14 BEST WATERPROOF TRAIL RUNNING SHOES IN 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: James Leigh

Trail running is beauty, but what about those river crossings, water splashes, and rains that make your shoes drink water and end you up all blistering up? Well, pals and we have tested a slew of the best waterproof trail running shoes on this planet (so you won’t have to) that can make trail running a piece of cake.

Trail running involves various terrain, elevation, weather, river crossing, and stuff that not only affect runners’ mental or emotional state but can have physical effects leading up to DNF. If you’ve been searching for the solution for water getting inside your shoes, you may have been through a war of words puzzling you whether to go or not to go for waterproof trail running shoes?

Well, the answer is Heck, yeah, best water resistant trail running shoes are the true holy grails especially ones that can let the moisture go away from the shoes are the heroes, and that’s what we’re going to be reviewing in this article the 14 best waterproof trail running shoes that get dry superfast.

Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes - Content

What to look at:

Consider a situation, you’re cruising down a trail having 100% waterproof shoes on, and then you get water in through the collars of the shoes…Now all you’re left with is sloshing your way to the finish line in heavy, wet shoes….of course, you would curse that gore-tex shield outside for not letting moisture out of your shoes. That’s what the theme of this piece is, a shoe that:

  • Keeps water from getting in
  • Is properly ventilated as well

An added benefit:

Waterproof shoes have coatings or liners inhibiting airflow through the fabric of the shoes. This makes waterproof shoes be warmer than non-waterproof shoes, making them ideal for cold weather.



Best Waterproof Comfortable Shoes


Comfortable shoes de-stress the runner to focus more on the track/trail ahead. We tested a pair of shoes that was highly loved by athletes because of comfort. Find out what’s our pick among the best water resistant trail running shoes.


Best Lightweight Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Lightweight and comfy
  • ✔️ Keeps feet dry
  • ✔️ Great stability
Cons
  • ❌ Slightly narrower than before
  • ❌ Insoles don’t stay in the place

Salmons Speedcross 5 is the fourth edition of trail shoes, highly loved by athletes for its comfort. The new update is the noticeably enhanced outsole pattern that offers better traction and is more durable. The shoe performed well on a range of terrain, no matter wet or dry. On top of everything, this shoe is super comfortable and it fits nice. If you belong to the wide-foot fam, you have nice options to choose your width. Techno fabric meets Gore-Tex, the company aimed to make the shoes work wonders in wet synthetic turf, damp meadows, or through thick wet mud and puddles, and yeah, the water resistance is really up to par. If you want comfy yet lightweight and aggressive waterproof trail runners.. these are highly recommended.



Best Waterproof Shoes For Overpronation


Running shoes can make or break the foot health and eventually affect your running. It is always better to understand the needs and preferences of your foot and then going for a shoe that fits the situation. Check out the best water resistant trail running shoes according to your foot needs.

Best Women’s Waterproof Trail Running Shoes For Overpronation

Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Premium stability
  • ✔️ Excellent value
  • ✔️ Lightweight shoes
Cons
  • ❌ Low volume feet

Overpronation is created by either foot or hip instability, or in some cases, both. The most common form of overpronation among female runners is created by hip instability, which causes the legs to roll inwards. Well, if you are an overpronator, you need a pair of the best women’s waterproof stability trail running shoes, that contain special features to prevent ankles from rolling excessively inward and leading to potential pain and injury. Thanks to Merrel for bringing a perfect stability shoe in range as in “Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX”. It is a lightweight waterproof trail shoe that offers a breathable mesh lining, built-in EVA foam midsole with a medial post to balance pronation. We felt this to be a race-ready shoe that has a molded TPU heel counter for added stability, a PWR TRAC rubber outsole for traction of wet and dry surfaces, and a rugged mesh upper that gives nice speed.


