A good pair of hiking boots will take you far: to the top of summits, the bottoms of canyons and around your local nature preserve. We rely on our hiking boots to carry the load (pun intended), so it’s important to choose the right ones to help us enjoy our favorite experiences.

If you don’t have one of the best waterproof  hiking boots in Ireland, you will be in deep deep trouble because, news flash: Yes, it will rain on the day of your  hike. I guarantee that.

Choosing the right hiking boots for Ireland can be tricky with its unpredictable weather and varied terrain. Whether you’re trekking the rocky paths of Wicklow Mountain or the muddy trails of the Kerry Way, you’ll face all sorts of challenges. And the rain? It’s a daily visitor. That’s why waterproof hiking boots are a must. Today, I’m sharing my favorite picks based on own research and 100+ hours of reading reviews on the internet. 

Best WaterProof Hiking Boots For Ireland

Today, I’m sharing my favorite picks based on own research and 100+ hours of reading reviews on the internet. 

• Regatta Men’s Bainsford Waterproof Walking Boots
• Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 
• Karrimor Bodmin Low IV Weathertite
• Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2 Low-Rise Hiking Shoes
• Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II GTX Tech Boot

 So, let’s get started!

Regatta Men’s Bainsford Waterproof Walking Boots

The Regatta Men’s Bainsford Waterproof Walking Boots are another solid choice for your adventure. Priced in the mid-range at £54.72 – £68.99, they offer some great features. If you love classic leather looks, these boots could be just what you’re looking for. 

With their peat-colored leather, these boots look rugged but stylish, great for both trails and casual outings. They’re super lightweight, very comfy, and high quality—no breaking-in needed. They’re sturdy but cozy right from the start. I know for hiking, comfort is key, but waterproofing is just as crucial. These boots keep your feet dry even on flooded grounds (though they’re not wellies, so don’t expect them to handle water above the  shoe). 

Since these are leather boots, they do need some upkeep, like all leather footwear. Without proper maintenance, they’ll lose their waterproof qualities—this isn’t a design flaw, just the nature of  leather. To keep them in top shape, wax them at least once a month and stuff them with something like an old shirt when you’re not using them to prevent drying and cracking. I’ve been using mine for over two months now for long off-road dog walks, and they’re an absolute gem.

If you’re shopping online, double-check that the boots haven’t already been dispatched. I’ve seen reports of people receiving scuffed and scratched boots, with glue visible around the heels and signs of handling on the fronts. In such cases, those boots might not last long.

Key Features and Limitations

• Deep Padded Collar and Tongue: Provides all-day comfort and helps prevent chafing during long hikes.
• Waterproof Construction: Features Isotex waterproof footwear technology, which includes a seam-sealed design with an internal membrane bootee liner to keep your feet dry.
• Sole Material: The boots have a lightweight rubber outsole featuring Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) shock pads that provide underfoot comfort, protection, and excellent traction on various surfaces.
• Material Composition: The boots are made from synthetic materials, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. The leather upper is treated with Hydropel water-resistant technology, which sheds water effectively.
• Stabilising Shank Technology: Incorporated for underfoot protection and to reduce foot fatigue on uneven terrain.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing only 545 grams, these boots are designed to be light enough for extended use without sacrificing durability.
• Versatile Lacing System: Ensures a secure and supportive fit, which is essential for maintaining stability on rough trails.
• Specific Care Needed: To maintain the boots’ quality, it’s recommended to use a suitable leather protector. Without proper maintenance, they’ll lose their waterproof qualities.

Product details

• Material composition: Synthetic

• Ratings: 4.3

• Price: £54.72 – £68.99
• Care instructions: Use suitable leather protector
• Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
• Shaft height: Ankle

Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2 Low-Rise Hiking Shoes

From fit to durability, the Columbia Men’s Woodburn 2 Low-Rise Hiking Shoes have it all. Lightweight and stylish, they’re perfect for hitting the trails or just daily wear, making them a versatile and fun addition to your footwear lineup.

These shoes totally exceeded my expectations. They’re not just comfortable; they really proved themselves on rainy days. The good grips gave me solid traction, so I could walk on slippery roads without worrying. 

They claim to be both breathable and waterproof, which can sound a bit like science fiction to me, but I’m not a scientist. After wearing them on a hot summer day, my feet got pretty warm, and I had to move into the shade. But, on the bright side, my feet didn’t get sweaty, so maybe that’s a win. You will find the soles super comfortable also, making it easy to walk a few miles or stand all day. They’re not bouncy like those trendy comfort  trainers that wear out in six months; these feel like they’re built to last.  Just make sure to give them a bit of hand washing now and then to keep them in good shape.

