Finding the best waterproof barefoot boot for you, no matter if need something for rain, snow, or extra warmth.
Winter brings a unique set of challenges for barefoot shoe wearers—especially in harsher conditions like snow, rain, and icy ground. Finding winter barefoot boots that offer warmth, waterproofing, and that essential barefoot feel can be challenging, but more brands are stepping up to the task. Here’s a look at all of the waterproof barefoot boots to keep your feet warm and dry all winter.
If you’re looking more for everyday winter boots, check out this post.
Table of Contents
Best Waterproof Barefoot Boots
Best Waterproof Barefoot Boots
Barefoot Waterproof Winter Boots
Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter Boots | Leather | $270 | Code KELLY25 for 25% off
The Tracker Winter boots are made for cold, snowy days. Rugged outsole with 5mm lugs for better grip, warm lining, and a fully waterproof membrane with sealed seems.
Lems Boulder Boot Waterproof | Leather or Nylon | $185 – $195
Both the Boulder Boot Grip and Summit offer outsoles with good traction, water-resistant leather uppers, and a fully waterproof lining. The Lems Chelsea Boot waterproof is also a great slip-on option. Read a full review on the Lems brand here.
Freet Waterproof Boots | Leather | $145 – $215 | KELLY for 10% off
Freet’s waterproof winter boot line up includes the Mudee, Arken, Impala and Tundra. The Mudee L is super lightweight, made with recycled leather and fully waterproof. The Ibex is another leather boot that has a slightly higher shaft for even more protection.
Bahe Rediscover Hiking Boot | Vegan | $249 | BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off
This fully waterproof hiking boots features nylon ripstop uppers and lugged sole. They have an 18mm stack height (so moderate cushion), and fit wide, high volume feet well. Read all about Bahé barefoot shoes here.
Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid II Waterproof | Vegan | $160 – $190
The Scrambler Mid hiking boot features a lugged sole, made in partnership with Michelin, and modeled after their mud-shedding mountain bike tires. The Xcursion Fusion is another waterproof model with vegan materials. Both are best suited for narrow to medium width feet.
Feelgrounds Patrol Winter | Vegan | $159 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
Feelgrounds classic winter boots come in vegan leather uppers with a waterproof membrane and gusseted tongue. The fleece lining and vegan felt insoles add an extra layer of warmth.
Groundies Williamsburg | Leather | $142 | KELLY15 for 15% off
These fully leather boots have a taller shaft that goes up and over the ankles and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. The inner lining is breathable faux fur and polyester knit. The boots feature Groundies most rugged GX1 sole, with 4.5mm lugs.
Saguaro Rise and Macaron Winter Boots | Vegan | $85 – $100 | KELLY15 for 15% off
Saguaro’s waterproof barefoot boots use vegan microfiber uppers and fleece lining to create an affordable and warm winter boot. They’re available in both kids and adult sizes. The Rise boot uses Saguaro’s hiking sole, which I find more tapered than the other styles. Read a more detailed Saguaro Shoes review here.
Be Lenka Winter or Arctic Edge | Leather or Vegan | $179 – $199 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
The Be Lenka Winter boots are a classic lace up boots with leather uppers, wool lining and insole, and waterproof membrane. Because of the thicker lining, you may need to size up. The Arctic Edge look more like winter sneakers, with a nylon upper, but still fully waterproof. I wear both in an EU39.
Barebarics UrbanEdge | $179 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
The UrbanEdge waterproof shoes are made with leather uppers and a waterproof membrane. The Primaloft insulation offers a lot of warmth. These have a thicker, chunkier-looking sole; they have good flexibility, but you notice the additional weight and lack of ground feel compared to more minimal barefoot shoes.
Barefoot Snow Boots
These barefoot boots are specifically designed to give you traction on snow and ice, and extra warmth for freezing conditions.
Be Lenka Snowfox | $219 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
The Snowfox packs a lot of warmth (and some glam) into a lightweight snow boot. Leather and Textile uppers along with a water-resistant membrane and fluffy merino wool lining. These are slip-on, but the exterior laces allow you to adjust and tighten.
Barebarics PolarStride | Vegan Textiles | $169 | KELLY5 for 5% off
These snow boots are easy to slip on thanks to a side zipper. They have a tread pattern optimized to be anti-slip on snow and ice. All materials are vegan, including the textile uppers and fleece/synthetic wool lining that is extra warm. Waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.
Xero Shoes Alpine | $160 | Vegan
The Alpine is a lightweight snow boot with fully sealed seams and waterproof vegan upper. The inside is lined with polyester fleece for extra warmth.
Koel Rana | $145-$198 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off at PedTerra
The Koel Rana have a waterproof textile upper that cinches at the top. They’ve withstood plenty of puddle jumping and wading in streams. The Rana come in a fully lined wool version, so they work well for both rain and snow.
