Samelin 553P Hiking Boots: Waterproof Nubuck and Vibram Grip

Most hiking boots are built by outdoor brands. The Samelin 553P is built by a factory that makes combat boots for NATO armies — and it shows in the details that matter when the weather turns.

Genuinely waterproof

The upper is waterproof nubuck leather backed by a four-layer Topaz membrane. That combination keeps water out while still letting sweat escape, which is the difference between dry feet and clammy ones on a long walk. It's also why these handle Nordic autumn rather than just fair-weather trails.

A real Vibram outsole

A two-layer Vibram sole gives grip on wet rock, mud and loose ground, with enough stiffness to protect your feet over rough terrain but enough flex to walk comfortably all day. Vibram is the name to look for in serious hiking soles — it isn't a marketing badge.

Built to take a beating

A reinforced toe cap and heel protect the parts of a boot that fail first on trails. Combined with NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 manufacturing standards, this is a boot designed to be resoled and worn for years rather than replaced each season.

Getting the best from them

Stiff hiking boots need breaking in before a long walk — see our break-in guide. Re-treat the nubuck periodically with a suede/nubuck-specific spray, as covered in our waterproofing guide (never wax on nubuck).

Frequently asked questions

Are the 553P boots really waterproof? Yes — waterproof nubuck plus a four-layer membrane, unlike merely water-repellent boots. Keep the nubuck treated to maintain it.

Are they good for winter? They handle cold and wet well thanks to the membrane and Vibram grip. For deep cold, pair them with wool socks.

Can they be resoled? Yes — they're built to be repaired and resoled rather than thrown away.

See the range

Browse our waterproof hiking boots for the 553P and the rest of the trail range.