We put Hush Puppies' new 'WorryFree' water resistant shoes to the test: Here's what we thought

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Is there a worse feeling than accidentally stepping into a puddle and ending up with soggy feet for the rest of the day? This minor inconvenience can feel like the end of the world if you’re not prepared with an extra set of socks or shoes, and can make unexpected wet weather feel like a personal vendetta.

Luckily, there are more waterproof footwear styles available than ever before, meaning you’re no longer stuck with bulky rubber boots any time the weather calls for rain. Hush Puppies recently debuted their own line of weatherproof shoes that are designed to resist water, spills, dirt and dust.

Available in four styles for women and two styles for men, WorryFree water-resistant materials make it easy to keep shoes looking new and feet feeling dry. Naturally, we had to find out whether these shoes truly live up to their claims, so we got our hands on a few pairs to find out. Check out our teams’s review below.

Alyssa Tria, Shopping Editor

I’ll get straight to the point and keep this review very short (and not-so-sweet) because I’m sad to report that I couldn’t fully review the Bailey Chukka Boot. Let me explain why: While I’ve gotten away with going a size up in snow boots and fashion booties during the colder months with the hack of wearing double socks, I found that the low-cut silhouette mixed with the wide sole of these ankle boots weren’t a match for my size 5, narrow feet. Even with double socks, I found that the back of my foot would slip out from the back. Not only that, but its rounded toe made it so obvious that these shoes looked too big on me. [Editor’s note: at the time of launch when we were testing these boots, they were only available starting at a size 6. They now come in sizes 5 and 5.5]

While I think opting for colour in suede boots is a perfect way to bring subtle colour into your cold-weather fashion looks (I picked the olive shade), I recommend sticking your true size to avoid being haunted by the truth that you could never wear these shoes.

SHOP IT: Hush Puppies, $110

Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

At first glance, I was definitely a fan of the look of the suede Hadley Chelsea Boots that arrived on my doorstep. They’re lightweight with a chunky rubber sole for grip, and a heel that perfectly balances between giving a little lift without being too high for everyday wear. My biggest question though, was how on Earth the cream suede would hold up outdoors?!

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Despite my trepidation, I intentionally walked through puddles and in the rain to test their ability to withstand water, and was incredibly impressed with their durability. Instead of resulting in soggy footwear, water simply beads off the boots, making them about as low maintenance as it gets. I ordered them in my usual size 8.5, opting for a regular width rather than the wide version that these boots are also available in.

My only gripe is that they do run on the narrow side, making my Morton’s Neuroma (a condition that affects the nerves in the feet) flare up despite the cushioned Bounce footbed. Wearing them with an insole certainly solves my personal issue, but if I were to order another pair I think I’d pick a size 8.5 wide for extra comfort.

SHOP IT: Hush Puppies, $130

Elizabeth Di Filippo, Lifestyle Editor

I live, laugh and love in a Chelsea boot - and have come to amass a fine collection of boots for fall and winter. However, there wasn’t a boot in my collection that blended both style and functionality - until I tried Hush Puppies’ Hadley Chelsea Boot in black leather.

I’m usually a tough customer when it comes to reviews — but I loved these boots. I typically wear a size 7.5 in shoes but sized up a half size to accommodate socks, which after chatting with my teammates, seems to be the trick. I was able to wear my boots with socks comfortably and didn’t mind the lug sole which is a little higher than I’m used to for an everyday boot at 1 3/4", but had no troubles wearing (and I am not good in heels of any kind).

The selling point to me though is that these boots are both leather and water-resistant. I own a few pairs that are either leather and dressier in look, or waterproof and very casual and have doubled as my barn boots for riding. These boots blend both of my needs: a comfortable, everyday boot that I can wear - rain or shine - without feeling like I’m walking in rain boots all the time.

It’s a big 5/5 stars for me.

SHOP IT: Hush Puppies, $130

Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle Managing Editor

I tend to be a pretty big non-believer when it comes to “waterproof” footwear. Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of options — but have yet to find a pair that are stylish yet keep my feet warm and dry. I tend to revert back to wearing my Hunter boots whenever rain is in the forecast, and while they do the job, they’re not exactly sleek.

I was excited to try the Hadley Chelsea Boots because, if they held up to their waterproof promise, I thought they would make a polished addition to my fall footwear collection. I originally was eyeing the brown or black leather, but I decided to take a leap of faith and purchase something I would never usually even think to buy for wet weather: cream suede.

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When the boots arrived, I was immediately impressed — the delicate appearance of the light-coloured suede, combined with a slightly-tapered almond-shaped toe, perfectly complements the chunky heel. I found them comfortable right off the bat, although as Kate noted they do seem to run a bit narrow — I too would likely go for a wide or half size up if I was re-ordering. The tread on the sole was a nice reassuring pat on the back as someone who once fell down a flight of stairs in slippery rain boots.

But would they actually hold up in the rain? I tested these out on an evening walk on the first day of snow in Toronto this year. It was wet, slushy and slippery — a.k.a. completely miserable. I was impressed by how the Hadleys not only kept me from falling while my dog dragged me to the perfect pee spot (if you know, you know) but was truly surprised by how much they repelled water. I returned inside and let them dry as usual, and the next morning, they looked good as new.

The only thing is, these are a short Chelsea silhouette, so if you’re heading out in truly wet or snowy weather I’d suggest going for something with a higher shaft, especially if you, like me, tend to wear ankle jeans. But for a warmer day or in place of a regular pair of booties, these are a great, stylish alternative.

SHOP IT: Hush Puppies, $130

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