7 Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023

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 overall

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 780 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

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

Verdict

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.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX full review

Best trail Gore-Tex running shoes

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

CoreScore

84
Good!
4.5 / 5 from 10 users
90 / 100 from 6 experts

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

Verdict

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.
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX full review

Best neutral Gore-Tex running shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX

CoreScore

82
Good!
4.6 / 5 from 158 users
N/A

Pros

  • 100% watertight below the ankles
  • Drains well for a GTX shoe
  • Plush and comfortable upper
  • Comes in wide sizes
  • Memory foam-like cushioning
  • Durable outsole
  • Transitions to the road well
  • Also great for hikes and all-day wear
  • Can keep your feet warm in the winter
  • Feels lighter than it is

Cons

  • Weird extended lip at the heel
  • Grip isn’t the best in slippery terrain
  • Quite heavy

Verdict

Sure, the Fresh Foam Hierro v6 is great—but is it waterproof? Enter the Hierro v6 GTX. Building on what made its dry-weather counterpart a trail runner’s dream, this Gore-Tex-reinforced shoe from New Balance now adds the ability to comfortably cross streams, run in the rain, or plod around in sub-zero conditions. If the v6 is a trail beast, the GTX is the Abominable Snow-shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX full review

Best Gore-Tex medium toebox running shoes

ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 GTX
ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 GTX

CoreScore

82
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 677 users
86 / 100 from 3 experts

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

Verdict

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.
ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 GTX full review

Best cushioned Gore-Tex running shoes

ASICS Gel Sonoma 6 GTX
ASICS Gel Sonoma 6 GTX

CoreScore

79
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 3,931 users
N/A

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Grippy
  • Comfortable in-shoe padding
  • Breathable
  • Light
  • Wide toe box

Cons

  • Not for wide-footed wearers
  • Lacks lateral support
  • Poor durability

Verdict

The Gel Sonoma 6 GTX from ASICS is ideal for trail runners who want a versatile shoe on a budget. It's a light and waterproof option for trail running and light hiking. It is also comfortable enough to transition as your walking shoe. A word of caution: Its price also reflects on its strength. If you want a sturdy shoe, you might want to consider other trail running shoes.
ASICS Gel Sonoma 6 GTX full review

Best value Gore-Tex running shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 903 users
93 / 100 from 3 experts

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

Verdict

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.
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.