Waterproof Shoes: Can They Handle Getting Wet?

Waterproof Shoes: Can They Handle Getting Wet?

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Olyvia Smith

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You can step out in any weather with the lightweight waterproof sneakers. They’re the right solution for rainy days, wet trails, and water-based activities. Whether you’re a workout freak, an adventurist, or simply want to enjoy the rainy weather, you can rely on waterproof breathable shoes to keep your feet dry.

That said, some might have reservations. They may have doubts about the claims waterproof shoe manufacturers make. We believe addressing their concerns is essential.

In this post, we shall discover how waterproof shoes perform in real-world situations. Do they truly live up to their reputation? Can waterproof shoes get wet?

You’ll explore the science behind waterproof footwear, the materials and technologies involved, and how these shoes measure up in various wet environments. We will also discuss the limitations of waterproof shoes, care tips, and how to choose the right pair for your specific needs.

Can Waterproof Shoes Get Wet?

It depends on the quality and construction. In general, all waterproof shoes are designed to prevent water from seeping in and wetting your feet. Their construction is different than regular shows. Why? Let’s take a quick look at the following table:

Feature

Regular Shoes

Waterproof Shoes

Water Protection

No protection; water easily seeps through

Fully prevents water from entering, even in heavy rain

Material

Typically made of fabrics like cotton, leather, or mesh

Made with waterproof materials like Gore-Tex, rubber, or sealed leather

Breathability

Highly breathable due to lightweight and porous materials

Generally less breathable due to waterproof membranes

Best Use Cases

Everyday use, casual wear, and dry environments

Suitable for outdoor activities in wet conditions, such as hiking or snow

Comfort

Lightweight, flexible, and comfortable for daily activities

It can be heavier and less flexible, but it is designed for protection

Drying Time

Dries quickly if wet but may retain moisture

Longer drying time if water gets inside, though less likely to soak through

Price Range

Typically more affordable due to simpler construction

Generally more expensive due to advanced waterproof technology

Submersion Protection

Not suitable for submersion in water

Can handle submersion without leakage

Traditional footwear (for example, office shoes) may absorb water if you accidentally put your feet in a puddle. A broad shoe neck, fancy material, and the lack of water-repellent layers can cause the water to seep through, causing wet feet.

On the other hand, waterproof shoes are made with special materials. Their unique construction utilizes several water-resistant materials, seams, and membranes to prevent water penetration.

Can waterproof shoes get wet? Individuals who frequently encounter wet conditions or those who tend to sweat a lot can rely on waterproof breathable sneakers for different types of outdoor activities.

Waterproof shoes vary in terms of quality and construction. Keep in mind that all waterproof shoes are not the same. 

  • Some waterproof shoes can endure light moisture exposure, like drizzle or dew.
  • Some can withstand immersion in water up to a certain extent.
  • In comparison, the best waterproof running shoes, like Loom sneakers, can endure both.

It’s crucial to understand the different levels of waterproofing, which leads us to an important question: Are all waterproof shoes water-resistant?

Waterproof and Water-Resistant Shoes

No offense to anyone, but some manufacturers often mislead customers by projecting their makes as waterproof shoes. Most customers often take “waterproof” and “water-resistant” as interchangeable terms and fall into the trap.

This quick comparison is tailored specifically for the unversed.

Feature

Waterproof Shoes

Water-Resistant Shoes

Level of Protection

Fully prevents water from entering, even in heavy rain or submersion

Provides some protection but is not fully impervious to water

Material

Made with materials like Gore-Tex, rubber, or other impermeable fabrics

Treated fabrics or coatings like DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

Breathability

Often less breathable due to impermeable layers

More breathable since it lacks full waterproof membranes

Best Use Cases

Suitable for hiking in wet conditions, snow, or heavy rain

Ideal for light rain, damp environments, or everyday use

Durability in Wet Conditions

High durability in continuous wet conditions

Adequate for short exposure to water but may absorb moisture over time

Comfort

It can be heavier and less flexible

Generally lighter and more flexible for casual wear

Price Range

Generally more expensive due to specialized materials

Typically more affordable than waterproof shoes

Drying Time

Longer to dry if water gets inside

Dries faster as it absorbs less water

Submersion Protection

Can be submerged in water without leakage

Not designed for full submersion

Water-resistant shoes offer a lower level of protection against moisture than waterproof shoes. The water-repellent coating on the surface can effectively handle brief exposure to wet conditions, allowing you to enjoy light rain without making your feet wet. This coating won’t work in heavy rain or submersion, which means that the water can penetrate easily.

The coating or materials cannot prevent the water from seeping inside. Instead, they slow down the process of penetration. This is why water-resistant shoes are more suitable for everyday use or light outdoor activities where you might expect occasional contact with water.

