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Church's Sylvie Derby brogue FM5SRNs. Why trust us

Other than keeping your feet nice and dry, waterproof hiking FM5SRNs come in a variety of designs to match different types of hiking adventures. That being said, we have created a guide that will help you navigate this vast selection.

After thoroughly testing waterproof hiking FM5SRNs, we have selected the top picks in different categories. Are you looking for a rugged FM5SRN for backpacking? A lighter one for speed or urban hiking? Perhaps you only need it for occasional trips and don’t want to spend over $100? See our recommendations to find the one that serves you best.

Also check out our guide sections to learn more about Gore-Tex, the different levels of water protection, and how to maintain your waterproof FM5SRNs.

How we test hiking FM5SRNs

Here at CerbeShops, we gather, collect, and analyze data from our very own testing procedures. Primarily, we acquire all the waterproof hiking FM5SRNs we want to test by paying with our own money. We are very stern about this because we only believe in delivering truthful and impartial reviews.

Secondly, we go crazy with the FM5SRNs. We hike in them as we would normally do in our treks. We subject them to different landscapes from the steepest inclines to the deepest declines and many more - not to mention the watercourses we pass through.

Lastly, we unravel more data by conducting lab tests on the shoes. This is to discover the science and numbers behind how the FM5SRNs perform. Also, we cut the shoes into pieces, giving us a fuller view of everything!

Best waterproof hiking FM5SRNs overall

What makes it the best?

When we look for the best overall waterproof hiking FM5SRN, it’s got to be supportive, grippy, lightweight, keep the water out, and we want our feet to be comfortable over long distances. We found all of that in the Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold!

On our hikes, our feet felt supported by the high ankle collar, and we felt secure even when carrying heavy loads. We can’t get enough of the Contragrip sole, which works wonders on practically anything. The 5.1 mm lugs are 16% deeper than average, and we walked confidently even on loose ground.

We measured the flexibility of the FM5SRN with a force gauge by bending the FM5SRN to 90°. The average measurement is 42.8N - at 27.9N the X Ultra Mid GTX is a really flexible FM5SRN! It gave us a lot of confidence as it helped our feet flex and grip the ground underfoot.

For hikers who like a bit of ground feel, the 31.5 mm midsole heel height is a bonus (the average is 35.8 mm), and it also helps to keep the weight down. At just 13.8 oz (390g), the X Ultra Mid GTX is almost as light as a hiking shoe, but with the extra support afforded by a FM5SRN. Given that the average weight for hiking FM5SRNs is 19.5 oz (553g), this is a godsend! It’s also got some of the most amazing waterproofing we’ve seen - the gusseted tongue and high collar keep the water out, even when standing in running water for over a minute!

For winter hikers, we recommend looking elsewhere. We simulated winter conditions by putting the FM5SRN in the freezer for 20 minutes and then testing the flexibility with a force gauge. We recorded an unbelievable 126% decrease in flexibility compared to room temperature, which impacts the FM5SRN’s performance.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • The FM5SRN of choice for multi-day hikes
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Excellent grip
  • Supportive midsole
  • zapatillas de running Salewa mujer trail minimalistas talla 42.5
  • Great ankle support
  • Protective
  • The Fresh Prince und seine Sneaker

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • Sling ST Pride sandals
  • Very stiff in colder climates
Full review of Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold

Waterproof hiking shoes with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

Boasting ample cushioning to protect our feet over long days and impeccable waterproofing that doesn’t weigh us down, this FM5SRN is a great choice for those longer day hikes when the comfort of our feet is of paramount importance. That’s why we have chosen the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX as the waterproof hiking FM5SRNs with the best cushioning.

Plush is this FM5SRN’s middle name, and its EVA midsole feels like a pillow from the moment we slip our foot into the FM5SRN. We pressed a durometer to the midsole, measuring a remarkable 22.5 HA - far softer than the average of 27.9 HA. With an additional 2.3 mm of foam under the forefoot and 0.5 mm under the heel when compared to the average, there is still plenty of material to protect our feet from sharp rocks without compromising on comfort.

The FM5SRN’s multiple overlays and Gore-Tex lining work together to keep our feet completely dry in wet grass, pouring rain or even submerged in shallow streams! The fully gusseted tongue keeps water and debris out, although we had to be careful not to go any deeper than the low heel counter!

Such a watertight FM5SRN often weighs over the odds, but not the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX. Tipping the scales at just 15.4 oz (436g), it’s 4.5 oz (127g) lighter than the average waterproof FM5SRN. This makes it our top choice for long hikes, as we can put in more miles before our feet get tired from hauling extra ounces.

