Best Waterproof Sneakers in Australia: An Honest Shortlist

The best waterproof sneaker in Australia depends on what you do in it. For trail-ish walking, a Gore-Tex hiking shoe such as the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX is a proven pick. For wet-weather everyday wear in a softer, sneaker-style shoe, wool and knit options such as the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof or Oszea (our own brand) are worth a look. Below is what we could actually verify, including the gaps.

Disclosure: we make Oszea, so treat our entry with the same scepticism you would any brand talking about itself. We have tried to say plainly where each shoe falls short.

What to look for before you buy

Australian rain is patchy rather than constant, as our post on rainy days in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane shows, so most people need a shoe that handles a sudden downpour and a soaked footpath, not a deep creek crossing. That makes three things matter more than a headline label:

• A real waterproof layer. Look for a named membrane or a clear explanation of how the shoe keeps water out. Our guide to waterproof vs water-resistant shoes explains why "water-resistant" often means only a splash.
• Breathability. A membrane that keeps rain out but traps sweat in just swaps one kind of wet for another. See are waterproof shoes breathable?
• Fit and care. Check the sizing advice and how the shoe should be cleaned and dried. Our posts on drying wet shoes and cleaning knit sneakers cover the basics.

The shortlist

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX

Australian outdoor retailer Macpac lists the men's Moab Speed 2 GTX as having a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, a nylon ripstop upper with a TPU layer, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole. Myer also lists a Moab Speed 2 GTX in Asphalt, as a clearance item, with the same Gore-Tex membrane described. Good for: wet trails, hiking and rough ground, where grip matters. Limits: it is a trail shoe in look and feel, so it may not suit an office or a dressier casual outfit. Both retailers ask you to pick a size to see stock, so availability varies. We only confirmed a men's listing.

Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof

Allbirds' Australian waterproof collection, when we checked, listed the women's Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof in two colourways, with a "Wet Weather" filter tag. The page did not spell out the waterproofing technology or give a rating, so we can't tell you how it keeps water out. Good for: soft, casual wear in drizzly weather if you like the Allbirds wool look. Limits: a narrow range (one women's mid-cut style that we could see) and little published detail on the waterproofing. Check Allbirds' own page for sizing and current availability.

Oszea Tasman and Urban

Oszea shoes use a four-layer ZEA-TEX construction: a breathable knit outer, a ZEA-TEX waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft inner lining. They are designed for rain, puddles, wet grass and damp paths, but not for full submersion, and we do not publish pore-size or lab figures for the membrane. Good for: everyday wet-weather wear in a lightweight, vegan-friendly sneaker, shipped from Auckland with free shipping over $100 to NZ and AU. Limits: it is a knit sneaker, not a hiking boot, so rough terrain and technical trails are better served by a trail shoe. Fit is true to size for most people; the size guide suggests sizing up for wider feet. You can read more on the ZEA-TEX page or look at the Tasman and Urban directly.

Options we could not confirm for Australia

Popular waterproof sneakers such as the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX and Vessi's knit sneakers come up often. We could not confirm that an Australian retailer stocks the Hoka, and we could not load Vessi's shipping information, so we have left both off the list rather than guess. If you check and find otherwise, they may deserve a place.

How to choose

If you walk rough trails, pick a Gore-Tex style hiking shoe. If you want a casual shoe for wet commutes and weekends, compare the two sneaker-style options on fit, care and how much detail the brand gives about its waterproofing. Whichever you choose, try it with the socks you actually wear and look for a trial or returns policy first. Oszea offers a 30-day trial, and the Tasman product page describes a one-year Dry-Socks Guarantee covering waterproofing and manufacturing faults under normal everyday wear.

FAQ

Are waterproof sneakers worth it in Australia?

If you commute on foot, walk the dog early or live somewhere with regular showers, a waterproof sneaker keeps socks dry in rain and on wet ground. In dry, hot weather a breathable regular shoe may be more comfortable.

Can waterproof sneakers be worn in summer?

Yes, but breathability matters more. Look for a membrane described as breathable and wear thin, moisture-wicking socks.

Are waterproof sneakers fully waterproof?

They are built to handle rain and puddles, not deep water. Water can still come in over the ankle collar, and Oszea's own guidance is to avoid full submersion.

How do I care for waterproof knit sneakers?

Wipe off dirt, hand clean with mild soap and cool water, and air dry away from direct heat. See our shoe care guide.

Sources

• Macpac Australia: Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2 GTX Low Hiking Shoes
• Myer: Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Sneaker in Asphalt
• Allbirds Australia: Waterproof collection
• Oszea: ZEA-TEX technology

Product details and availability were checked on 25 October 2026 and can change.