Product guide updates
(3 total)- 2026-08-31 ā Created FAQ with relevant question and answer pairs
- 2026-08-31 ā Migrated product guide to new editorial format
- 2026-08-31 ā Updated all primary and secondary recommendations
In this product guide:
How we selected
Our recommended waterproof trail running shoes are grouped by use cases – most versatile (our top pick), road-trail crossover, technical trails, and slippery ice. 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 Asics Trabuco 14 GTX (our top pick) are the Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX (for a protective ride), the Terrex Agravic GTX 2 (for a firmer and faster ride), and the Sonoma 8 GTX (our budget pick). When combined, this product guide contains 15 different waterproof trail running shoe recommendations. Hereās a quick, one-line summary of our recommended categories:
- Our top pick: Do-nearly-everything trail shoes.
- Best road-trail hybrid: Cushioned trail shoes for concrete, gravel, and packed trails.
- Best for technical trails: Protective, ground-feel-promoting trail shoes with reliable traction.
- Best for icy trails: Waterproof trail shoes with spiked outsoles.
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 what to look for when buying a waterproof trail running shoe.
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex Invisible Fit → contributes waterproofing without narrowness
- 4 mm Asicsgrip outsole lugs → for reliable off-road traction
- 36 mm, 28 mm FF Blast Max stack → delivers comfort on the trail
- Reinforced toe bumper and foxing → adds abrasion resistance
š Deep Dive
The Trabuco 14 GTX is our top pick in the context of this guide because its well-rounded suite of features makes it a versatile trail-running shoe. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper lowers the chances of water entering the upper, and its integrated construction doesnāt eat into interior space. While thereās a generous amount of forefoot and toe-box room, the first three lacing rows are hooked to tacked-on cords for superior fit adjustment. The front and the sides are layered for reinforcement, protection, and abrasion resistance.
Under the waterproof upper is a cushy midsole made of FF Blast Max. The stack heights are moderate, topping out at 36 mm under the heel. With this setup, trail runners experience a soft ride that isnāt unstable. For this version, the outsole opening has been made larger by exposing parts of the heel and the forefoot, something that the Trabuco 13 lacked. This update adds softness and enhances the ground feel, but lowers the levels of outsole grip and protection. The woven rock plate is now split into left and right halves, leading to a decrease in the overall outsole contact area. Despite the changes, the Trabuco 14 keeps its versatile nature; itās comfortable enough for frequent and long trail runs, itās protective and proprioceptive enough for most trail surfaces except for extremely challenging terrain, and the waterproof upper helps the feet stay dry for longer.
Pros
- Versatile off-road comfort
- Ground feel due to outsole articulation
- Accommodating GTX upper
- Reinforced toe box and foxing
- Protective forefoot (rock shield)
Cons
- Lower protection and traction vs. the Trabuco 13
- Lack of gaiter attachment points
Other waterproof trail running shoes with a versatile character
Fit Notes
True to size with an accommodating fit. Average ventilation due to the GTX upper. No optional widths or gaiter attachment points.
Specs
- Heel stack: 36 mm
- Forefoot stack: 28 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.1 oz / 275 gms
- Widths: Standard (single)
- Midsole: FF Blast Max
- Insole: Molded, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- Gore-Tex upper → adds below-ankle waterproofing
- Faux heel gaiter → improves debris resistance
- Rubber bumper, layered upper → offers a protective fit
- ReactX midsole → delivers comfort on the road and packed trails
š Deep Dive
This unofficial successor to the Pegasus Trail 5 performs equally well on roads, gravel paths, chip trails, and packed trails with a mild gradient. Besides the Gore-Tex waterproofing, many features make this shoe an excellent road-to-trail running shoe. The soft ReactX midsole delivers comfort for the road, and the bi-directional rubber outsole lugs offer dependable traction for concrete and park runs. The heel outsole is exposed for softness, and thereās no forefoot rock plate or gaiter attachment loops – so this shoe doesnāt have what it takes to tackle technical and rocky running surfaces.
The faux heel gaiter is borrowed from the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX, and so is the toe bumper. Both are useful features that enhance protection and minimize debris entry, so weāre glad Nike chose to retain them.
