Whether you’re working long hours or training for a marathon, you need highly durable waterproof athletic shoes to get you through the day.
Traditionally, durability has only been associated with hefty work boots that have heavy-duty protection. However, the footwear industry has come a long way.
These days, you can get the high-performance of work boots in the form of more comfortable and flexible sneakers.
However, it’s often difficult to find shoes that have it all: water resistance, durability, comfort, and lightweightedness is a difficult combination to pull off.
So, how do you scour the market for the perfect indestructible waterproof shoes? This post will tell you how.
Loom Footwear Waterproof Athletic Shoes
Highlights:
- Best for running, hiking, exercise, and work environment
- H2-Go Waterproof layer
- Merino wool double lining
- Extremely lightweight
Loom sneakers were engineered for comfort. Once you put on your shoes, you won’t have to worry about jagged rocks stabbing your soles or hidden puddles drenching your feet.
When it comes to water-resistance, no one does it like Loom. The H2-Go technology is Loom’s proprietary waterproof system that keeps the whole shoe completely waterproof. You can cross streams in these shoes without getting wet or the water weighing you down.
Loom waterproof sneakers are generally low in weight, yet high in flexibility. You can basically wear these lightweight flexible sneakers for hours without feeling weighed-down or restricted.
Another strong suit that these shoes boast is their overall durability. These shoes might look like regular old sneakers when, in reality, they are durable enough for long, arduous trails.
And if you’re worried about wear and tear, don’t be! These shoes are made of a 3D mesh integrated with Cosmo technology. These materials are very sturdy and, therefore, tear-resistant.
With Loom’s sturdy mesh, Excelcast sole, and heavily reinforced midsole cushioning, you’re getting heavy-duty protection without weighty add-ons like steel toe caps and thick outsoles.
Pros
- Completely waterproof yet breathable
- Form-fitting and flexible
- High-performance
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Limited styles
Suadex Indestructible Steel Toe Athletic Shoes
Highlights:
- Best for long-distance hiking and labor-intensive work
- Stab-proof kevlar midsole
- Anti-smash steel toe caps
If you’re in the market for a work boot, try shifting your focus towards Suadex waterproof athletic shoes instead. Suadex specializes in making casual work shoes, meaning you can wear them on the clock or slip them on for a day-hike.
Suadex Steel Toe shoes offer protection of a traditional durable work boot in the form of a flexible sneaker. The midsole is made out of stab-proof and slip-resistant kevlar. Kevlar is a high-grade safety material that is softer and more flexible than leather.
That’s another thing about these shoes; all components, including the flyknit upper, are made of flexible materials. So, you’re getting both sturdiness and flexibility.
Suadex doesn’t give you the complete water-resistance that you might be after. However, the most vulnerable areas such as the toes and sole seams are protected by default, thanks to the steel toe caps.
Most people don’t like steel toes because of how weighty they are. Fortunately, Suadex shoes are very lightweight despite their construction.
Pros
- Extremely cheap
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Takes some time to break in
- Not 100% waterproof
Skechers Burst Waterproof Athletic Shoes
Highlights:
- Best for running and hiking
- Flexible and responsive burst compound material
- Super lightweight at only 7.5 ounces
First impressions can be deceiving with the Skechers Burst Shoe Line. What initially looks like regular athletic sneakers actually double as multifunctional and durable work shoes.
The smooth action leather and synthetic upper attest to Burst’s overall durability, especially in terms of the main body. Strong stitches secure the hardware to the body, meaning that your shoes can endure a brisk workflow as well.
Although Skechers does market shoes as waterproof, keep your expectations low with this one. The shoe is definitely water-resistant but not completely waterproof.
The real selling point of Skechers Burst’s line is that they are as lightweight as they claim. They weigh in at 7.5 oz, making them one of the lightest shoes on this list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very flexible
- 5 oz
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Only slightly waterproof
- No safety features of added protection
Indestructible CamoX Waterproof Athletic Shoes
Highlights:
- Best for Industrial/construction workers, but can be used for outdoor activities as well.
- High durability with military-grade kevlar
Indestructible is a novel footwear brand that aims to provide all-in-one work shoes that are lightweight, comfortable, and most importantly, fashionable. Recently, they came out with their first-ever waterproof shoes: the CamoX.
CamoX is made of military-grade kevlar. While leather may be more abrasion-resistant, kevlar is focused more on resisting occupational hazards like punctures and penetrations.
