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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 6 picks for both the best road running shoes and trail running shoes. Read on and enjoy!
[Ed Note: Into stylish running shoes? Check out our picks for the best black running shoes and best white running shoes.]
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.
Field Mag's Top Picks for Waterproof Road Running Shoes
- Best Stability: On Running Cloudrunner Waterproof
- Best for Long Runs: Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
- Best Compression: Asics GT-2000 11 GTX
- Best for Everyday: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 GTX
- Most Stable: On Running Cloudrunner Waterproof
- Best for Over-pronators: Helly Hansen Hawk Stapro Trail Running Waterproof Shoes
Field Mag's Top Picks for Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
- Best Ultralight Trail Runner: Norda 001
- Best Trail Shoe for Alpine Ascents: Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low 2
- Best Trail Shoe for All Seasons: Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX
- Best for Mixed Terrain: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
- Best Balanced Cushioning: Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX
- Best Trail Running Shoe for Winter: HOKA Speedgoat 5 Spike
The 12 Best Waterproof Running Shoes for Road & Trail
Best for Recovery Runs: Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 RUNSHIELD
You wake up to frigid temps on a day you’re supposed to run. But no problem because you have the Endorphin Shift 3 Rundshields. Billed as a recovery shoe for its maximum cushioning, the water-resistant upper blocks chill and the rockered shape makes up for the initial stiffness. The winterized tech was inspired by the last lines of Robert Frost’s poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening: “And miles to go before I sleep / And miles to go before I sleep.”
Women's option: Yes
Price: $160
Best for Long Runs: Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
Knowing that this Brooks road shoe is built with one of GORE-TEX's Invisible Fit waterproof membranes bonded to the upper, it makes more sense that it’s called the Ghost 14 GTX. The Ghost was introduced in 2008 as a go-to neutral shoe, and it's kept up its reputation for soft support and smooth transitions even when running long distances. With updated DNA LOFT cushioning, the footbed forms to your unique stride. The more miles, the more it gets to know your feet.
Women's option: Yes
Price: $160
Best Compression: Asics GT-2000 11 GTX
Another shoe with a GORE-TEX membrane, the GT-2000 11 also has Asics' GEL technology in the rearfoot and forefoot that acts as both shock absorber and springboard during impact and toe-off. Its snug construction is designed to compress the foot to reduce overpronation and the spongy Ortholite insole cushions even heavy footstrikes.
Women's option: Yes
Price: $160
Best for Everyday: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 GTX
Just as good for errands as it is on short and leisurely runs, the New Balance 880 with GORE-TEX is roomy in the toe box for slightly wider feet but still precise and dialed. Double jacquard mesh uppers are pliable and breathable, and these training shoes won’t make your feet feel trapped. You can find more everyday footwear options in our guide to the best walking shoes for men.
Women's option: Yes
__Price: $160 $128
Most Stable: On Running Cloudrunner Waterproof
As an OG in On’s road running lineup, the plush but durable Cloudrunner is now available as a waterproof option. Its recycled polyester upper sheds rain and snow, while the zero gravity foam in the midsole adds bounce to every step. These are aimed as a gateway trainer for beginners and intermediates, but even pros will appreciate the stable and supportive ride on wetter days.
Price: $170
Best for Overpronators: Helly Hansen Hawk Stapro Trail Running Waterproof Shoes
Prevent injury and overuse with a shoe that’s meant to correct overpronation, such as this Helly Hansen trailer runner. The Hawk Stapro’s deep grippy lugs provide traction on all kinds of terrain, from gravel trails to uneven sidewalks. This is one of few shoes on the list that has a proprietary water-repellant treatment, called HELLY TECH Waterproof. Sleek and inconspicuous as a running shoe, it’s also a great hiking shoe for light and fast hiking, commuting to and fro, and exploring urban environments.
Women's option: No
Price: $170
Best Ultralight Trail Runner: Norda 001
This new, 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. 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. Did we mention the men's size 8.5 weighs a mere 8.7 oz (247 g) per pair?!
Women's option: Yes
Price: $325 CAD
Best for Mixed Terrain: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
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
Price: $160
Best Balanced Cushioning: Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX
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
Price: $160
Best Trail Running Shoe for Winter: HOKA Speedgoat 5 Spike
The fifth Hoka Speedgoat model features everything that trail runners want in a trail, plus extra traction for traveling over snow and ice. The GORE-TEX membrane resists weather, while the Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole works together with 12 tungsten carbide spikes to keep you from sliding. This speedy model is known for its responsive toe-off, balanced cushioning, and foot-hugging compression molded EVA midsole. (For a less aggressive model, check out the Hoka Challenger.)
Women's option: Yes
Price: $180
Best Trail Shoe for Alpine Ascents: Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low 2
In the high country, altitude is enough to slow you down that you don’t want your shoes to also add drag. The all-weather model of Altra's Lone Peak, which often makes lists of the best trail running shoes available, is nimble when you need to be light on your feet over rock scrambles and roots, but the burly MaxTrac outsole won’t get chewed up in the process, and it has a rock plate for stability when things get rough too. The water-repellent bootie will keep your feet dry through splashes, and a roomier toe box than past models accommodates wider feet and a natural foot splay.
Women's option: Yes
Price: $180
Best Trail Shoe for All Seasons: Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX
Canadian gear brand Arc’teryx is as chic as it is functional, and the Norvan LD 3 GTX doesn’t deviate from that ethos. Many waterproof shoes shine in winter, but this one makes sense to wear all year. The high-abrasion mesh upper includes a GORE-TEX linter to repel puddles, but the vents regulate temperature even as temps heat up. Vibram Megagrip outsoles provide 4mm of bite, and the 6mm stack height delivers enough cushion without sacrificing dexterity. LD stands for long distance, and these waterproof running shoes are ready for miles (they can be a stand-in for your hiking boots for backpacking, too).
Women's option: No
Price: $180
Published 06-26-2023
