10 Best Waterproof Running Shoes That Keep Your Feet Dry in Wet Weather

Gore-Tex and other materials used to make running shoes waterproof can also sometimes make them buckets that keep the water in if somehow water seeps inside the shoe. You must also keep in mind that brands will not make every model waterproof and sometimes its only neutral or trail shoes waterproof – you will have fewer choices.

Adding a waterproof upper to a running shoe can affect how the shoe fits and feels. Sometimes the waterproofed mesh and material can feel stiffer and not as flexible. The waterproofing process can also add a bit of weight to the shoe and a waterproof version of a shoe model usually ways a few ounces more.

Lastly, due to a change in materials etc., a waterproof shoe can sometimes fit/feel a bit narrower or shorter. Its always good to try on a shoe at a store if you have that option.

1. Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex

If you like the regular Pegasus model from Nike (that has been around forever) than this waterproof version might be great to be stashed away for rainy days.

Also Available at
Nike

I am not a huge Nike fan but they do have some good running shoes in their lineup. The pegasus I have worn and like, basic running shoe for a foot with no issues, and not too soft or too firm. This one will keep your foot dry, has a more aggressive outsole than the regular model and has some refelctive bits to keep you seen when the sun goes down.

It is called a trail shoe but I would take this with a grain of salt. Its not a technical trail shoe (in my opinion), so test it out on the trail you run on and see if its good enough.

2. Mizuno Wave Rider GTX 2

This is a waterproof version of the popular and main cushioned runner in the Mizuno lineup for many years. I cannot find the weight and drop info for the waterproof version but assume its about the same drop and a bit heavier than the regular version (9.7oz and 12mm drop).

The shoe uses Gore-Tex to keep you dry and adds a more aggressive tread to the bottom using what they call Wgrip rubber that is supposed to offer better grip on both wet and dry surfaces than ordinary rubber. Mizuno shoes have a unique fit and feel, so make sure you try it on if you can, especially any waterproof version.

3. Saucony Triumph 22 GTX

If you already train in the Saucony Triumph, this is simply a waterproof version that uses a Gore-Tex upper to keep feet dry.

Also Available at
Amazon ; Saucony

This is a well-cushioned training shoe for someone who does not have any foot issues and likes a well-cushioned shoe and does not mind a bit more weight. Make sure to try this version on as sometimes a Gore-Tex upper can make the shoe fit a bit small. Also, although the shoe is waterproof, the outsole is not overly aggressive and could be slippery on wet roads or trails.

4. Saucony Kinvara 15 GTX

This is a waterproof version of a popular lightweight training shoe from Saucony. Almost the same as the regular version but keeps the water off and has a bit of added weight.

Also Available at
Road Runner

As a runner and racewalker, I really love the simple Kinvara. It's light, well-cushioned and good for training or even racing for some. If you want a lightweight trainer that will keep your feet dry (with Gore-Tex), this is a great option, the one downside is similar to the Triumph, the tread is not aggressive and may not be great on slippery terrain.

*Remember as well that sometimes the waterproof upper on running shoes can make them a bit warmer.

The non-Goretex version of this shoe I use for racewalking and quicker runs.

5. Brooks Ghost 16 GTX

This is another Gore-Tex covered running shoe option that is meant to keep feet dry. The Ghosty has been in the Brooks lineup for a while, and this is just the version for wet weather. It’s a little heavier but the same price and the tread is the same as the regular version. The outsole is not super smooth, but neither is it rugged.

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks

I have worn the regular version of this shoe and quite liked it.

6. Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX

This is the first shoe suggestion that is both waterproof and has good tread to keep you on your feet and keep them dry. There are grey but the outsole is popping with colour!

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks

This shoe is stable, good cushion, has a rock plate in the midsole for trails (that also adds stability to the shoe) and would be a good option for a person looking to keep their feet dry and on the ground. The shoe is also $20 more than the non-Gore-Tex version.

I have worn an older green version of this shoe and my father still owns and walks in a bright yellow pair I bought him over 10-years ago!

7. HOKA Challenger 7 GTX

This shoe is described as a mix between trail and road, with HOKA’s signature light and thick EVA midsole combined with a rugged outsole for traction.

Also Available at
Zappos ; HOKA

If you like the feel of HOKAs then this shoe might be for you. It has a thick midsole, lower drop, good traction and the signature heel pull tab. I was pleasantly surprised when HOKA shoes first came out and really like some of their models that work for my feet. I like the added protection without the weight.

If you have never tried HOKA before, I recommended putting on a pair, I quite like them.

8. HOKA Clifton 9 GTX

Like other brands, HOKA has a cushioned training shoe with Gore-Tex for wet (or slushy) conditions that will keep your feet dry. If you need stability, there may be room for an orthotic or supportive insole.

Also Available at
HOKA

So the Clifton GTX will keep you dry but lacks the extra tread for slippery conditions. It is a bit firmer than the Challenger and a bit heavier than the normal version. I have worn an older version of the Clifton and quite liked it. The shoe is well-cushioned, fairly responsive and decently roomy.

9. Asics Gel Pulse 15 GTX

This is the first shoe that will keep your feet dry and cost you less than some other options. It has a Gore-Tex upper and although not huge treads, it has a decent amount of lugs on the outsole to give some traction.

I have worn many Asics shoe models but not this one, but have seen it. It’s a great training shoe, has a decent rocker to the shoe and is decently cushioned. This would be a good choice for someone who wants dry feet and some traction. Attention to anyone thinking of putting an orthotic or insole into this shoe – Asics shoes generally are shallower than some other brands.

10. Asics Gel-Terrain GTX

This is a waterproof, trail shoe with good traction, but I cannot find the drop or weight information for this shoe. It looks relatively low drop and looks like a firmer cushion.

Comments seem to indicate the shoe may fit a bit narrow and perhaps a little short – not uncommon with shoe that use Gore-Tex. Asics supposedly based the shoe guts on the GT-2000 and the middle has flytefoam and gel – it should be decently cushioned. So this would make for a good waterproof shoe with traction and upper does not look too airy. I would advise trying this shoe and any waterproof shoe on in the store or making sure to check about return policies in case you need a bigger size.

Fitting Advise

Remember that some running shoes that use Gore-Tex or are winterized in some way – can fit a bit differently than a similar model if the material is firmer, more restrictive etc.; shoes can fit shorter or narrower. Always try them on.

Make sure there is enough toe room (thumbnail width) and the width is snug but not tight or sloppy. If at a running store, have someone measure your feet and check the fit.

Walk around the store if you have the opportunity, there should be no break-in period.

Stay Safe

Being tough is one thing, but it's also good to be smart. If the conditions are dangerous (too icy, cold or slippery) think about hitting the treadmill or doing some cross-training!

Wet Weather Running Tips

Running in a warm rain or when properly attired can be a lot of fun – prepare for the weather and you will not miss a workout!