Product guide updates
(3 total)- 2026-09-23 — Added 'Key considerations' section with relevant question and answer pairs.
- 2026-09-23 — Added 'Top recommendations summary' module
- 2026-09-23 — Migrated product guide to new editorial format.
In this product guide:
How we selected
Our recommended waterproof Asics running shoes are grouped by use cases – best overall (includes daily training and marathons), overpronators, trail, and budget. 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.
- Best overall: Versatile waterproof trainer for daily runs and races.
- Best for overpronators: Waterproof Asics shoe with a supportive ride.
- Best for trail: An off-road Asics running shoe that keeps your feet dry.
- Best budget pick: Waterproof Asics shoe at an entry-level price.
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 ‘key considerations’ section at the bottom to learn more about the benefits and limitations of waterproof running shoes.
Key considerations
Other than waterproofing, are the standard models (like, say the GT-2000) and GTX variants the same?
In most cases, no. Most waterproof Asics running shoes get a more rugged outsole for slightly better grip than the road version. That makes sense, as wet weather also involves slippery roads where a superior outsole design makes itself useful. The second difference is upper reinforcement. The Novablast 6 GTX is a good example of that in practice. Whereas the standard Novablast 6 uses an all-mesh upper, the Novablast 6 GTX uses fused overlays over a textile with a tight weave. Besides the ease of maintenance and superior abrasion resistance, the overlays do a good job of repelling water before it even reaches the Gore-Tex layer. Models like the Trabuco 14 may look the same from the outside for both versions, but there’s a key difference – the waterproof version will do a better job of blocking wind and cold during winter, but will provide lower levels of ventilation. The midsole is shared between the standard (dry weather) and Gore-Tex (wet weather) versions, so the ride quality is the same – more or less, that is.
How do the Gore-Tex-fitted Asics running shoes compare with their peers (from other brands)?
Newer Gore-Tex variants like the Novablast 6 GTX are a close match with established offerings from brands like Adidas and Nike. However, the outsole is one area where most waterproof Asics shoes fall short. While the more rugged TR (trail) outsoles on Gore-Tex Asics running shoes are an improvement over the standard models, they fall short of the standards set by specialized outsoles like Adidas Continental Wintergrip and Nike StormTread. Asics also has a sparser assortment of waterproof running shoes than adidas. On the other hand, Asics outperforms brands like Brooks and Saucony in this category.
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex invisible fit → adds waterproofing without tightness
- Gusseted tongue → prevents moisture from entering
- Thicker outsole, taller lugs → grips better vs. standard Novablast
- Structurally-reinforced upper → for abrasion resistance
🔍 Deep Dive
This is the first Novablast version (since the inception of the series) to feature a dual-density midsole. The forefoot has an FF Turbo² foam cassette (aka Trampoline pod), while the rest of the midsole uses FF Blast Max Plus. On the road, that translates into a softer ride than the outgoing Novablast. Forefoot strikers will benefit from the dual-density setup, while heel strikers will experience a ride character that is plusher, yet less stable than before. That said, the Novablast 6 maintains its Swiss Army knife quality, capable of everything between everyday mileage and a marathon. There’s no plate, but the cushioning has a bouncy feel with a propulsive rocker.
The Gore-Tex version has the same midsole and footbed as the standard Novablast 6, but uses a different upper and outsole design. Besides the waterproof GTX lining, the upper uses a tightly woven mesh with a fused toe bumper and side panels. This makes the upper more durable, with a good measure of splash resistance thrown in. The Novablast GTX also features a thicker Asicsgrip outsole and taller lugs, a design template that’s often seen on Asics’s ‘TR’ (trail) variants. The forefoot outsole is slightly less squeaky than the non-waterproof model, if that’s any consolation.
Pros
- Versatile cushioning comfort
- Propulsive forefoot
- Inconspicuous waterproofing
- Outsole traction
- Durable upper
Cons
- Lower stability than the Novablast 5
- No optional widths
- Midsole setup favors forefoot strikers
- Low breathability due to thick upper
Fit Notes
True to size, but runs narrower than V5 due to thicker heel collar. Poor ventilation due to GTX upper. No optional widths.
