7 Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes in 2024

The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX offers superior traction, splendid energy return, and awesome agility—wrapped in a protective waterproof package. Its all-around performance in our lab and runs proves its versatility, making it our best Gore-Tex running shoe.

Excellent waterproofing coupled with a compact mesh ensures our protection from unwanted debris and even cold air. When we pumped smoke into the shoe, nothing could escape so we rated it with a 1/5 breathability score.

Reliable grip greets us no matter what surface we run on—may it be concrete, mud, or wet grass. Even with an average 3.6-mm lug depth, it has effective traction for slippery surfaces.

Moving in this shoe feels effortless, evidenced by its light 9.9 oz (281g) figure on the scale. What’s amazing is how it’s even lighter than its non-GTX version, when the opposite usually occurs in the lab. It bends easily with our feet as well. Our flex test shows it’s 29.4% more adaptive than average. Adding to its easy feel is how responsive the ReactX midsole is, launching us forward with every landing.

This Peg feels more agile than supportive with its streamlined design. We recommend those who need extra guidance to find more stable shoes.

Our trail runs prove Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX has the best durability among Gore-Tex running shoes. With the lab as our witness, it is an all-around shield with its tightly knit upper, firm cushion, and ever-reliable Contagrip outsole. 

Wrapped in Gore-Tex, it has outstanding waterproofing and our lab tests confirm its impermeability with the lowest 1/5 score. It not only blocked smoke out but light too! We didn’t need to worry about painful toe stubs because the toe bumper is our armor. It braved our Dremel test and scored the highest 5/5 for toebox durability.

The firm midsole and 3D chassis also serve as our defense underfoot. Not only do these protect us from sharp rocks, but they also enhance stable strides. Our durometer confirms the platform is 23.6% firmer than average.

The ‘Contagrip’ outsole, aided by the 2.8-mm lugs, obliterated most terrains we ran in except the really technical ones. After running in harsh environments, the outsole barely showed signs of premature wear—a plus for durability.

All the added protection comes at the expense of more weight. While most trail shoes average 10.4 oz (294g), this one feels like a hiking shoe at 12.7 oz (359g).

Our lab and run tests prove Speedcross 6 GTX is protective from top to bottom — ranking first in terms of grip among Gore-Tex running shoes. We can speed through rainy days and river crossings with its deep, sticky lugs and waterproof membrane. The platform combines soft and rigid elements to ensure comfort and support through trail adventures.

Speedcross displays excellent traction in our fast-paced training. Our caliper measures its lugs at 5.0 mm deep, 1.5 mm deeper than average for that extra bite on soft ground. They’re widely spaced to shed off dirt and chevron-shaped to enhance control on sharp turns and steep slopes.

Underfoot, we have a firm cushion that improves our balance on uneven terrains. Our durometer it's 21.3% harder than average. The midsole is hard to twist earning a 5/5 on our manual assessment. This ensures stability and agility on challenging terrains. Yet in terms of longitudinal flexibility, Speedcross feels fluid. Our bend test confirms it’s 20.5% more adaptive than average.

During our runs, Gore-Tex feels impermeable. Our observations were confirmed as we saw one of the densest mesh uppers under our microscope. It has no ventilation holes for air and water to pass through, effectively keeping our feet dry.

Because of its limited breathability, Speedcross performs best in cold weather. Using this pair in the summer traps body heat and drenches our feet in sweat.

In our runs and lab tests, no Gore-Tex running shoe can match the cushioning of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX. We experienced confident footing and underfoot protection like no other through its firm, wide, and grippy base. Stability is a given in this shoe, with exceptional protection against cold and water to boast.

Using our caliper, we discovered that it features an above-average 32.9/27.9 mm stack, offering impact protection for any footstrike. It has a pleasantly firm sensation, ensuring our stability and protection against underfoot debris. Our durometer validates our observation with a 25.8 HA reading.

