Waterproof shoes worth considering during the monsoon; my top 8 picks

Beat the rains with waterproof shoes that keep feet dry, improve grip and make daily commutes, trails and puddles far more comfortable.

From waterproof trainers to quick drying clogs, these monsoon-friendly shoes are ready for rainy commutes, muddy streets and weekend outings. (canva.com)

By Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Khandelwal
Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow.

Career Journey & Experience
Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences.

A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism.

Subject Expertise
Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Education & Professional Background
Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces.

Editorial Philosophy
"As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."

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There are few things more annoying than stepping into a puddle five minutes after leaving home. Suddenly, your socks are soaked, your shoes start making that squishy sound with every step, and all you can think about is getting home. If you've ever watched a favourite pair of trainers or leather shoes lose their charm after one rainy week, you already know the struggle. After years of trying everything from canvas sneakers to chunky boots, I have learned one thing. A good pair of monsoon-friendly shoes is worth every rupee. They keep your feet comfortable, last longer and save you from buying a replacement every rainy season.

What to check before buying waterproof shoes

Not every shoe made for the rain performs the same. Here's what I always keep an eye on before adding a pair to my cart.

Waterproof and water-resistant are not the same

• Water-resistant shoes can handle light rain and quick walks.
• Waterproof shoes are built for heavier showers and deeper puddles.
• Materials like Gore-Tex and treated synthetic uppers usually offer better protection.

Grip matters more than looks

• Rain makes roads, tiles and pavements surprisingly slippery.
• A rubber outsole with deep grooves gives better traction.
• More grip usually means fewer awkward slips.

Your feet still need to breathe

• Waterproof shoes can feel warm in humid weather.
• Membrane technology allows heat and moisture to escape while keeping rain outside.
• It makes long hours much more comfortable.

Think about drying time

• Rainwater has a funny way of finding its way inside shoes.
• Synthetic materials dry much faster than thick fabrics.
• Quick-drying shoes are ready for the next day without much fuss.

My top 8 monsoon picks

Crowd Favourite

1. Skechers-Men's Walking Shoes-GO Walk FLEX-894478ID-BBK-9

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Best for: Office commutes and everyday wear

Why it made the list: This is the pair I would happily wear from Monday to Friday. It looks like a regular sneaker, so it blends in nicely with workwear and casual outfits. The waterproof upper keeps light to moderate rain outside, while Skechers' signature cushioning makes long walks and crowded metro stations feel a lot less tiring.

2. Campus Men's Extract BLK/F.GRN Running Shoes - 8UK/India 1 Pair

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Our Principles

Full Transparency

Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.

Brand Confidence

We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.

Best for: College, office and everyday errands

Why it made the list: Campus has quietly become a favourite for practical everyday footwear. The Camou range keeps things simple with a sporty design, decent rain protection and enough comfort for long hours on your feet. It is also lighter than many waterproof shoes, which is always a bonus during humid weather.

Comfort First

3. Nike Mens Running Shoe Air Zoom Pegasus 40-Wolf Grey/Volt-Black-White-Dv3853-004-9

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Best for: Long walks, travel and weekend trails

Why it made the list: If your rainy season includes long walks, weekend trips or roads that resemble obstacle courses, this pair earns its place. The Gore-Tex membrane blocks rain, while the grippy outsole keeps you steady on slippery surfaces. It is one of those shoes that feels just as comfortable on city roads as it does on a trail.

4. Bacca Bucci Men’s Mid-Top Trekking Boots with Rugged Grip Sole Tactical Black UK 9

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Best for: Heavy rain and rough terrain

Why it made the list: These shoes are built to take a beating. The waterproof upper keeps your feet dry, the chunky outsole grips muddy ground with confidence, and the sturdy construction inspires confidence when roads are cracked, uneven or covered in slush. They are ideal if your daily route is anything but smooth.

Value For Money

5. Crocs Unisex Adult Bayaband Army Green/Cobblestone Clog-M10W12

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Best for: Waterlogged streets and casual outings

Why it made the list: Crocs have earned their rainy season fan club for good reason. They get wet, dry quickly and clean up with nothing more than a quick rinse. You never have to worry about soggy fabric or that damp smell hanging around for days.

Premium Design

6. Puma Mens Shibui Clog Black-Stormy Slate Sandal - 8 UK (40030601)

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Best for: Relaxed everyday wear

Why it made the list: These are soft, lightweight and surprisingly comfortable for all-day use. The moulded construction dries quickly after rain and needs very little maintenance. If you like footwear that asks for almost no effort, this pair deserves a look.

Budget Pick

7. ASIAN WATERPROOF-05 Sports Shoes with Extra Cushion Lightweight Lace-Up Casual Sneaker Shoes for Men & Boys Black,UK 9

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Best for: Daily wear without spending a fortune

Why it made the list: Asian has built a strong reputation for affordable sports shoes, and this waterproof option carries that value forward. It is lightweight, comfortable and easy to maintain, making it a sensible pick for students, office goers and anyone shopping on a budget.

8. LUDIC Sliders for Men and Women

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Best for: Heavy rain and messy streets

Why it made the list: Some rainy days are simply too wet for closed shoes. That is where these sandals come in. They dry in no time, rinse clean under running water and stay comfortable through puddles, muddy lanes and everything the monsoon decides to throw your way.

There is no single perfect monsoon shoe. The best choice depends on where your day takes you. Office commute, weekend trek or flooded streets, there is something on this list for every kind of rainy day. One last tip. Let waterproof shoes dry naturally after getting wet. Keeping them away from direct heat helps the materials last longer and keeps the protective layer in good shape.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.