7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes in 2024
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Running outdoors is not always sunny and warm. There are also days when you have to deal with rain and moisture; hence, the creation of waterproof running shoes

These shoes are made with a Gore-Tex membrane, which keeps water out. And since there are waterproof versions of both trail and road running shoes, it might take some time to go through everything. 

To help you trim down your options, we have created this list to give you the finest shoes among all the waterproof models that we have intensively investigated. We are proud to say that each shoe went through our meticulous testing and we have really confirmed or disproved their claims during our process. Curious? Read on to find out.

How we test running shoes

Before putting any waterproof shoe on this list, we always test it out first through our own shoe testing lab, and religiously follow these protocols: 

  • We buy each of the shoes we test with our own money to create bias-free reviews. 
  • We run in each shoe for at least 30-50 miles to examine its durability and overall performance. 
  • To dig deeper, we slice each shoe into several pieces.
  • We then proceed to measure every model in 30 different parameters. Of course, the star feature, waterproofness is also tested. We start by pumping smoke inside the shoes and evaluating how much clears out by rating it from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most breathable, thus most permeable, and least waterproof. Of course, there are waterproof shoes that are also breathable so we further investigate by putting the shoes under a source of bright light and our microscope. This way, we can assess how tightly woven, interlaced, and thick the materials are.

 

Best waterproof running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

In our lab assessments and trial runs, Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 GTX stood out as the best waterproof running shoe. Wrapped in Gore-Tex membrane, it’s an outstanding performer with tacky grip, incredible energy, and lasting comfort. We could easily run from the road to the trails without counting the miles.

Besides its waterproof membrane, the upper has several protective layers to block debris. Underfoot, we also have an outsole that keeps us steady no matter what surface we run on — whether dry pavements, wet grass, or snow.

This Peg aced its midsole by integrating the React foam that’s both soft and bouncy underfoot. The heel stack rises to 37.7 mm, offering an extra 5.5 mm cushion for protection. Also, our durometer shows the foam is 29.0% softer than average. This heavenly combination ensures long-lasting comfort, while the energetic midsole handles LSDs to tempo runs effortlessly.

Adding to the comfort is the unresisting midsole that boosts our agility and allows us to stride naturally. Our bend test confirms this hybrid shoe is 29.0% more flexible than average.

While the upper is undoubtedly water-resistant, it lacks a fully gusseted tongue for complete block out. We recommend staying away from streams above the ankle.

Pros

  • Versatile road-to-trail performance
  • Grippier than the standard version
  • Surprisingly light for a GTX shoe
  • Accommodates wide feet with ease
  • Delivers a really stable ride for neutral runners
  • Upper showcases remarkable durability
  • Fantastic option for heel strikers

Cons

  • Non-gusseted tongue allows water and debris to enter the shoe
  • Not suitable for technical terrain
  • Excessive drop for midfoot or forefoot strikers
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX

Best waterproof running shoes for road

What makes it the best?

Our test runs in wet conditions revealed the best waterproof running shoe for the road, the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. It’s a cushioned yet stable trainer that graced our streets and lab, all while wrapped up in a light package. It delivers the protection of a trail shoe without the bulky weight and lugs.

Our initial strides already tell us this Hoka has generous cushioning for any foot striker, and our calliper confirms an above-average 37.2/28.6 mm. It’s an excellent shock absorber and landing stabiliser as our durometer reveals a balanced 23.9 HA foam. 

The Gore-Tex membrane effectively kept our feet dry as we ran through rain and puddles. Our jaws dropped when it rated 3/5 in our breathability test, a rare score for GTX shoes! On top of this, the jacquard mesh is so tightly knitted that it resisted impressively against our Dremel, earning a well-deserved 4/5 score.

Underfoot is another tough shield: the 79.1 HC Durabrasion rubber. Despite its average hardness, it showed minimal damage in our Dremel test (0.5 mm) vs. the average (0.9 mm). Even with all these extra features, it remains a light 9.6 oz (271g).

Unfortunately, we do not advise this pair for wide or squared feet as the toebox tapers aggressively to the front.