Pros
- Road-friendly comfort
- Space-agnostic waterproofing
- Grip on packed trails and road
- Protective toe bumper
- Abrasion-resistant upper
Cons
- No forefoot rock plate
- Lack of optional widths
- Limited to mild-gradient trails
- No gaiter loop
Other waterproof road-to-trail hybrids
Fit Notes
True to size. Average ventilation due to GTX lining. Single width only.
Specs
- Heel stack: 38 mm
- Forefoot stack: 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.7 oz / 303 gms
- Widths: Regular (single)
- Midsole: ReactX foam
- Insole: Molded, removable.
Why it works (the basics)
- Vibram Megagrip outsole with Tractionlug → delivers superior traction
- Soft, Gore-Tex-fitted upper → offers waterproof comfort
- Woven forefoot rock shield → protects feet from roots and rocks
- Low 32 mm, 28 mm stack → enhances ground feel and stability
- Gaiter loop → for optional increase in waterproofing and debris resistance
š Deep Dive
The Peregrine 16 GTX is a do-everything trail runner that features moderate stack heights for enhanced stability and ground feel. While the Peregrine 16 is the first model (in this series) to switch to a Vibram Megagrip outsole, it sticks to the tried-and-tested setup of a PWRRUN foam (an EVA blend) midsole under a cushy PWRRUN+ (E-TPU) footbed. Having the softest component closest to the foot helps deliver on-trail comfort without creating instability. The 4 mm drop midsole absorbs impact, and the woven rock shield offers protections on challenging trails. The Peregrine 16 GTX also offers healthy levels of ground feedback.
The waterproof upper has a gaiter hook (no longer metal, though), fused splash guards, and one of the most comfortable interiors in this category. The Gore-Tex āInvisible Fitā construction adds waterproofing without making the fit narrow.
Pros
- Grippy Vibram Megagrip sole
- Ground feel and stability
- Protective rock shield
- Comfortable, waterproof fit
- Gaiter hook loop
Cons
- No widths in the GTX variant
Other waterproof trail running shoes for technical trails
Fit Notes
True to size with a snug and comfortable interiors. Has a gaiter attachment loop.
Specs
- Heel stack: 32 mm
- Forefoot stack: 28 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 9.5 oz / 271 gms
- Widths: Regular (single width in GTX variant)
- Midsole: Pwrrun EVA
- Insole: PWRRUN+ E-TPU, removable
Why it works (the basics)
- 12 Tungsten Carbide spikes → add safety on ice-covered trails
- Gore-Tex-upper → repels slush and snow melt
- Contagrip rubber lugs → grips on slushy trails
- Bungee cord closure → makes lacing easier for gloved hands
š Deep Dive
The Salomon Genesis 2 GTX Spike is the only shoe in this guide thatās safe enough for icy surfaces. Weāve had a high opinion of Salomonās tungsten carbide spike-tipped outsole, beginning with their Snowspike CSWP six years ago. Our most recent favorite was the Wintercross Spike, a running shoe we used all winter. You can still find them on close-out sales, so we highly recommend picking up a pair. If you canāt find them, the Genesis 2 GTX Spike is the next best thing.
This model is the spike-fitted variant of the standard Genesis 2 GTX, so except for the ice-safe grip, everything else is identical. The upper has a bungee-cord lacing with a āgarageā to tuck the toggle in, a stable EVA-blend foam midsole, and a Contagrip outsole to traverse through the slushy stuff. We must mention that the spiked variant only works on ice and snow-covered surfaces. The metal cleats should not be used indoors or on dry roads. The metal cleats may damage flooring, but they will also slip due to the lack of traction. For greater versatility, we recommend buying the non-spiked Genesis 2 GTX and Kahtoola over-the-shoe spikes for icy terrain.
Pros
- Tungsten spikes bite well on ice
- Stable EVA blend cushioning
- Bungee-style quicklace system
- Water and wind-proof upper
- Secure fit
Cons
- Under-arch structure needs break-in period.
- Cannot be used on smooth floors and dry roads
Other waterproof trail running shoes with spiked soles
Fit Notes
Fits true to size with a snug forefoot. Single width only. Foam structure under the arch needs a few runs to break in.
