Wet, cold feet can ruin a run. A waterproof shoe can be the perfect solution to your freezing toes’ woes. Particularly if you are running in the snow, a waterproof shoe is great because it will keep the cold and moisture outside and your feet toasty warm.
These shoes also offer more protection for your feet with water-resistant materials such as GORE-TEX keeping the water and snow on the ground where it belongs.
Waterproof running shoes are made as both road and trail shoes. For the road shoes, not only are they waterproof, but they can sometimes have the added bonus of extra reflective elements or additional grip to help you log your miles regardless of weather conditions. There are waterproof options for running whether you prefer either a neutral or stability shoe as well. For trail running, waterproof shoes can help with muddy or slick runs as well as keep your feet warm when there is snow on your favorite trail.
There are a couple of tradeoffs when it comes to waterproof shoes. The first is that, although the outside is waterproof, if you are going through creeks that are knee high, they will not prevent the water from getting into your shoes. Then the same great material that keeps water out, will also slow drainage. The second is that they are not as breathable. This can be a benefit for cold winter running, but your feet can get hot if the weather is warmer. Finally, waterproof shoes tend to be heavier than their non-waterproof counterparts. The additional protection on the shoes comes with additional weight.
Whether you are traversing muddy trails or pounding slushy pavement, we’ll help you find the perfect waterproof shoe for you.
What’s It Best For | Shoe Model |
Best Neutral Road Waterproof Shoes | |
Best everyday trainer | |
Best for running in the snow | |
Best for wearing around town | |
Best for running in the dark | |
Best Stability Road Waterproof Shoes | |
Best for cushioned stability | |
Best for light stability | |
Best All-Terrain Waterproof Shoes | |
Best everyday trainer | |
Best lightweight shoe | |
Best Trail Waterproof Shoes | |
Best for mid-distance runs | |
Best for everyday trail runs | |
Best for long distance trail runs | Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low |
Best fitting trail shoe | |
Best for snowy runs | |
Best for hiking | |
[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2023. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]
Tips for Running in Inclement Weather
Best Neutral Road Waterproof Shoes
Best everyday trainer
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
$160
All of the factors that make the Brooks Ghost 14 one of the best and most versatile running shoes can also be found in the Ghost 14 GTX —it is soft, cushioned and comfortable. Brooks added a lightweight GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit membrane bonded directly to the upper for a light, flexible fit. Great for running in the rain and through puddles, the Brooks Ghost 14 GTX will keep your feet warm and dry.
Best for running in the snow
Saucony Ride 15 Runshield
$150
This winter-inspired shoe is as comfortable as it is stylish. Saucony used a water-resistant upper and added a thermal layer to make it the perfect shoe to run through the snow during the colder weather months. Saucony’s softer and bouncier PWRRUN foam gives you plenty of cushion to put in the miles.
Best for wearing around town
On Cloud 5 Waterproof
$127.5 - $170
Whether you are running or walking around town, rain won’t stop you in the On Cloud Waterproof. On specially engineered the mesh in these shoes to keep the rain and wind out of your shoes. The unique cloud elements will cushion your midsole making this a great athleisure shoe. Plus, this shoe has reflective details to keep you visible even under the thickest cloud cover.
Best for running in the dark
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 GTX
$160
Keep your feet dry and comfortable with the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 GTX. This shoe pairs a Gore-Tex waterproof fabric on the upper with New Balance’s soft Fresh Foam X cushioning to give you an unbeatable combination. New Balance also added reflective detailing for extra visibility, so you can run long on short days.
Best Stability Road Running Waterproof Shoes
Best cushioned stability shoe
On Cloudflyer Waterproof 2.0
$135 - $180
The perfect combination of cushion and stability, the On Cloudflyer Waterproof 2.0 will keep you running through any weather condition. This Swiss engineered shoe has Helion foam and CloudTec pods to give your foot cushioning when it needs it. The lightweight, breathable and flexible waterproof membrane is 100% waterproof and windproof. They also added reflective details for running in low light conditions. With a wider outsole and added support in the midfoot, this is a great shoe for training in any condition.