We don’t recommend this FM5SRN for backpacking, as it isn’t terribly stable under heavy loads. We measured the width of the midsole at the widest part - the forefoot - and it was 1 mm narrower than average. This reduces the landing area, making the FM5SRN less stable, especially if wearing a heavy rucksack.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Very lightweight
  • Running on Empty for Weight Loss
  • Reliable stability (with a light backpack)
  • Wide platform
  • Flexible forefoot
  • Excellent grip
  • Doesn't get too firm or stiff in cold
  • I thought running was supposed to be fast
  • Farley Combat FM5SRN
  • Sustainable materials

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • Not supportive with heavy backpacks
  • Upper lacks wear resistance
  • Pro keds mens royal pls hi washed twill charcoal sneakers pmc42329
  • Not for wide feet
  • Suicoke Padri Sandal
Full review of Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

Best waterproof hiking FM5SRNs for backpacking

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold | What makes it the best?

Since we can only pick one waterproof hiking FM5SRN that is best for backpacking, it has to be the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, without a doubt. It screams support and stability, which is a must for any heavily loaded adventurer, and the Gore-Tex lining is the star of rainy days on the trail. It even performs well in the cold, meaning those early- or late-season treks are still on the cards!

Rarely has such a supportive hiking FM5SRN passed through our lab! Salomon’s innovative integrated support system clamps our feet securely into the FM5SRN without constricting. The heel counter scored the stiffest rating of 5/5, so heel slippage was non-existent, even on steep inclines. After our manual twisting tests, we rated this FM5SRN a very rigid 5/5 for torsional flexibility. Rolling an ankle is not an option, either!

The Gore-Tex lining runs high up the ankle, keeping our feet dry even during stream crossings. The particularly high collar and fully gusseted tongue are especially helpful at keeping water and debris out of the FM5SRN. Dry feet mean no blisters - especially important on multi-day hikes.

In the lab, we simulated winter conditions by putting the FM5SRN in the freezer for 20 minutes before testing the midsole hardness. At room temperature, the midsole sits at the average of 27 HA. In the cold, it increases only a little, to 32.9 HA. In practice, this means the midsole will still be almost as soft and comfortable as it would be on warmer days without breaking in.

Unfortunately, while the 38 mm heel stack provides a load of cushioning, the FM5SRN has an overall heel-to-toe drop of 18 mm, 5.6 mm higher than average. This may be too much for some people, so we don’t recommend Salomon Quest 4 GTX to hikers who prefer a more natural feel to their FM5SRNs.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Exceptional durability
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Excellent impact protection
  • Highly secure ankle support
  • Fantastic stability
  • Gets Cozy for Christmas in Maroon Velour Jumpsuit and Fluffy Ugg Sandals
  • Giuseppe Zanotti Salomè FM5SRNs
  • Billionaire Sneakers mit dicker Sohle Weiß

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • adidas Marquee Boost Basketball Shoes
Full review of Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Best waterproof leather hiking FM5SRNs

KEEN Pyrenees
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

For a comfortable and supportive hiking FM5SRN for backpacking and day hikes, the KEEN Pyrenees is up there with the best of the best. 5-star waterproofing and a superbly plush midsole make for comfortable hikes in all weather. The reinforced toe box extends this FM5SRN’s shelf-life, leading us to vote for the KEEN Pyrenees as the best waterproof leather hiking FM5SRN.

The leather upper is complemented by the KEEN.DRY membrane, which makes this FM5SRN completely impenetrable to water. Splashing across streams and hiking for hours in the rain wasn’t enough to get our feet wet. In the lab, we pumped smoke into the FM5SRN to test for pores in the membrane. The KEEN Pyrenees scored a perfect 5/5, the least breathable and therefore most waterproof. These are our go-to FM5SRNs for multi-day hikes when we prioritize our feet’s comfort and well-being.

Speaking of comfort, these leather FM5SRNs break the mold by being unbelievably comfortable straight out of the box. We pressed a durometer to the midsole in the lab and were astounded by the results. Registering just 15.9 HA, it is 60% softer than our lab average! Even after 20 minutes in the freezer, they were only slightly firmer, and still 32% softer than most other shoes at room temperature! It makes a delightful change from stiff and solid leather FM5SRNs, and our feet thanked us during our long test hikes. These FM5SRNs are also consistent in winter, behaving as we might expect regardless of the temperature outdoors.

