Are Winter Boots Waterproof? It Depends

Whether you are playing in the snow, walking in the woods, or walking around town, a good boot is essential for keeping your feet warm and dry. But are winter boots waterproof, or is that just a word on the box? Let's take a look.

Are winter boots waterproof? Many winter boots are considered waterproof, but not all are. While waterproof standards vary from boot to boot, only rubber boots are truly waterproof. Some winter boots are described as "weatherproof" which means water resistant but not waterproof.

Are winter boots waterproof? What the label really means

If you have winter boots that were advertised as "waterproof", your socks and feet may still get wet. So what's going on here? False advertising? Faulty boots? Something else?

To understand why some waterproof boots aren't always waterproof, we have to look at what "waterproof" means in the claims manufacturers make.

Most manufacturers treat "waterproof" as a sliding scale. How waterproof something is depends on the amount of water, the pressure, and how long the exposure lasts. In theory, with enough pressure and exposure, all boots will eventually become wet. Standing in a puddle for a minute is a very different test from kneeling in slush for an afternoon.

It also helps to separate three terms that often get blurred together. Water-repellent usually means the outer surface makes water bead up and roll off. Water-resistant means the boot can hold out light moisture for a while. Waterproof is the strongest claim, but as above, it is still relative to conditions. The general idea behind all of it is covered in the Wikipedia entry on waterproofing, and it is worth remembering that a repellent surface and a sealed boot are not the same thing.

Where do boots actually leak? Rarely through the middle of the material. Water usually finds the seams, the stitching holes, the gap around the tongue, or the opening at the top of the boot. A boot can be built from a fully waterproof material and still let water in at any of those points, which is why construction matters as much as the fabric.

Why footwear has no agreed rating

With clothing, waterproof ratings exist to show how waterproof a garment is. When you are looking at a rain jacket, you can tell roughly how it will cope by looking at its rating. Some ratings are low, meaning not very waterproof, while other fabrics have a high rating, meaning extremely waterproof.

Boots, however, don't seem to have such ratings. A technical consultant at Gore-Tex, Jonathan Swegle, says, "there are no agreed upon footwear industry standards for water-repellent, water-resistant, or waterproof footwear."

In practice that leaves you comparing a lot of marketing language with very little to measure it against. Two boots can both say "waterproof" on the tag and behave quite differently after a few hours in wet snow. One may have sealed seams and a proper liner, while the other relies on a coating that wears off. My honest view is that the word on its own tells you almost nothing, and you are better off judging the boot by how it is made.

If you plan to head out on trails rather than just around town, the same question comes up in our guides on whether hiking boots work in snow and how they compare to snow boots.

Rubber boots are the only truly waterproof boot

The exception to all of this is rubber boots. Rubber boots, with the right construction, are the only true boot that is 100% waterproof. A pair of high rubber boots is easy to slip on and off, which makes them a good fit for jobs like shovelling a driveway. Boots that aren't insulated are comfortable in the summer when it's muddy, but can also be made warmer with thicker socks in the winter.

If you're looking for a waterproof winter rubber boot, you'll want some insulation. Muck boots (find a pair at Amazon) will be a good choice, though they might not be the best choice for long hikes.

The reason is the flip side of being sealed. Rubber has no pores, so it keeps water and moisture out, but it also keeps water and moisture in. Over time, perspiration from your body gets trapped in the boot and makes your feet wet from the inside. The remedy, in this case, is to change your socks often and let your feet dry out.

That trapped moisture is also why a rubber boot suits standing, working and short walks better than a full day of steady movement. When you are active, your feet sweat more, and a boot with no way to breathe has nowhere to send it. If you stop for a break, take the boots off for a few minutes and swap into dry socks.

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How to pick the best waterproof winter boots

If you're just looking for something to walk around town with or play in the snow for a few hours, you don't need the best boots on the market. But if you're working long hours outdoors, walking through slush every day, or hunting or ice fishing frequently, you're going to want quality boots.

And yes, with boots you get what you pay for. Cheaper boots are made from less durable rubber and poor stitching that will start to fall apart with frequent use. Stick with reputable companies like Merrill, L.L Bean, Redwing, and many other great boot brands. Some brands like L.L. Bean even come with a lifetime warranty.

Your best bet at determining how waterproof a winter boot is, is to look at the construction, reviews, and brand of the boot. Cheaply made boots that claim to be waterproof aren't going to hold up as well as more expensive boots from reputable companies. I'd argue a bargain boot sold as waterproof is the worst value on the shelf, because it fails exactly when you need it.

