Travel is all about embracing the unexpected, but some surprises are less welcome than others. Take, for instance, the time we took a day trip to Ronda, Spain, back in 2018. We thought we were prepared with raincoats and an umbrella, but the heavens truly opened that day. I’m talking about rain so incredibly heavy, it felt biblical – unlike anything I’d seen in years.
We valiantly disembarked the train, determined to see Ronda’s iconic bridge. We made it, got thoroughly drenched, and then retreated for coffee and warmth, feeling utterly defeated. It was pointless to stay, so we managed to sweet-talk the ticket counter into letting us catch an earlier train back. The return journey? Miserable. We were cold, wet, and our shoes were completely waterlogged. It took a full three days for them to even begin to dry out!
That soggy experience was our travel turning point. We spend a lot of hard-earned money to travel, and we simply couldn’t let a little (or a lot of) rain get in the way. Upon returning home, we made a pact: invest in proper rain gear. That meant waterproof pants, better rain jackets, and crucially, waterproof shoes.
Fast forward to 2023, before a planned trip to Scotland, a country known for its changeable weather, we headed to our local shoe store. With the invaluable help of a knowledgeable salesman, we found our champions against the elements.
Our Waterproof Travel Shoe MVPs:
- Justin’s Pick: ON Waterproof Shoes (Olive Green) Justin found his perfect match in a pair of waterproof ON shoes. The olive green color is incredibly versatile, truly “goes with everything,” making them an ideal travel shoe that doesn’t scream “hiking boot.” They’re comfortable for long days of exploring and reliably keep his feet dry. He loved them so much he replaced them with a new pair in 2025 – a true testament to their performance.
- Denise’s Pick: Merrell Vibram Waterproof Shoes (Blue) I so much wanted the ONs to work for me, but they didn’t. So, I opted for a pair of Merrell Vibram waterproof shoes in a stylish blue. Merrell has long been a trusted name in outdoor footwear, and these have lived up to every expectation. They’re incredibly sturdy, comfortable for endless miles of walking, and have kept my feet bone dry through countless downpours and damp conditions. They’re still going strong since 2023!
We also wisely invested in supportive inserts for both pairs, knowing these shoes would be on our feet for days on end. This simple addition made a world of difference for comfort during long sightseeing days.
These shoes have been absolute game-changers for our travels. They performed flawlessly through the notoriously damp weather of Scotland, kept our feet dry during unexpected sprinkles in Australia, and have been our trusty companions on adventures all around the US. We even put them to the ultimate test in Texas, confidently crossing a very shallow river with our shoes on, and emerged with perfectly dry feet. No problem at all!
Now, rain doesn’t stop us. It might mean a slightly different kind of exploration, but we know our feet will stay warm and dry, allowing us to make the most of every precious travel moment. If you’re tired of soggy socks and waiting days for shoes to dry, do yourself a favor and invest in quality waterproof footwear. It’s one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made.