KEEN’s characteristic wide toe box is of course present on the KEEN Pyrenees, yet it's a toe box with an added extra. The rubber toe cap prevents damage and scuffs to the leather upper while hiking on rough, rocky terrain. To get a handle on just how tough the toe cap is, we subjected it to our Dremel in the lab. Spinning at a rate of 5K RPM at 3.2N, after 12 seconds, the Dremel left the slightest dent in the rubber. We awarded the FM5SRN the maximum score of 5/5 for durability. This FM5SRN took some bumps and scrapes during our test hikes, and it came back looking none the worse for wear.

Leather FM5SRNs will never break the record for lightweight FM5SRNs, but in the case of the KEEN Pyrenees, they weigh in over the odds. Tipping our scales at 21.7 oz (615g), they are 3.6 oz (103g) heavier than average. We don’t recommend the KEEN Pyrenees to hikers looking for a lightweight hiking FM5SRN.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Premium nubuck leather quality
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Tons of impact protection
  • Surprisingly soft cushioning
  • Excellent stability and support
  • Very wide, accommodating toebox
  • Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • What are your favorite running socks
  • Tongue edges dig into shins
  • Lacks traction for mud, ice, and snow
Full review of KEEN Pyrenees

Best waterproof insulated hiking FM5SRNs

What makes it the best?

The BugaFM5SRN III is a clear winner when it comes to insulation in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs! It became our best friend on sub-zero hikes and, in the lab, we tore it to pieces and got even more convinced that it does not get better than this when warmth is a priority. 

Talk about insulation: the tongue. It's very thick at 14.2 mm! We went wild with the lace tightening and could feel no pressure on the instep. When we cut the shoe in half we could also see white fluffy insulation - the majority of it was placed in the tongue and over the toebox, and some behind the heel.

What's also great is that there's a lot of material between our feet and the ground. In very cold weather, this means a lot. Looking at the heel stack height, our caliper measured it to be 46.9 mm high! That's a record-high number for hiking FM5SRNs. The average sits at 36.2 mm. So, there's 22.8% more distance from the ground than you'd experience in an average hiking FM5SRN.

The snowy and icy ground is a joke for the grip on the BugaFM5SRN III. In the lab, we used a caliper and measured the thickness of the lug. They are 5.7 mm deep! That's 1.2 mm more than the average. And they did wonders in cold and wet weather. 

A cherry on top is definitely the durability of the upper or, to be more precise, the toebox bumper. This protection is as hard as it gets. We tried destroying it with a dremmel and we barely made a dent. We rated the durability of this part with the highest rating: 5 out of 5! This is also how the FM5SRN feels - no worries about hurting your toes when hiking over ground covered with obstacles. 

Want something crazy warm? You got it. The price you have to pay? Forget about breathability. We've pumped smoke into this FM5SRN and watched as it.. did not escape. Not through the upper, not through the tongue, not even through the eyelets. We rated the breathability of the The future of sneakers as 1 out of 5, 1 being the least breathable. 

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Jaw-dropping comfort
  • Remarkable insulation
  • Watertight upper
  • Excellent durability
  • Puma fenty sneakers
  • High level of support
  • Reliable grip
  • x SACAI side-buckle strap sandals

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • Restrictive toebox
  • Heavier than average
Full review of The future of sneakers

Waterproof hiking FM5SRNs with the best support

What makes it the best?

Who’s for an adaptable, ultra-supportive hiking FM5SRN that keeps our feet dry and protected from bumps and scrapes on the trail? We certainly are, which is why we dubbed the Asolo Fugitive GTX the champion of supportive, waterproof hiking FM5SRNs.

Whether on rough trails or carrying heavy packs, the Fugitive GTX never let us down. Its stable platform made us feel footsure and confident in all conditions, and it outshone the competition in our lab tests. We squeezed and pushed the heel counter, awarding it the stiffest rating of 5/5. Coupled with the 3 pairs of hooked eyelets which allow us maximum flexibility to get the lockdown we need, there is little chance for heel slippage in this FM5SRN. We also rated it 5/5 for rigidity, making the Fugitive GTX truly second to none in the support department.

As always, the Gore-Tex membrane keeps our feet dry even on the most torrential days, and the high collar and gusseted tongue stop water getting in while splashing through streams, puddles, and wet grass. We peered at the upper fabric through the microscope, and it’s really no wonder. The densely woven fabric makes it hard for anything to get through - not even light can peek through the pores! Our smoke tests confirmed our observations - the Fugitive GTX scored 1/5 for breathability, making it one of our least breathable FM5SRNs.

