Best Waterproof Sneakers in NZ: An Honest Shortlist
The short answer: there is no single best waterproof sneaker for New Zealand, because it depends on what you do in them. For trails and wet hills, a Gore-Tex shoe like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX is hard to beat. For a city-style sneaker, the realistic choices are knit or wool-based options such as Allbirds, Vessi and Oszea. We make Oszea, so we have said plainly where each shoe is strong and where it is not.
Every shoe below was checked against the maker's or an NZ retailer's own page in October 2026. Availability and ranges change, so confirm before you buy.
What to look for first
Before comparing brands, it helps to know what the words mean. A genuinely waterproof shoe has a barrier layer (a membrane, or waterproofing built into the upper) and a construction that keeps water out at the seams and tongue. A water-repellent finish alone only delays soaking. Our earlier piece on waterproof versus water-resistant labels explains the difference in more detail.
Also be realistic about height. A low-cut sneaker keeps out rain and puddles, but water will still pour over the collar if you step into ankle-deep water. No low shoe fixes that.
The shortlist
1. Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX: best for trails and wet hills
This is a trail-running-style shoe with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, a Vibram outsole and a rock plate, according to the listing at Macpac NZ. It is also stocked by other NZ retailers. If you walk muddy tracks or want real grip on wet rock, this is the sturdiest option here.
Limits: it looks like a hiking shoe, not a casual sneaker, and a membrane shoe like this is built for outdoor use more than all-day office or hospitality wear.
2. Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof: best for a soft, wool-lined feel
Allbirds describes this shoe as having a breathable waterproof membrane, a water-repellent treatment on the merino wool upper, and a fluorine-free build, per its product page. Allbirds has an NZ store priced in NZD. When we looked, that NZ waterproof collection listed the women's mid-height style, with one colour shown as sold out, so check the current range for your size and fit.
Limits: Allbirds' own page says it runs small and slightly narrow and suggests sizing up. Care is also more involved: spot clean, and machine washing only occasionally.
3. Vessi: best for a knit sneaker with the waterproofing built in
Vessi says its waterproofing is built into the knit itself rather than added as a coating, and names rain, slush and light snow as the conditions its shoes handle, on its product FAQ. Its help centre lists New Zealand among the countries it ships to, so expect an overseas order rather than a local shop.
Limits: Vessi's page does not say anything about submersion or ankle-deep water, and international delivery and returns are worth reading up on before you order.
4. Oszea Tasman and Urban: best if you want a light everyday knit from a NZ-shipping brand
Oszea shoes use a four-layer construction called ZEA-TEX: a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft inner lining. They are designed for rain, puddles, wet grass and damp paths. See the Tasman and Urban pages for the details. Orders ship from Auckland, with free shipping over $100 across NZ and AU, a 30-day trial and a 1-year Dry-Socks Guarantee that covers waterproofing and manufacturing faults under normal everyday wear.
Limits: they are low-cut and not meant for full submersion, so they are not a substitute for a boot on a flooded footpath or a serious trail shoe for rugged tracks. Fit is true to size with a neutral shape; if you are between sizes or have wider feet, our size guide suggests sizing up.
Quick comparison
| Shoe | Waterproofing, per the maker | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX | GORE-TEX membrane | Trails, wet tracks | Outdoor look, less casual |
| Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof | Membrane plus water-repellent treatment | Soft, wool-lined everyday wear | Runs small; fiddlier care |
| Vessi | Waterproofing built into the knit | Lightweight knit sneaker | Ships from overseas |
| Oszea Tasman / Urban | ZEA-TEX waterproof membrane | Rain, puddles, wet grass | Not for full submersion |
How to choose
Match the shoe to the worst weather you actually meet. If that is a wet commute, a damp school pick-up or a dog walk across soggy grass, a lightweight knit sneaker is usually plenty. If it is muddy tracks or steep, slippery ground, buy the grippier trail shoe. Whichever you choose, dry it properly afterwards: our guide to drying wet shoes without damaging them covers the dos and don'ts.
FAQ
Are waterproof sneakers hot?
Membrane shoes can feel warmer than ordinary mesh, but the breathable membranes and knit uppers used here are designed to let moisture escape. How warm you feel still varies with the weather and your socks.
Can I wear waterproof sneakers in the sea or a flooded street?
Not reliably. Low-cut shoes keep out rain and shallow puddles, but water can come in over the top. Makers such as Oszea advise avoiding full submersion.
Should I size up in waterproof shoes?
It depends on the brand. Allbirds says its waterproof Wool Runner runs small and narrow, while Oszea describes a true-to-size neutral fit. Always check the maker's size guide.
Do waterproof sneakers last forever?
No. Membranes and seams wear with use and with harsh cleaning, so follow the care instructions and keep them away from direct heat.
Related reading
- Are waterproof shoes breathable? Why your feet sweat
- How many rainy days does New Zealand actually get?