Author
Amelia Arvesen & Tanner Bowden
Photographer
Tanner Bowden
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Wet feet can spoil an otherwise blissful run through the rain. Moisture often leads to friction, slippage, and blisters, and soggy socks are just uncomfortable. But whether you’re braving an unexpected storm, navigating a few leftover puddles, or stomping through slush, you can seal out the wet weather by lacing up in a pair of waterproof running shoes.
In this guide we'll dig into the basics of waterproof running shoes and share our top picks for both the best road running shoes and trail running shoes. So grab your favorite running hat and get ready to run regardless of what the weather forecast says!
Into stylish running shoes? Check out our picks for the best black running shoes and best white running shoes.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Waterproof Road Shoe: Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
- Best Lightweight Waterproof Road Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
- Best Max-Cushion Waterproof Road Shoe: Saucony Triumph 21 Runshield
- Best for Mixed Terrain Running Shoe: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
- Best Waterproof Trail Runner: Norda 001
- Best Waterproof Trail Shoe for Everyday: Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX
- Best Waterproof Running Shoe for Alpine Ascents: Arc'teryx Vertex Alpine GTX
- Best Waterproof Running Shoe for Winter: Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX
What to Know About Waterproof Running Shoes
Waterproofing in footwear comes in a few different forms. The most common is a built-in waterproof membrane liner integrated into the shoe’s construction. Gore-Tex, often denoted in shoe names as "GTX", is one of the more lauded membranes you'll find, with pores about 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop, which prevents water from leaking in but still provides solid breathability. A weatherproof coating, usually made of silicone or acrylic polymers, can also be added to the exterior of the shoe both during manufacturing and aftermarket as the water-resistance wears off over time.
A downside to waterproofing is that it’s just as good as keeping water in as it is keeping water out. Non-waterproof shoes tend to have vents that increase airflow and let the water pour out more easily (or they use permeable materials like mesh). Runners usually opt for waterproof shoes for running in snow, really cold temperatures, or somewhat wet conditions, not torrential downpours. (In those conditions, you’re going to get wet anyway.) What's more, waterproof tech will only keep you so dry because moisture can still sneak in around your shoe’s collar. A gaiter can help with that though.
Nothing is 100% foolproof. You’ll still want to avoid submerging your feet in puddles. But you don’t have to let a little rain stop you from training. The following waterproof running shoes for roads and trails will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable in wet weather.
The 8 Best Waterproof Running Shoes for Road & Trail
Best Waterproof Road Shoe: Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
Pros: Versatile, works for most people
Cons: Traction isn't great for winter running on snow
The Ghost is a perennial crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. It nails the sweet spot where comfort, fit, and responsiveness overlap, making it ideal for nearly every type of run and every type of runner. This Gore-Tex version adds a layer of waterproofing for everyday runners who want to keep their routine going till springtime without leaving their favorite pair of sneaks in winter storage.
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 10.2 oz
Drop: 12 mm
Price: $170
Best Lightweight Everyday Waterproof Road Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Pros: Super comfy, very lightweight
Cons: Upper is a little stiffer than regular Clifton
The Clifton is one of Hoka's most popular everyday running shoes (and therefore one of the most popular everyday running shoes, period) so it makes sense that the company would waterproof it for year-round and inclement weather wear. It runs just like the regular version, though Clifton fans will find that the fit is slightly different, thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane that's sandwiched in there. It's a small trade-off for a shoe that's still pretty great—and one of the lightest waterproof road shoes we've tried.
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 9.6 oz
Drop: 5 mm
Price: $160
Best Max-Cushion Waterproof Road Shoe: Saucony Triumph 21 Runshield
Pros: Comfy right out of the box, soft midsole
Cons: Might be too squishy for some
The waterproof version of Saucony's maximalist trainer excels in all the same ways the non-waterproof version does. Its big PWRRUN+ midsole foam platform is soft and springy on the run, and the upper wraps around your foot to make it feel like it's sitting in a cockpit and ready to run. The squish factor is comfortable enough to use this as a daily driver to walk around in on slushy days, but it can hamper efforts to run at high speed so use this one more for everyday running over training workouts. The shoe fits like a traditional running shoe, so there are no surprises there.
