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The 10 Best Waterproof Socks for Men & Women [2024]

Amar Hussain's image
Amar Hussain
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Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

758 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63U.S. States Visited: 9

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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A good pair of waterproof socks will keep your feet dry whatever the weather. Made with special waterproof membranes, these superb socks can double up as slippers when camping and offer increased protection from the damp conditions when you are hiking, cycling, and so much more.

Designed to feel just as comfortable as regular socks, they are made from innovative water-repellent materials, and the fast-drying construction makes them an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.

Things To Consider With Waterproof Socks

You want your waterproof socks to work well, so before you buy, consider the following:

Construction

Waterproof Socks Construction
Waterproof socks will keep your feet dry whatever the weather. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Unlike regular socks, waterproof socks need to have layers of fabric to be effective. Although there may be some variations in design, most waterproof socks should include:

  • An outer layer that is durable enough to protect against abrasions from regular wear and tough enough to cope with rubbing from your hiking boots or running shoes
  • A waterproof membrane that will not only repel water to keep out the rain but also be breathable and have moisture-wicking properties to draw sweat and odors away
  • An inner layer that is soft and comfortable against the skin and may also have moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet feeling nice and fresh

Bottom Line: An effective waterproof sock needs to be both breathable and waterproof. They should also feature some kind of odor control, be warm and soft against the skin and offer a layer of cushioning to protect your feet from blisters.

Fit

Waterproof Socks Fit
Waterproof socks are usually thicker and heavier than regular sports socks. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Your waterproof socks are meant to be used outdoors and have the staying power to last through many hours of physical exercise. To this end, waterproof socks are often close-fitting, and due to their layered construction, they may also be thicker and heavier than regular sports socks.

They should also have an elasticated cuff to ensure they stay up and don’t wrinkle their way down your foot while moving. If you feel that your waterproof socks aren’t quite tight enough, pop an additional pair of cotton socks on underneath.

Protection

Waterproof socks can only offer protection to the areas that they cover (obviously). Most socks are only waterproof from the toe as far as the ankle cuff.

The most successful waterproof socks work in a similar way to rain boots and will keep your feet dry from the bottom up. If you need to extend the waterproofing further up your leg, tuck your waterproof socks into your waterproof trousers.

Breathability

Waterproof Socks Breathability
A breathable design will ensure that your feet never overheat. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Some waterproof socks come complete with an Artex membrane that has an innovative molecular structure that allows the membrane to stretch while the pores do not. This means your feet stay dry, but the breathable design ensures that your feet never overheat while you are working out.

Hot Tip: If your outdoor adventure is expected to be a little soggy, check out our waterproof gear reviews, from waterproof boots and waterproof shoes to waterproof jackets and waterproof backpacks.

The 10 Best Waterproof Socks

There are lots of awesome waterproof socks to choose from, but these are some of the best we could find:

1. Breathable and Super-Thin

Randy Sun 100% Waterproof Breathable Socks

Made from a soft and breathable blend of nylon and polyester, these awesome socks help to repel water to keep your feet nice and dry in wet conditions.

The seamless design sits flush against the contours of the foot, and the super-thin construction won’t add unwanted bulk to your shoes. The 3-layer structure offers incredible shock absorption, and the elasticated cuff ensures that they won’t slip down inside your hiking boots.

Available in sizes XS, S, M, and L, these socks are suitable for men and women, and with a choice of designs to choose from, these quick-drying waterproof socks are a great choice for outdoor adventures.

What We Like

  • So waterproof you can even wear them in the pool

What We Don’t Like

  • The triple-layer design leaves them prone to bunching up around the toes

2. Stretchy and Close-fitting Waterproof Socks

Check on REI

SEALSKINZ Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock

With their innovative construction, these socks promise to stay completely waterproof in all weather.

Featuring 4-way stretch, they are comfortable to wear, and the unique 3-layer construction features a hydrophilic waterproof membrane that creates a barrier to prevent any water from getting in.

In addition, with silicone-free elastic taping, these socks sit close to the skin, and the longer-length design ensures that they stay high on the calf when you are walking.

Available in a choice of colors in a 2-tone design, these socks come in sizes M through to XL, and the lightweight design makes them suitable for use in all weather.

What We Like

  • The close fit

What We Don’t Like

  • They come up quite big

3. A Mix of Breathable Materials

Fullsheild Waterproof Socks

With a highly breathable waterproof membrane, these awesome socks have been specially designed to keep your feet nice and dry, even in the wettest of conditions.

Made with durable nylon and a Coolmax inner, the breathable design has a close-fitting feel that will hold its shape and stay in place no matter how active you are.

The middle layer is highly breathable to help reduce the build-up of sweat, and the inner layer is soft and comfortable against your skin.

Available in a choice of colors and sizes, these are a brilliant pair of athletic socks that will keep your feet well-protected.

What We Like

  • These socks feel super lightweight

What We Don’t Like

  • As is often the case with waterproof socks, they do run a little small

4. Mid-calf Socks for High-octane Adventures

DexShell 100% Waterproof Socks for Men

With a 100% polyester construction, these mid-calf, mid-weight socks promise to be soft and warm while also keeping your feet nice and dry.

Featuring a high-performance waterproof and moisture-permeable Porelle membrane, these technically advanced socks can effectively repel water, and the terry loop cushioning is comfortable underfoot and quick to dry on the move.

