Product guide updates
(5 total)- 2026-08-11 — Updated with minor edits
- 2026-08-10 — Added alternatives to scrollable carousel under each recommendation
- 2026-08-10 — Created FAQ with relevant question and answer pairs
- 2026-08-10 — Migrated product guide to new editorial format
- 2026-08-10 — Updated all recommendations
In this product guide:
How we selected
Our recommended waterproof running shoes are grouped by use cases – daily training and marathons, recovery runs, heavy runners, and trail. By connecting each feature with its respective function, the “Why it works” section explains why a particular shoe (in its respective class) is suitable for its recommended use case. The scrollable carousel contains alternatives within each recommended category. For example, the alternatives to the Nike Vomero 18 GTX (our daily trainer pick) are the New Balance 880 v15 GTX (for a softer ride), the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 (a road-trail hybrid option), and the Ghost 18 GTX. When combined, this product guide contains 11 different waterproof running shoe recommendations. Please note that waterproof plated shoes and racing flats are currently unavailable, hence their exclusion from this guide. If you want a low-profile shoe that can double as a racing flat, consider the Saucony Peregrine 16.
- Best for daily runs and marathons: Cushioned running shoes with a waterproof upper.
- Best for recovery runs: Waterproof running shoes with high ride comfort.
- Best for heavy runners: Waterproof running shoes with decent compression resistance.
- Best for trail: Off-road running shoes with a waterproof construction.
Our recommendations combine our influence-free, expert-led wear-testing with biomechanical data sourced from over 33,000 high-speed images captured during actual road races. Visit our FAQ section at the bottom to learn more about the benefits and limitations of waterproof running shoes.
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex lining → blocks water and wind
- Gusseted tongue → prevents moisture from entering
- StormTread outsole → delivers wet-weather traction
- Tall ReactX-ZoomX midsole → produces versatile comfort
🔍 Deep Dive
The waterproof Vomero 18 GTX offers more than just a Gore-Tex lining. Its wet-weather-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 offers superior abrasion resistance compared with the road version, making the Vomero 18 GTX more durable. Only the midsole and footbed are shared with the standard model; everything else has been upgraded.
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. You can even race 10Ks and marathons, except that it won’t deliver the propulsive, disappear-over-the-foot feel of plated super-shoes.
Pros
- Cushioning does not feel slow
- Specialized outsole compound and geometry
- Supportive ReactX base
- Accommodating fit
- Abrasion-resistant waterproof upper
Cons
- Runs warm
- No optional widths
Other waterproof running shoes with a versatile character
Fit Notes
True to size with an accommodating fit. Poor ventilation due to seam-sealed upper. No optional widths.
Gallery
Specs
- Heel stack: 44 mm
- Forefoot stack: 34 mm
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 11.5 oz / 327 gms
- Widths: Regular
- Midsole: ZoomX, ReactX foam
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex-lined upper → keeps moisture from entering
- 360 reflectivity → adds visibility in low-light conditions
- 40 mm, 35 mm stack height → makes recovery runs comfortable
- Midsole rocker → creates a mildly propulsive character
🔍 Deep Dive
The Clifton has long been a popular choice for runners who want a comfortable ride that doesn’t sacrifice stability. Be it daily training, recovery runs, or marathons with finish times of over 4 hours 30 mins, this shoe excels under different conditions. While the Clifton 9 isn’t ideal for speed runs, it doesn’t feel lethargic either. The supportive cushioning from the compression-molded EVA midsole and the rocker help conserve energy.
Unlike the Vomero 18 GTX, this Clifton isn’t winterized. The outsole is identical to the standard Clifton 9, meaning it doesn’t use specialized wet-traction rubber. The midsole is shared with the now-discontinued Clifton 9 (non-waterproof), so the ride is firmer than the latest Clifton 11. By the way, the Gore-Tex version of the newest Clifton will be released soon. But for now, the Clifton 9 GTX is an excellent choice for those easy miles.
Pros
- Versatile character
- Effective waterproofing
- Long-distance comfort
- Secure fit
Cons
- No specialized outsole
- Lack of optional widths
Fit Notes
True to size. Average ventilation due to waterproof lining. Single width only.
Gallery
Specs
- Heel stack: 40 mm
- Forefoot stack: 35 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 9.6 oz / 272 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: Compression-molded EVA foam
- Insole: Molded, removable.
