Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by admin
Much to our dismay, not even running shoes equipped with Gore-Tex lining can be completely waterproof. While they can restrict water with some success, the low-cut design cannot completely stop any moisture from coming inside your shoes.
Also, the occasional splash of water can always seep through your heel collar, and that same Gore-Tex fabric lining will then be the very thing that will work against your shoe’s inner draining process.
Wearing a waterproof running shoe is like wearing a hoodless raincoat. It will help stop you from getting completely wet, but not to the same extent as one with a waterproof hood.
Another issue with footwear is your socks being particularly susceptible to absorbing moisture. One of the pro-tips for keeping your feet dry while running on a rainy day is to wear waterproof socks. It feels a bit colder so you could try wearing gaiters over your shoes, but this will not work when running in the summer rain.
Waterproof running shoes are still a worthwhile investment since they work to delay how wet your feet get. If it starts pouring during one of your runs, the Gore-Tex fabric lining will keep your feet from getting soaked for a bit longer than shoes not lined with Gore-Tex. In other words, waterproof running shoes will help you delay moisture invasion. They can usually do so for 45-50 minutes.
Assuming you are not on a long hike or running a marathon, your waterproof running shoes should stop the insides of your shoes and your feet from getting too damp for your whole run. It must be said, though, that this applies for light to moderate rain and not torrential downpours where you should be steering clear of running altogether.
Waterproof shoes are superior to open-meshed footwear from protecting you if you accidentally step into a puddle or a stream mid-run. They are also fantastic protection if it has recently rained, and your trail is a bit muddy.
The running shoe’s upper tends to keep the moisture from flooding in, and the Gore-Tex lining has a blend of protective overlays and mesh materials that stop mud from sticking to the upper. Lastly, the upper tends to keep your feet warm if you like to run in winter, which can be an added selling feature to waterproof shoes.
Now that you may have realized that waterproof shoes are a worthwhile investment, which ones are the best? Like most athletic gear, finding the best waterproof runner will depend on where you are going to use it. If you like to run on trails, you should probably prioritize shoes with Gore-Tex fabric membranes.
The best trail running shoes have many options, but one brand that gives you the best bang for your buck is Adidas. It also offers some soft-road options, which are ideal for those who like to run on gravel or asphalt.
If you like to run on the street, many road runners also have Gore-Tex membrane lining. There are fewer options than there are for a trail runner, but in general, the most dependable sneakers should be adequate. Asics tends to have the best variety for road runners, with models offering several options and price ranges.
Best Waterproof Running Shoes
1. Asics Cumulus 22 GTX
- GORE-TEX Upper – Waterproof and breathable upper designed to protect the foot during extreme weather conditions.
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology – ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
- FlyteFoam Midsole Technology – Our FlyteFoam technology provides exceptional bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, utilizing organic super fibers to help reduce packing out that traditionally happens with softer, low density foams.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System – Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- Guidance Line Midsole Technology – Vertical flex groove decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.
This Asics roadrunner option is one of your best general running shoes, but the Cumulus 22’s waterproofing is insanely effective if you plan to run in the rain. The Cumulus 22 GTX has a thicker meshed upper with padded toecap and heel, which also help provide further lining against any rain.
It is also designed with winter in mind. Their aggressive lug pattern upper means both the outsole and upper provide excellent heating. This gives it a bit of an advantage over the non-waterproof Asics option. It is also only about $10 more expensive than the road and waterproof versions, so it is worth the upgrade if it rains a lot where you run.
2. Asics Pulse 12 GTX
- Engineered Mesh Upper – Provides breathable comfort.
- GORE-TEX – Fully waterproof, highly breathable lining for unbeatable weather protection.
- Overlay Reinforcements – Swathe the midfoot and forefoot to promote lockdown.
- Lacing System – Locks down the midfoot.
- Amplifoam Midsole – Offers enhanced and consistent cushioning.
Sometimes referred to as “The Stroke” the Asics Pulse 12 is the cheapest Asics running shoe with a waterproof membrane. Other than affordability, there is nothing special about this shoe, and its structure is relatively standard, but it functions well overall.
The Pulse 12 has an EVA midsole and Gel window at the back, which helps cushion your feet on harder surface running. It also has a stitched toe bumper which reinforces the Gore-Tex lining on the upper end of the shoe. These shoes will not likely give you an exhilarating experience on your run, but if you want a basic waterproof option on a budget, it is a good choice.
The upper mesh covers the Gore-Tex membrane providing a nice aesthetic and it fits well.
3. Asics GT-1000 9 GTX
- Asics, running, performance
- Breathable mesh, synthetic
This is probably one of the more expensive waterproof options since the GT-1000 is over $20 more than the standard runner. This mid-stability trainer has been on the market for a few years, and the Gore-Tex membrane adds enough protection for those worried about the rain.
This shoe is made for road running. Unlike some of the more versatile models like the Cumulus GTX, most of the GT 1000’s components mirror those on the average road shoe. The upper, however; is more protective with thicker midfoot overlays and a welded-on toe box.
Keep in mind that some find this shoe a bit too expensive and the 1000-8 GTX model from last year is a bit cheaper. If that is available, you should consider it as well.
4. Asics GT-2000 9 GTX
- GORE-TEX Upper – Waterproof and breathable upper designed to protect the foot during extreme weather conditions.
- No-sew overlays improve support –
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System – Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- FLYTEFOAM Technology – Provides lightweight cushioning
- Dynamic DuoMax Support System – This evolution of DuoMax system enhances stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.
