6 Best Used Waterproof Boots For Wet Hikes That Actually Keep Your Feet Dry

There’s a particular kind of misery that sets in when you’re three miles from the car, the sky has opened up, and you feel that first icy trickle of water seep through your boot to your sock. Suddenly, every step is a squishy, cold reminder of a poor gear choice. Dry feet are happy feet, and happy feet are the key to enjoying a long day on the trail, but outfitting yourself with brand-new, top-tier waterproof boots can feel like a major financial hurdle. This is where the secondhand market becomes your best friend, offering incredible value if you know what to look for.

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What to Check Before Buying Used Waterproof Boots

Buying used boots isn’t like buying a used t-shirt; you’re trusting them with your comfort and safety on the trail. Before you pull the trigger on a great deal, become a gear detective. Flip the boots over and inspect the outsole. Is the tread deep and defined, or is it worn smooth in key areas like the heel and ball of the foot? A worn-out sole offers poor traction, especially on wet rock and mud, and it can’t be replaced cheaply.

Next, examine the midsole—the layer of cushioning between the outsole and your foot. Squeeze it and look for deep compression wrinkles, especially on the sides. This indicates the foam has packed out and lost its ability to absorb impact, which can lead to sore feet on long days. For the uppers, bend the boot at the forefoot and check for cracks in the leather or fraying at the seams. Finally, the biggest gamble is the waterproof liner. You can’t see it, but you can look for signs of heavy use that might suggest it’s compromised. If the boot looks beat up on the outside, assume the invisible liner has taken a beating, too.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX for Superior Ankle Stability

Imagine you’re navigating a slick, root-filled descent in the pouring rain with a weekend pack on your back. This is where a boot like the Salomon Quest 4 GTX shines. It’s built on a chassis that provides a level of ankle support closer to a traditional, heavy backpacking boot but with the agility of a more modern hiker. This makes it a top-tier choice for anyone tackling technical terrain or carrying a bit of weight.

When you find a pair of these on the used market, pay close attention to the lacing system, especially the locking eyelets at the ankle, ensuring they still grip the lace firmly. The Quest is known for its "locked-in" feel, which is fantastic for stability but can be a dealbreaker if the fit isn’t perfect for your foot. Because of their robust construction, they can look almost new on the outside even after the interior cushioning has started to pack out, so give the inside a good feel. They are a heavier boot, but the confidence they provide on tricky ground is a tradeoff many hikers are happy to make.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: A Durable All-Rounder

Think of the Lowa Renegade as the ultra-reliable workhorse of the hiking world. It’s the boot you grab for a day hike in the Catskills that might turn into a muddy slog, or for a week-long trip through the Scottish Highlands where you’ll encounter every type of weather. Its classic design, combining durable leather with a supportive frame, has made it a favorite for decades. It strikes a fantastic balance between trail-ready toughness and out-of-the-box comfort.

The key advantage of buying a used Renegade is its polyurethane (PU) midsole. Unlike the more common EVA foam, PU is far more resistant to compressing and breaking down over time, meaning a used pair often has much more life left in its cushioning. When inspecting a secondhand pair, look for cracking in the leather uppers, which suggests they weren’t conditioned regularly. However, if the leather looks good and the tread is solid, you’re likely getting a boot with hundreds of miles left in it.

Oboz Bridger Mid for Excellent Foot Protection

If your hikes often involve kicking rocks on scree fields or navigating dense, root-latticed trails, the Oboz Bridger Mid should be on your radar. This boot is built with protection as a top priority. It features a substantial rubber toe cap and a molded heel counter that shields your feet from impacts and provides a secure, stable fit. They feel solid and planted on the ground, inspiring confidence on unpredictable terrain.

Oboz boots are also famous for their high-quality O FIT insole that comes standard, which offers significantly more arch support than the flimsy footbeds found in most boots. When buying used, check if the original insole is still there—it’s a major part of the boot’s value. The Bridger can feel a bit stiff and bulky compared to lighter boots, but that’s the price of admission for this level of protection. A used pair that’s already slightly broken in can be a huge win, saving your feet from the initial stiffness.