Key Features and Limitations

• Omni-Tech™ Waterproof Technology: These  shoes are equipped with Columbia’s Omni-Tech™ waterproof and breathable technology, ensuring your feet stay dry in wet conditions while allowing moisture to escape, keeping your feet comfortable.
• Techlite™ Midsole: Features Columbia’s Techlite™ lightweight midsole, providing superior cushioning, impact absorption, and high energy return with every step.
• Lightweight Design: The Woodburn 2 is crafted to be lightweight, reducing fatigue during long hikes or all-day wear.
• Omni-Grip™ Outsole: The Omni-Grip™ non-marking rubber outsole delivers excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring stability on uneven terrains.
• Limited Ankle Support: The low-rise design, while offering flexibility, doesn’t provide the ankle support needed for more rugged or uneven terrains, which could be a drawback for those who need extra stability.

Product details

• Price: £78.19 – £79.39

• Ratings: 4.4

• Material composition: 48.69% Leather, 35.71% Rubber, 15.6% Textile
• Care instructions: Hand Wash Only
• Sole material: Rubber
• Shaft height: Ankle

• Colors: 7

Karrimor Bodmin Low IV Weathertite

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, or camper, you’ve probably heard of Karrimor. The brand is known for offering quality products at an affordable price. The “Karrimor Bodmin Low IV Weathertite” is one of their best items in a wide selection of outdoor gear.

The Karrimor Bodmin Low IV Weathertite hiking shoes are perfect for exploring Ireland’s varied and often wet landscapes. They’re comfortable from the start, so you don’t have to break them in like traditional boots. They’re as lightweight as trainers but more durable, with treaded soles and supportive uppers. The suede and mesh upper offer protection, while the Weathertite lining allows airflow, keeping your feet from feeling too hot.

I’ve covered over 500 miles in these shoes, mostly on forest trails and hills. While the outer material isn’t fully waterproof, it does a great job keeping moisture out of the inner lining for a couple of hours. They’re more than sufficient for wet grass and rainy paths. Let me give you a short review- 

Key Features and Limitations

• Material Composition: Made with a Mesh outer material and Leather for durability and breathability.

• Low-Rise Design: Unlike traditional high-ankle hiking boots, the Bodmin Low IV offers a low-rise design. This makes it a great option for hikers who prefer more flexibility and freedom of movement and is ideal for day hikes or less rugged trails.

• Weathertite Waterproof Technology: Keeps your feet dry in wet and muddy conditions while allowing breathability.

• Sole Material: Rubber sole provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces.

• Dynagrip Outsole: Delivers excellent grip and stability on wet and uneven terrain.No more slipping and sliding!

• Comfort and Fit: Features a cushioned insole and padded collar for all-day comfort.

• Durability: Designed to handle Ireland’s challenging terrains with robust, wear-resistant materials.

• Limited Ankle Support: Being a low-rise shoe, it doesn’t provide the same level of ankle support as a mid or high-rise hiking boot. This might be a drawback on more rugged or uneven terrains where ankle stability is crucial.

The  Bodmin Low IV can be your go-to for waterproof protection without the heavyweight of traditional boots. It’s ready for adventure, are you?

Product details

• Price: £44.99

• Ratings: 4.5

• Sole material: Rubber
• Outer material:  Leather
• Material composition: Mesh
• Shaft height: Ankle

• Colors: 5 (Black Sea, Black, Brown, Dark Brown, Navy)

Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 

Next up is the Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0. You might already be familiar with this popular option, but I have mixed feelings about it. So, why is it still on the list? Simply saying, it offers decent waterproofing at a fair price.

These all-around walking boots are lightweight and comfortable, so much so that you barely notice them while walking. They’re flexible and wide enough to solve my previous issues with pinched toes. The new design also looks better. Plus, they’re breathable, durable, and have extra cushioning for extra comfort, and the waterproof technology keeps your feet dry even in wet conditions.

These boots really excel with their waterproofing. I stood in streams with water up to the laces and even knee-deep snow, and my feet stayed completely dry. They’re definitely built to handle Ireland’s unpredictable and tough conditions. But, I had some issues with grip—it felt a bit slippery at times, even though they have special Optistud soles. 

Key Features and Limitations

• Shaft Height: Ankle-height design offers strong support and stability on uneven trails.
• Shock Absorbing EVA Mid-Sole: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) provides cushioning and shock absorption reducing fatigue by cushioning the foot during long hikes.
• GORE-TEX Waterproof Technology: Ensures feet stay dry in wet conditions while remaining breathable to prevent overheating.
• Outer Material: Made with durable Leather for a robust and long-lasting exterior.
• Opti-Stud Outsole: The unique Opti-Stud outsole offers superior grip and traction, helping you maintain stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.
• Lightweight and Comfortable: Designed to minimize weight while maximizing comfort for extended use.
• Leather Upper: Adds durability and support.
• Break-In Period: These boots require a break-in period. Initially, they might feel stiff, and it could take a few hikes before they become fully comfortable.
• Breathability: The GORE-TEX lining sometimes limits breathability, especially in warmer conditions. 

