<p>Superhydrophobic surfaces, inspired by naturally occurring systems such as lotus leaves and insect wings, have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional ability to repel water, resist contamination, and prevent icing. These surfaces derive their unique characteristics from hierarchical micro- and nanoscale textures combined with low-surface-energy chemistries. Advances in fabrication routes, characterization tools, and surface functionalization strategies have supported the transition of superhydrophobic coatings from laboratory prototypes to robust solutions for diverse engineering sectors. This review examines the fundamental wetting mechanisms governing superhydrophobicity and discusses emerging fabrication techniques and characterization approaches that enable precise control of surface properties. Major engineering applications are presented, including anti-icing and drag-reduction coatings in aerospace, corrosion-resistant and fouling-resistant surfaces in marine environments, and self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and low-adhesion coatings in biomedical devices, food processing equipment, and architectural materials. In addition to these widely explored domains, the review also outlines other relevant surface-related applications that broaden the technological scope of superhydrophobic coatings across industrial and functional systems. The potential of superhydrophobic materials in smart textiles, microfluidics, and environmental remediation is also highlighted. Key challenges, such as long-term mechanical durability, large-area scalability, and environmental sustainability, are discussed along with emerging trends including fluorine-free coatings, bio-inspired architectures, and multifunctional hybrid materials. Overall, this review provides a consolidated perspective and forward-looking framework for guiding the development of next-generation superhydrophobic materials and coatings.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>