The best waterproof Asics running shoes

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If there’s one thing that Asics is very good at, it’s consistency. The Kayano has been around for three decades, and both the Cumulus and Nimbus are over two decades old.

The same consistency also applies to Gore-Tex running shoes in their catalog. For example, a GTX version of the GT-2000 and Cumulus is always offered for sale, along with several others like the Gel-Pulse and Trabuco.

Over the years, we’ve noticed that there’s a lag between the release dates of the regular (non-waterproof) models and their Gore-Tex versions. For example, the GTX version of the Cumulus 25 arrived nearly six months post-launch, and the waterproof version of the GT-2000 12 has just shown up.

1) Solereview recommends: Asics Cumulus 25 GTX

If Solereview had to pick just one waterproof shoe out of Asics’s entire running assortment, it’s going to be the Cumulus 25 GTX. This versatile neutral trainer can do everything from daily runs to half-marathons.

The Flytefoam midsole is comfortable enough for any distance, but without being mushy. The 37.5 mm (heel) and 29.5 mm (forefoot) tall midsole helps with smooth and consistent transitions.

The 8-mm heel-to-toe offset makes the Cumulus suitable for runners of all experience levels – be it novice, intermediate, or expert.

From the outside, it’s hard to tell that the knit mesh shell is backed with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. But it is – and that makes the Cumulus 25 GTX excellent for rainy days and walking on damp roads.

The comfortable upper features a plush foam-filled heel and tongue for a secure fit. The GTX variant has a large reflective strip over the heel for low-light visibility.

2) Asics GT-2000 12 GTX

Between the Kayano 30 and Asics GT-2000 12, the latter is the ‘milder’ stability shoe of the two. However, the Kayano 30 no longer has a stability wedge or post. Also, unlike the previous model – the GT-2000 11 – the V12 doesn’t have a visible Gel window.

What we get is a full-length Flytefoam Blast midsole that makes the GT-2000 12 a comfortable everyday trainer with minimal cushioning bias. The ride is supportive, and the outer midsole is slightly easier to compress because of the scooped sidewall.

The GT-2000 12 is a lighter and quicker Kayano of sorts due to it being 30 grams lighter. The GT-2000 12’s midsole isn’t as wide as the Kayano 30, so it isn’t as stable.

The Gore-Tex variant has an identical ride character as the standard model, but it has two things that are lacking on the regular GT-2000 – a slightly different outsole design and a waterproof Gore-Tex lining.

3) Asics Pulse 15 GTX

The waterproof Asics Pulse 15 GTX’s $120 price makes it excellent value for money. There aren’t many Gore-Tex running shoes in this price band, and the Pulse is also surprisingly well put together for its price. The new design language of the Pulse also makes it look like a baby Nimbus, but minus the soft, pillowy cushioning.

Over the waterproof GTX membrane is a simple mesh upper with a true-to-size fit. A fused toe bumper protects the toes, and a stiff internal heel counter prevents slippage.

The secure upper has a quilted tongue and heel, along with a 6-row lacing setup. Asics has upgraded the Pulse 15 with a Flytefoam midsole to deliver sufficient cushioning for everyday runs. A rubber outsole adds traction and durability in high-wear and transition areas.

4) Asics GT-1000 12 GTX

If you’re not familiar with the GT-1000 12, allow us to offer a summary.

The Asics GT-1000 12 is a lower-spec version of the GT-2000, similar to how the Kayano 30 is a higher-end version of the GT-2000. All three are classified as ‘stability’ shoes that claim to correct the gait, but take that with a large grain of salt.

Asics no longer mentions the medial post, but it exists. The firmer ‘Lite Truss’ section is blended into the midsole, so it’s hard to tell from the outside. We think the days of the LiteTruss are soon numbered though; look no further than the Kayano 30 for proof.

The Flytefoam midsole works well for everyday use. While there’s a visible Gel unit under the heel, it doesn’t make much difference in the overall cushioning.

The rest of the shoe is very basic. A breathable mesh upper offers a snug fit that’s seamless and secure. On the waterproof variant, the Gore-Tex membrane does not affect the upper fit.

5) Asics Trabuco 12 GTX

Within Asics’s tiny selection of trail running shoes, the Trabuco 12 tries hard to be a do-everything trail shoe. Asics has completely designed the midsole on this model, so the Trabuco gets an additional 2 mm of stack height and an overall softer ride. This also makes the Trabuco 12 a decent road-trail hybrid as well.

The Flytefoam Blast midsole is comfortable enough for long trail runs, whereas the specially formulated outsole rubber grips well on the trail. A flexible rock plate acts as a barrier between the foot and pointy rocks and roots.

The closed mesh and fused overlays make the Trabuco 12’s upper secure and protective on the trails. The Trabuco 11 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.

6) Asics Sonoma 7 GTX

The Pulse 15 GTX offers great value for money within Asics’s road-running catalog, and the Sonoma 7 GTX does the same within the trail-running category.

The waterproof $120 Sonoma 7 GTX has the functional bits that a basic trail running shoe needs. The price is up over last year though; the Sonoma 7 is $20 more expensive than the Sonoma 6 GTX.

A firm, single-density EVA midsole (not Flytefoam, though) makes the Sonoma cushioned yet stable on the trail; a full rubber outsole with wide lug spacing provides reliable off-road traction.

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. However, both construction methods achieve the same result. The layered upper protects and secures the foot on the trail.