7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes For Men, 80+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Grinding out miles on a rainy day or blowing snow can be tougher when you’re wearing the wrong shoe. We’re too familiar with that feeling. That’s why it’s so important to have the right pair of kicks to get through it, and not lose training days for the upcoming race.
Choosing out of numerous waterproof versions of both trail and road running shoes out there may take forever. Our job is to make things easier for everyone.
From pouring rain to snow showers, we’ve rounded up 70+ men’s waterproof running shoes out there, tested all of them, and selected our best picks in different categories for easy reference and shopping convenience.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest wideBest mediumBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test running shoes
We’ve been constantly testing and reviewing the latest offerings in the waterproof running shoe category. Each model in our best selections has to deserve the spot after a meticulous testing process. Here’s a quick look at what’s involved in our approach:
- We buy all the shoes we test with our own money. This allows us to maintain our transparency and freedom from bias.
- We slice them into little pieces in our own shoe testing lab.
- We measure over 30 different parameters of each shoe, from waterproof technology, durability, traction, etc.
- We run in each shoe for 30-50 miles on rainy or snowy days, and on muddy trails.
- We gather more information from other shoe experts and feedback from regular users.
Finally, to see how each pair of shoes ranks against the other 70+ waterproof running shoes in our portfolio, we input all comparable data we’ve collected into our CoreScore system. The final ratings for each model are shown which range from 0-to 100.
Best men's waterproof running shoes overall
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
What makes it the best overall?
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 waterproof trail running shoes for men
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$96
Nike
$96
Amazon
Free shipping
$156
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
Pros
- Superb gaiter-like upper
- Comfy and peppy ride
- Versatile door-to-trail
- Grippier than the standard version
- Light for a GTX shoe
- Very stable
- No breaking-in needed
- Welcomes wide feet
- Appealing design
Cons
- Lack of reflective details
- Not for technical terrain
What makes it the best trail?
The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX isn't just a waterproof version of the regular Pegasus Trail. By adding an excellent outsole and a very protective new upper, it’s become a much better shoe overall. Fun, surprisingly light, and extremely comfortable for short and medium distances, it’s a superb all-around performer that testers just loved.
Best neutral waterproof running shoes for men
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield
REI
Free shipping
$170
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$170
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$180
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Pros
- Great water resistance
- Keeps feet warm & toasty
- Good breathability for a weatherized shoe
- Stiff upper provides good lockdown
- Wide base and sidewalls keep you feeling centered
- Orthotics-friendly
- Wide toebox
- Works for all types of runs
- Can double as a race-day shoe
- Lightweight
Cons
- Questionable traction on slick conditions
- Heel counter can cause blisters
- Pricey
What makes it the best neutral?
Not a lot of shoes can brag about getting as much fanfare as the Endorphin Speed 3. With the release of its warmer and water-resistant RunShield version, fans can enjoy this daily speedster's awesome ride no matter the weather. It's a do-it-all shoe that does even more!
Best waterproof wide toebox running shoes for men
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
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
What makes it the best wide?
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.
Best waterproof medium toebox running shoes for men
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
Corescore
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
What makes it the best medium?
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.
Best value waterproof running shoes for men
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
Backcountry
Free shipping
$245
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$245
Zappos
Running Warehouse
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
What makes it the best value?
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.
Most popular waterproof running shoes for men
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
What makes it the most popular?
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.