Better still, heavy-duty steel toe caps provide an extra element of security.
If you’re always on the move, you might be worried about getting your feet wet. Luckily, CamoX is totally waterproof. You can power through any terrain or wear them out in the rain without a single care.
The Indestructible CamoX replaces traditional clanky work boots, both in terms of style and weight. These highly flexible sneakers weigh less than a pound.
As for the style, you really can’t find aesthetics like this in a work shoe.
Pros
- Puncture resistant
- Extremely flexible
Cons
- Only come in men’s sizes
- Expensive
Keen Men’s Atlanta Cool II ESD Steel Toe Shoes
Highlights:
- Asymmetrical toe anatomical support
- Outsole extends to the toe area acting as a toe guard
- Metatomical footbed provides good support
The Atlanta Collection is a durable multipurpose shoe. It is a hiking-inspired shoe that can be worn inside the workspace as well.
Keen wasn’t messing around with the safety features on this shoe. The most prominent detail is that the outsole actually extends over the toe, acting as an additional toe guard.
For the industrial workers, the Electro Static Dissipative construction is a convenient feature.
When it comes to longevity, the 100% waterproof leather and mesh upper is also non-mutilating, hence, reduces the chances of irreparable wear, tear, and scratches. These resilient shoes can easily last you up to a few years.
The website specifies that the shoes weigh 17 oz for women and upwards of 21oz for men. Of course, this makes them the heaviest shoes on our list.
However, they actually feel very light once they’re worn. This is because most of the weight is concentrated in the soles, while the upper remains easy to carry
Pros
- Heavy-duty protection
- Best for the workplace as well as outdoor activities
- 100% waterproof
- Can last a few years
Cons
- Weight is on the heavier side
- Not very flexible
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers
Highlights:
- Best for sports
- They are highly fashionable and versatile.
- They have a classic, chic look.
The Stan Smith shoe line has gained a lot of recognition as top-tier athletic shoes. In addition to being one of the most functional and durable waterproof athletic shoes, these cult-favorite flexible sneakers also boast a chic and classic design.
When it comes to durability, there is little to be left desired. The full-grain leather and synthetic upper makes these shoes virtually indestructible.
Additionally, the newer versions of the Originals come with an Inner GoreTex lining, which makes them 100% waterproof.
Lightweightedness is another plus. At 12.6 oz, the Stan Smiths are very comfortable to wear.
Because they’re primarily athletic shoes, they are naturally very flexible to allow for a full range of quick movements without creasing the material.
As far as wearability is concerned, the shoes are okay in terms of breathability and comfort.
The perforated layers means that moisture and bacteria wouldn't accumulate, which in turn means a longer shelf life. However, the comfort factor falls just a little short, especially if you're going to be on your feet all day.
Pros
- Versatile styles
- Very lightweight
- 100% waterproof
Cons
- Not comfortable to wear for longer hours
- Not enough safety features
Salewa Wildfire Edge Mid GORE-TEX Women's Shoes
Highlights:
- Best for alpinists and mountaineers
- Enhanced traction
- Anti-rock heel cup
- Exa Shell Upper
Salewa specializes in a wide range of trekking shoes, which span from casual hiking and trekking to competitive mountaineering and alpining. As such, you can expect the highest levels of indestructibility.
The upper is made from 1.6 mm suede leather, which makes for very lightweight construction. The Exa Shell works with a 3F System of protection to provide torsional security.
Additionally, the stretch gaiter and heel cup provide additional protection against snow, scree, and trail debris.
The inner lining boasts GoreTex technology, which makes these shoes durable and waterproof.
If you’re comparing these shoes to other lightweight sneakers, then they might seem a bit on the heavier side. But as far as mountaineering shoes go, the Wildfire Edge line is definitely on the lighter side.
Pros
- Heavy-duty protective shoes for women
- 3F support system
Cons
- Not too comfortable for other activities
- Expensive
Conclusion
If you have an active lifestyle, you probably run through shoes quicker than your pocket can afford.
This is why it’s vital to invest in highly durable shoes from the get-go.
Along with durability, you should be looking out for factors such as type of material, waterproof factor, comfort, and flexibility. All of these speak to the overall resilience and longevity of the shoes.
Steel toe caps and heel cups are great for protection but can ultimately weigh you down. In the end, what you really need is the high-performance of a work boot without any of its actual hardware.
Once you have the right pair of indestructible, lightweight shoes, you can start living your best athletic life.