Bottom Line
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 Boots are made with a rubber shell and leather upper, offering weather-resistant protection but not full waterproofing. As a result, they are best suited for casual wear or sidewalk splashes rather than puddle crossings.
The boots feature wave-siping tread, which funnels water away and provides decent traction on wet surfaces. We didn’t like them for snow or deep mud.
The design is a blend of fashion and function, with options including wooly fleece, quilted fabric, or leather, all paired with a rubber shell. The thick leather laces, while stylish, tend to loosen and come untied frequently. A side zipper makes them easy to slip on and off, but the fit can feel awkward as they hit just below the calf. The zipper and tongue/laces reduce the overall flood height, limiting coverage in rain and puddles.
Lightly insulated, the Saltwater boots are best for mild conditions, offering limited ankle support and comfort for short outings rather than heavy-duty outdoor work. See how the Saltwaters compare to our other favorites in our guide to the best women’s rain boots.
How We Tested
We didn’t get the Sperry Saltwaters to the ocean, but we did get them wet. Rainy dog walks, muddy trails, snowy hikes, and everyday yard work were our testing ground. We also performed “lab” tests, such as dunking the boots to flood height for 20 minutes and then checking for points of entry. We also checked flexibility, durability, tread depth, and outsole design.
Quick Specs
Sperry Saltwater
Stylish & Versatile Ankle Boots
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $110
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 11.8 oz.
Height: 7.5 in
Material: Rubber, textile upper
Pros
- Stylish
- Several color and textile options
- 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 feature a classic design with a 3.5” tall, watertight rubber bumper that wraps around the boot and over the toes, providing solid protection against moisture.
Hitting just below the calf, the height of the boots measures 8.5”, but the combination of a metal zipper and the tongue/lace detail reduces the effective flood height to about 4.5”, limiting coverage from heavy rain and deep puddles.
The full-grain leather uppers add to the boot’s stylish look, but they come with a tradeoff: they are “water-resistant” and not waterproof. Without additional treatments to the leather, the boots are more susceptible to getting soggy in heavy rain or longer walks in wet snow. The rubber bumper offers some protection, but the lack of full waterproofing means these boots are better suited for milder, wetter conditions rather than extreme weather.
Comfort
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 Boots feature a much sturdier outsole compared to their previous iteration. The boots include a “Plushstep” foam insole that provides some cushioning but lacks arch support. The platform thickness of the outsole offers stability and a firm feel, though the stiffness across the toe box and heel led to hot spots during our tests. While they seem to be gradually breaking in with continued wear, these are one of the few pairs we tested that we couldn’t wait to take off after use.
The zipper is easy to use but doesn’t offer adjustability, and the boots fit loosely around the ankle. The roomy fit, combined with a thick and heavy sole, makes them feel clunky, especially for activities like driving.
Saltwater 2.0 boots have light insulation but would benefit from a full fleece lining. Currently, the fleece only lines the leather and stops at the rubber bumper, which detracts from the comfort score. Overall, these boots are more suitable for completing an outfit, rather than for long-lasting comfort in harsh conditions.
Durability
Sperry has been crafting quality footwear since the 1930s, and the Saltwater 2.0 boots showcase their expertise. Known for boat shoes, Sperry’s thick, non-marking rubber outsole on the Saltwater 2.0 is impressively rugged and durable. Despite covering miles of varied terrain, the outsoles show minimal signs of wear, with even 60-grit sandpaper leaving no visible effect.
However, the construction has a few design flaws. The fleece liner, which stops at the rubber bumper, feels unfinished and could become a weak point over time, especially where it meets the rubber. The metal zipper, though heavy-duty, could wear down with repeated use, as zippers are prone to failure over time.
Another concern is the laces, which are made from non-waterproof leather and prone to loosening quickly. If they were to break, the boots would become unwearable. While these boots excel in durability, the potential weak points in design and materials could affect their longevity, especially if worn in more rugged scenarios.
Traction
True to their boat shoe roots, Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 boots feature a “wave-siping” tread pattern, designed to enhance grip on smooth, wet surfaces. This tread works well on wet sidewalks and slippery river rocks, offering reliable traction in those conditions. However, we found the boots lacking in performance on snowy trails, where the traction was noticeably less effective.
The outsole features a half-inch-thick platform with an additional half-inch flat heel, providing stability and support. While the thick rubber does offer solid footing when toeing in on edges, it comes at the cost of ground feel. The rigid construction makes the boots feel bulky, and the platform’s stiffness can become uncomfortable over longer walks.
For those who need more flexibility or a better connection with the ground, these boots may not be the best choice for extended periods of wear, especially in environments that require a lighter, more responsive sole.
Features
Sperry’s Saltwater 2.0 boots stand out with their distinct style, elevating the classic “duck boot” to a fashionable, functional choice. Popularized by brands like LL Bean, this iconic silhouette has been reimagined by Sperry with a thicker, platform-heeled outsole for added support and a sleek zipper for easy on and off.
The leather version provides a polished, durable look, while those preferring a lighter option can choose from several color variations featuring quilted textile uppers, combining weather resistance with a modern twist.
The combination of classic design and Sperry’s attention to detail—like the non-marking outsole—makes these boots ideal for casual wear, especially in coastal or wet conditions. Whether you’re strolling through puddles or adding a stylish touch to your rainy-day wardrobe, the Saltwater 2.0 blends practicality with coastal-inspired flair.
Should You Buy the Sperry Saltwater 2.0 Rain Boots?
The Sperry Saltwater 2.0 boots sit at the higher end of the price range for casual rain boots, blending style with light weather protection. Unlike traditional rubber rain boots, which offer full waterproofing, these feature a rubber bumper for splash protection but rely on water-resistant leather uppers that can absorb moisture over time. Those spending more time in downpours should seek a rain boot with more waterproofing.
Their snug fit is best suited for narrow feet; those with high arches or wider feet may find them restrictive. While not a heavy-duty rain boot, the Saltwater 2.0 excels in damp, drizzly conditions, making it a great choice for those in coastal towns where wet sidewalks and chilly mornings are more common than extreme weather.
What Other Women’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?
Read more about the rest of our favorites and how we tested the boots in our guide to the best rain boots for women.
BOGS Neo-Classic Tall Review: If you need a more waterproof boot that performs well in cold weather, the 5mm neoprene-insulated Neo-Classic Tall boots from Bogs are a great choice. While they come at a higher price, the added cost is small compared to the significant improvement in warmth and weather protection. If staying dry and comfortable in harsh conditions is a priority, these boots are worth the investment.
Xtratuf Legacy 15” Review: Originally the go-to boot for Alaskan boatmen, the Xtratuf Legacy 15” has since gained a following among outdoor enthusiasts. Its non-marking, chevron-patterned outsole provides excellent traction on wet surfaces, making it a reliable choice for slippery conditions. Though pricier, the durability and performance of these boots make them a solid investment for those seeking a work-horse rain boot.
Sorel Out-N-About IV Review: Sorel put a modern spin on the classic duck boot with the Out-N-About IV, blending practicality with a more refined look that pairs well with casual and dressed-up outfits alike. This boot offers enhanced comfort and style at a slightly higher price and comes in a variety of colors, including an insulated version for colder weather.
