[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 good anymore.

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 all the way home, and by the time I got home, my socks felt soggy... Honestly, I never want to have that experience again.

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

table of contents

1. Why do we need waterproof sneakers?

Recently, the number of days when it suddenly rains even when it is sunny has increased. If you go out relying only on the weather in the morning, it is not uncommon to find your feet soaked on the way home.

I once had the experience of going out in canvas sneakers when it suddenly started raining, and water seeped into my shoes, leaving my socks soaked. Not only was it uncomfortable, but my shoes took a long time to dry, so I couldn't 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 because they repel water while still looking normal. You can stay comfortable even in sudden rain showers, and you don't have to worry about your shoes deteriorating or smelling.

With the weather changing so quickly, waterproof sneakers are the perfect pair to give you peace of mind in your everyday life.

2. Common problems and mistakes with "wet shoes"

What prompted me to switch to waterproof sneakers was a series of bad experiences. Here, I will introduce some of the "mistakes" I have made.

■ I went out wearing cloth sneakers and it started pouring rain...

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. Even my socks were soaked in the short distance from the station to my house. My wet shoes stuck to my feet and it was uncomfortable, and I was freezing cold on the train.

■ My favorite leather shoes are covered in stains

I did use waterproof spray on my leather shoes, 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 could never be restored to its original state... I was pretty depressed.

■ Driving into a puddle and becoming flooded

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

■ Wet shoes don't dry by the next day

I went to work that day. I hung out my wet shoes overnight, but they didn't dry at all. I quickly dried them the next morning 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

The sneakers that were left wet gradually started to smell bad... There was no space to dry them, so they tended to be left damp, and the smell started to bother the whole entrance. This was also a problem that could have been prevented if the sneakers had been waterproof.

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

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing waterproof sneakers that will not fail you? Here are some points that I personally feel are important.

◆ Fully waterproof or water repellent?

The first thing 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 is safe to choose an item that is labeled "fully waterproof."

◆ Is it breathable?

The higher the waterproofness, the more likely it is that it will become stuffy. Combining it with mesh material or choosing a breathable material (such as GORE-TEX) will keep you comfortable.

◆ Appearance is important

If you're going to wear them, you want to choose a stylish design that you can wear every day, not just a pair of "waterproof shoes." Recently, there has been an increase in simple waterproof sneakers that can be worn with a suit.

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

・Stories about how choosing shoes for commuting to work or school helps

If I only check the weather in the morning and let my guard down, it will rain on my way home... That has happened a lot recently. Even in those situations, if I wear waterproof sneakers, I don't have to worry about getting my shoes wet on the train, so I feel at ease. It's especially important to have a sense of security on your feet on work days.

・I want to only have one pair of shoes when I travel

When you go on a trip or business trip, you want to pack as compactly as possible. I once went with cloth sneakers without considering rain and regretted it, so now I only choose waterproof sneakers from the start. I appreciate being able to 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 was sunny the day before. There was a day at a festival when I felt that the comfort level was completely different depending on the conditions under my feet, so I always choose waterproof shoes. I don't want to compromise on the appearance, so choosing shoes is fun.

・When you go out with your kids, the unexpected happens.

They start playing in puddles, or suddenly start splashing around in the water... At first I get all flustered, but when I'm wearing waterproof sneakers I can stay pretty calm. Even 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 the local 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 regular shoes are waterproof you can wear them without worrying. I really feel 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

Once, I was caught in the rain on my motorcycle ride and water got into my shoes, which was the worst thing... Since then, I changed 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 if you say "waterproof," the comfort and waterproof performance vary greatly depending on the brand and model. Personally, I choose shoes in the following way.

• Try them on in the store to make sure they fit your foot shape (if buying online, choose a shop that allows returns).
• Check the grip of your shoe soles (to prevent slipping on rainy days)
• Check the 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 ideal pair that "looks great but is waterproof."

6. Summary | Be prepared for the worst when choosing your footwear

The discomfort of my wet sneakers that day. The smell of my shoes lingering at 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's going to happen. I feel that the security of my feet determines how comfortable I am for the day, especially on work days or when I go on trips.

Waterproof sneakers are not just "rain shoes." They blend naturally into your everyday style and are like a reliable "partner" in times of emergency.

We encourage you to take another look at your "preparation from the ground up."