Specs
- Heel stack: 41.5 mm
- Forefoot stack: 33.5 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.2 oz / 288 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: FF Turbo², PureGEL, FF Blast+
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex upper → delivers functional waterproofing
- Thicker rubber lugs → offers higher grip and durability
- Supportive inner sidewalls → adds compression resistance
- FF Blast Max midsole → provides comfort for daily and long runs
🔍 Deep Dive
The GT-2000 15 has always been a mild ‘stability’ trainer, meaning it offers a slightly higher level of support on the arch side of the midsole. That’s the basic premise of running shoes in the stability category anyway – keep the inner midsole from bottoming out during an overpronated gait. No running shoe ‘prevents’ overpronation; the best the shoe can do is to retain its structural integrity during excessive inward roll. But runners can’t typically tell the difference between the GT-2000 15 and a running shoe that is marketed as a ‘neutral’ trainer.
For all practical purposes, the GT-2000 15 is a daily trainer with the cushioning comfort (courtesy of FF Blast Max foam) that carries up to half-marathon distances. It’s not a fast shoe per se, but good enough for most training runs slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile). The Gore-Tex variant features the same midsole as the standard model, but offers a slightly more rugged outsole and upper. For example, the rubber lugs are thicker and taller with better definition, and the waterproof upper is reinforced on the sides.
Pros
- Protects against rain showers and wind
- Compression-resistant inner midsole
- Outsole traction
- Superior upper durability vs. standard version
Cons
- FF Blast Max not supportive enough for heavy runners
- No widths in the GTX version.
Fit Notes
True to size, snug forefoot. Average ventilation because of waterproofing. Single width only.
Specs
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.1 oz / 286 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: PureGEL, FF Blast Max
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- Trail-focused fit → secures the midfoot
- Gore-Tex lining → keeps feet dry from rain showers and splashes
- Flexible rock plate → protects without restricting movement
- FF Blast Max midsole → delivers off-road comfort
🔍 Deep Dive
If we had to pick just one trail running shoe from Asics’s off-road catalog, it would be the waterproof Trabuco 14 GTX. Most brands have at least one do-everything trail shoe, and the Trabuco happens to be that product for Asics. The shoe has changed over the last few years; the re-designed midsole makes the Trabuco 14 softer than the Trabuco 13. Noteworthy changes are the FF Blast Max foam and revised outsole layout that exposes more midsole than the 13. This change lets the runner feel the trail better, but with slightly reduced protection and durability than the fully-covered outsole of the Trabuco 13.
The FF Blast Max midsole adds comfort during trail runs, while the Asicsgrip rubber delivers dependable traction. A flexible rock plate protects the foot from pointy rocks and roots on technical terrain. The closed mesh and fused overlays add fit security and protection on the trails. Do note that the forefoot and toe box fit roomy. That’s not a bad thing, but runners with narrow feet, or trail runners who’d prefer a strong foot-to-midsole connection, may have to consider alternatives. The Trabuco 14 is offered in both regular and waterproof (Gore-Tex) variants. Both versions share the same midsole and outsole, and have a price difference of $20.
Pros
- GTX lining minimizes dampness
- Protective, layered upper
- Outsole traction and protection
- Off-road comfort and ground feel
- Accommodating fit
Cons
- Lack of widths
- Too spacious for narrow feet
- No gaiter loops
Fit Notes
True to size with a roomy forefoot and toe box. Single width only; average breathability due to Gore-Tex barrier.
Specs
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.1 oz / 286 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: FF Blast Max, rock plate
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- Firm AmpliFoam midsole → delivers off-road stability
- Gore-Tex membrane → minimizes dampness
- Stitched-on overlays → adds abrasion resistance
- Full-coverage outsole → for grip and protection
🔍 Deep Dive
With its $120 MSRP, the Sonoma 8 GTX offers decent value for money within Asics’s trail-running category. The waterproof Sonoma has all the functional bits that a basic trail running shoe needs. A single-density AmpliFoam EVA midsole (not to be confused with FlyteFoam) makes the Sonoma cushioned yet stable on the trail; a full rubber outsole with wide lug spacing provides reliable off-road traction. The midsole borrows its design language from the previous Trabuco model (version 13, not 14), but is built to a lower cost.
The Gore-Tex upper blends the old with the new. We say that because the toe bumper and heel are designed traditionally; they are stitched on instead of being fused. That being said, both construction methods achieve the same result. The layered upper protects and secures the foot on the trail.
Pros
- On-trail stability
- Functional waterproofing
- Secure fit
- Reinforced upper
- Outsole traction
Cons
- Lack of gaiter attachment points
- No optional widths
Fit Notes
Fits true to size and narrow (because of the stitched overlays). Average breathability due to Gore-Tex, single width only.
Specs
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 11.5 oz / 325 gm
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: AmpliFoam, Gel
- Insole: Non-removable OrthoLite