7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes, 80+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Running outdoors is not always sunny and warm. There are also days where 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 on the market. 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.
- Our testers 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.
To come up with a CoreScore, we gather various expert and user reviews to see how the shoe compares to thousands of other running shoes.
Best waterproof running shoes overall
CoreScore
- Top 17% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Nike running shoes
- Top 6% 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
Best waterproof trail running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 30% in Gore-Tex running shoes
- 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
Best neutral waterproof running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 19% in road running shoes
- Top 12% in waterproof running shoes
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
Verdict
Best waterproof medium toebox 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
Best waterproof cushioned running shoes
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
Best value waterproof running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 18% in trail running shoes
- Top 18% in Nike running shoes
- Top 21% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Most popular waterproof running shoes
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