Best Men’s Waterproof Trail Running Shoes For Overpronation

Salomon XA PRO 3D v8 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Speed lacing system
  • ✔️ Great motion control
  • ✔️ Unparalleled foot protection
Cons
  • ❌ Feel like hiking shoes

You know your shoes are everything when it comes to trail running. Not only do they help you stay comfortable as you log miles, but they help to keep your form and feet stable as you run. But not every man has a perfect biomechanical stride, some runners overpronate as well. If you’re prone to overpronation, don’t let it affect your running! Lace Salomon’s Xa Pro 3D V8 GTX shoes up and say bye-bye to the fact. It is a shoe that offers motion control and has added arch support which makes it perfect for men who overpronate. Trail running is open to plenty of abuse to the feet—with perfect stability control in the midsole and amazing traction, these waterproof shoes are designed to be indestructibly protective. If you are someone who needs more than a shoe, go for this one.


Best Wide Width Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Roomier toe box
  • ✔️ Impeccable foot lockdown
  • ✔️ Solid traction
Cons
  • ❌ Lacks a bit of responsiveness
  • ❌ Not super lightweight

If you’re irked about squeezing your horizontally-challenged rock plate of meat into tight-packed trail shoes, stop living that life and make your way to Brooks. Being comfortable and super stable, these wide toe shoes stand among the best selling trail shoes all the time. Known for serving up amazing traction on a variety of surfaces, this shoe is ideal for people with wide feet. And if you have narrow feet, its lacing system is enough to let the shoe envelop your foot. Add to that, this versatile Brooks lightweight running shoe is capable of running all types of trails from smooth dirt paths or rugged, rocky routes. While its updated Gore-Tex bonded uppers with waterproof protection further allow you to roll in the mud, run through rivers, and combat several splashes without getting your foot a wash.



Best Waterproof Shoes For Gender



5 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes For Women


Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Columbia Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Pros
  • ✔️ Wide toe-box
  • ✔️ Dries well
Cons
  • ❌ Not recommended for mud
  • ❌ Not so stable

Since its debut, Columbia Crestwood series is well-loved as road shoes by trail runners alike because of its versatility. Known for being super lightweight, protective, and their solid traction, Columbia gave their Crestwood a kick of Gore-Tex to survive in harsh weather conditions as well. To me, they were true challengers when it comes to wicking away moisture from the inside which is heavily cushioned. You get a shoe that is built for tough trails and tough weather. Keeping the shape of women’s feet in mind, these climbing shoes offers a comfortable toe box that is reinforced with thermoplastic polyurethane which absorbs shocks nicely. With enough support, cushioning, and comfort, this didn’t slow us down like most others with the same features. Being super protective in the underfoot, we felt them not so super responsive.


Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Wonderful traction
  • ✔️ Wicks away moisture
  • ✔️ Feel like waterproof shoes
Cons
  • ❌ The midsole isn’t so durable
  • ❌ Not 100% heel to toe drop shoe

On trails where ultimate grip and comfort are needed, bubs you gotta be in the Inov-8 Roclite G 315 GTX. Made to conquer all hard trails and paths with all-round protection we would say, this low-profile shoe has a graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles that surprised us with great traction.

It’s lightweight, super durable on long miles, and tough enough to get us through challenging trails. Moreover, the outsole is versatile enough to get from the pavement to the highest and most technical trails. In addition to that, we liked the Kevlar fiber outsole and the midsole which were quite durable. They performed so well on snow and mud. Though it doesn’t have a super rigid but the heel and the platform of the shoe stays stable on uneven terrains. The reason we recommend this is it’s not fully waterproof but does an excellent job of wicking away water cuz the fibers aren’t absorbent.


Women’s Waterproof Running Shoes

La Sportiva Bushido II Trail

Pros
  • ✔️ Speed lacing system
  • ✔️ Super comfortable
  • ✔️ Very versatile
Cons
  • ❌ Doesn’t dry too fast
  • ❌ Bit bulky

Looking for a waterproof trail running shoe which is lighter than a hiking boot but burlier and more supportive than a running shoe? Get up and check out the La Sportiva Bushido II Trail! It’s a robust waterproof shoe that protects you through puddles, and hiking through the rain while the breathable inner keeps us dry through miles. It has a speedy lace system which allows easy in and out and we must say it provided us a nice lightweight, comfy and supportive ride throughout. Also, we felt this shoe sets best for people looking for stable shoes. La Sportiva has optimized them with their new geometry of 3D chassis. Moreover, one noticeable thing was soft and snuggly fit that made us forget whatever our feet were dealing with and set us up for the run. If you’re all about a lightweight, supportive, and durable shoe, it would recommend this one.


Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Super comfortable
  • ✔️ Solid traction with GTX Capability
  • ✔️ Very protective
Cons
  • ❌ Less stable
  • ❌ A bit chunky
  • ❌ Still not too wide

Speedgoat 4 GTX was most anticipated by us because we were looking forward to new improvements, and it turned out so nice to us with some noticeable improvements. With maximum cushioning and increased stability, this one wins our top picks among all the best women’s waterproof stability trail running shoes that we tested. They fitted comfortably and absorbed the shocks very nicely with the GTX capability. We didn’t feel rocks and shit touching our feet. However, it is not soft and offers an excellent return of energy for a bounce-filled trail feeling. We liked the way it gets us past puddles and water splashes. Though some moistness anyhow made it’s way inside, the shoe dried out nice… If you’re all about cushioning and love a smooth ride of GTX, we would suggest these.


Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 14 GTX


Pros
  • ✔️ Uber comfy
  • ✔️ Spacious in toes
  • ✔️ Solid traction
Cons
  • ❌ Lack of responsiveness
  • ❌ Ventilation not up to the par
  • ❌ A bit heavy for women

When we got to know that these shoes have been prized by ultra-trail star Scott Jurek, for being versatile, we definitely had to try them. We found the platform to be comfortable, well equipped with TrailTrack sole and the multidirectional studs. We enjoyed a nice grip on so many types of terrains, especially on wet surfaces. The noticeable thing was a new mesh that is more tightly woven than before, that provides better protection… But this doesn’t work fine in the ventilation department. It comes with a moderately thick sole with a 24 mm full stack-height under the heel and an 8 mm drop. The midsole offered a good ground feeling, and the shocks were nicely handled, but the shoe failed our expectations when it came to the right amount of bounce and responsiveness. Also, the gore-tex protection is excellent and it gets dry nicely, so, if you are after comfort, versatility, and traction, go for this one, but if you sweat a lot, we won’t recommend this.



5 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes For Men


Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Super lightweight
  • ✔️ Super stable
  • ✔️ Solid traction
Cons
  • ❌ Fit tight right out of the box.
  • ❌ Midsole gets harsh

Lightweight trail shoes are easier to maintain a brisk pace especially for men cuz they have heavier feet than females. If you want to knock off huge chunks of miles, we would recommend going for Terrex Swift R3 Gore Tex hiking shoes. These gore tex invisible fit pair weighs a reasonable 1.8 pounds and the shoe was very protective and tough. You may not like the stiff feeling, but the stiffness makes the shoe more protective so, to me, that’s a plus. Moreover, with deep and durable lugs, the traction it offers is the best part after weight, which we liked about this waterproof road shoe. Also, the stability it offers is so amazing and can be the best option for people seeking a low-top stability shoe.


Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Asics GT 2000 10 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Solid traction
  • ✔️ Nice value
  • ✔️ Super-versatile
Cons
  • ❌ Not so durable

It is a nice all-around trail running shoe that is super versatile and highly waterproof. This works well both off and on-trail runs with nice support to the feet. These shoes proved to be packed with more than the price tags. There isn’t a shoe we’ve found that comes close to offering the same performance at this price level. A shoe that feels light on the foot like a road running shoe and offers fantastic traction, versatility especially in waterproofness. The company aimed to make the shoes very comfortable and stale and it sounds true the moment we put our foot inside. They’re comfortable to an extent and very supportive, we must say. Furthermore, the lacing system is so facile and allows for a range of adjustability, while the collars snug up to the ankles providing a comfortable fit.


