Backside Line
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 Boots are made with a rubber shell and leather-based higher, providing weather-resistant safety however not full waterproofing. Because of this, they’re finest suited to informal put on or sidewalk splashes reasonably than puddle crossings.
The boots characteristic wave-siping tread, which funnels water away and supplies respectable traction on moist surfaces. We didn’t like them for snow or deep mud.
The design is a mix of vogue and performance, with choices together with wooly fleece, quilted material, or leather-based, all paired with a rubber shell. The thick leather-based laces, whereas fashionable, are likely to loosen and are available untied regularly. A aspect zipper makes them simple to slide on and off, however the match can really feel awkward as they hit slightly below the calf. The zipper and tongue/laces cut back the general flood peak, limiting protection in rain and puddles.
Frivolously insulated, the Saltwater boots are finest for gentle circumstances, providing restricted ankle assist and luxury for brief outings reasonably than heavy-duty outside work. See how the Saltwaters evaluate to our different favorites in our information to one of the best girls’s rain boots.
How We Examined
We didn’t get the Sperry Saltwaters to the ocean, however we did get them moist. Wet canine walks, muddy trails, snowy hikes, and on a regular basis yard work have been our testing floor. We additionally carried out “lab” exams, akin to dunking the boots to flood peak for 20 minutes after which checking for factors of entry. We additionally checked flexibility, sturdiness, tread depth, and outsole design.
Fast Specs

Sperry Saltwater
Fashionable & Versatile Ankle Boots
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$110
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 11.8 oz.
Peak:
7.5 in
Materials:
Rubber, textile higher
Professionals
- Fashionable
- A number of coloration and textile choices
- Some insulation
- No-slip tread
- 1″ platform
Cons
- Potential for blisters
- Potential for leaks
- Laces are clunky
Water Resistance
The Sperry Saltwater 2.0 Boots characteristic a traditional design with a 3.5” tall, watertight rubber bumper that wraps across the boot and over the toes, offering strong safety towards moisture.
Hitting slightly below the calf, the peak of the boots measures 8.5”, however the mixture of a metallic zipper and the tongue/lace element reduces the efficient flood peak to about 4.5”, limiting protection from heavy rain and deep puddles.
The total-grain leather-based uppers add to the boot’s fashionable look, however they arrive with a tradeoff: they’re “waterproof” and never waterproof. With out extra remedies to the leather-based, the boots are extra prone to getting soggy in heavy rain or longer walks in moist snow. The rubber bumper affords some safety, however the lack of full waterproofing means these boots are higher suited to milder, wetter circumstances reasonably than excessive climate.
Consolation
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 Boots characteristic a a lot sturdier outsole in comparison with their earlier iteration. The boots embody a “Plushstep” foam insole that gives some cushioning however lacks arch assist. The platform thickness of the outsole affords stability and a agency really feel, although the stiffness throughout the toe field and heel led to scorching spots throughout our exams. Whereas they appear to be regularly breaking in with continued put on, these are one of many few pairs we examined that we couldn’t wait to take off after use.
The zipper is simple to make use of however doesn’t provide adjustability, and the boots match loosely across the ankle. The roomy match, mixed with a thick and heavy sole, makes them really feel clunky, particularly for actions like driving.
Saltwater 2.0 boots have mild insulation however would profit from a full fleece lining. At the moment, the fleece solely strains the leather-based and stops on the rubber bumper, which detracts from the consolation rating. Total, these boots are extra appropriate for finishing an outfit, reasonably than for long-lasting consolation in harsh circumstances.
Sturdiness
Sperry has been crafting high quality footwear for the reason that Nineteen Thirties, and the Saltwater 2.0 boots showcase their experience. Recognized for boat footwear, Sperry’s thick, non-marking rubber outsole on the Saltwater 2.0 is impressively rugged and sturdy. Regardless of masking miles of assorted terrain, the outsoles present minimal indicators of damage, with even 60-grit sandpaper leaving no seen impact.
Nonetheless, the development has a couple of design flaws. The fleece liner, which stops on the rubber bumper, feels unfinished and will change into a weak level over time, particularly the place it meets the rubber. The metallic zipper, although heavy-duty, may put on down with repeated use, as zippers are susceptible to failure over time.