Pros

  • Exceptionally cushioned
  • Comfortable and long-lasting upper
  • Ideal for winter conditions
  • Only $15 more expensive than the non-waterproof Clifton
  • Still remarkably lightweight even with Gore-Tex
  • Excellent for easy and moderate-paced runs
  • Incredibly stable for neutral runners
  • Ultra-durable Durabrasion outsole

Cons

  • May be too narrow for many
  • Heel-to-toe drop significantly differs from Hoka's claims
  • Really stiff heel counter for being a daily trainer
Full review of Hoka Clifton 9 GTX

Best road-to-trail waterproof running shoes

What makes it the best?

Running in Hoka’s 7th Challenger GTX is being armoured with all-terrain, all-weather shoes. Our lab and run tests show it’s all about versatility. It provides the grip and protection we need from the streets to off-the-beaten paths, making it our top waterproof road-to-trail shoe.

Upon cutting it open, we discovered the outsole is made of Durabrasion rubber lined with 3.8-mm lugs to ensure traction. This depth feels suitable on gravel roads and moderate trails while not being clunky on pavements — the latter being crucial for comfort.

The upper is fully waterproof and feels very safe from any kind of debris. Under our microscope, we saw that it’s packed with a solid amount of protective layers and a Gore-Tex membrane. The fully gusseted tongue keeps our feet dry even as we pass through river crossings.

Challenger 7 can keep up with our whole-day adventures as it’s generously cushioned. Its stack rises above average, notably in the heel with a whopping 39.2-mm foam. The platform feels comfortable underfoot and our durometer confirms it’s 25.3% softer than average. Overall, the ride feels balanced which makes it a great performer in any environment.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this pair to those with wide feet since the tapering toebox causes unpleasant pressure on the toes.

Pros

  • Fully waterproof and winter-ready
  • Secure lockdown thanks to the gusseted tongue
  • Amazing stability
  • Provides a comfortable ride on roads and easy trails
  • Ideal for long runs
  • Generous CMEVA cushioning underfoot
  • Surprisingly lightweight given its stack height
  • Just $15 more than the regular version

Cons

  • Lacks reflective elements
  • Potentially too stiff for hiking for some users
  • Higher heel-to-toe drop than anticipated
Full review of Hoka Challenger 7 GTX

Waterproof running shoes with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

Speedgoat 5 GTX offered the best cushioning among all the waterproof shoes we tried and tested in the lab and ran with. Rain or shine, this trail shoe is all-weather ready with its surprisingly breathable Gore-Tex membrane. We enjoyed the seamless blend of comfort and stability in our off-road adventures.

On foot, we know there is plenty of cushion for protection no matter where we land. Our calliper confirms an above-average 34.6/27.6 mm stack, allowing us to run farther without worrying about comfort. Our durometer proves Speedgoat’s buttery foam is 26.8% softer than average.

The upper features a double-layer mesh with a Gore-Tex membrane. Based on our previous lab tests, GTX translates to a low breathability score. Yet we’re pleasantly surprised that this shoe earned a 3/5! Upon testing further, we found that it has a ventilated tongue for balance.

Speedgoat delivers the stable ride and traction we need on moderate trails and mixed terrains. We have a generous landing platform, which avoids any awkward foot movements. In terms of grip, the Vibram Megagrip outsole and its 3.5 mm lugs ensure our steady and controlled strides.

We don’t recommend submerging this shoe beyond the breathable tongue since water can seep in through this area. Best to avoid the discomfort of finishing a run with wet socks.

Pros

  • Plush, cushioned midsole
  • Exceptional stability
  • Remarkable breathability for a Gore-Tex shoe
  • Spacious enough for most foot types
  • Well-suited for ultra marathons
  • Superior grip on easy and moderate trails
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole
  • Utilises recycled materials in the upper

Cons

  • Simply too heavy
  • Midsole hardens noticeably in cold temperatures
  • Could benefit from increased flexibility
Full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX

Waterproof running shoes with the best grip

What makes it the best?

