Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

5 Best Hiking Shoes For Men Waterproof in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Best waterproof hiking shoes for men: KEEN, SHULOOK and three NORTIV 8 designs compared for membranes, tongue seals, traction and weight.

By Danny WalkerCamping Editor at RV Gear Lab5 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

A waterproof hiking shoe is only as dry as its weakest seam, so the useful comparison is membrane, tongue and toe construction, not the word waterproof on the box. Low cuts also leave an open collar, which no membrane can seal.

These five shoes all name a membrane on the listing. They are ordered by how complete the weather protection is, then by weight and price.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Campsite Fit Check

Start with the job: KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes leads this shortlist for Wet, rocky trails and long days. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
Specs that separate the picks: The first details to compare are KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, SL-TEX waterproof membrane, Suede leather, waterproof membrane. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Leather needs care and drying

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Hiking Shoe For Men Waterproof

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Membrane vs water resistance
A waterproof membrane is a thin barrier layer inside the shoe that blocks liquid while letting vapor escape. A water-resistant upper only sheds light spray and soaks through in a real downpour. Look for named membrane wording like KEEN.DRY or SL-TEX in the listing.
02
Tongue design
A tongue that is sewn to the upper on both sides keeps water, grit and sand from entering where the laces are. Without it, even a good membrane lets debris through. Look for closed-cell, gusseted or bellows tongue wording.
03
Collar height
Low shoes stop at the ankle bone, so water higher than that pours in over the top, whatever the membrane. A mid-cut collar keeps more out but adds weight. Check cut height in the title and bullets.
04
Breathability
A membrane keeps water out and slows sweat leaving, so a hot hiker can end up damp from the inside. Mesh panels and breathable linings help. Look for breathable lining or vapor release wording.
05
Traction for wet ground
Wet rock, mud and roots are slippery, and shallow lugs clog quickly. Deeper, multi-direction lugs on all-terrain rubber shed mud and bite. Look for lug depth in millimeters, or a named traction rubber.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review camping gear →

Detailed reviews

The 5 best hiking shoes for men waterproof, explained

Best Overall · 1 of 5

KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes

KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane
External support shank, heel cradle
4mm lugs, all-terrain rubber

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Wet, rocky trails and long days

Our take

The most complete waterproof shoe here. Supportive, grippy and roomy in the toe.

Why it made the shortlist

It adds an external support shank, mid-height balance, a heel cradle and a removable footbed with arch support.

Against the NORTIV 8 Leather, it has a firmer shank and a more refined, longer-lasting build. Compared with the SHULOOK Trail, it carries the more recognized membrane and a stiffer platform for rocky ground.

It suits hikers who want the most complete waterproof shoe and will pay for it. KEEN Original Fit gives generous toe room.

What works

Membrane keeps feet dry, vapor out
Bruise plate protects the forefoot
Support shank balances rough ground
Roomy Original Fit toe box

Watch out for

Leather needs care and drying

The catch: It costs the most, and the leather needs occasional brushing.

Check price on Amazon

Best Lightweight Seal · 2 of 5

SHULOOK Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trail

SL-TEX waterproof membrane
Closed-cell tongue seals debris
Removable memory foam insole

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Best for: Light, sealed shoe for wet days

Our take

A light, well-sealed waterproof shoe. The tongue and toe design are thoughtful.

Why it made the shortlist

The SHULOOK Trail uses a suede and mesh upper with an SL-TEX waterproof membrane and a closed-cell tongue that keeps rain, muck and sand out. It weighs about 1.2 lb per the listing, and has a removable memory foam insole and a flexible EVA midsole.

Compared with the KEEN Targhee 3, it is lighter and cheaper with a tongue seal designed to block debris. Against the NORTIV 8 Leather, it adds memory foam and heel cushioning.

It suits hikers who want a light waterproof shoe with a sealed tongue. The rubber anti-collision toe design protects against rock strikes.

What works

Closed-cell tongue blocks muck and sand
Light at about 1.2 lb
Memory foam insole cushions
Rubber toe design absorbs hits

Watch out for

Lesser-known brand
Suede and mesh need care

The catch: The membrane brand is less established than KEEN.

Check price on Amazon

Best Value Leather · 3 of 5

NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather

Suede leather, waterproof membrane
Multi-Directional Traction outsole
Removable arch support insole

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Best for: Wet trails on a budget

Our take

Waterproof suede leather at a low price. A solid value choice.

Why it made the shortlist

The NORTIV 8 Suede is built from suede leather with a waterproof membrane and a mesh lining that vents vapor. It has a rubber toe cap, a Multi-Directional Traction outsole and a removable flexible insole with arch support.

It undercuts the KEEN Targhee 3 by a wide margin and keeps a leather upper. Compared with the NORTIV 8 Black Leather, it has the same construction in a dark grey and orange finish.

It suits buyers who want waterproof leather without paying KEEN prices. The MD midsole reduces foot fatigue and absorbs shock.

What works

Waterproof and breathable lining
Rubber toe cap protects toes
Outsole grips mud and rock
Removable insole can be swapped

Watch out for

Low-cut collar lets water in over the top
Brand has a shorter track record

The catch: A low collar still lets water in over the top.

Check price on Amazon

Best Colorway Option · 4 of 5

NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather

Suede leather, waterproof membrane
Black and grey colorway
Rubber toe cap, MDT outsole

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Best for: Hikers who want a dark, versatile shoe

Our take

The same waterproof leather shoe in a quieter color. Good for trail and town.

Why it made the shortlist

The NORTIV 8 Black Leather uses the same suede leather, waterproof membrane and rubber toe cap as the NORTIV 8 Suede. It has a Multi-Directional Traction outsole and a removable arch support insole.