One other concern is the laces, that are created from non-waterproof leather-based and susceptible to loosening rapidly. In the event that they have been to interrupt, the boots would change into unwearable. Whereas these boots excel in sturdiness, the potential weak factors in design and supplies may have an effect on their longevity, particularly if worn in additional rugged eventualities.
Traction
True to their boat shoe roots, Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 boots characteristic a “wave-siping” tread sample, designed to boost grip on easy, moist surfaces. This tread works effectively on moist sidewalks and slippery river rocks, providing dependable traction in these circumstances. Nonetheless, we discovered the boots missing in efficiency on snowy trails, the place the traction was noticeably much less efficient.
The outsole encompasses a half-inch-thick platform with a further half-inch flat heel, offering stability and assist. Whereas the thick rubber does provide strong footing when toeing in on edges, it comes at the price of floor really feel. The inflexible development makes the boots really feel cumbersome, and the platform’s stiffness can change into uncomfortable over longer walks.
For many who want extra flexibility or a greater reference to the bottom, these boots might not be the only option for prolonged intervals of damage, particularly in environments that require a lighter, extra responsive sole.
Options
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 boots stand out with their distinct fashion, elevating the traditional “duck boot” to a modern, purposeful alternative. Popularized by manufacturers like LL Bean, this iconic silhouette has been reimagined by Sperry with a thicker, platform-heeled outsole for added assist and a modern zipper for straightforward on and off.
The leather-based model supplies a elegant, sturdy look, whereas these preferring a lighter possibility can select from a number of coloration variations that includes quilted textile uppers, combining climate resistance with a contemporary twist.
The mix of traditional design and Sperry’s consideration to element—just like the non-marking outsole—makes these boots superb for informal put on, particularly in coastal or moist circumstances. Whether or not you’re strolling by puddles or including a trendy contact to your rainy-day wardrobe, the Saltwater 2.0 blends practicality with coastal-inspired aptitude.
Ought to You Purchase the Sperry Saltwater 2.0 Rain Boots?
The Sperry Saltwater 2.0 boots sit on the larger finish of the value vary for informal rain boots, mixing fashion with mild climate safety. Not like conventional rubber rain boots, which supply full waterproofing, these characteristic a rubber bumper for splash safety however depend on waterproof leather-based uppers that may soak up moisture over time. These spending extra time in downpours ought to search a rain boot with extra waterproofing.
Their comfortable match is finest suited to slim ft; these with excessive arches or wider ft might discover them restrictive. Whereas not a heavy-duty rain boot, the Saltwater 2.0 excels in damp, drizzly circumstances, making it an excellent alternative for these in coastal cities the place moist sidewalks and chilly mornings are extra widespread than excessive climate.
What Different Girls’s Rain Boots Ought to You Take into account?
Learn extra about the remainder of our favorites and the way we examined the boots in our information to one of the best rain boots for ladies.
BOGS Neo-Basic Tall Evaluation: In case you want a extra waterproof boot that performs effectively in chilly climate, the 5mm neoprene-insulated Neo-Basic Tall boots from Bogs are an excellent alternative. Whereas they arrive at the next value, the added price is small in comparison with the numerous enchancment in heat and climate safety. If staying dry and comfy in harsh circumstances is a precedence, these boots are well worth the funding.
Xtratuf Legacy 15” Evaluation: Initially the go-to boot for Alaskan boatmen, the Xtratuf Legacy 15” has since gained a following amongst outside fans. Its non-marking, chevron-patterned outsole supplies glorious traction on moist surfaces, making it a dependable alternative for slippery circumstances. Although pricier, the sturdiness and efficiency of those boots make them a strong funding for these looking for a work-horse rain boot.
Sorel Out-N-About IV Evaluation: Sorel put a contemporary spin on the traditional duck boot with the Out-N-About IV, mixing practicality with a extra refined look that pairs effectively with informal and dressed-up outfits alike. This boot affords enhanced consolation and magnificence at a barely larger value and is available in quite a lot of colours, together with an insulated model for colder climate.