If the GT-1000 9 is a bit more mid-stability, the GT-2000 is a bit more advanced. It has a medial-post seeped into the inner midsole to give you an old-school vibe and has a nice basic upper design that fits well.
Like the GT-1000, the 2000 has a more aggressive outsole than the original Asics models. Their waterproof lining helps create warmth and makes it more water-resistant.
The GT-2000 9 is also customizable with all its purchasing options. You can purchase the trail shoe version (the lite show) and a knit upper model variant as well. You can also have your pick of narrow, wide, or extra-wide sizes depending on your personal preference. As such, it is hard to go wrong with the GT-2000 9 GTX if you are looking for a solid customizable daily runner.
5. Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX Trail Running Shoe
The Brooks Cascadia waterproof shoe runs at around $30 more than the standard edition. This is probably one of the best trail running shoes you can buy. It has a nice aggressive rubbed-based outsole which is a good indicator of a nice waterproof trail running shoe. Additionally, it comes with some attachment points on the heel and front in case you want to add a trail gaiter on a colder day. This helps boost its waterproofing capabilities.
The shoe’s layered upper also helps protect against moisture. The shoe has increased stability because of its unique positioning system. The back and front of the foot also have firm form parts, which gives you additional support. All this will help you if you are trying to run in muggy, rainy conditions.
6. Adidas Terrex Agravic TR Gore-Tex
- Terrex agravic TR GTX Men’s trail running Shoe
- adidas Outdoor
Adidas has long been considered one of the leaders in waterproof shoes. Currently priced at $100, the Terrex Agravic TR Gore-Tex is the least expensive option Adidas has to offer and comes with some great features.
The shoe uses an EVA-blend midsole and aggressive outsole to provide your feet with more traction and cushioning on rougher trails. There is also no rock plate which makes them less sturdy but also more flexible.
The Gore-Tex membrane has a classic design and has nicely stitched panels that work well with the shoe’s exterior. The wider midfoot straps also help the laces secure more easily onto the shoe.
7. Saucony Peregrine 11 Gore-Tex
- Aggressive lugs made of PWRTRAC tacky rubber conform to dig in and confidently grip a wide variety of terrains
- New PWRRUN cushioning ensures a responsive yet protective feel to push uphill and bomb downhill with confidence
- Rock plate provides additional protection
- Reinforced to protect feet from trail debris, the trail-specific FORMFIT design gives the perfect lock-down fit over uneven terrain
- GORE-TEX provides waterproof protection
The Saucony Peregrine is studded with some of the best specs for running shoes on the market. It comes with a rock plate, PwrTrack outsole for better traction, and ideal midsole comfort. Above all, it has proven to provide excellent waterproof protection.
It is very similar to the V10 model with the same midsole and protective overlays as before. There have been a few updates on the upper, though. The new model redesigned the V10’s heel collar, making the Achilles dip a little bit softer.
In addition to its waterproof protection capabilities, the Saucony Peregrine also has a slick 4 mm heel-to-toe drop which is a great feature that helps improve your cadence on the trails.
8. Hoka Challenger Low GTX
- Textile mesh and synthetic upper for breathability and comfort
- Breathable textile lining for a great in-shoe feel
- Removable, foam padded insole with EVA technology for cushioning and underfoot support
- Gore-Tex technology to keep your feet dry all the time
- Durable sole with strategically placed 4mm lugs for stability and better grip on uneven terrain
The Hoka Challenger Low GTX goes beyond the average trail running shoe. The hybrid soft-road shoe is incredibly versatile on both road and trail surfaces.
This shoe is also likely the best option if you run during the winter. It has a nice all-black color scheme that not only avoids any flashy aesthetic but also comes from the waterproof Nubuck leather that insulates your feet from the cold outside the shoe. The Gore-Tex membrane lining also helps ensure your feet stay as dry and warm as possible.
The Hoka Challenger also has a great outsole traction that is ideal for both road and flatter trials, but it may not be the best option if you like to run on rougher, muddier trails.
9. Altra King MT2 Trail Running Shoe
- Altra EGO midsole
- Flexibile and comfortable
- Responsive feel underfoot
- Increased and improved drainage system
- Stack Height: 19mm
The Altra King MT2 is one of the best men’s running shoe that provides excellent ventilation for your feet. This is due to a handmade upper mesh which allows for more air passage inside the shoe. This also helps keep your feet nice and dry.
The outsole has great stability and cushions the blow your foot takes when it lands. The front of the shoe also has enough space, so your feet do not feel too cramped up, and your toes have room to breathe.
It also comes with laces on the instep as well as Velcro for added support. It is one of the most durable options with excellent drainage and support and an upper that allows for more flexibility than some other brands. It is also customizable and comes in many different colors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are waterproof running shoes worth it?
Waterproof runners are a huge asset if you plan to run during the winter or on soggy surfaces regularly. The shoes tend to retain heat and stop any moisture from entering. They are often windproof as well. They also tend to prevent any pieces of mud or debris from seeping through the upper part of the shoe and making holes in your socks.
Are there cheap waterproof trail shoes?
The quality of your running shoes can make or break your experience on the trail or the road. The comfort of your feet tends to come at a price, but luckily there is a price range for waterproofing options. There are also a lot of budget hiking shoes that can do the trick as well.
Conclusion
If you are going to run in the rain or the snow, waterproof shoes should help stop moisture from seeping through any upper fabric areas. When you run in wet conditions, the waterproof trail running shoes will also protect your feet from any damp debris that usually allows water to soak your socks. This makes them ideal for muddy, rainy, and cold climates and much more versatile than a stocky hiking shoe. As such, a good waterproof shoe is worth the investment.