Men’s Trail Running Shoes

La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Quick lacing system
  • ✔️ Well-cushioned shoe
  • ✔️ Very versatile
Cons
  • ❌ Gets hot in summer
  • ❌ Not super durable

If you are all about solid traction, and you dare to go to challenging trails, this super aggressive shoe is for you. We tested these on super dangerous terrains and failed to find an area where these shoes didn’t excel. It offers lots of deep multidirectional lugs with nine to 13 edges that provinces unbeatable and unparalleled traction. They may look a bit stiff but actually are very comfortable. The Goretex protection worked perfectly and the overall protection is up to the mark. We would throw these shoes in the most aggressive shoes we have ever tested.


Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Super pocket friendly
  • ✔️ Very durable
  • ✔️ Lightweight yet comfy
Cons
  • ❌ Gets hot in summer
  • ❌ Not suitable for technical terrains

Want a budget-friendly trail shoe that is lightweight and has ample cushioning? Get Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 GTX. As a brand, Hoka is known for technology that supports the orthopedic health of runners… These plantar fasciitis orthopedic shoes are perfect as shoe molds to the shape of the foot, improving comfort with each run and therefore fall udner good mens shoes for knee pain. The company claims these shoes to feature a waterproof membrane and sturdy synthetic leather upper, well, they coped well with anything the weather throws on us. We would throw these in the category of daily trainers because they’re not perfect if you want speed. They have V-shaped outsole lugs that are super aggressive and provide amazing traction while ensuring maximum forward and rear motion grip. Filled with reasonable foams, we appreciate this shoe remains lightweight. While the gel technology in the rearfoot absorbs shocks very well.


Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 14 GTX

Pros
  • ✔️ Well-cushioned shoe
  • ✔️ Comfy arch support
  • ✔️ Solid traction
Cons
  • ❌ Rubs a little on toes
  • ❌ Annoying laces

Want a neutral shoe with great performance, or if you have plantar fasciitis, go for Brooks Ghost 14 GTX. It is a trail shoe with comfortable cushioning and arch support. It notably provides the needs of trainers looking for a well-cushioned every day or a tempo trainer. The arch support is amazing and quite responsive and we must appreciate the durability. In terms of traction, we would say it’s one of the top shoes that we tried. If you are in search of a good waterproof trail shoe that fits under budget, or you have been a fan of Brooks, this is something to consider.



Conclusion


Trail running is all about getting your feet dirty. Those puddles, muds, splashes, rains, river crossing, and sundries…We understand it gets very annoying as they make their way inside the shoe. Not only they make running so uncomfortable but can end trail runner up with aches and blisters. Thanks to Gore-Tex technology that we have the option to go for our favorite shoes with a shield that keeps moisture at bay. Moreover, waterproof shoes are excellent for keeping your cold feet warm in harsh weather. However, not all shoes are made equal! One shoe that can work for your partner may not be suitable for you. We always suggest listening to the jargon of your foot, your preferences, and going for shoes that fit the situation like a glove through this guide of Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes.

Video Credits: The Running Channel

FAQs

Well, depends on the track or weather, is it? If it’s cold, you definitely need a pair of the best waterproof trail running shoes. If there is going to be water and puddles in your way, your shoes definitely need to be waterproof.
A shoe that not only locks the water from getting inside but can let the moisture inside get dry fast. This article covers a bunch of tried and tested best waterproof trail running shoes that work for different situations and needs.
Yes, if your shoes aren’t water-resistant, they may drink a lot of water, get heavy, and hold you to give your best. That’s why we always suggest going for a pair of the best waterproof trail running shoes by checking reviews online.
Yes, GORE-TEX shoes offer guaranteed waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection.

Author Box
James Leigh

James Leigh

James Leigh is a certified health professional, physiotherapist, and a seasoned runner who wins Boston Marathon, with a wealth of experience under his belt. Passionate about sharing his expertise with fellow runners. James is your go-to expert for your health, wellness and running tips.