We found the waterproof running shoe that’s best equipped with grip after intensive lab tests and extensive runs, and it’s no other than Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX. Its remarkable impermeability allows us to encounter streams worry-free. Meanwhile, its supportive platform and remarkable traction ensure our control and safety on diverse terrains. 

Even as we speed through corners, pass through wet rocks, and run through inclined trails, we feel in control thanks to the shoe’s incredible traction and deep 5.0 mm lugs. Being 1.4 mm deeper than average, it has extra bite even on softer ground. They are chevron-shaped for enhanced control and cleverly spaced to shed debris effectively.

As if dipping our shoes in streams isn’t proof enough, we also performed lab tests to verify this GTX’s waterproofness. Its 1/5 score means it blocks everything out—fine particles, moisture, and even cold air! Our microscope reveals a very compact knit upper.

While the cushion is a stacked 37.0/25.8 mm, its firm nature leads to a stable ride. Our durometer confirms it’s 23.7% harder than the average, which leaves no room for bottoming out. Even in our manual assessment, we had a tough time twisting the shoe (5/5) which proves it’s almost impossible to roll our ankles.

Given its firm cushion, Speedcross may feel too harsh for long distances. Runners who seek a plusher feel should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Fully functional Gore-Tex membrane
  • Ample cushioning for long adventures
  • Excels in challenging, technical terrain
  • Rapidly sheds mud
  • Agile and tenacious grip on twisted trails
  • Remarkable durability
  • Ideal for heel strikers

Cons

  • Completely lacks breathability
  • Midsole could feel overly firm for some
  • Exceptionally heavy
Full review of Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Waterproof running shoes with best durability

What makes it the best?

From light runs to heavy backpacking on the trails, we surely felt stable and protected with Salomon's XA Pro 3D v9 GTX. It inspired confident and surefooted strides on wet encounters and uneven terrains as its watertight upper, firm midsole and grippy lugs supported us. Our lab proves it’s built like a tank, making it our top durable waterproof running shoe.

The first area we analysed is its Gore-Tex-wrapped upper, proving its impermeability when it scored a low 1/5 in our breathability test. Not a single drop of water entered as we traversed through below-the-ankle waters and rain. It also has a toe bumper that shields us from unexpected rocks and roots.

The next supportive layers are the midsole and 3D chassis which give a firm and stable ride. Our durometer confirms the cushion is 23.6% denser than average, which means it won't bottom out. We also found the midsole difficult to twist, meaning it won’t easily give in to our excessive lateral movements.

Lastly, the Contagrip outsole has 2.8-mm sticky lugs to enhance traction on mixed terrains. Even after extensive testing on harsh paths, we felt reassured of its longevity since the rubber didn’t show signs of premature wear.

Unfortunately, this shoe is heavy at 12.7 oz (359g). Those who prefer lighter shoes should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Incredibly protective
  • Extremely stable and supportive
  • Great traction even on wet surfaces
  • Watertight Gore-Tex upper
  • Flexible and forgiving on the foot
  • Makes a great hiking companion
  • Effectively dampens landings
  • Generously padded from heel to tongue
  • No lace bite whatsoever
  • Durable, high-quality construction
  • Simple yet snazzy design

Cons

  • Could be lighter
  • Rather firm cushioning
  • Upper needs breaking in
  • Lacks the agility for technical trails
Full review of Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX

Best budget waterproof running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Juniper Trail 2 GTX excels in two key areas: protection and affordability. Priced at just £130, it outshines the £160 average for waterproof running shoes in our lab, making it our best budget waterproof running shoe. During our tests, its robust upper and firm cushioning provided a secure and comfortable ride, complemented by its flexible midsole for a natural feel. Impressively, the shoe's waterproofing held up impeccably, keeping our feet dry even in wet conditions. Despite its waterproofing, it still maintains some airflow, scoring 2/5 in our breathability tests. The durable upper material proves its resilience by earning a perfect 5/5 score in our brutal Dremel test, a rare feat for shoes.