Best for light stability
ASICS GT-2000 v11 GTX
$160
Keep your feet dry and warm with the ASICS GT-2000 GTX. It has a Gore-Tex upper that is waterproof and breathable to keep your feet protected. The upper delivers the look and feel of knit with the fit, structure and function of engineered mesh. ASICS’ Litetruss technology provides stability for those who overpronate or have flexible arches, while the FF Blast cushioning provides for a soft and bouncy experience during each run.
Best All Terrain Running Shoes
Best everyday trainer
HOKA Challenger ATR 6 GTX
$150 $112.5
The HOKA Challenger ATR 6 GTX is perfect for running in any weather, on any surface. Go ahead and run the roads to the trails with this all terrain shoe. The GORE-TEX bootie upper will make sure your feet stay warm and dry in the rain, mud and snow.
The early stage Meta-Rocker and EVA cushioning will have you running up and down hills with comfort and ease. The lugs are closer together to give you more grip on uneven or slick terrain so you can run on roads and easy to moderately technical trails in the HOKA Challenger ATR 6 GTX.
Best lightweight shoe
Nike Pegasus 4 Trail GTX
$160
When your runs take you on both roads and trails, the Nike Pegasus 4 Trail GTX is the perfect shoe. Whether you are running through puddles or in the rain, the Gore-Tex layer keeps your feet dry, while an all-new gaiter and high collar prevent any debris from getting inside the shoe. This shoe is lightweight and flexible with Nike’s React foam making it perfect for running on packed snow, roads or trails.
Best Trail Waterproof Shoes
Best for mid-distance runs
On Cloudventure Waterproof 3.0
$127.5 - $170
Run through the mud, snow or rain in the On Cloudventure Waterproof 3.0. This shoe has everything you need to tackle the trails in all types of weather conditions. On’s 100% waterproof membrane that is flexible and breathable to help your foot move freely over uneven surfaces. The Mission grip outsole combines grip patterns to prevent slippage from occurring. The split-design Speedboard and narrower midfoot allows for extra torsion so your feet flow over roots and rocks. Go straight through the puddles in the Cloudventure Waterproof 3.0.
Best everyday trail shoe
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
$160
The Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX is a great waterproof option for the beginner or experienced trail runner alike. Brooks added more cushion to the Cascadia to make it even more comfortable and changed the rock plate to improve the range of motion. The lightweight GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane is bonded directly to the upper for a light, flexible fit that keeps your feet warm and dry. The rubber outsole is perfect for those muddy runs with deep, widely spaced lugs that grip on slick surfaces without having mud clog them up.
Best fitting trail shoe
KARHU Ikoni Trail WR
$160
Karhu has taken data from over 3 million foot scans to create one of the best-fitting trail shoes on the market. Inspired by the technical and non-technical terrain of Finland, this trail shoe has specialized M-lugs and T-lugs to give you the traction to confidently take on any trail. The Ascending Fulcrum propels your foot while going uphill or downhill, and the inner bootie has been constructed from a water-resistant membrane that will keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Best for snowy runs
Saucony Peregrine ICE+ 3
$150
Winterize your running shoes with the Saucony Peregrine ICE+ 3. This shoe can handle trails, roads, snow and ice with ease thanks to the PWRTRAC ICE outsole that is super grippy and has 3.5 mm lugs. This shoe features Saucony’s soft and springy PWRRUN foam, so you will feel cushioned and energized throughout your run. Plus, the water-resistant RUNSHIELD upper, which is gaiter compatible, will keep all of the snow and slush out of your shoes, so your feet will stay dry and comfortable.
Best hiking shoe
HOKA Anacapa GTX
$185
New to the Hoka shoe collection, this hiking shoe has everything you need. HOKA has taken their classic cushioning and geometry and combined it with the rugged durability of GORE-TEX and waterproofed leather to create a great hiking boot. They even have both a mid-rise and low cut option to fit your hiking shoe preferences. With its vibram outsole and plush cushioning, get ready for some epic hiking adventures in the HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa GTX.
How We Picked the Best Waterproof Shoes
We chose the best waterproof running shoes by poring over the details of each model. Through wear testing, interviews with shoe designers and professional athletes, and our own fit id® data, we chose the shoes we think will work best for most runners in most situations.
You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.
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