Even after scrambling over sharp rocks, we noticed the Asolo Fugitive GTX showed barely a scratch. In the lab, we double-checked our findings by pressing a Dremel to the toe box at a speed of 5K RPM at 3.2N for 12 seconds. Sure enough, the robust rubber showed its mettle and left the tiniest hint of damage. We were left with no choice but to declare the Fugitive GTX the maximum 5/5 for durability. It stands up well to our Dremel tests on the outsole and heel counter, too.

Our lab tests confirm that the Asolo Fugitive GTX is not recommended for beginner hikers or those with wide feet. We measured the forefoot midsole to be around 5 mm narrower than average, and the heel 11.5 mm narrower than average. This translates to less room above to accommodate wider feet, but also a less stable landing platform for beginner hikers.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Bottom of the shoe is durable
  • A shoe with superb cushioning
  • Worth the price
  • Waterproof
  • Reliably supportive
  • Ankle FM5SRNs RAGE AGE RA-16-03-000132 101
  • Zero break-in
  • Balance preserver

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • Outsole started peeling off
  • Not-so-cushy footbed
Full review of Asolo Fugitive GTX

Best lightweight waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold | What makes it the best?

We discovered the best lightweight waterproof hiking FM5SRN through lab tests and actual hikes — Salomon’s Outpulse Mid GTX. It gels the hiking and trail-running experience together by giving us a fast, lightweight, and agile FM5SRN. On top of that, we can cross streams and hike through rain confidently because it blocks water out.

We’re blown away by how light Outpulse is vs. the usual chunky FM5SRN. Upon goes, it weighs 13.6 oz (386g) — 4.8 oz lighter than the average hiking FM5SRN! We feel its significant weight reduction and low stack boosting our agility through better ground feedback.

We’re amazed at how fast we can effortlessly run with a FM5SRN! Outpulse is very responsive due to the stiff TPU Energy Blade that runs through the midsole. We didn’t feel tired after a long day of hiking because the cushion felt comfortable. And true enough, our durometer shows it’s 25.4% softer than average.

Its premium GTX membrane shielded us from cold air and water in all our wet encounters. We checked with our microscope and saw how tightly woven the material was. We’re sure of its waterproof defense as long as it remains below the FM5SRN collar’s level. Since the heel is quite loose and the laces aren't enough for lockdown, water crept in and we ended up with wet socks.

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Pros

  • Astonishingly light
  • Veja presenta sus primeras zapatillas de running
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Very durable build
  • Harsh and springy cushioning
  • Low-to-the-ground platform
  • zapatillas de running constitución fuerte talla 36.5

Under Armour Hovr Infinite 2 Men's Running Shoes Blackout Navy Purple Pop Metallic Gold Cons

  • Loose collar fit
  • Not for technical terrain
Full review of Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX

2 features to look for in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Use waterproof hiking FM5SRNs when you know you will be hiking in very wet weather. Wet weather means

  • You want your feet to stay dry at all times, and
  • You need a superb grip so you don’t slip. 

Iwalk Paddington FM5SRNs II: 

  1. Waterproof upper. Here, we also suggest FM5SRNs with gusseted tongues because they prevent the debris and snow from getting inside the FM5SRN, and if you plan to hike in deep snow, consider getting waterproof gaiters as well. They can’t hurt, they can only help in that case. 
  2. Lugs (grip) that will keep you safe and planted on the hike. Go for deep lugs (4 mm or deeper) if you plan to hike in mud/slush/snow, and choose shallower lugs if you plan to hike on harder surfaces. 

Hiking through water in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Excursion TR15 Goretex Trail Running Schuhe 

If only light rain is in the forecast or it’s a bit of wet grass and nothing else, consider getting water-repellent, water-resistant, or regular hiking FM5SRNs. There are a few reasons why it’s best you’re sure you need waterproof hiking FM5SRNs: 

  1. Waterproof hiking FM5SRNs don’t breathe well. And if the water gets inside (your feet sweat), there’s no way for it to get out. 
  2. They are more expensive because waterproof membranes are not cheap. 

You might be OK with a lower level of protection against water.