The cushioning provides much-needed protection from repetitive impact and maintains a dense composition for surefootedness. Our durometer confirms it’s 27.8% firmer than average. With a wide 114.4/94.3 mm midsole and high torsional rigidity (4/5), it instils confidence in our strides, while its flexible build (20.3% more than average) allows for our natural motions.

However, the firm platform may not suit those seeking a more dynamic ride. If energy return is a priority, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Impressive upgrade
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Amazing durability
  • Exceptional stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Spacious toebox
  • Excellent for winter conditions

Cons

  • High price increase
  • Firm ride
  • Grip could improve
Full review of Nike Juniper Trail 2 GTX

2 things to look for in waterproof running shoes

Wet weather means you must have: a) waterproof upper and b) superb grip for wet surfaces. Now we dig deep into both of them! And cover all the necessary details.

How to recognise a waterproof upper 

You can recognise running shoes that are waterproof by looking for the name of the waterproof membrane. The most famous one is Gore-Tex (GTX). However, many brands develop their own trademarked waterproof membranes but you don’t have to know all the names. When a shoe is waterproof, a brand does everything to promote that feature. Some include waterproof or WP in the shoe name. 

waterproof-running-shoes-recognize.jpg
Clearly noticeable "Waterproof" and "Gore-Tex" signs on waterproof running shoe uppers

Also, when we examine the uppers under the microscope, it’s easy to notice that the waterproof ones are more tightly packed and woven. The non-waterproof ones have ventilation holes or loose threads which makes them more breathable. 

waterproof-upper-running-shoe-under-the-microscope.jpg
Looking at the waterproof upper under the microscope

If you were to look on the inside, often you’ll be able to see the a lining of different colour. That lining, under the upper, is the waterproof membrane. 

goretex-membrane-visible-inside-the-running-shoe.jpg
Visible GoreTex lining (different shades of grey) is easy to notice on shoes cut in half

How much rain or snow can a waterproof upper withstand? 

This is measured by the hydrostatic head in millimetres. The hydrostatic head is measured by filling a 1’’ x 1’’ tube with water and putting it over a piece of fabric. The number of millimetres of water that the tube can take before water begins to leak through the material is the hydrostatic head. The lower the number in mm, the less waterproof the fabric. 

waterproof-running-shoe-water-droplets.jpg
Waterdrops stay on the surface of a waterproof running shoe

Knowing this, it’s on you to decide how waterproof the membrane should be depending on the weather conditions on your runs. Look at the table for reference: 

hydrostatic-head-and-weather-conditions-waterproofness.jpg

This applies to all waterproof materials, so you can use the table if you’re looking for waterproof trousers, jackets (usually hard shell), backpacks, and so on. 

Different levels of water resistance in running shoes

Usually, if you want a waterproof runner, you want it. However, if you were just to learn how not-breathable they are, and usually expensive, maybe you would decide that you don’t have to get a waterproof shoe. Or, maybe you can deal with less water resistance. 

If that’s the case, consider water-resistant or water-repellent running shoes. 

  Water-resistant Water-repellent Waterproof
General characteristics a tightly woven fabric that is naturally capable of resisting water upon contact fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) or hydrophobic chemicals - fabric treated with DWR
- have waterproofing membranes like Gore-Tex and OutDry
- have seam-sealed construction for extra protection
Water protection level low water protection moderate water protection high water protection
Water pressure resistance 0-5000 mm (no pressure or moisture) 6000-10000 mm (light pressure) 10000-20000 mm (high to very high pressure)
Weather conditions best used in light rain shower and dry snow light rain and average snow moderate to heavy rain and average to wet snow

Finding the perfect grip in waterproof running shoes

There’s no perfect test for grip in dry and wet weather as it depends on many things, like runner’s foot strike, rubber placement (coverage) on the outsole, rubber hardness, thread design, lug depth and shape (if we’re talking about trail shoes), inclination, surface type, etc. 

