[Waterproof sneakers for men] Stay comfortable even on rainy days! How to choose waterproof sneakers for men and tips learned from real-life mistakes

Sudden rain. Until now, I've left it up to luck, but recently I've started to think that's no longer the case.

It was a clear morning, but a downpour started in the afternoon. And on that particular day, I cursed myself many times for wearing canvas sneakers.
My shoes were soaked. My feet were cold and uncomfortable the whole way home, and by the time I got home, my socks and feet felt soggy... Honestly, I never want to experience that again.

So this time, based on my own bitter experiences, I will provide a realistic perspective on how to choose waterproof sneakers for men, recommended features, and actual usage experience.

table of contents

1. Why do you need waterproof sneakers?

Recently, the number of sunny days has increased, with sudden rain showers. If you go out relying solely on the morning weather, it's not uncommon to find your feet soaked on the way home.

I once had the frustrating experience of going out in canvas sneakers when I was caught in a sudden rain shower, and water seeped into my shoes, soaking my socks. Not only was it uncomfortable, but my shoes took a long time to dry, making it impossible to wear them the next day.

After my favorite leather shoes got stained in the rain, I began to feel a strong need for ``weather-resistant shoes.''

Waterproof sneakers are reliable and repel water even when they look normal. You can stay comfortable even in sudden rain showers, and you don't have to worry about your shoes deteriorating or smelling bad.

With the weather changing so quickly, waterproof sneakers are a great way to feel safe in your everyday life.

2. Common problems and mistakes with wet shoes

The trigger for me to switch to waterproof sneakers was a series of failed experiences. Here, I will introduce some of the "mistakes" that I actually experienced.

■ I went out wearing cloth sneakers and got caught in a downpour...

It was a sunny morning. I set off without hesitation in my favorite canvas sneakers (like Converse). However, the weather suddenly changed in the evening. Just a short walk from the station to my house, my socks were soaked. My wet shoes stuck to my feet, which was uncomfortable, and I was freezing cold on the train.

■ My favorite leather shoes are covered in stains

I had sprayed my leather shoes with waterproof spray, but I happened to go out on a day when I had run out of it, and they were ruined by a sudden rain shower. The leather became hard and never recovered... I was pretty depressed.

■ Driving into a puddle and flooding

This was my mistake, I was completely careless. Water got in from the sides and the inside of my shoes became soaked. Although they were advertised as "waterproof sneakers," it seems they were only "water-repellent" and not completely waterproof.

■ Wet shoes don't dry by the next day

I went to work that day, and even though I hung my wet shoes out to dry overnight, they didn't dry at all. The next morning, I rushed to dry them with a hair dryer, but the material had changed shape... They lost their shape and became difficult to wear.

■ The entrance is filled with the smell of shoes

Leaving wet sneakers out gradually creates an unpleasant odor... There's no space to dry them, so they tend to stay damp, which can cause a problem in the entire entrance hall. This problem could have been prevented if the product had a waterproof function.

3. Points to look for when choosing waterproof sneakers for men

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing waterproof sneakers that won't disappoint you? Here are some points that I personally feel are important.

◆ Completely waterproof or water-repellent?

The first thing you want to check is the type of "waterproof" label. "Water-repellent" is intended for light rain or water repelling. If you want to completely protect against rain, it's safer to choose an item that says "fully waterproof."

◆ Is it breathable?

The more waterproof the jacket, the more likely it is to get stuffy. Combining it with mesh material or choosing a breathable material (such as GORE-TEX) will keep you comfortable.

◆ Appearance is also important

If you're going to wear waterproof shoes, you want to choose a stylish design that can be worn everyday, rather than just looking like a waterproof shoe. Recently, there has been an increase in simple waterproof sneakers that look natural when paired with a suit.

4. By scene | Waterproof sneakers are the perfect choice for these situations

・Stories about how it helps me choose shoes for commuting to work or school

Lately, I've been letting my guard down by only checking the weather in the morning, only to find it raining on my way home. Even in times like that, if I have waterproof sneakers, I don't have to worry about getting my shoes wet on the train, so I feel at ease. Feeling safe on your feet is especially important on work days.

・I want to use just one pair of shoes when traveling.

When traveling or on a business trip, you want to pack as compactly as possible. I once regretted going with cloth sneakers because I didn't expect it to rain, so now I only choose waterproof sneakers from the start. I'm grateful that I can wear them whether it's sunny or rainy.

・Shoes can change the whole day at an outdoor festival

Dirt and grass can get surprisingly wet even if it's sunny the day before. There was a day at a festival when I felt that the conditions under my feet made a huge difference in how comfortable I felt, so since then I've made sure to choose waterproof shoes. I don't want to compromise on appearance, so choosing shoes is fun too.

・When you go out with your kids, unexpected things happen.

They'll jump into puddles and start playing, or they'll suddenly start splashing around in the water... At first I'll be like, "What!?" and panic, but if I'm wearing waterproof sneakers I can stay pretty calm. If they get dirty I can just wipe them off, so it's less stressful for parents (laughs).

・It's especially useful when you go to a nearby convenience store

It's easy to let your guard down when you're just going out for a short trip. Even if the ground is a little wet, if your usual shoes are waterproof you can wear them without worrying. I've realized that just knowing that it's okay to get wet makes it easier to go out.

・What I learned from getting wet while traveling by motorcycle

I once got caught in the rain while riding my motorcycle, and water got into my shoes, which was the worst thing... Since then, I've switched to waterproof sneakers, which are not only less likely to get wet, but also less slippery. I can concentrate while driving.

5. How do I find the right pair?

To be honest, even though the term "waterproof" is used, the comfort and waterproof performance vary greatly depending on the brand and model. Personally, I choose shoes as follows:

• Try them on in store to make sure they fit your feet (if buying online, choose a shop that allows returns).
• Check the grip of your shoe soles (to prevent slipping on rainy days)
• Check reviews to see how much protection it actually provides

Recently, there are many models that balance design and functionality, making it easier to find the perfect pair that "looks great but is also waterproof."

6. Summary | Be prepared for fear when choosing your footwear

The discomfort of wet sneakers that day. The smell of shoes lingering in the entrance. Just remembering it makes me not want to repeat it again.

Now, when the weather is uncertain, I choose waterproof sneakers without hesitation. Even if it's sunny in the morning, you never know what might happen. I've realized that feeling secure in my feet can make a big difference in how comfortable I feel that day, especially on work days or when I'm going on a trip.

Waterproof sneakers are not just "rain shoes." They blend naturally into your everyday style and are like a reliable "buddy" you can rely on in an emergency.

We encourage you to take a moment to reconsider your preparations, starting from the ground up.

Check out our waterproof sneaker special!