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.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest mediumBest cushionedBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
CoreScore
- Top 11% in trail running shoes
- Top 6% in Nike running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
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.
Best trail Gore-Tex running shoes
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
Backcountry
Free shipping
$245
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$245
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
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.
Best neutral Gore-Tex running shoes
CoreScore
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.
Best Gore-Tex medium toebox running shoes
CoreScore
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.
Best cushioned Gore-Tex running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 26% most popular running shoes
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.
Best value Gore-Tex running shoes
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 26% most popular running shoes
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.
Most popular Gore-Tex running shoes
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$127
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 19% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fantastic comfort
- Not-scrunched-up fit
- Provides stability even on uneven terrain
- Good to go from day one
- Smooth ride
- Simple yet stylish design and colorways
- Awesome grip, even on wet surfaces
- Ample padding and cushioning
Cons
- Questionable durability and waterproofing
- Annoyingly short laces that come undone easily
- Not for narrow feet
Verdict
The Ghost 14 GTX is the all-around workhorse for the grab-a-shoe-and-go type of runner. True to its Ghost lineage, it delivers exceptional comfort, solid traction, and a stable ride. If you’re all about hitting mileage goals come (light) rain or shine, this is a shoe that takes the “daily” in daily trainer seriously.