Gallery
Specs
- Heel stack: 33.5 mm
- Forefoot stack: 23.5 mm
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 10.0 oz / 283 gms
- Widths: Standard (single)
- Midsole: FF Blast Max
- Insole: Molded, removable
FAQs
Why should I buy a waterproof trail running shoe?
Running on wet trails is a messy business. It becomes a veritable sludge fest, with each footstrike splashing mud everywhere: on the legs, running pants, socks, and anything thatās within a meterās vicinity of the ground. The shoes take the brunt of it. Even a 30-minute trail run following a rain shower changes how the shoe looks; the midsole and upper are caked over with clay.
Trail runs can be messy, so a waterproof upper helps.
But thatās not the real problem. Any trail running shoe gets dirty very quickly – that comes with the territory. However, if water enters the shoe, that’s when things turn unpleasant. The socks will absorb the water, and thereās nothing worse than wet feet during a run. Though most trail running shoes offer a reasonable level of protection against dust and debris, the same cannot be said of waterproofing. Trail running shoe uppers have closed, yet non-waterproof mesh to keep the feet ventilated. Sure, a waterproof gaiter helps, but it doesnāt cover the forefoot, which happens to be the primary entry point for water.
Therefore, the only option is to buy a trail running shoe with a waterproof membrane. Most brands use Gore-Tex, while some brands provide waterproofing through other suppliers.
When buying a pair of waterproof trail running shoes, what kind of features should I be looking for?
Hereās a quick overview of the features that make a waterproof shoe better.
Look for a Gore-Tex label
Gore-Tex is the gold standard of waterproofing. Thereās something to be said about a company that exists solely to produce waterproof textiles for the footwear and sportswear industry. Thatās their specialty, and theyāve perfected it into an art form since the ’70s. The waterproof membrane is also breathable to let the condensation escape. In other words, the pores on the membrane are too small to let the water in, but large enough for the water vapor to exit.
In the old days, a Gore-Tex membrane was relatively thick and usually made the upper fit narrow. Today, thatās no longer true. Weāve reviewed several shoes on this site with Gore-Tex waterproofing, and none of them had a narrow or stiff fit. For example, the Asics Trabuco 14 GTX, Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX, and Nike Pegasus Trail GTX have a waterproof upper thatās thin and pliable. That’s the Gore-Tex ‘Invisible Fit’ for you.
The Gore-Tex Active Shakedry fabric is incredibly thin and lightweight.
As a side note, some of the other Gore-Tex variants are incredibly thin. Pictured here is the GTX Active Shakedry on a bike jacket; this ultra-thin and hyper-lightweight jacket can be folded to fit inside an adult palm.
An outsole with wet-grip traction and geometry
With wet trails comes slippery terrain. So running on a muddy or puddle-filled trail isnāt just about a waterproof upper. The outsole needs to have the right kind of compound and lug geometry. Fortunately, many waterproof trail running shoes are shod with wet-surface-friendly outsoles and deep lugs. Our guide only includes outsole designs that have an advantage on wet terrain. For example, Saucony uses Vibram Megagrip lugs on the Peregrine, and Salomon also uses Contagrip rubber on the Genesis 2 GTX Spike. Brooks and adidas (Continental, Lighttraxion, and Adiwear) also do well here.
Most rubber outsoles have zero traction over frozen ground and road ice.
However, the traction – no matter how good – will suffer on slushy clay, hard ice, or algae-coated rocks.
Lastly, use a gaiter if the weather allows
Unless the trail running shoe has an built-in gaiter thatās also waterproof, attaching an aftermarket gaiter vastly increases the chances of the feet staying dry. It can get warm with a gaiter, so using a waterproof cover during the summer may not be a good idea. We recommend the Kahtoola over-the-shoe spike for running shoes. The rubber frame makes it easy to wrap around the midsole, and the TPU hook attaches to the D-ring on the shoe. Not all trail shoes are gaiter-compatible; the Nike Pegasus Trail GTX and Asics Trabuco 14 GTX do not have a D-ring. In this guide, only the Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX and Altra Lone Peak 9 GTX have gaiter attachment points.