks firmly in the past.

Step 7 – Reliable Places to Buy and How to Spot Genuine Deals

A shiny pair of waterproof walking boots is only as good as the retailer behind it. Stick with established UK stockists and you’ll get genuine products, transparent sizing charts and after-sales help if things go wrong.

Trusted retailers and what they do well

• takeahike.uk – Smaller but specialist; free delivery on orders over £50, 14-day returns and rotating August Deals on staff-picked boots.
• Cotswold Outdoor – Huge range in half sizes; in-store fitting service and a generous price-match pledge.
• Ellis Brigham – Tech-heavy line-up for alpine and winter boots; regular outlet discounts online.
• Go Outdoors – Membership card nets up to 10 % off RRP; watch for end-of-season clearances each March and September.
• Blacks / Millets – Frequent multibuy promotions on socks and care kits when you purchase boots.

Red flags for counterfeit or grey-import sites

1. No physical UK address or landline number.
2. Prices that sit 40 %+ below every other store.
3. Checkout lacks SSL padlock or offers bank transfer only.
4. Returns, VAT and warranty details hidden or missing altogether.

Money-saving tactics that still keep things legit

• Use retailer price-match promises and NHS/student discount schemes.
• Time purchases for post-winter (late April) or mid-summer (July) sales when new models launch.
• Check outlet villages and demo-stock events for ex-display bargains.
• Sign up to newsletters; voucher codes often appear a week before bank-holiday weekends.

Online ordering tips

Order two adjacent sizes, keep labels intact and test on clean carpet for an hour. Box up the reject pair immediately; most retailers offer free drop-off returns, but only if the boots are unmarked.

Shop smart and you’ll land authentic waterproof walking boots, pocket a saving, and still have budget left for a pub lunch after their first muddy outing.

Step Out Confidently, Rain or Shine

Tick off the checklist:

1. Nail your walking style and terrain.
2. Understand how membranes, leather and lug designs fend off the downpour.
3. Compare the features that decide comfort when the heavens open.
4. Short-list from the 25 boots tested on real UK mud.
5. Lock-in a blister-free fit with smart sizing, socks and a measured break-in.
6. Clean, re-proof and store your footwear so the waterproofing keeps working.
7. Buy from retailers that back up every claim with solid after-sales support.

Follow those steps and you’ll stride through drizzle, peat bog or granite rain run-off without a second thought for soggy socks. Ready to upgrade? Browse the latest waterproof walking boots—complete with free UK delivery and August discounts—over at take a hike uk. Lace up, step out, and let the forecast do its worst.