Merrell Moab 3 WP: The Most Common Used Find

The Merrell Moab is arguably the most popular hiking boot on the planet, which means it’s also the one you’re most likely to find on secondhand gear sites and in thrift stores. Think of it as the perfect entry point for day hikes on well-established trails. It’s known for being comfortable right out of the box with virtually no break-in period, making it a favorite for casual hikers and weekend warriors.

Because of its lower price point when new, the Moab is often purchased by people who only hike a few times a year. This is great news for secondhand buyers, as you can often find pairs with very little wear. However, be realistic about its limitations. The Moab’s waterproofing and overall durability aren’t on par with the more premium boots on this list. Consider a used Moab a fantastic option for fair-weather or occasionally damp hikes, but be skeptical of its ability to handle a true deluge if it’s already seen some use.

KEEN Targhee III Waterproof for a Wider Toe Box

Ever finish a long hike and feel like your toes are screaming for space? The KEEN Targhee III is designed specifically for that feeling. Its signature feature is a wide, accommodating toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally, which can dramatically increase comfort over a long day as your feet swell. This makes it a godsend for hikers with wider-than-average feet or anyone who simply dislikes the constrictive feel of traditional boots.

The prominent rubber toe bumper is another classic KEEN feature, offering great protection from accidental kicks. When inspecting a used pair, pay close attention to the seam where this rubber toe cap meets the leather upper, as this can be a potential point for delamination over time. The Targhee provides a great balance of comfort, moderate support, and protection, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of trail conditions.

Asolo Fugitive GTX for Heavy Backpacking Loads

When your pack weight starts creeping towards 40 pounds or more for a multi-day trip, your footwear needs to be more than just comfortable—it needs to be a piece of structural equipment. The Asolo Fugitive GTX is a classic, old-school backpacking boot built for exactly that. It’s stiff, burly, and provides uncompromising support for your feet and ankles under heavy loads. This is not a boot for casual day hikes; it’s for serious treks on serious terrain.

Because of their legendary durability, Fugitives are a fantastic secondhand buy. Their stiff construction means they have a notoriously long break-in period, and many are sold by owners who gave up before the boot molded to their foot. Look for a pair that’s scuffed but not abused. The robust build means that even a well-used pair often has more structural integrity left than a brand-new lightweight hiker. This is the boot you buy used for that big trip you’re planning in the Rockies or the Sierra.

How to Re-Waterproof Your Secondhand Hiking Boots

You found a great pair of used boots, but after a walk through wet grass, you noticed the leather or fabric started to absorb water. Don’t panic. It’s crucial to understand the difference between the boot’s outer water repellency and its inner waterproof membrane. The membrane (like Gore-Tex) is a waterproof sock built into the boot’s lining. The outer material is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that makes water bead up and roll off. This DWR wears off over time.

Restoring that DWR is simple maintenance. First, clean your boots thoroughly with a brush and a gear-specific cleaning solution, not laundry or dish soap, which can clog the materials. Once they are clean and still damp, apply a spray-on waterproofing treatment like Nikwax or Grangers. This replenishes the DWR finish, preventing the outer fabric from getting saturated, which helps the waterproof membrane breathe and do its job effectively.

Keep in mind, this process restores the surface repellency but it cannot fix a physically torn or failed internal waterproof liner. If the boot has a hole in the membrane, it will leak no matter how much DWR you apply. However, regular cleaning and re-treatment is the single best thing you can do to extend the life and performance of any waterproof boot, new or used.

In the end, the goal isn’t to own the most expensive, brand-new gear. The goal is to get outside and have a good experience. Buying used boots is a smart, sustainable, and budget-friendly way to get the high-quality gear that makes wet, muddy trails a joy instead of a chore. So do your homework, inspect carefully, and get ready to hit the trail with happy, dry feet.