Waterproof vs water resistant work boots

How waterproof work boots keep water out

A waterproof boot has a barrier between the leather and your foot. Most use a membrane liner, a thin layer that blocks liquid water but lets some water vapor (sweat) pass out. Gore-Tex is the best-known membrane; brands also use their own, such as KEEN.DRY, Ariat DRYShield or Timberland PRO's membrane. Some boots add a gusseted tongue, where the tongue is sewn to the upper up to a set height so water cannot run in through the lacing.

Construction matters too. Seams, the welt and the sole joint must be sealed. Thorogood's listings describe a Goodyear storm welt that provides a moisture seal between upper and midsole. A waterproof boot stays dry when you stand in water below the top of the gusset.

How water resistant boots work

A water resistant boot has no sealed barrier. It relies on the leather itself, often oiled or waxed full-grain leather, to shed water. Rain, dew and splashes bead up and run off. With long exposure, such as standing in puddles, walking through wet grass all morning or kneeling in mud, water works through the leather and the seams.

Many water resistant boots are unlined, which is the point. Danner's Bull Run listings describe unlined, oiled, water-resistant full-grain leather for cool comfort in warmer temperatures. Without a membrane the boot breathes better and dries faster from the inside.

Waterproof vs water resistant at a glance

A membrane cannot make a boot breathe like an unlined one. In hot, dry work the sweat that stays inside can leave socks as wet as a leak would. If you work mostly dry, a water resistant boot may keep your feet drier overall. For wet sites, see waterproof work boots.

Four boots compared

The Danner Quarry 8" and the Thorogood American Heritage 8" Waterproof Composite Toe are the waterproof side. The Danner 6" Bull Run is the water resistant, unlined side. The soft toe Thorogood American Heritage 6" Moc Toe listing does not claim waterproofing, so treat it as a leather boot that is not waterproof.

See our waterproof work boot picks →

Keeping either type dry longer

Treating the leather helps a water resistant boot shed water longer, but it will not turn it into a waterproof boot. A membrane boot that has been cut or worn through at a flex point will not be fixed by leather treatment either.

1. 1

   Clean off mud after use; dirt pulls oils out of leather.

2. 2

   Condition or treat the leather on a schedule that suits your conditions. See how to waterproof leather work boots.

3. 3

   Dry boots slowly at room temperature, never on a heater. See how to dry work boots.

4. 4

   Wear moisture-wicking socks so sweat leaves the foot.

5. 5

   If a waterproof boot starts leaking, find the source before treating it; see waterproof work boots leaking.

Note.Direct heat can crack leather and damage membranes and glued soles. Let boots dry away from heaters and open flames.

Frequently asked questions

Is water resistant the same as waterproof? No. Water resistant boots shed rain and splashes for a while; waterproof boots use a barrier and sealed construction to keep water out when you stand in it.

Are waterproof boots hotter? Usually yes. A membrane reduces airflow, so feet can get warmer and sweatier than in an unlined leather boot.

Can I make water resistant boots waterproof? Leather treatments improve water resistance, but without a membrane and sealed seams the boot will still let water in with long exposure.

Do waterproof boots stay waterproof forever? Membranes can wear or crack over time, especially at flex points. Care and drying habits help them last longer. See how long do work boots last.