I've tested more than 50 pairs of walking shoes and the very best for waterproofing is now up to 50% off

Columbia Women's Peakfreak modelled by someone in sandy colored cargo pants on a rainy background — (Image credit: Columbia)

Truly waterproof shoes are few and far between. There are plenty of water-resistant shoes in my guide to the best walking shoes, but these won’t withstand any serious rain.

I got to test out the Columbia Peakfreak Rush Outdry walking shoe recently and—spoiler alert—it’s going to take the title of the best waterproof shoe from the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Low.

Columbia is already an affordable outdoor brand, but I often see discounts on its new releases.

Still, my jaw dropped when I found the Peakfreak Rush for 50% off on Amazon, the cheapest I've ever seen it.

I really ran the gauntlet with these shoes, wearing them while sluicing out flowerpots with a hosepipe.

Despite significant splashing, my socks were still bone dry once I had finished.

As a walking shoe, it is fantastic too. The outsole grips well on slippery surfaces and the shoe feels stable on uneven terrain.

It also has toe and heel protection, so if you need to navigate some rocky trail, you're safe from stubbed toes.

It is also well-cushioned, breathable and exceptionally comfortable for a hiking shoe. If you associate hiking shoes with a heavy, clunky underfoot experience, prepare to have your mind changed.

Lou Mudge is a Health Writer at Future Plc, working across Fit&Well and Coach. She previously worked for Live Science, and regularly writes for Space.com and Pet's Radar. Based in Bath, UK, she has a passion for food, nutrition and health and is eager to demystify diet culture in order to make health and fitness accessible to everybody.

Multiple diagnoses in her early twenties sparked an interest in the gut-brain axis and the impact that diet and exercise can have on both physical and mental health. She was put on the FODMAP elimination diet during this time and learned to adapt recipes to fit these parameters, while retaining core flavors and textures, and now enjoys cooking for gut health.

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