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

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
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

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 773 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

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.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX full review

Best waterproof trail running shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 918 users
93 / 100 from 3 experts

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.
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX full review

Best neutral waterproof running shoes

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 90 users
90 / 100 from 1 expert

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!
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield full review

Best waterproof medium toebox running shoes

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX

CoreScore

82
Good!
4.6 / 5 from 157 users
N/A

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.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX full review

Best waterproof cushioned running shoes

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 11 users
90 / 100 from 6 experts

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.
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX full review

Best value waterproof running shoes

Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 254 users
91 / 100 from 6 experts

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.
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.