But, what usually stands is: softer rubber is stickier, while harder rubber is more protective and durable. 

exposed-midsole-bad-for-wet-surfaces.jpg
A lot of exposed midsole, poor rubber coverage, mostly flat rubber design - all leads to bad grip on wet surfaces

Pay attention to: 

  1. Rubber coverage. The less exposed midsole there is, the better the grip! The exposed midsole will just slide. 
  2. Thread pattern. Look for grooves and channels, just like you would in car tyres for wet weather. More water asks for more channels. Flat surfaces are a no. 
  3. In trail shoes, deeper lugs bite better than the shallow lugs, especially into mud, slush, snow. 
great-vs-bad-grip-for-wet-surfaces-running-shoes.jpg
Outsole with a lot of grooves and channels (left) vs. an outsole that's mostly flat and has more exposed midsole (right). The one on the right has proven to be very bad on wet surfaces, unlike the one on the left

If the topic of outsoles peaks your interest, we wholeheartedly recommend reading our guide In-depth insights into running shoe outsoles (road & trail)

When it comes to softness, in our lab, we use a shore C durometer to measure how hard the outsole rubber is. 

outsole-hardness-measurement-waterproof-running-shoes.jpg
Measuring outsole hardness in RunRepeat lab

In the lab, we also use a Dremel to test the durability of the outsole. Once the damage is made, we use a tyre tread gauge to measure the depth of the dent with great precision.

Using a Dremel to test the durability of the outsole

Shallow dents mean the outsole is more durable than the one that got a deeper dent. Simply, it was more difficult for Dremel to make the damage. 

We also measure the depth of the lugs (in trail shoes). Deeper lugs mean more grip. 

lug-depth-measurements-waterproof-shoes.jpg
Using a digital calliper to measure the thickness of the lugs in waterproof trail running shoes

Waterproof running shoes are NOT breathable 

While producers of waterproof membranes will claim that their membranes breathe, the fact is, they might but only to a certain degree. Compared to see-through uppers we find in perfect summer shoes or simply very ventilated mesh uppers, waterproof membranes turn out to be, well, not breathable. 

Breathability of a GTX shoe vs a non-GTX one 

We test breathability in our lab using a smoke machine. We pump the smoke into the shoe and watch where it comes out and at which pace. Based on this, we assess the breathability on a 1-5 scale, where 1 is the least breathable

We also look at the uppers under the microscope to understand what’s happening in greater detail. When it comes to waterproof running shoes, it’s easy to understand why they are less breathable. 

waterproof-vs-nonwaterproof-running-shoe-upper.jpg
Very breathable uppers which got the perfect 5/5 score on our breathability test (up) vs. waterproof uppers that are not breathable (down)

Next to the waterproof membrane, waterproof running shoes also usually feature a gusseted tongue, to prevent the water from coming inside below the eyelets or in case the tongue moves to the sides, so there’s even less chance of heat coming out in that area. 

tongue-gussets-waterproof-running-shoes.jpg
How a non-gusseted tongue (left) looks like compared to the gusseted one (right)

Also, it’s good to know that in the world of non-waterproof running shoes, it’s better to choose a mesh upper than a knit one. Mesh is more breathable and dries faster, while a knit upper will soak up rain and become heavy. To learn more about the upper materials and which one makes the best sense for your needs, please read Running shoe upper: how to choose the best one for your needs

When not to get waterproof running shoes

Avoid these shoes when: 

  1. You prioritise breathability and can’t stand the heat inside the shoes. 
  2. There will only be a few rainy/snowy sections on your run. You might be better off without waterproof running shoes then. If the water gets inside your shoes on those short sections, it will stay there. However, in non-waterproof running shoes, if you just keep running, by the end of the run or race, your shoes might dry out due to your feet’s heat and the breathability of the upper. 
  3. The water levels (be it slush, snow, or very wet tall grass) are simply too high. Then, you can get waterproof gaiters to prevent the water from getting inside of your shoes, OR you can get waterproof high-cut hiking shoes. Whichever the case, make sure your socks are made of high-quality materials for such occasions, like wool or bamboo. 

Waterproof running shoes are expensive

These shoes cost more because waterproof membranes are not cheap. However, when you nail the fit and purpose, the investment pays off easily. 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.