On the other hand, waterproof shoes offer a complete barrier against water penetration under normal use conditions. Not only do they keep your feet protected in the rain, but they can also withstand submersion up to a certain depth. This means if you accidentally land on a puddle, your feet will remain dry.

Waterproof shoes achieve this level of protection by employing a combination of specialized materials, waterproof membranes, and sealed seams. This makes them ideal for activities in wet conditions or scenarios where prolonged exposure to water is expected, such as hiking through streams or working in rainy environments.

Traditional Waterproof Shoes

Let’s look at some popular low-tech materials responsible for moisture protection in lightweight waterproof sneakers.

  • Material: Traditional waterproof shoes are made of materials like leather, rubber, knitted fabric, or synthetic leather. Each of these materials has its advantages and drawbacks. For example, rubber is the least expensive and lightweight material in waterproof shoes, yet it’s not as durable as leather or breathable as knitted material.
  • Technologies: In addition, waterproof running shoes feature GORE-TEX, eVent, or other technologies that add breathability without compromising the superior waterproofing.
  • Fabrics: Fabrics made with synthetic fiber, such as nylon and polyester, can repel water. Unlike leather, these fabrics are lightweight and offer more flexibility to the shoes, resulting in lightweight waterproof shoes. Finally, natural fabrics such as wool provide a considerable amount of insulation for the wearer.

These materials and techniques are more or less common across all traditional waterproof shoes.

Shortcomings

Each of the above materials has its limitations. For example:

  • Rubber soles wear out and become leaky in wet conditions.
  • Synthetic fabrics are quite reliable against water ingress but are notoriously poor at air ventilation. Too much heat inside can cause the foot to perspire quickly.
  • Polyurethane membranes offer excellent protection from water. However, they cannot maintain this tendency over longer periods.
  • Wool is a natural material known for its insulation properties. But it cannot withstand heavy rain or excessive water. When saturated with excessive moisture, it loses its effectiveness. The water trapped in the wool will cause the shoe’s knitted fabric to rip or become soggy.

These shortcomings pushed manufacturers to find more reliable solutions, which we shall discuss in the next section.

Can Waterproof Shoes Truly Handle Getting Wet?

Traditional waterproof shoes may not live up to their reputation when:

  • Exposed to water for extended periods
  • Submerged deeper in water for a certain period.

Forward-looking brands like Loom quickly adopt advanced technologies to address the burning question: can waterproof shoes get wet? Today, we have many promising materials and technologies to improve waterproof shoes’ water-prevention ability.

So, let’s take a look at some of the popular modern-day inventions in the shoe industry:

Nanotextiles and Nanobeads

Microscopic nanotextiles and nanobeads serve as the basic pillars of developing advanced waterproofing methods. These nanoparticles are lightweight and ideal for shoe-making applications. They provide effective protection against water ingress over long durations with minimal added bulk.

Nanobeads, for example, are tiny beads with an excellent potential to repeal water. Plus, their spherical shape enhances breathability by creating a layer of air between the internal lining and the exterior surface.

This layer makes it impossible for the water to seep through into fabrics, keeping the material safe from damage. So, not only is the material safe, but your feet will not feel any discomfort throughout the day.

Polyurethane Membranes

This is another popular material behind many of the best waterproof running shoes.

  • Polyurethane is a robust yet flexible hydrocarbon that aids in building an impenetrable barrier against water.
  • Its super-flexible nature makes it less susceptible to wear and tear.

These two features make polyurethane membranes a must-have feature in lightweight waterproof sneakers used for outdoor activities where you need a higher level of protection from water.

Apart from being impenetrable, polyurethane membrane also offers a high degree of breathability to the shoe. When applied on the inner lining or the upper part of the shoe, it allows air circulation in and out of the shoe, ensuring improved airflow. It offers enhanced cooling and keep your feet dry.

Polyurethane membranes are also water-repellent. Not only do they prevent water seepage, but they also help the shoe dry quickly. 

Nanoparticle Coating

Smart nanoparticle-coated surfaces are ground-breaking inventions in the field of waterproofing. They’re developed by applying a protective molecular layer on the surface using nanotechnology. This molecular coating serves as an invisible barrier against fluids, especially water.

Nanoparticles have multiple points of contact with the surface they’re applied to. These molecule-to-molecule and molecule-to-surface bonds offer exceptional water resistance, preventing even the smallest of drops from seeping through the surface.

The reason why nanoparticle coating is so successful is due to its commendable durability against harsh temperatures or heavy wear and tear. Smart surfaces also provide superior protection from excessive sweat and resistance to spills and stains due to their largely nonabsorbent character.

Graphene

Graphene has unique properties that may help improve the shoe’s tendency to handle excessive water. Hence, it’s being used for waterproofing shoes. It’s a strong hexagonal bond of carbon atoms revealing a combination of strength and flexibility, guarding against fluids while keeping the shoe light.

