In this product guide:
- 1. Our top waterproof shoe pick: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
- 2. Waterproof road-trail hybrid: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX
- 3. Waterproof daily trainer: Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
- 4. Waterproof daily trainer for winter: Nike Pegasus 41 GTX
- 5. Waterproof trail running shoe: New Balance Hierro 8 GTX
- 6. Waterproof trail running shoe: Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX
- 7. Waterproof trail running shoe: Salomon SpeedCross 6 GTX
- How we selected
Hoka has updated one of its most popular shoes with a Gore-Tex upper and grippy outsole. From the outside, the Clifton 9 looks like an all-black color of the standard Clifton 9 (Our review is here). Certain components like the midsole, upper profile, and insole are the same as the non-waterproof variant.
This is the non-waterproof Hoka Clifton 9. As you can see, the GTX version has the same midsole and upper aesthetics. Only the outsole and waterproof membrane are exclusive to the GTX variant.
For a $20 premium over the standard version, Hoka offers a waterproof upper fitted with a Gore-Tex and modified outsole. This is where the Hoka Clifton 9 differentiates itself from other road GTX running shoes.
Whereas most models (like the Brooks Ghost and Asics Cumulus) use the same outsole as the standard variant, the Clifton 9 GTX has an outsole that works better on wet roads. Hoka calls this rubber ‘Durabrasion’.
Though this shoe is called the Pegasus Trail, it’s most useful as a road-trail hybrid.
The road-friendly outsole geometry, cushy ReactX midsole, and absence of a rock plate + gaiter D-ring tell us what kind of shoe the Pegasus Trail is.
At best, this is a shoe for flat trails and non-technical terrain. The articulated outsole lugs do not have deep lugs, making the shoe versatile enough for road use.
The ReactX foam core and removable insole give the Pegasus Trail the ride comfort of an everyday trainer. Except for the softer heel cushioning, the V5’s ride quality is similar to the V4.
Rubberized overlays add protection as well as durability to the upper. In the rear, there’s a mini-gaiter to minimize the entry of debris.
The midfoot is better reinforced this time. The debris-limiting flaps under the lacing (the fuschia-colored section) are new for the V5, and so are the side overlays.
The Pegasus Trail 5 has a new outsole with a rubber bumper that protects the toe-box. It’s similar to what the Pegasus Trail 3 had.
The Pegasus Trail 5 is also offered in a standard non-GTX form. Also, the GTX variant fits shorter than the non-GTX version – meaning a size US 10 in the GTX version would be US 9.5 in the standard model.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Helps you comfortably take on the elements.
- Upper: Waterproof mesh, Faux gaiter, Gore-Tex membrane.
- Upper fit: Fits shorter than regular Pegasus Trail 5.
- Midsole: React X foam. 9.5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: All-terrain rubber with shallow lugs.
- Weight: 300 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 26.5 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs on road, flat and mild trails.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Effective wind and water blocking
- Faux gaiter keeps debris out
- Protective rubber bumper
- Grip on wet roads
Cons
- No optional widths
- Inconsistent fit versus non-GTX Pegasus Trail
- Not for serious trail performance
The Ghost’s ‘please all’ ride and fit character have made it a commercially successful fixture within Brooks’s running line. It’s also very predictable between versions.
Despite the Ghost 16’s switch to a DNA Loft foam (similar to the Glycerin 21), runners will find the ride experience very familiar. The midsole is soft, but with a tinge of firmness. The step-in comfort from the plush insole makes running at slow speeds very easy on the feet.
Except for the waterproof upper, the Ghost 16 GTX’s ride quality is identical to the standard Ghost 16 pictured above. There’s ample cushioning and versatility, be it regular training runs or longer workouts that require greater comfort.
Like most Brooks shoes, the upper is comfortable and secure. The engineered mesh upper and padded heel/tongue add plushness to the fit and feel.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Waterproof protection for great rainy day comfort.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, waterproof GTX membrane.
- Upper fit: True to size, accommodating fit.
- Midsole: DNA Loft v3 foam, molded EVA foam footbed. 12 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 286 gms/ 10.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Waterproof and spacious upper
- Midsole stability
Cons
- Boring ride experience
- Low level of reflective trims
- Is missing a wet-weather outsole
The Pegasus 41 GTX is a brand-new model that replaces the water-repellant Pegasus Shield from the previous years. Unlike comparable GTX road shoes, the Peg 41 GTX gets the full cold-weather treatment.
The GTX upper has a ripstop mesh, sealed seams, an insulated tongue, and a heel collar made of heathered mesh. The outsole is modeled on the Shield model from the previous season; it uses the sticky Storm-Tread rubber that excels on wet surfaces.
The unique set of features ensures that the Pegasus 41 GTX delivers more than just waterproofing. This is an everyday trainer for winter; the layered upper does a better job of blocking the cold than its peers. The ride comfort is nearly identical to the non-GTX model, so this shoe has the same versatile character.
Surprisingly, the waterproof version of the Pegasus 41 has a roomier toe-box and forefoot than the standard model. The GTX upper lacks a full sleeve, so there’s more room available.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Energized ride for wet weather road running.
- Upper: Waterproof ripstop mesh, inner sleeve, Gore-Tex membrane, reflective details.
- Upper fit: True to size and spacious.
- Midsole: React X foam, Zoom Air bags. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: StormTread rubber with wet-friendly traction.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs during wet weather and winters.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Effective wind and water blocking
- Reflective details
- Midsole stability
- Spacious forefoot
- Excellent grip on wet roads
Cons
- No widths
- Thin and flat forefoot cushioning
Even though the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 has the road-trail hybrid market cornered, the waterproof Hierro V8 is just as capable.