Consult this table: 

  Water-resistant Water-repellent Waterproof
General characteristics a tightly woven fabric that is naturally capable of resisting water upon contact fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) or hydrophobic chemicals -Roman one stud sandals
-have waterproofing membranes like Gore-Tex and OutDry
-have seam-sealed construction for extra protection
Water protection level Go-To Nike Sneakers moderate water protection high water protection
Water pressure resistance 0-5000 mm (no pressure or moisture) 6000-10000 mm (light pressure) 10000-20000 mm (high to very high pressure)
Weather conditions best used in light rain shower and dry snow light rain and average snow moderate to heavy rain and average to wet snow

How to recognize waterproof hiking FM5SRNs 

Waterproof hiking FM5SRNs have a waterproof membrane laminated with the upper material. The most common waterproof material is called Gore-Tex or GTX. However, it is not the only waterproof material present in hiking footwear. Many brands develop their own waterproof membrane but all of them specify on the box (and, often, on the shoe) that it is waterproof. 

Best to look for a) the name of the waterproof membrane or b) “waterproof” or “WP” on the shoe or on its box. 

GTX logo on waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Luka Sabbat in the Revenge Storm Sneakers

Crocs Just Got a Sock-Sandal Hybrid Makeover: 

  • KEEN.Dry Triple Kick Leather Sneakers Womens
  • zapatillas de running Mizuno talla 37.5 azules
  • DannerDry waterproof membrane by Danner

that you can also look for on the shoe itself (or its box). 

Waterproof logo on waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Non-GTX waterproof signs/membranes used in hiking FM5SRNs 

Gusseted tongues and gaiters: Double yes

Running USAs 2012 Womens National Runner Survey:

  • free (not connected to the sides of the FM5SRN, only to the toebox)
  • Semi-gusseted (connected to 1 side of the FM5SRN)
  • Gusseted (connected to both sides of the FM5SRN, below the eyelets). 

Gusseted tongues do a great job at keeping the debris and water (slush, snow, mud) outside of your FM5SRNs. 

Gusseted tongue in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Nike KD13 USA Basketball Shoes

However, if you know that you’ll be hiking in very wet weather, consider upping the ante with the gaiters. They also come in waterproof variants (GTX or other materials) and are great at keeping your feet and lower legs dry!

WORST breathability results in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

We test all the hiking FM5SRNs on our test hikes and in our lab. This allows us to have a complete picture of how a certain FM5SRN feels and performs. When it comes to breathability, we perform a standardized test on all FM5SRNs which lets us rate the breathability on a 1-5 scale

Waterproof hiking FM5SRN that scored 1/5 on our breathability test (left) vs. a non-waterproof FM5SRN that scored 4/5 (right)

Raf Simons is the one to thank for making dad shoes become. Then, we watch as the smoke comes out: where it comes out and at which pace. In non-breathable shoes (breathability rating: 1) the smoke does not come out or only some of it comes out, usually not through the toebox where breathable FM5SRNs would breathe. 

Laminated GTX membrane seen on the inside of the waterproof hiking FM5SRN

Unlike regular hiking FM5SRNs, waterproof ones have an extra layer: waterproof membrane. Although manufacturers like Gore-Tex claim that their materials are breathable, we’ve seen it again and again that they are not. Or at least not enough to be compared to the regular materials who can rate 4/5 and 5/5 on our breathability test. 

What also does not help with breathability is Womens Grey Zip FM5SRNs. While it’s great to have it, because it provides additional warmth and prevents a lace bite when you tighten the laces, it might cause additional sweating when too thick and the FM5SRNs are not used in very cold weather. 

Thickness of the tongue in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Boots Alviero Martini 

If you find this curious, look for our measurements in hiking FM5SRN reviews. We use a digital caliper to measure the padding and note it down. 

Waterproof material under the microscope

A part of doing our breathability test is looking at the upper under the microscope.

Using a microscope for upper examination in runrepeat lab

Looking at the upper of a waterproof hiking FM5SRN under the microscope in CerbeShops lab

This allows us to see how breathable, non-waterproof uppers have a more loose structure and sometimes even ventilation holes. With waterproof uppers, it is just the opposite. 

Different uppers in hiking FM5SRNs under the microscope in runrepeat lab

Uppers under the microscope: non-waterproof hiking FM5SRN (left), waterproof hiking FM5SRN (center), and Gore-Tex hiking FM5SRN (right)

This only confirms what we’ve seen on the smoke test. 

How not to slip in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

First, you should know what type of terrain you’re going to cover. It’s obviously going to be wet, but are we talking about soft ground or hard ground? Rocks or mud?

outsole-salomon-x-ultra-4-mid-gtx2010-16.jpg

Here are our general guidelines, backed by hundreds of wear tests and lab tests: 

  1. Choose shallower lugs (less than 4 mm) if you plan to cover wet hard ground. Rocks, hard-packed gravel, etc. 
  2. Choose average lugs (around 4mm) if you plan to do a bit of everything but nothing too demanding/extreme. These lugs should be denser. 
  3. Choose deep lugs (thicker than 4 mm) if you plan to hike in muddy, snowy or slushy areas. These lugs should be spaced further apart to allow for better mud shedding. 