It is a more muted black and grey look, which suits everyday wear as well as trails. Next to the SHULOOK Trail, it has a sturdier leather upper and a firmer toe cap.

It suits hikers who want waterproof leather in a low-key color. The MD midsole softens impacts on hard ground.

What works

Same waterproof build in a plain color
Rubber toe cap for anti-collision
Removable insole with arch support
Looks fine for daily wear

Watch out for

Little difference from the grey and orange version
Low collar is open at the ankle

The catch: It matches the other NORTIV leather shoe, so choose it by color.

Check price on Amazon

Best Roomy Waterproof · 5 of 5

NORTIV 8 Men's Low Top Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Waterproof membrane, roomy toe box
Rubber toe cap, reinforced heel
Deep lug rugged outsole

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Best for: Broad feet and puddly trails

Our take

A roomy, light waterproof shoe. Great for wide feet and shallow crossings.

Why it made the shortlist

The NORTIV 8 Low Top is a waterproof membrane hiking shoe with a roomy toe box that accommodates wide feet. A robust rubber toe cap and reinforced heel protect against impacts, and a rugged outsole with deep lugs grips varied surfaces.

It leans lighter and roomier than the two NORTIV 8 leather shoes, with a synthetic build. Compared with the KEEN Targhee 3, it offers generous toe room for far less.

It suits broad-footed hikers who need waterproofing for shallow streams and puddles. The flexible MD midsole reduces foot fatigue.

What works

Roomy fit for wide feet
Waterproof in shallow streams
Reinforced heel adds stability
Deep lugs grip varied surfaces

Watch out for

Waterproof only for shallow water
Less structure than leather picks

The catch: The listing limits waterproofing to shallow streams and puddles.

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Membrane named

Only listings that state a waterproof membrane were included.

Tongue and seams

Gusseted or closed-cell tongues and toe construction were compared.

Traction

Lugs and outsole rubber were compared for mud and rock.

Weight

Stated weights and materials were weighed against protection.

Value

Price was compared with membrane, upper and support.

Decision guide

Match a Hiking Shoe For Men Waterproof to Your Camp Setup

By Wet-Weather Risk

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Wet, rocky trails and long days	KEEN Targhee 3	Complete protection and support.
Sand, mud and muck on the trail	SHULOOK Trail	Closed-cell sealed tongue.
Rain with a tight budget	NORTIV 8 Suede	Waterproof leather, low price.
Rain with a plain look	NORTIV 8 Black Leather	Same build in black.
Wide feet and shallow streams	NORTIV 8 Low Top	Roomy toe box and membrane.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$30 to $40	NORTIV 8 Suede or NORTIV 8 Black Leather
$30 to $50	NORTIV 8 Low Top or SHULOOK Trail
$80 to $90	KEEN Targhee 3

Leather vs Synthetic Build

Leather

Heavier, tougher and easier to resole or wipe clean. KEEN Targhee 3, NORTIV 8 Suede and NORTIV 8 Black Leather.

Synthetic and mesh

Lighter and cooler, with less structure. SHULOOK Trail and NORTIV 8 Low Top.

Most hikers should start with the KEEN Targhee 3 for rough weather, or the SHULOOK Trail for lighter miles.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
Premium waterproof	KEEN Targhee 3
Mid-priced sealed shoe	SHULOOK Trail
Budget leather	NORTIV 8 Suede
Budget plain colorway	NORTIV 8 Black Leather
Budget roomy shoe	NORTIV 8 Low Top

For Muddy Spring Hikes Specifically

Look for

A sealed tongue, deep lugs and a quick-drying lining.

In this comparison

The SHULOOK Trail seals the tongue against mud and sand, and the KEEN Targhee 3 adds the deepest lugs.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the KEEN Targhee 3 if you hike rocky, wet ground often and want long-term support.

Save if

Save with the NORTIV 8 Suede or NORTIV 8 Low Top if your trips are weekend day hikes.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Are waterproof hiking shoes enough for stream crossings?

Only shallow ones. A low-cut shoe takes in water over the collar, so deep crossings call for boots or a plan to get wet.

What is the common mistake?

Assuming waterproof means dry forever. Sweat, deep puddles and worn membranes all let moisture in, so carry spare socks.

Is a KEEN Targhee 3 worth it over a NORTIV 8?

If you hike a lot on rough ground, the firmer shank and support justify it. For occasional wet days, the NORTIV 8 Suede does well.

How do I restore water repellency?

Clean off mud, dry the shoes, then reapply a suitable treatment to the outer surface as the maker suggests. Do this each season.

How do I dry wet hiking shoes?

Remove the insoles, loosen the laces and air dry away from heat. Heat can damage membranes and glue.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more hiking shoes for men waterproof on Amazon →

About the author

Danny Walker

Camping Editor at RV Gear Lab

Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.

5 Best Hiking Shoes For Men Waterproof in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Our top picks

The Campsite Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Hiking Shoe For Men Waterproof

Membrane vs water resistance

Tongue design

Collar height

Breathability

Traction for wet ground

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best hiking shoes for men waterproof, explained

KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes

SHULOOK Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trail

NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather

NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather

NORTIV 8 Men's Low Top Waterproof Hiking Shoes

How We Built This Shortlist

Membrane named

Tongue and seams

Traction

Weight

Value

Match a Hiking Shoe For Men Waterproof to Your Camp Setup

By Wet-Weather Risk

By Budget

Leather vs Synthetic Build

By Budget

For Muddy Spring Hikes Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Are waterproof hiking shoes enough for stream crossings?

What is the common mistake?

Is a KEEN Targhee 3 worth it over a NORTIV 8?

How do I restore water repellency?

How do I dry wet hiking shoes?

The short version

Danny Walker

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