In this product guide:
Nike made a smart move by introducing a waterproof version of the Vomero 18. It has quickly become one of Nike’s most popular running shoes, thanks to its cushioned yet lively ride. The ZoomX foam layer provides soft comfort over a supportive ReactX platform, while the efficient midsole rocker makes transitions smooth and effortless. Despite its 11.5-ounce weight, the Vomero can comfortably handle speeds of 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) without any noticeable drop in performance. The Vomero 18 is an excellent trainer for everyday runs, long runs, and marathon training alike.
The waterproof version of the Vomero offers more than just a Gore-Tex lining. Its winter-ready suite of features includes wet traction rubber (Storm-Tread) and a technical mesh upper that provides wind, water, and cold protection. The upper also provides better abrasion resistance than the road version, making the Vomero 18 GTX suitable even for light trail use. Only the midsole and footbed are shared with the standard model; everything else has been upgraded.
Also consider: Nike Pegasus 41 GTX.
The waterproof version of the Brooks Ghost 17 uses the same midsole as the standard model, but with a modified upper and outsole. In addition to the Gore-Tex lining, the upper uses pressed-on splash guards on both sides. The tongue also features an elastic loop to tuck away the laces. The interiors have a similar profile across both variants, fitting true-to-size with a secure forefoot and plush padding. The standard Ghost 17 offers a range of widths from a narrow (B) width to extra-wide; the GTX version is available only in a single width.
The Ghost 17 GTX also features an outsole with more aggressive lug coverage. The DNA Loft V3 midsole is shared with the non-waterproof model, so runners will benefit from identical upgrades. That includes a softer ride that’s 2 mm taller in the forefoot than the previous model, giving it a 10 mm heel drop instead of 12mm of the Ghost 16. The insole changes to a blown foam kind to deliver a plusher step-in feel.
Also consider: The New Balance Fresh Foam 880 GTX and adidas Supernova Rise GTX.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: A weather-resistant favorite gets a cushy upgrade.
- Upper: Layered engineered mesh, waterproof GTX membrane.
- Upper fit: True to size, snug fit.
- Midsole: DNA Loft v3 foam, blown foam footbed. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 321 gms/ 11.3 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).
- 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 splash-resistant upper
- Outsole traction
Cons
- Lacks widths, unlike the standard Ghost 17.
Saucony’s Pwrrun PB foam isn’t like other PEBA foams; it features a resilient feel and support that softer PEBA foam variants lack. Be it the Endorphin Pro 4, Endorphin Speed 5, or the Triumph 23, the Pwrrun PB foam provides cushioning comfort without making the shoe unstable. The Triumph has long been a popular choice for runners who sought ride comfort without having to sacrifice stability. Be it daily training, long runs, or marathons with finish times of over 4 hours 30 mins, this shoe excels under different conditions. While the Triumph 23 isn’t ideal for speed runs, it doesn’t feel lethargic either. The supportive cushioning and midsole rocker helps conserve energy.
The waterproof version is somewhat winterized. The Gore-Tex fitted upper gets pressed-on splash guards and reflective accents. The outsole is identical to the standard, meaning it doesn’t use specialized wet-traction rubber.
The GT-2000 14 is the motion-control version of the neutral Cumulus 27, meaning its inner midsole is designed to be more supportive than the outer side. The GT-2000 14 achieves this by adding a groove to the outer sidewall while keeping the inner sidewall solid. The negative space under the heel is sloped towards the outer side. This setup makes the outer midsole easier to deform while making the under-arch area supportive during overpronation.
The updated FF Blast Max midsole has a softer ride than the GT-2000 13, possessing a rubbery feel that was previously missing. This change in the ride quality isn’t necessarily good or bad; it just happens to be different. The cushioned midsole works perfectly well for everyday runs, but don’t expect a forward-propelling rocker. It’s a regular daily trainer with a comfortable ride and dialed-in upper fit. The waterproof Gore-Tex version of the GT-2000 14 uses the more aggressive outsole of the GT-2000 14 TR rather than that of the standard model.
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.
Also consider: Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX for more serious trail runs, or the Salmon Speedcross 6 GTX for secure fit for fast runs.
- 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
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 Vomero 18, Pegasus 41, and Winflo 11.