When you are comparing pairs, a few checks are worth the minute they take:

• Look at how the sole joins the upper, and whether the stitching looks even and tight.
• Check whether the tongue is attached to the sides so water can't run in at the laces.
• Read reviews for comments about leaking after months of use, not just the first week.
• Think about the height of the boot compared with the depth of slush or snow you expect.

Here are a few kinds of winter boots to take a look at:

• Muck boots - These are my "get sh-t done boots". Lots of farmers and hunters wear these kinds of boots because they are waterproof and high rise. The higher boot will protect your legs from splashes and some even come with drawcords to close the opening around your legs. See the Amazon Price.
• Pack boots - Pack boots are made from rubber soles and leather uppers. These often come with a lot of insulation and are more fashionable. See men's and women's boot prices at Amazon.
• Leather boots - Leather boots are also an option and can last a long time with proper care. Taking care of your leather boots and making sure they are waterproof may require extra maintenance.

If you want something built for walking longer distances in the cold, our rundown of winter hiking boots goes further into that.

Caring for your winter boots

Proper maintenance and care for your winter boots will make them last a lot longer. Here are a few tips on how to keep your winter boots waterproof.

• Regularly cleaning the boot to remove any salt stains or dirt. If you have non-leather boots, you can use some soap and water and gently brush with an old toothbrush.
• Apply a waterproof coating to the boot (Mink oil is especially great for leather).
• Some people suggest buying two pairs and rotating them, allowing the wet pair to dry out slowly. This is only necessary if your boots get wet a lot.

Why does cleaning matter so much? Salt and dirt packed into the material and seams can wear them down and stop coatings from doing their job. A boot that looks fine on the outside can start to leak once grime has worked its way into the stitching.

Drying matters just as much. Let wet boots dry slowly at room temperature, away from a heater or open flame, because strong heat can damage leather and glue. Pulling out the insoles and loosening the laces helps air reach the inside. Treat a coating as something you refresh, not something you apply once and forget.

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Tips for keeping your feet dry

When it comes to keeping your feet dry, it usually comes down to 3 components:

• Having proper footwear
• Avoiding wet areas if possible
• Removing wet items

Proper footwear

Having the proper footwear doesn't just mean wearing a quality waterproof winter boot, though that will certainly help. Other aspects to consider are socks (see my article on why you should wear two socks), gaiters, and snowshoes when appropriate.

Socks will help absorb moisture both from the elements and from your own perspiration. Thick wool socks are going to be your friend. They are some of the warmest and most comfy. You can get Merino socks pretty affordable now if you shop around. One of the best places to shop for Merino socks is at Amazon. For more options, see our list of the best socks for winter camping.

A gaiter is a cover that wraps around the lower leg and the top of the boot. Gaiters are especially helpful to prevent snow and rain from falling into your boot, and most gaiters on the market will fit any boot. They work well with your normal hiking pants to add some extra protection. If you don't have gaiters, then snow or rain pants over your boots are a good substitute to keep out the snow and rain.

Avoid wet areas

Okay, this one is obvious, but it's still a good reminder. Many times we think our winter boots are fully waterproof so we happily walk through snow and slush thinking our boots will be fine. If you don't have a solid waterproof boot, it's best to avoid these wet areas if you can.

Small choices add up here. Stepping around a pooled patch of slush, crossing on firmer ground, or taking a slightly longer route can keep a water-resistant boot dry for the whole day. Deep, soft snow is worth thinking about too, since it can pour over the top of a low boot.

Removing wet items

If you think there might be a chance of getting wet, it's always good to bring a backup pair of socks (or two!) stored in a ziplock bag. You might even want to bring an extra pair of pants. After a long day of being outside in the cold, the last thing you want to do is stay in your wet clothes. Always bring backup clothes for such occasions.

Wet feet lose warmth quickly, so changing socks early is far better than waiting until you feel cold. The same logic applies to the rest of what you wear, which is why a sensible clothing layering system pairs well with good boots.

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Putting it together before you head out

Not all winter boots are waterproof. It really comes down to the materials and construction of the boot. Some winter boots are water-resistant, while full rubber boots are truly waterproof. Taking proper care of your boots, staying out of wet areas, and wearing gaiters or water-resistant pants will all help to keep your feet dry. And remember, always carry extra socks as a backup.

So, are winter boots waterproof? Sometimes, and only up to a point. Judge the boot by its build, look after it, and plan for the day it gets wet anyway. That plan is what really keeps your feet warm.