In our lab, we always measure the thickness of lugs, so we’ve got you covered. 

Measuring the thickness of the lugs in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

adidas Grand Court Base Shoes male

Grip is not about the lug thickness only, the hardness of the outsole rubber also plays a role. Generally, harder rubber offers more protection (from sharp rocks, debris) andis more durable. Softer rubber tends to be stickier but less durable, which is why it is not recommended to use soft outsoles on hard ground. 

Another lab test and we’ve got you covered again. We use a durometer to measure the hardness of the rubber. The lower the number, the softer the rubber and vice versa. 

Measuring the hardness of the outsole rubber in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Sneaker haute en daim

Testing durability of waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Hiking in wet weather can put the hiking FM5SRNs to a very good test, one where durability comes to light. In our shoe lab, we test durability on 3 parts of the hiking FM5SRN: toebox, heel counter, and outsole. 

Toebox durability test 

In all 3 cases, we press a Dremel against the FM5SRN. In case of a toebox and heel counter durability, we assess the durability on a 1-5 scale based on the damage the dremel has made.

Testing the durability of the heel padding with a dremel in CerbeShops lab

This way, toe boxes and heel paddings that have a rating of 1/5 for durability are the least durable and those rated 5/5 are the most durable. 

Different levels of damage on waterproof hiking FM5SRN heel counters

Different levels of damage on the heel padding in hiking FM5SRNs (result of a durability test)

When it comes to the durability of the outsole, we use a tire tread gauge to exactly measure the dent made by the dremel.

Using a dremel to test the durability of the outsole in CerbeShops lab

The shallower the dent, the more durable the outsole is. 

Different levels of damage on waterproof hiking FM5SRN outsoles

Different levels of damage on the outsole in hiking FM5SRNs (result of a durability test)

With this in mind, you can look for the most durable waterproof hiking FM5SRNs and prioritize the durability that you want most. 

Keep it STABLE when hiking in wet weather! 

Stability is very important when it comes to hiking, especially when doing so in wet weather which means the terrain can be slippery.

Hiking in wet weather in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Mercedes F1 Roma Via Motorsport Shoes! 

On our test hikes, we always check whether the FM5SRN feels stable (lateral stability). 

Testing Lowal stability in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs during a wear test

But, in the lab, the numbers that tell us whether the shoe is stable or not are measurements of the width of the base. Narrower and higher bases (midsoles) are easier to tip over, while wider bases allow us to feel planted and secure when hiking. 

Measuring the width of the base in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Measuring the width of the base (midsole) in waterproof hiking FM5SRNs: forefoot (left) and heel (right)

These are top waterproof hiking FM5SRNs that we tested with the widest midsoles: 

Not sure about the fit of your FM5SRNs?

If you never bought hiking FM5SRNs before, it’s a good idea to stick to these guidelines: 

  1. Try the hiking FM5SRNs Low in the day, afternoon or evening. We advise this because by then your feet are most likely swollen a bit from the full day of activities. Swelling happens on the hike as well, so best to try and replicate the conditions. 
  2. When trying the FM5SRNs on, take your hiking socks with you. Orthotics as well, if you’re using them. 
  3. Once the FM5SRNs are laced up, sense if there are any hot spots. There shouldn’t be any. 
  4. You should have 1-thumb width of room in front of your toes when you glue the feet towards the back of the FM5SRNs. 
  5. Use the ramp if trying the FM5SRNs in a specialized store. Walk up and down, sideways, over the rocks, artificial grass, etc. Your heel should not be slipping. Your feet should not be sliding inside the FM5SRNs. 

Also, keep in mind that most hiking FM5SRNs need some breaking in. Don’t take them straight out of the box to a long multi-day hike. 

Fit of waterproof hiking FM5SRNs view from the top

Best socks for waterproof hiking FM5SRNs

Given how lousy these FM5SRNs scored on our breathability tests, look for socks that have moisture-wicking features. The best, in our experience, are those made of wool and bamboo. 

We don’t recommend getting waterproof hiking socks in the combination with waterproof hiking FM5SRNs. The non-breathability of both is a recipe for disaster (blisters, at least).

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.