Why it works (the basics)
- OptiFOAM² midsole → resists bottoming out during heavy loads
- Reinforced GTX upper → minimizes water entry
- 2.5 mm ContaGRIP lugs → are low-profile enough for road runs
- 35 mm, 27 mm stack → makes road and park runs comfortable
🔍 Deep Dive
The OptiFOAM² on the Aero Blaze GVRL’s midsole behaves very similarly to the adidas Boost foam or the Saucony Pwrrun+. And by ‘similar’, we refer to the foam’s excellent load-bearing capabilities. This class of polymers (out of which expanded TPU is one) doesn’t deform easily when loaded, making them ideal for heavy runners. While the GVRL label indicates the shoe’s off-road capabilities, it also works great on asphalt. There’s plenty of cushioning comfort for hard surfaces, and the lugs are only 2.5 mm deep (compared with 4-5 mm on proper trail shoes), making them durable yet grippy enough for the road.
The waterproof Gore-Tex upper has a fused toe bumper for protection, but the rest of the upper uses soft and padded sections for interior comfort. It’s easy to customize the fit of the true-to-size upper, thanks to the quick-cinching midfoot lacing loops.
Pros
- Compression-resistant midsole
- Multi-surface outsole architecture
- Quick-cinch upper
- Secure, waterproof fit
Cons
- Lack of reflective elements
Fit Notes
True to size with a snug and conforming fit. Gusseted tongue. Not very reflective.
Gallery
Specs
- Heel stack: 35 mm
- Forefoot stack: 27 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.0 oz / 283 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: OptiFOAM²
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- FF Blast Max foam midsole → makes off-road runs comfortable
- Gore-Tex-fitted upper → offers secure waterproofing
- Woven rock shield → protects forefoot on the trail
- Asicsgrip outsole → delivers wet-and-dry surface traction
🔍 Deep Dive
There are very few trail running shoes that suit most people and do most things trail-related well. The Brooks Cascadia is one such shoe, and the Asics Trabuco 14 is another. The Trabuco has cushioning comfort, protection, outsole traction and an abrasion-resistant upper – ingredients that make this shoe suitable for everything between low-grade trail runs and hikes to more challenging terrain. The FF Blast Max (new for the Trabuco 14) midsole brings comfort to frequent off-road outings, while the forefoot rock shield protects the foot without restricting movement.
The mesh upper is well-protected on the front and sides, giving the Trabuco 14 high levels of abrasion resistance. The Gore-Tex variant adds another important functionality – waterproofing that keeps the feet dry during shallow stream crossings and mild drizzles. Gaiter attachment points (or rings) are sorely missed, however. Finally, the Trabuco 14 GTX has a wide forefoot and toe box, so narrow-footed runners should consider the Saucony Peregrine 16 (included in our recommendation carousel) instead.
Pros
- Versatile trail comfort
- Forefoot rock shield
- Secure, waterproof fit
- Abrasion-resistant upper
- Outsole traction
Cons
- Lack of gaiter attachment points
- Not for narrow feet
Other waterproof trail running shoes
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
For better stability and traction
Peregrine 16 GTX
Best for short and fast trail runs
Saucony Ride TR2 GTX
If you don’t want to spend a lot
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX
An road-trail hybrid for park runs
Fit Notes
Fits true to size with a wide fit due to the Gore-Tex Invisible fit membrane. Poor ventilation, single width only. Runners with narrow feet should consider alternatives.
Specs
- Heel stack: 35 mm
- Forefoot stack: 27 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.1 oz / 275 gms
- Widths: Standard (single)
- Midsole: FF Blast Max
- Insole: Molded, removable
FAQs
Will a waterproof running shoe keep me completely dry?
Running shoes cannot be truly waterproof – even with a Gore-Tex membrane. Waterproof uppers are usually good at keeping water out, but the low-cut design of most running shoes cannot completely prevent moisture from entering. Water from occasional splashes gets inside through the heel collar. And the same lining that keeps 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 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.
So if waterproof shoes do not guarantee a dry foot, why even bother wearing them?
What’s the difference between the Gore-Tex and standard Speedcross variant? 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 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 with open mesh footwear.
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 to 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. Some models 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 choice here, as most companies sell GTX-equipped trail shoes. Adidas trail footwear used to have a near-monopoly in the waterproof shoe space, but other players like Asics, Brooks, Hoka, and Saucony have caught up. Nike used to be inconsistent with its Gore-Tex-equipped products, but things have changed.