Best shoes
9 best shoes for Seattle in December
highs of 46°F, lows of 37°F, 17 rainy days — here's what to put on your feet.
Why these shoes for Seattle in December
Seattle in December averages highs around 46°F, lows near 37°F, 17 rainy days.
Seattle walks are long, often damp, and full of hills between neighborhoods. Expect long walking days in Seattle: hills make cushion and grip matter more than fashion alone. Waterproof soles beat fashion canvas most of the year.
Plan on two pairs — one built for the weather extremes and a lighter backup for evenings and dry stretches.
Our picks focus on waterproof boots, traction sneakers, packable rain shoes — enough range to cover day-to-day walking without overpacking.
How many pairs?
Pack two pairs
Recommendation: 2 pairs
- Primary: waterproof or water-resistant pair for wet sidewalks.
- Backup: drier/lighter pair for dinners and transit.
Best waterproof boots for Seattle in December
Taupe
Taupe Waterproof Lug-Sole Ankle Boots
Neutral taupe waterproof ankle boots with a refined lug sole for grip on slick stone without aggressive trail styling. A travel wardrobe …
Handles ~17 rainy days
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ForecastStyle pick
Olive waterproof hiking shoes
Low-cut hiking shoes in olive with a waterproof membrane and rugged outsole. Comfortable on day hikes and light outdoor terrain.
Handles ~17 rainy days
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Dark
Dark Brown Weather-Ready Chelsea Boots
Dark brown Chelseas with a treated upper and rubber sole for light drizzle. Clean lines keep them looking city-smart, not trail-ready.
Handles ~17 rainy days
Shop on Amazon →Best traction sneakers for Seattle in December
Stone
Stone Urban Traction Low Sneakers
Stone-colored low sneakers with urban traction for wet marble and brick. Clean upper keeps them looking everyday, not outdoor-specialty.
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ForecastStyle pick
Olive Mesh Travel Walking Sneakers
Olive mesh walking sneakers that vent heat on warm city days. Cushioned enough for hills without aggressive trail lugs or neon colors.
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ForecastStyle pick
Navy Cobble-Ready Traction Sneakers
Navy cobble-ready sneakers with understated lug depth for European old towns. Stable toe box and flexible midsole for uneven streets.
Shop on Amazon →Best packable rain shoes for Seattle in December
ForecastStyle pick
Grey All-Terrain City Walkers
Cool grey all-terrain city walkers with a hybrid sole for pavement, park paths, and light gravel. Travel-friendly cushion without aggress…
Handles ~17 rainy days
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Sand
Sand Beige Packable Waterproof Sneakers
Sand beige waterproof sneakers for humid, rainy destinations where boots feel too heavy. Lightweight build and breathable lining for warm…
Handles ~17 rainy days
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ForecastStyle pick
Olive Hill-Walking Traction Sneakers
Olive hill-walking sneakers with subtle lateral grip for steep city streets. Muted color works with travel neutrals and denim.
Handles ~17 rainy days
Shop on Amazon →Wear them with these outfits
Climate-matched looks for Seattle in December.
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FAQ
Are waterproof shoes necessary in Seattle in December?
Yes — with roughly 17 rainy days in the month, waterproof or water-resistant shoes are a strong bet.
Do I need boots in Seattle in December?
A light boot is worth it for evenings, when temps drop to about 37°F. A sturdy sneaker also works.
Can I wear sandals in Seattle in December?
Not really — highs around 46°F are too cool for open shoes on most days.
Can I get by with one pair of shoes in Seattle in December?
Two pairs is safer — wet cold months punish a single pair. Pack a weather-ready primary and a dry backup.
What about dressy dinners in Seattle?
Most cities accept clean sneakers or light boots for smart-casual dinners. If you have a black-tie night, pack one dress shoe and wear your walking pair on the plane.
Any tips for packing shoes for Seattle?
Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane, stuff socks into the packed pair, and use a shoe bag so damp soles do not ruin clothes. Pack a thin spare pair of socks for rainy days.
Do cobblestones or hills change what shoes I need in Seattle?
Yes — hills reward cushion and traction. Prioritize walking shoes or trail-leaning sneakers over fashion flats.