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.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest mediumBest cushionedBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$91
Stadium Goods
$105
Zappos
Running Warehouse
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
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
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
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
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 neutral waterproof running shoes
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield
REI
Free shipping
$170
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$170
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$180
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
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
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 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
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 waterproof cushioned 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 value waterproof running shoes
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$96
Nike
$96
Amazon
Free shipping
$156
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
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
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.
Most popular waterproof running shoes
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
- 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.
