7 Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Why trust us
Gore-Tex running shoes are a great option if you live in a region that rains a lot of time in a year, or in a snowy climate where snowflakes seep in with every step. A dependable Gore Tex-designed shoe will keep the feet dry for a longer time of running outside.
Although in reality, no running shoe can be truly 100% waterproof – running in a minefield of puddles on the road will eventually get your feet a little damp – but having a running shoe constructed with Gore-Tex technology gives you a greater advantage of staying dry and comfortable for longer miles.
We’ve tested over 60+ Gore-Tex running shoes available in the market to give you our best picks in different categories for your browsing convenience.
How we test running shoes
To make the cut of our ultimate best selections, we put all the Gore-Tex running shoes on this list through a rigorous testing process. Here is a quick look at how we come up with our extensive review to give you some ideas:
- We handpick all the best shoes in the Gore-Tex class and buy all of them with our own funds to remain unbiased.
- Our testers of professional and regular runners run in each pair of shoes for at least 30 miles or more. Their main objective is to determine the waterproof effectiveness, durability, and overall performance.
- To examine more closely, we bring the shoes to our lab for slicing (literally). Yes, we cut them into little pieces. We then proceed to weigh and measure every shoe in 30+ parameters.
- We collect feedback from other experts and regular users of the shoes. We add them to our comparable data.
To conclude the entire process, we input all information we’ve gathered into our CoreScore system, which assigns the final ratings of each model ranging from 0 to 100.
Best Gore-Tex running shoes for trail
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.
Pros
- Fantastic waterproofing
- Grips on everything dry and wet
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Also for hiking
- Responsive
- Stable on rocky terrain
- Supports moderately flat feet
- Straight-out-the-box comfort
- Lighter than other GTX shoes
- Locked-in heel
- Worth every penny
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Not for summer runs
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$89
Stadium Goods
$110
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best Gore-Tex running shoes for flat feet
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe for those looking to go for a hike, head into the woods for a weekend backpacking trip as well as for an adventurous runner who needs heavy-duty footwear to tackle the more arduous challenges.
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofing
- Highly durable
- Stable platform
- Solid grip
- Also great for hiking
- Roomy toebox
- Convenient lacing
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff sole
- Narrow midfoot
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$170
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best Gore-Tex running shoes overall
ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 GTX
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Cumulus GTX 23 continues in the traditional line that has made this shoe a success over the years. This new iteration is reliable as usual, comfortable, well cushioned, durable and weather-proof. It’s a solid daily trainer that offers a smooth ride and is perfect for slow runs, but can be pushed to some short uptempo workouts too. And, last but not least, it’s not expensive at all.
Pros
- All about comfort
- Stable and smooth ride
- All-around running shoe
- Grips everything wet and dirt
- Not afraid of water
- No wear after 50 miles
- Ready straight out of the box
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not quite responsive
- Can be warm in summer
Best Gore-Tex running shoes with wide toebox
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
Many runners know the Cascadia. It was one of the most popular trail running shoes back in the day, and with the 16th version, it has received a solid update. It’s nearly an all-new shoe and one that excels at protecting and keeping the feet stable on a variety of terrains, whether you are out for an ultramarathon or a short hike. This GTX version is also effective against bad weather, and overall a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros
- Superb protection
- All-day comfort
- Smooth, pleasant ride
- Waterproof, yet breathable
- Roomy toe-box
- Secure fit
- Grippy even on wet rocks
- Extremely stable
- Sturdy and durable
- No breaking-in needed
- Doubles as a hiker
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Too firm underfoot for some
- Not particularly responsive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$120
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$120
Backcountry
Free shipping
$120
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$120
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$120
REI
Free shipping
$160
Best Gore-Tex running shoes for snow
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
If you're constantly struggling to get through those long treadmill sessions during winter, meet your new best friend—the Cyklon Cross GTX. Its top-tier weatherproofing, solid lockdown and aggressive grip are the stuff winter dreams are made of. This snowmobile of a shoe takes you as deep into the trails as you please, without having to worry about nasty falls and frostbitten feet.
Pros
- Keeps feet winter- and water-ready
- Easy-to-use lacing system
- Offers a precise lockdown
- Immaculate grip
- Accommodates crampons
- Comfortable upper
- Provides slight ankle support
- Good ground feel while remaining protective
- Ideal for mid- to long-distance trail runs
- Incredibly durable
- Cushioning does not harden in the cold
Cons
- Quite a narrow toe box
- Gaiter needs some getting used to
- Lacks responsiveness
- Expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Backcountry
Free shipping
$184
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$184
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best value Gore-Tex running shoes
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
Mixed technical, wet, and boggy sections, and longer runs, are no match for the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX. This is the best shoe to take with you if you are headed into the unknown. While it is not perfect in some areas, it is ultra-reliable, and solid to get you through the unpredictable.
Pros
- True to size
- Aggressive outsole
- Waterproof
- Quicklace system
- High-quality build
- Responsive ride
- Highly durable
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Break-in period needed
- Stiff sole
- Not very breathable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$106
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$130
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Most popular Gore-Tex running shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GTX
89
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GTX is a trail shoe that REALLY impressed us. It kept our feet dry all throughout the wet conditions we ran! It's made for training runs so don't expect anything fast. Instead, expect a superbly bouncy and comfortable shoe that will mute out all the rocks and roots underfoot. Even better, in areas of grip and durability, this shoe will wow you!
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofness
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Lively ride
- Feels lighter than it is
- Good grip
- Perfect for autumn and winter
- Runs true to size
- Undeniably durable
Cons
- Not breathable
- Semi-gaiter lets snow in
- Bulky
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$248
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best Gore-Tex running shoes
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | ||||||||
| CoreScore | ||||||||
| Users rating | ||||||||
| Experts | ||||||||
| Best price | ||||||||
| Ranking | ||||||||
| Popularity | ||||||||
| # of colorways |