The firm cushion is matched with a wide base and midsole sidewalls, fully securing our landings. Our caliper confirms it is indeed spacious at 118.1/95.7 mm. Beneath the midsole is the reliable Vibram outsole, with its solid grip further enhanced by 3.9 mm lugs. We felt in control as we navigated through steep paths and sharp turns.

The upper features a Gore-Tex membrane, keeping our feet away from cold winds and water. Smoke was contained when we pumped it in the shoe, which is why we gave it the lowest 1/5 breathability rating. This score is what we want to see in waterproof shoes.

However, the toebox tapers aggressively to the front. Runners with wide feet will need to find a shoe with more room.

Hoka Challenger 7 GTX boasted its robust build in our runs and lab tests, proving it’s fully waterproof and all-terrain ready. It’s a versatile shoe with exceptional comfort for long days and reliable grip from roads to trails. No doubt, it’s our best hybrid Gore-Tex running shoe.

Made of Durabrasion rubber, the outsole has a good balance of grip and durability. Our durometer confirms this with an 81.0 HC reading. To further enhance traction, Challenger 7 has 3.8 mm lugs that cling well on gravel roads and wet stones.

What we also find reliable is the multi-layered upper that has a Gore-Tex membrane to block off water. It effectively does the job as we run through puddles and rain with dry feet. It even has a fully gusseted tongue to secure lockdown.

Underfoot is a plush foam that keeps our feet fresh even during LSDs. Our caliper shows an above-average stack, notably in the heel at 39.2 mm. In terms of density, our durometer shows it’s 25.3% softer than average. Even with a low reading, we enjoy a balanced ride that doesn’t feel too mushy.

The toebox tapers quite aggressively which may not suit runners with wide feet. Those who prefer more wiggle room should look elsewhere.

Among Gore-Tex running shoes, our top pick for the road is none other than the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. Other than its comfort and protection in our runs, it impressed us greatly in the lab with its lightweight yet sturdy design.

The generous cushioning of the Clifton 9 GTX provides gentler landings for all types of foot strikes, with an above-average stack height of 37.2/28.6 mm. Its balanced 23.9 HA foam absorbs shocks effectively and ensures stable landings, giving us the best of both worlds.

Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, this shoe delivers reliable waterproofing in rainy conditions even with its remarkable 3/5 breathability score in our lab test—an uncommon feat for GTX shoes that usually score 1/5. The tightly knitted jacquard mesh fended off damage in our tests, scoring a solid 4/5 for durability.

Underneath, the Durabrasion rubber outsole provides sturdy protection against abrasions, showing 44.4% less damage compared to the average. Despite all the added features, the Clifton 9 GTX remains relatively light at just 9.6 oz (271g).

However, individuals with wide or squared feet may find the aggressive tapering of the toebox restricting, measuring 75.7 mm in the big toe area vs. the 78.0 mm average.

The Nike Winflo 11 GTX excels in three key areas: comfort, protection, and value for money. Priced at just $130, it outshines the $148 average for Gore-Tex running shoes in our lab, making it our best affordable Gore-Tex running shoe. During our runs, its plush upper and cushioning provided a warm and comfortable ride, complemented by its grippy outsole that’s designed for wet conditions.

Impressively, the shoe's waterproofing impeccably held up, keeping our feet dry even in rainy conditions. It’s made of a dense and structured fabric that blocks airflow, keeping us insulated in winter conditions. As expected, it received the lowest 1/5 breathability score in our smoke test.

The cushioning provides much-needed protection from repetitive impact and maintains a plush composition for comfort. Our durometer confirms it’s 26.7% softer than average, spoiling our legs like it’s an expensive pair. We found its heel to be a colossal 39.0 mm, dampening landings effectively for rear strikers.

The Storm-Tread outsole gave us more control when dealing with rain and snow. Analyzing the outsole further revealed that it’s meant for wet conditions, with its lugs designed in a V-shape to drain water easily.

However, the forefoot stack just sits around the average, leading to a steep 13.3 mm drop. We recommend mid-to-forefoot strikers to find a shoe with a less harsh incline.