Product details

• Price: £84.99 – £135.00

• Outer material: Leather
• Inner material: Textile
• Ratings: 4.4
• Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
• Shaft height: Ankle

• Colors: 3 (Black Red, Black Brown, Black)

Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II GTX Tech Boot

Suppose you’re looking for a top-tier hiking boot for tough, long-distance hikes with exceptional comfort, durability, support, and waterproofing. In that case, the Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II GTX Tech Boot is the best option. 

The other options on our list are perfect for daily use or moderate hikes, but the Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II GTX Tech Boot is built for serious hikers. It’s got everything we’ve talked about—comfort, quality, waterproofing, fit, and grip. You might be surprised to know it was first launched in 1994 and quickly became Britain’s best-selling walking boot. The latest version continues that legacy with new and improved features.

Key Features and Limitations

• Tailored Comfort: Memory foam in the collar and tongue adapts to your foot and ankle for a customized fit.
• Superior Waterproofing: Equipped with a GORE-TEX performance comfort membrane, these boots offer exceptional waterproof protection. This breathable membrane will keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions while letting sweat escape, so your feet stay comfortable and dry.
• Durable Leather Construction: The boots have a strong but flexible leather upper that makes them durable and resistant to wear and tear. This makes them ideal for rough and rocky terrains.
• Outstanding Grip and Traction: The VIBRAM rubber outsole delivers outstanding grip, even on wet rocks and slippery surfaces. The design features an anti-clogging outsole that stops mud and debris from building up, so you get steady traction during your hike.
• Comfortable and Supportive: The boots come with shock-absorbing EVA midsoles and supportive footbeds that reduce foot fatigue by offering great cushioning and energy return. This makes them perfect for long-distance hikes.

• Heavy Weight: These boots are a bit heavier because they’re built tough with high-quality materials. While this makes them durable and supportive, it can be tiring on longer hikes, especially if you’re used to lighter shoes.
• Break-In Period: The  leather upper requirea a break-in period to achieve maximum comfort. This means they may not feel as comfortable straight out of the box compared to synthetic options.
• Price: The Hillmaster II GTX is a high-end product, and the price shows it. You’re paying for quality, but it might be a bit steep if you’re on a budget.
• Extra Care Needed: Regular maintenance with a leather protector is required to preserve quality and waterproofing.

Product details

• Price: £124.99 – £152.00

• Ratings: 4.6

• Material composition: Synthetic
• Outer material:  Leather
• Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
• Shaft height: Ankle

• Colors: 2 (Coffee Brown and Brown)

So, Which Hiking Boots Should You Take?

It’s a tricky question, as each option has its strengths and limitations. For example: the Karrimor Bodmin is a budget-friendly choice but falls short on waterproofing for long hours. The Berghaus Expeditor Ridge provides decent waterproofing but may lack grip. The Regatta Bainsford needs regular leather care to stay waterproof. The Columbia Woodburn is comfy and versatile, though breathability could be better. For top performance, the Berghaus Hillmaster is the best pick for serious hikers, but it comes with a high price tag. 

I would suggest to consider your personal needs and preferences to choose the best option for you. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect hiking companion for your adventures. For better understanding I am adding a summary table for you guys–

How About Options For Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots?

Sure, I’m not a certified expert in this category,  but for my female readers, I’ve put together a list of some great choices to consider.

1. Berghaus Women’s Hillwalker II Waterproof Hiking Boots

• Features:  Features Gore-Tex waterproofing, Vibram sole for grip, and high durability. These  boots are designed to handle tough, wet conditions while providing superior comfort.
• Limitations: Higher price, may require a break-in period.

1. Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots

• Features: Lightweight yet highly durable, with excellent GORE-TEX lining waterproofing. These boots are designed to provide maximum comfort over long distances.
• Limitations: Less ankle support on rugged terrain.

1. Bodmin Mid 5 Ladies Weathertite

• Features: These are Mid-rise boots with Weathertite waterproofing technology, offering a good balance between support, waterproofing, and flexibility.
• Limitations: Less durable, traction may be limited on slippery surfaces.

1. Regatta Women’s Holcombe IEP  Walking Boots

• Features: These boots provide top-notch waterproofing with plenty of deep padding for comfort, and they’re budget-friendly. They’re versatile and perfect for different hiking conditions.
• Limitations: Requires more maintenance.

1. Northwest Territory Women’s Peak Leather Waterproof Walking Hiking Trekking Boot

• Features:  Made with durable leather, these boots offer strong waterproofing and are built to last. They also provide good ankle support.
• Limitations: Limited breathability, break-in period needed.