7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Waterproof Running Shoes For Women in 2023
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For some runners, there’s no such thing as bad weather for running, just bad gear. With the right waterproof running shoes, regardless of the pouring rain or snow showers, you won’t be missing a good solid day for running in preparation for an upcoming race.

For the ladies, if you’re looking for the best women’s waterproof running shoes, there are hundreds of options out there. Choosing the right trail or road kicks to keep your feet dry and happy through rain, snow, and sleet may take forever. That’s why we’re here to keep things easier for you.

We’ve rounded up and reviewed 70+ of the best waterproof models available in the market. That means putting all of them to rigorous tests and selecting our top picks in different categories to narrow down your best options.

How we test running shoes

To make our best selections, we’ve put in a lot of work meticulously testing and reviewing an outstanding lineup and newest offerings of the women’s waterproof running kicks. We’ve worked with a team of wear-testers and shoe experts at RunRepeat to come up with the most comprehensive, 100% honest reviews. Here’s a quick look at our approach:

  • We buy each model we test with our own money to ensure transparency and bias-free reviews.
  • We cut the shoes into little pieces and analyzed them inside our own independent shoe testing lab.
  • We measure and examine over 30 different parameters of the shoe, from the effectiveness of its waterproof system and durability to outsole traction and comfort, etc.
  • Our wear-testers run in each model for at least 30 to 50 miles in rainy or snowy conditions.
  • We gather more information from other shoe experts and feedback from regular users.

To get the final ratings of the shoes, we go to the CoreScore system that calculates all the comparable data above. An overall score is generated and assigned on each model that ranges from 0 to 100.

Best women's waterproof running shoes for trail

What makes it the best?

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.

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
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (DC8793001)
Seafoam/Hasta-Pearl White-Armoury Navy (DC8794003)
Black (DC8794002)
Orange (DC8794301)
Blue (DC8794400)

Best value waterproof running shoes for women

What makes it the best?

The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe for those looking to go for a hike, head into the woods for a weekend backpacking trip as well as for an adventurous runner who needs heavy-duty footwear to tackle the more arduous challenges.

Pros

  • Outstanding waterproofing
  • Highly durable
  • Stable platform
  • Solid grip
  • Also great for hiking
  • Roomy toebox
  • Convenient lacing

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Stiff sole
  • Narrow midfoot
Full review of Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
black (L366796)
Burgundy Rhododendron Winetasting Cantaloupe (L409762)

Best women's waterproof running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

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!

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
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield

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Men
Women
Any color
Promises (S1080002)

Best women's waterproof running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

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.

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
Full review of Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Green (DJ7929300)
Alligator Orange Trance Mint Foam (DJ7926300)
Lila (DJ7929500)
Black (DJ7926001)
Sanddrift Mineral Teal Coconut Milk (DJ7929100)
Red (FB2194600)
Grey (DJ7929002)
Brown (DJ7929200)
More colors

Women's waterproof running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

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.

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
Full review of Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Black Blackened Pearl Coral (071)

Best women's waterproof running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

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.

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
Full review of La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

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Men
Women

Comparison of the 7 best waterproof running shoes for women

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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.