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 10.25 oz
Drop: 10 mm
Price: $170
Best for Mixed Terrain: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
Pros: Versatile, built-in gaiter keeps out debris
Cons: A little firm underfoot
If you’re lucky enough to live near trails, the sidewalk to dirt transition can be abrupt. Nike created the versatile Pegasus Trail 4 to handle all types of terrain without changing the feel underfoot. Minimizing the rubber and stretching the midsole across the full length of the foot creates a balanced and stable ride, and the higher and tighter collar acts as a gaiter for when the skies inevitably open up in autumn and winter.
Women’s option: Yes
Weight: 10.2 oz
Drop: 9.5 mm
Price: $160
Best Waterproof Trail Runner: Norda 001
Pros: Very versatile, super durable, comfy
Cons: Expensive
This niche Canadian running brand by lifelong shoe industry veterans makes one of the lightest trail running shoes to ever hit the market, the Norda 001, made with ultra-strong bio-based Dyneema no less—a material Dyneema is 15x stronger than steel that also happens to have a decent degree of water-resistance if not all-out waterproofing. For traction and comfort purposes, Norda worked with Vibram direct to create a proprietary, supportive midsole intended to conserve energy reinforced by five-millimeter Vibram Megagrip lugs across the custom outsole.
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 9.45 oz
Drop: 5 mm
Price: $285
Best Waterproof Trail Shoe for Everyday: Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX
Pros: Great all-purpose trail shoe, good for light hiking too
Cons: Not ideal for very technical trails
Completely redesigned from its predecessor, Salomon’s Sense Ride 5 now has the gold standard in waterproofing—Gore-Tex—as well as a few new anticipated updates. Key features include a mesh upper with durability overlays, a just-right amount of midsole cushioning that'll provide impact resistance and ground feel, and Salomon's quick-lace system. This trail shoe has grippy 3.5mm lugs that'll keep you slipping on a variety of surfaces (but if you want to go bigger, there's always the classic Salomon Speedcross).
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 10.86 oz
Drop: 8 mm
Price: $160
Best Waterproof Running Shoe for Alpine Ascents: Arc'teryx Vertex Alpine GTX
Pros: Durable, versatile, good for hiking too
Cons: Overkill for light trails, expensive
The new Vertex exists in its own category. Made for climbers and inspired by runners, the shoe came from the belief among Arc'teryx designers and athletes that mountain footwear is out of alignment with new approaches to high-peak exploration. To oversimplify things, think of the Vertex as a fast-paced approach shoe. It has a touch more stability than most trail running shoes, a TPU shank, extra toe protection, and a climbing edge, plus a stickier Vibram XS Flash 2 outsole. But the Vertex wears like a running shoe too, thanks to a sock liner, and it's much lighter and more flexible than approach shoes. And it has a Gore-Tex liner for all-conditions use.
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 12 oz
Drop: 8 mm
Price: $250
Best Waterproof Running Shoe for Winter: Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX
Pros: Comfy adjustable gaiter, great for deep snow and slush
Cons: Gaiter can be overkill
For most people, any of the waterproof running shoes on this list will be perfectly suitable for winter running in snow and slush. But if it tends to get frequently deep where you live, the extra protection of Merrell's Agility Peak 5 will keep the miles going until mud season. The shoe is outfitted with Gore-Tex, but it also has a built-in gaiter with a zip closure and Velcro adjustment. We've tested a handful of shoes with this design and like Merrell's the best—it's comfy and does its job of weather-sealing your foot. The rest of the shoe's feature set is in keeping with Merrell's continuously impressive trail running standards and includes a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, a built-in rock plate, and a big, comfy foam midsole. (If you don't want the gaiter, this shoe is also available as a traditional waterproof trail running shoe.)
Women's option: Yes
Weight: 12.52 oz
Drop: 6 mm
Price: $200
Published 04-18-2024