Graphene offers long-lasting protection from water ingress or moisture damage over time. It features a nanoscale architecture, which is superhydrophobic. This structure keeps the water drops away from the actual shoe layer. Eventually, the liquid leaves the surface without getting absorbed into the fabric.

In addition, graphene is a permeable layer, meaning it can conduct air throughout the material where it is applied.

Hydrophobic Synthetic Leathers

The latest advancements in water-resistant materials have led to the development of hydrophobic synthetic leathers. The technology behind the synthetic leather is known as impregnation.

The Impregnation process gives the material the capability to repel water. Moreover, this technology makes the material air and moisture permeable as well.

Hydrophobic particles are bonded to make the fabric resistant to liquid and solids. As a result, your feet will stay cool and comfortable in wet conditions. Also, the hydrophobic fabric allows airflow within the shoe to keep your feet dry and odor-free.

Moreover, these materials come in many textures and colors. This means that they can give your shoes an enhanced style while still providing superior protection against moisture damage over time. With this material improvement, waterproof shoes can remain breathable yet durable even when facing harsh weather or outdoor conditions.

Real-World Testing: Do Waterproof Shoes Handle Wet Conditions?

Waterproof shoes can be tested in different settings, such as:

  • For everyday use, including rain, puddles, and wet pavements
  • Outdoor activities, including streams, hiking, and trails
  • Work and industrial use, where heavy moisture is common

Ideal Options for Everyday Use

Waterproof shoes can handle everyday wear in wet weather, including running errands, walking on pavements, work commutes, etc. They’re aligned with the challenges of urban areas, such as:

  • Accidental water splashes
  • Puddles

Moreover, they help keep your feet dry throughout the day. You can use waterproof breathable shoes featuring GORE-TEX lining or other membrane technology. However, it's important to note that waterproof shoes might not protect your feet in cases where water spills over the top of the shoe, such as in deep puddles.

For Hiking, Trails, and Streams

Lightweight waterproof sneakers or boots are crucial for more challenging outdoor activities, including trekking or hiking. They’re tailored to give you the proper support as you walk across wet terrain, streams, or muddy trails.

They’re designed to combat intense conditions, for example:

  • Durable rubber soles give added traction on slippery surfaces
  • Ankle support to prevent injuries
  • Membrane technology to maintain the airflow and keep your feet dry.

That said, in extremely wet areas, water can find its way in. For example, if your shoes are submerged in water for a longer period, the coating or the material may become ineffective.

Handling Heavy Moisture

Waterproof boots are vital for industrial settings where workers are exposed to water for hours. For example, landscaping, fisheries, and construction sites offer extended sessions of water exposure.

These shoes often feature heavy-duty materials like rubber or treated leather, offering full protection from water as well as additional support for long hours on your feet.

Best Waterproof Shoes

Loom Sneakers: For All Purpose

Loom Waterproof shoes

 

The Loom Waterproof Sneakers for Men and Women are made from breathable fabrics. The trademark H2-Go Layer in these sneakers is made with 100% waterproof and breathable knit material. This layer not only prevents water seepage but also allows moisture and heat to escape, keeping your feet dry and cool throughout the day.

These lightweight waterproof sneakers are best for workouts, jogging, playing, and walking on terrains, offering exceptional support, comfort and flexibility to your feet.

Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes: Best for Outdoor Activity

Merrell Moab 2

 

The Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer exceptional waterproof protection in different outdoor environments. The Merrel’ M Select Dry membrane protects your feet as you traverse wet or muddy terrains. The Vibram TC5+ outsole offers better ground support and stability on any kind of surface, making the pair of boots ideal for hiking and trekking. 

Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow GTX: Best Waterproof Running Shoes

Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow GTX

 

If you often jog or run, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow GTX is the best lightweight option for you. The pair of shoes is designed to give superior flexibility and comfort, keeping your feet cool during intense running sessions.

The famous GORE-TEX membranes ensure optimum air circulation. The Boost midsole gives an extra layer of responsiveness, allowing runners to maintain their pace on long trails. Finally, the lightweight design offers superior flexibility and supports swift movements.

Final Thoughts

So, can waterproof shoes get wet? It’s not as simple as Yes or No. You’ve got to look into different features, such as the membrane technology, material, inner and outer fabric, and features like breathability, airflow, and comfort.

Also, consider your requirements and the outdoor settings. Traditional or conventional waterproof shoes can withstand everyday wear, but they may fail under extreme weather conditions, causing discomfort to your feet.

For such environments, you may need more robust shoes, such as Loom or Adidas. These shoes offer great support in performing challenging outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, or running on trails.

Choose wisely!

Olyvia Smith

Author

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