Also, the Hierro V8 is slightly more trail-worthy than the Pegasus Trail 5 due to its full-coverage Vibram outsole and aggressive lug architecture.
The Fresh FoamX midsole makes road runs easy on the feet. While the Hierro lacks a rock plate, the Fresh Foam stack and Vibram outsole add protection on non-technical trails.
The secure-fitting upper is comfortable and protective. The padded heel and tongue make the interiors soft, whereas the layered mesh adds durable protection on the trail.
New Balance charges a $20 premium (over the regular model) for the Gore-Tex version of the Hierro.
Just like the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX, there’s a $30 premium for the waterproof version of the Cascadia.
As a standalone shoe, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is a competent trail running shoe that uses the same midsole from the 2023 model.
The plate inside the 18 and 17 differs vastly from the ‘ballistic rock shield’ of the 16.
The 18’s plate is sandwiched between the two layers of midsole foam. It covers the forefoot as well as the midfoot; it’s fork-shaped in the front for an improved range of motion. In the rear, it forms a wing on the sides.
The articulated structure makes the midsole flexible while protecting the foot from the roots and rocks.
A sticky ‘Trailtack’ rubber outsole has deep and widely-spaced lugs that deliver grip with minimal clogging. The Cascadia 18’s outsole is also multi-piece, so it’s more capable of adapting to off-road terrain than a single-piece design.
The Cascadia 18’s midsole uses a tweaked version of Brooks’s DNA Loft foam. The foam stack delivers a stable and comfortable ride over the off-road terrain.
Protective overlays cover much of the upper and act as a barrier against moisture. The toe-box has an accommodating and true-to-size fit profile.
Except for the waterproof lining and the slightly different upper materials, the functional benefits of the GTX variant are identical to the stock Cascadia.
The Speedcross 6 isn’t built like the others. Unlike most shoe uppers that are directly pasted to the midsole, the Salomon Speedcross 6 utilizes a ‘double-lasted’ construction.
On this shoe, the upper isn’t pasted to the midsole, but to the outsole. It also wraps over the midsole in the process to create a streamlined look and slimmer footprint. A sleeker midsole puts more pressure on the rubber lugs, so the Speedcross’s grip is excellent even on technical trails.
While the Speedcross lacks a rock plate, the midsole and Contagrip outsole provide sufficient protection. The firm midsole and EVA heel cup make the Speedcross extremely stable on uneven terrain. The snug upper and the bungee lacing do the rest; the foot stays locked in with no side-to-side movement.
The Speedcross 6 is sold in two versions, one of which is the waterproof GTX variant.
How we selected: What to look for
Running shoes cannot be truly waterproof – even with a Gore-Tex membrane.
Waterproof uppers are usually good at keeping the water out, but the low-cut design of most running shoes cannot completely prevent moisture from entering. Water from the occasional splash gets inside through the heel collar. And the same lining that keeps the water out will also slow the draining process.
Unless your waterproof jacket comes with a hood, it’s not 100% waterproof.
A running shoe with a Gore-Tex lining is like a waterproof rain jacket without a hood. The jacket will work to a certain extent, but only half as effectively as one with a waterproof shroud.
Socks are also good at absorbing water, so the dampness will eventually find its way in. As a side note, wearing a pair of waterproof socks is one way to keep your feet dry. We even wrote a guide on such a product.
Use an aftermarket gaiter to boost the waterproofing capabilities of your GTX shoe.
Using a waterproof gaiter improves the chances of staying dry. However, waterproof gaiters are more comfortable under cooler temperatures because they don’t breathe well.
What’s the difference between the Gore-Tex and standard Speedcross 6? Except for the waterproofing and ventilation levels, not much.
So are waterproof running shoes useless? Why pay the Gore-Tex premium if there’s no guarantee of staying dry?
A waterproof membrane is like a water delay timer. When caught in the occasional rain, a Gore-Tex lining keeps the feet dry for longer. It’s the difference between the feet getting soaked within 5 minutes versus staying dry for up to an hour.
Unless we’re talking about a half-marathon or longer, a waterproof running shoe repels wetness during the entire run. Of course, we’re not talking about thunderstorm-grade rain here – in which case you should be indoors instead of being wet and miserable.
A waterproof shoe also does a much better job of protecting against splashes when compared to open mesh footwear.
The upper is waterproof over the forefoot and half of the midfoot.
Some trail routes involve jumping over narrow water streams, so the occasional misstep doesn’t have to soak your feet.
Waterproofing is also very useful when running on muddy trails. The upper keeps the moisture away from the foot. Many Gore-Tex lined shoes have protective overlays and use mesh materials with a closed structure. This design prevents the mud from sticking to the shoe.
There’s an added benefit of a waterproof running shoe. The wind-blocking upper keeps the insides toasty during the colder months.
(Related read: The best reflective running shoes.)
Now that we’ve built a case for waterproof shoes, what kind should you buy? That depends on where the runs take place. If it’s off-road, then the answer is obvious; buy trail running shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane. Shoes like the Brooks Cascadia 18 even feature gaiter attachment points.
Road running shoes with a Gore-Tex upper are covered in the first part of this guide.
Trail running shoes are an entirely different beast. We’re spoiled for choices here, as most companies sell GTX-equipped trail shoes.
Adidas trail footwear used to have a near-monopoly on this guide, but other players like Asics and Saucony have caught up. Nike used to be inconsistent with its Gore-Tex-equipped products, but that’s changing quickly.
The Gore-Tex version of the Pegasus 5 Trail is available in men’s and women’s versions, and so are the Infinity RN 4, Pegasus 41, and Winflo 11.