The inner layer features Coolmax yarns that are designed to wick unwanted moisture away from the skin. Available in a choice of colors and sizes S through to XL, these socks are suitable for both men and women.

What We Like

  • These socks are super warm without feeling sweaty

What We Don’t Like

  • They do run a little small

5. Cushion-soled Waterproof Socks for Extra Comfort

Layeba 100% Waterproof Breathable Socks

With a 3-layer construction, these socks offer excellent protection in wet conditions.

Soft on the inside, the moisture-wicking antibacterial inner layer will keep your feet sweat- and odor-free, and offering incredible resistance against wear and tear, these are an awesome pair of socks for year-round wear.

Thick but not too hot, they feature an ultra-light cushioned sole for extra comfort, and the longer-length design and elasticated cuff ensure that they will stay up without slipping down inside your shoe.

Available in a choice of colors and sizes S to L, these socks are a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.

What We Like

  • Thick and water-resistant

What We Don’t Like

  • Other socks are more breathable

6. Comfortable and Lightweight Waterproof Socks for Everyday Wear

MEIKAN 100% Waterproof Socks

Available in sizes S through to XL, these awesome waterproof socks feature an innovative membrane that prevents water molecules from creeping through the socks.

Breathable and comfortable against the skin, these socks are designed to wick away sweat and unwanted odors, and the smooth seams eliminate extra bulk to ensure that they fit nicely in any type of shoe.

Thermal and windproof, they have a wear-resistant construction, and the colorful designs make them as attractive to look at as they are comfortable to wear.

What We Like

  • Great choice for hiking boots

What We Don’t Like

  • They are probably too warm for use in the summer

7. Seamless Socks for Use in All Weathers

HyperShellz Waterproof Socks

These seamless socks are made from a soft and breathable blend of nylon, Lycra, and merino wool, and the high-quality construction ensures that they feel soft against your feet.

Highly breathable, the waterproof construction ensures that they will keep your feet nice and dry, and available in sizes S through to XL, they are suitable for both men and women.

Perfect for hiking, trekking, and cycling, these waterproof socks have a waterproof hydrostatic pressure of more than 8000mm H2O, and water vapor permeability is more than 12000g/m2/24h, making them incredibly waterproof and reliable.

What We Like

  • These work well and won’t let any water leak through

What We Don’t Like

  • They run a little small

8. Unisex Mid-length Waterproof Socks

OTTER Waterproof Socks for Men and Women

These mid-length ankle socks are a great choice for all types of outdoor sports, and the stretchy design ensures that they stay comfortable all day long.

With a 3-layer construction, they are made of hard-wearing polyamide yarn, and the laminate middle layer lets sweat evaporate without letting any water get in.

Quick-drying and incredibly resistant to wear, these socks won’t absorb water, and available in sizes XS through to XL, they are suitable for adult adventurers of all sizes.

What We Like

  • Hardwearing material

What We Don’t Like

  • Loses waterproofing after several washes

9. Moisture-wicking Waterproof Wide-fit Socks

Check on REI

Showers Pass Waterproof Breathable Multisport Unisex Socks

These socks feature an Artex membrane with a molecular structure that provides a reliable level of waterproofing and breathability for enhanced comfort on the go.

With a wear-resistant knit exterior, they are designed to withstand many miles of outdoor adventuring, and the breathable Coolmax lining will stop your feet from feeling sweaty.

The seamless design sits close against the skin, and without the need for seam-like ridges, there is even less chance of any water sneaking in.

The wide toe box and padded heel ensure that they feel comfortable underfoot. Available in sizes medium through to 2XL, these are a brilliant pair of waterproof socks for men who like to explore more.

What We Like

  • These socks have an athletic fit

What We Don’t Like

  • The toe area really is quite wide

10. Waterproof Socks for Runners

Tanzant Waterproof Hiking Socks

These fabulous waterproof running socks are made from nylon, polyester, and elastane, and the 3-layer construction ensures excellent protection at all times.

Thick and soft against the skin, they are made with a knitted exterior, and the waterproof membrane has been designed to keep your feet dry from the bottom up.

With an elastic cuff, they will stay high and dry above the ankle, and the chunky design will keep your feet nice and warm, even in cold weather.

Available in a selection of colors and sizes M to XL, these men’s winter waterproof socks are protective and rugged enough to be worn even in extreme conditions.

What We Like

  • These socks are as soft as regular ski socks

What We Don’t Like

  • They are very thick

Final Thoughts

Waterproof socks are a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to adventure outside in all weather.

Whether you are running through shallow streams, cycling in the mud, or just out walking in the rain, these multi-layered socks will keep your feet warm and dry without weighing you down on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there such thing as waterproof socks?

Yes, waterproof socks do exist! They usually consist of 3 layers made up of a durable outer layer, a soft inner layer, and a waterproof membrane in the middle.

Are waterproof socks worth it?

Considering waterproof socks are very affordable, they really are worth adding to your outdoor adventure gear, especially if you are going to be in cold and wet conditions.

Are Merino wool socks waterproof?

Not all Merino socks are waterproof, as it will depend on whether they have a waterproof membrane. Merino wool makes a great lining for waterproof socks as it has great anti-bacterial properties and provides excellent insulation.

How can I waterproof my feet?

There are several things you can do to waterproof your feet. The first is to wear waterproof socks and couple these with a pair of waterproof shoes or boots. If that isn’t enough, you can also use waterproof shoe covers or gaiters, which will stop water from getting in from your shoe or boot collar.

Amar Hussain's image

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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