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Esquire published a six-shoe edit of walking sneakers for wet conditions, ranging from waterproof trail and commuter models to a water-repellent On sneaker for drizzle. Its editors name the Nike Pegasus Trail as their most broadly suitable pick, but the recommendations are editorial judgments, not independent test results detailed in the source.
Esquire has published a guide to six walking sneakers for wet-weather use, naming the Nike Pegasus Trail its choice for most people while also recommending models from On, Hoka, Asics, Salomon and Sorel. The list includes shoes described as waterproof as well as the On Cloudaway 2, which the article says is water-repellent, not waterproof—a distinction that matters for shoppers choosing footwear for rain, snow or puddles.
The guide describes the Nike Pegasus Trail as a lightweight trail-running shoe that can also work for walking. Esquire cites its stretchy collar, breathable upper, cushioned outsole and materials including GORE-TEX and Nike Trail ATC rubber. The publication calls it the option that would work well for most people, but the source does not provide comparative test scores or explain how that judgment was reached.
For lighter rain, the On Cloudaway 2 has a water-repellent treatment rather than a waterproof construction, according to the article. The guide highlights its bouncy midsole, pull tab and muted styling, and cautions against submerging it. Hoka’s Transport GTX is presented as a city-commuting choice, with a Gore-Tex membrane, quick-toggle laces, a sugarcane EVA midsole and multi-terrain grip.
The remaining recommendations cover varied uses. Esquire describes an Asics waterproof model with a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane, mesh upper and grippy outsole as suitable for walking across changing terrain. A Salomon winterized sneaker is recommended for fall and winter, with a weather-resistant Gore-Tex membrane and toggle lacing. The Sorel sneaker pairs a boot-inspired design with a Gore-Tex membrane, cushioned midsole and OrthoLite footbed. The source excerpt does not give product names for the Asics, Salomon or Sorel shoes.
Choosing Shoes for Wet Routes
The list is useful because it distinguishes waterproof protection from water repellency instead of treating every shoe as equally suited to wet weather. A water-repellent shoe may be appropriate for drizzle, while the source describes the other models as having waterproof or weather-resistant membranes for more demanding conditions. That distinction can help readers match footwear to their routes and the weather they expect.
The selections also show that “walking sneaker” covers different needs: a lightweight trail shoe, a commuter-focused design, and options styled more like winter footwear. Features such as outsole grip, cushioning and easier lacing may matter alongside moisture protection. These are editorial recommendations, however, and individual comfort, fit and traction can vary by wearer and conditions.
waterproof walking sneakers for men
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How the Six Picks Differ
Esquire says its products are curated by an editor and discloses that it may earn a commission through product links. It also points readers to information about its testing and trust standards, but the supplied material does not include those methods or results. The recommendations should therefore be read as the publication’s shopping guide, not as a set of independently documented laboratory findings.
Materials named in the report include Gore-Tex membranes on several models, plus rubber outsoles, foam cushioning and mesh or textile uppers. The features vary by shoe: the Hoka is framed around city commuting, the Salomon around colder seasons, and the Sorel around a sneaker-and-boot blend. Product availability, listed colors and sizes can change, and the source does not establish whether every option is currently in stock.
“If we had to choose one that would work well for most people, it’s the Nike Pegasus Trail shoe.”
— Esquire editors
Limits of the Product Evidence
The supplied report does not state when the guide was published, identify three of the products by full model name, or provide prices. It also does not include test protocols, measured waterproof performance, durability data or head-to-head results, so readers cannot use the source alone to compare how each shoe performs in prolonged rain or on slick surfaces.
The source’s descriptions of comfort, grip and suitability are Esquire’s editorial claims; individual fit and performance may differ. The article excerpt also does not say how the products were selected beyond noting editorial curation, or provide details on commission rates. Current stock, color choices and size availability are not confirmed by the material provided.
Check Fit and Current Availability
Readers considering one of the shoes should check the manufacturer or retailer listing for the exact model, current price and available sizes, then confirm whether its protection is described as waterproof or merely water-repellent. Trying shoes on where possible can help assess comfort and fit; sizing varies by brand, so a size listed for one maker should not be assumed to match another.
Esquire’s source material does not announce a follow-up review or testing update. Any changes to the lineup, stock or product specifications would need to be confirmed through updated retailer or manufacturer information.
Key Questions
Which sneaker does Esquire recommend for most people?
Esquire names the Nike Pegasus Trail as its choice for most people, citing its cushioning, lightweight construction and waterproof materials. That is the editors’ judgment, not a measured ranking included in the source.
Are all six shoes fully waterproof?
No. The guide explicitly describes the On Cloudaway 2 as water-repellent, rather than waterproof, and says it is better suited to drizzly days than submersion. Check each model’s product details before buying.
Which picks are aimed at commuting or winter weather?
The Hoka Transport GTX is presented as a city-commuting shoe. The Salomon option is described as a fall-and-winter choice, while the Sorel design combines sneaker features with a boot-inspired look.
Does the report provide prices or complete model names for every shoe?
No. The supplied article excerpt does not include prices and does not identify the Asics, Salomon and Sorel selections by full model name. Availability and specifications should be checked with current retailer or manufacturer listings.
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