Vivobarefoot Tundra Esc | $500 | Code KELLY25 for 25% off
Vivobarefoot is known for its outdoor performance footwear, and these Tundra Esc have been built for deep cold exploration. Because they’re meant for temperatures below where water and sweat freeze, they opted for insulated but permeable layers, so moisture won’t stay trapped in the boot. They’re constructed as two separate boots, with an outer layer, and a wool felt inner boot. The Michelin sole has excellent grip on snow and ice.
Manitobah Mukluks | $180
Manitobah makes authentic, Indigenous-designed products in Canada, including mukluks built to withstand the freezing winters in the north. The Tamarack is waterproof and rated down to -25F with a sheepskin shearling lining. With regard to barefoot features, some boots have a narrower toe box than others. Most are zero-drop with a Vibram sole.
Steger Arctic Mukluks | $250
Steger touts their mukluks as the warmest boots in the world. The Arctic style has a more rugged tread and rated down to -40F. Use snow-proof water-repellant spray on the leather portion of these boots to make them waterproof. They do have a heel-to-toe drop of several millimeters.
Barefoot Rain Boots
For more details reviews of these adult barefoot rainboots, check out this post. And for a list of rain boots for kids, see here.
Saguaro Brisk Rubber Rain Boots | $51 – $60 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off
True barefoot rubber rainboot with flexible sole and shaft. The rubber shaft is very thin and flexible. These barefoot rain boots come in a lined and unlined version.
Xero Shoes Gracie Rubber Rain Boot | $80
Short rubber boot with a slip-on style. They can take some effort to get on as the elastic insert at the ankle isn’t super stretchy, but that also helps them stay on better. The fit is comparable to other Xero Shoes, which I find runs a little narrow in the toe box. Available in women’s sizes US5-12.
Asgard Tall Packable Rain Boot on Amazon | $44
These are more of a compromise option due to a more tapered toe, but they are zero-drop, lightweight, flexible, and very affordable.
Koel Rana | $145-$198 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off at PedTerra
This is listed in both the rain and snow boot section, because it makes an excellent option for both thanks to the waterproof upper and cinched top. There is an unlined version for milder weather, and a lined one for colder weather.
How We Tested the Waterproofness of Each Boot
We looked for boots that truly live up to their waterproof claim, often by not just wearing them out in the rain, but by taking them out on a hike and venturing through small streams and shallow rivers.
While some boots with water-resistant materials hold up to splashes on top of the shoe, we really wanted to make sure the seams were fully sealed, and the gusseted tongue was doing its job. This meant keeping the boot submerged for at least a few minutes to ensure that no water crept into the shoe.
How to Keep Your Barefoot Boots Waterproof
Even the best waterproof barefoot boots need a little maintenance to stay effective through the winter. Regular care can help your boots repel water, resist stains, and last longer. Here are some practical tips to keep your barefoot boots in top condition:
1. Apply a Waterproofing Spray or Wax
Most waterproof barefoot boots benefit from an occasional reapplication of a waterproofing treatment. Check the material of your boots and choose a product designed for that material:
- Leather Boots: Use a leather waterproofing wax or cream to maintain both water resistance and suppleness. Beeswax-based treatments are a great option.
- Suede or Fabric Boots: Opt for a spray designed for suede, nubuck, or textile materials. Apply evenly and let the boots dry for 24 hours for maximum protection.
Reapply these treatments every 1–2 months or after heavy use in wet conditions.
2. Clean Your Boots Regularly
Dirt, mud, and salt from winter roads can degrade waterproof coatings and damage materials over time.
- Steps to Clean:
- Wipe off loose dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth.
- For tougher stains, use a gentle cleaning solution designed for your boot material.
- Let the boots air dry away from direct heat, which can crack leather or damage adhesives.
Clean boots also make it easier for waterproofing treatments to stick and work effectively.
3. Use a Boot Dryer
If your boots get wet, dry them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from seeping into the materials. A boot dryer is a great tool for quickly and gently removing moisture without damaging the structure of your boots. Avoid placing them near direct heat sources like radiators, as this can warp or shrink materials.
4. Protect the Seams
Seams are often the weakest point in waterproof footwear. Check the seams regularly for wear and consider using seam sealant if you notice any leaks. This simple step can extend the waterproof life of your boots significantly.
5. Store Boots Properly
When not in use, store your boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture. Use boot trees or stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape.
6. Reassess Waterproofness Annually
Before the start of each winter season, test your boots by running water over them or stepping into a shallow puddle. If you notice any leaks, it’s time to clean, reapply waterproof treatments, and inspect the seams.
By following these steps, you can keep your waterproof barefoot boots performing at their best throughout the winter. A little care goes a long way in ensuring your boots stay warm, dry, and ready for every adventure!
Final Thoughts on Waterproof Barefoot Boots for Winter
Winter doesn’t mean giving up on barefoot shoes. With the right pair, you can stay warm, dry, and connected to the ground even in the harshest conditions. Whether you need something for heavy snow, wet slush, or frigid cold, there’s a barefoot winter boot to keep you moving comfortably.
For more winter barefoot boot recommendations, tips, and styling advice, stay tuned to the Barefoot Shoe Guide.
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