Best Walking Shoes for Rainy Weather Travel [for Women]

If you’ve ever tried sightseeing in wet shoes, you know the misery. Soggy socks. Slippery sidewalks. That aching feeling after hours of walking in shoes that looked great online but weren’t built for real weather.

In Vancouver, or anywhere with unpredictable rain, wind, and long days on your feet, your shoes need to do more than look good. They need to work.

I’ve walked the seawall, strolled Stanley Park in a downpour, and power-walked across the city during spring cherry blossom season. I know what holds up, and what doesn’t. Some of these I wear myself, others I’ve researched based on real-world testing and foot-health features.

Below, you’ll find Vancouver-tested picks for the best walking shoes for rainy weather that won’t soak through, give up halfway, or leave you hobbling back to your hotel. Let’s find what actually works.

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vessi Weekend Shoes for Women

✅ 100% waterproof to keep feet dry on wet travel days

✅ Lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack

✅ Designed in Vancouver — built for real-world rain, not just drizzle

Grab a pair and stop worrying about wet feet

What to Look For in Rain-Ready Walking Shoes

Before you decide what to pack, here’s what actually matters:

• Fully waterproof or very water-resistant (drizzle turns to downpour fast)
• No break-in period (you want comfort on day one)
• Good grip for slick sidewalks and crosswalks
• Breathable enough for humid shoulder seasons
• Orthotic-friendly, especially if you deal with foot pain or fatigue

You may not need hiking boots, but if your itinerary includes some scenic, muddy trails—like the spring hikes just outside Vancouver—you’ll want shoes that won’t let you down when the weather turns.

These are for the everyday travel moments—long walks on your feet, slick sidewalks, wet parks, and the kind of days where comfort matters more than style.

From long days exploring museums to unexpected detours down wet sidewalks, these shoes are made to keep you going when the weather doesn’t cooperate and your plans keep shifting.

1. Best All-Around Pick: Vessi Weekend

If you want a reliable walking shoe that’s built for wet sidewalks and unpredictable spring weather, the Vessi Weekend Sneakers are your go-to.

These shoes are 100% waterproof, designed in Vancouver—one of Canada’s rainiest cities—and built to handle sudden showers, soggy trails, and damp city streets without blinking.

I’ve worn mine through everything from muddy seawall walks to sudden downtown downpours, and they’ve never let me down.

P.S. Looking for real-world insight on a pair that handles rain and long walks? I tested the Vessi Weekend Sneakers in Vancouver — read my full review for honest pros, cons, and fit tips.

Why I Recommend Them: They strike the best balance between comfort, waterproofing, and style, especially for travellers who need one pair that can handle unexpected rain without ruining their day.

💦 Stop letting soggy socks ruin your travel days—grab your Vessi Weekend sneakers now and stay dry wherever your trip takes you.

#2 Pick

Kuru ATOM Shoes for Women

✅ Built-in arch support for foot and joint pain relief

✅ Works with orthotics — no awkward fit

✅ Cushioned for all-day walking on hard surfaces

👉 Find out why these are my go-to for sore feet

2. Best for Foot Pain: Kuru Atom

These are the shoes I personally reach for on all-day walking days, especially when my feet or knees are acting up.

The Kuru Atom is built with serious arch support, a shock-absorbing midsole, and heel-hugging comfort. I use custom orthotics, and these work well with them.

If you’re planning to be on your feet all day, especially at museums or indoor spots that keep you moving, a shoe like the Kuru Atom really shines—perfect for rainy day adventures in Vancouver or similar cities.

Why I Recommend Them: If you deal with sore feet or need orthotic-friendly shoes for long days on your feet, these are some of the most comfortable I’ve found.

3. Best for Downpours + Light Trails: Hoka Transport GTX

Need one pair that can handle both city walking and surprise nature detours? This is the one.

The Hoka Transport GTX is built with GORE-TEX waterproofing, a grippy outsole, and more stability than your average sneaker. While I haven’t worn them personally, they’re consistently recommended by travellers who need traction, comfort, and wet-weather protection.

Why I Recommend Them: If your trip includes both rainy city streets and light trails, these offer the right mix of durability and comfort.

🗺️ Wet sidewalks, muddy trails, or surprise detours—Hoka Transport GTX shoes are built to keep you dry, stable, and moving comfortably wherever your adventure leads.

4. Best Stylish Option: On Cloud 6 Waterproof Shoes

If you’re looking for a fashion-forward pick that still handles bad weather, this one’s for you.

The On Cloud 6 Waterproof Shoes keep feet dry without sacrificing aesthetics. They’re breathable, supportive, and don’t scream “gear junkie.”

Why I Recommend Them: They’re ideal for travellers who want a sleek, everyday shoe that won’t look out of place at dinner, but still keeps you dry during daytime wandering.

🌧️ Don’t let wet weather slow you down—these waterproof Hoka Transport GTX shoes offer grip, comfort, and GORE-TEX protection to power through rainy city walks or damp trail days.

Prefer to watch instead of read?
If you’re planning a trip somewhere rainy, this short video shares a few quick tips that’ll help you stay dry and actually enjoy your day out. It’s not just about the shoes. Watch below for easy things to pack and keep in mind when walking around in wet weather.

Where to Buy These in Canada

You can shop Vessi, Hoka, and On Cloud shoes at Altitude Sports. They offer:

• Free shipping over $74 in Canada
• Easy returns
• A wide selection of travel-friendly gear

What Else to Pack for Wet Weather Walks

Even the best shoes need backup. If you’re walking around Vancouver in spring or fall, pack these too:

• Quick-dry socks (synthetic blends — avoid cotton)
• Compact umbrella or waterproof shell
• Water-resistant daypack
• Layers you can peel off as you go
• Towel or wipes to dry your shoes midday if needed

For more gear that helps in Vancouver’s unpredictable spring and fall weather, from outerwear to travel bags, my Vancouver Travel Must-Haves guide includes essentials for wet weather beyond just footwear.

How to Make the Most of Your Rainy Travel Days

Wearing the right shoes is just the beginning—the rest is how you prepare for soggy sidewalks and shifting weather.

Here are three quick tips that’ll help you stay comfortable and dry:

1. Rotate shoes between days if possible. Even waterproof shoes benefit from a break to fully dry out.
2. Pack an extra pair of socks in your day bag — dry socks can save a rainy afternoon.
3. Look for places with covered areas or benches when planning city walks. You’ll appreciate having places to stop without needing to head back early.

I’ve worn the Vessi Weekend and Kuru Atom through countless Vancouver days. The others? Carefully researched to match real traveller needs, not just online hype.

Ready to pack smarter?

If you only bring one pair, I’d make it the Vessi Weekend—they’ve handled rain, wind, and last-minute detours better than anything else I’ve tried.

It’s also worth planning ahead with flexible outdoor spots that don’t require perfect weather, especially if you’re headed to a place like Vancouver in spring, where the rain is part of the charm.

Pin this for later: