Best Waterproof Running Shoes 2024
Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet
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 cushion | |
Best for wearing around town | |
Best for running in the rain | |
Best Stability Road Waterproof Shoes | |
Best for stability | |
Best All-Terrain Waterproof Shoes | |
Best everyday trainer | |
Best Lightweight Trainer | |
Best Trail Waterproof Shoes | |
Best for everyday trail runs | |
Best for long distance trail runs | |
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 2024. 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 15 GTX
original price $170 sale/discounted price $127.50
All of the features that make the Brooks Ghost 15 one of the best and most versatile running shoes can also be found in the Ghost 15 GTX. This waterproof running shoe is soft, cushioned and comfortable for all-day wear. Plus, Brooks added a lightweight, waterproof GORE-TEX® upper that keeps the elements out while staying flexible, which is great for keeping your feet warm and dry while you’re running in the rain and through puddles.
Best for running in the snow
Saucony Triumph 21 Runshield
original price $170 sale/discounted price $127.50
This winter-inspired shoe is as comfortable as it is stylish. Saucony uses a water-resistant upper made of ripstop fabric to help you run through the rain, snow and slush during the colder weather months. Plus, Saucony’s soft and bouncy PWRRUN+ foam gives you plenty of cushion to put in the miles.
Best for cushion
HOKA Clifton 9 GTX
$160
Stay dry and warm without sacrificing cushion in the HOKA Clifton 9 GTX.
HOKA took one of their best running shoes, the Clifton 9, and added a Gore-Tex® upper to keep your feet warm and dry. It also has 360 degrees of reflectivity to help keep you visible, while weather-ready traction pods on the bottom give you extra grip.
The HOKA Clifton 9 GTX has a super cushioned, yet lightweight, midsole with rocker geometry that makes every step smooth and comfortable in any weather.
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 rain
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13 GTX
$160
Keep your feet dry and comfortable with the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13 GTX. This shoe pairs a Gore-Tex® waterproof fabric upper with New Balance’s soft Fresh Foam X cushioning to give you an unbeatable combination. New Balance also added a Vibram® outsole to give you extra traction when you are running on snow or ice.
Best Stability Road Running Waterproof Shoes
Best for light stability
ASICS GT-2000 v11 GTX
original price $160 sale/discounted price $120
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 7 Gore-Tex
$160
The HOKA Challenger ATR 7 Gore-Tex is perfect for running in any weather, on any surface. Go ahead and run the roads on the way to the trails with this all-terrain shoe. The GORE-TEX Invisible Fit 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 outsole on the HOKA Challenger ATR 7 Gore-Tex has been updated to run more smoothly on the road, while still being able to handle easy to moderately technical trails.
Best lightweight shoe
Brooks Divide 4 GTX
original price $130 sale/discounted price $110
Double your running route options—the Brooks Divide 4 GTX can go anywhere and keep your feet dry. It fits and feels like a road shoe, but has the grip to handle light trails or snow with ease. The Gore-Tex® upper keeps your feet dry as you run through puddles, slush or rain.
Best Trail Waterproof Shoes
Best everyday trail shoe
Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX
original price $170 sale/discounted price $127.50
The Brooks Cascadia 17 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 thanks to the deep, widely spaced lugs that grip on slick surfaces without getting clogged with mud.
Best for long distance trail runs
Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low 2
$160
The Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low 2 shoes have everything you need for running through the rain, mud and snow. There is a water-resistant upper to keep your feet dry and EGO™ cushioning to keep you comfortable for long hours on the trails.
The MaxTrac™ outsole delivers a ton of grip for muddy or snowy trails, and Altra’s signature FootShaped™ toe box gives your toes more space to splay and creates a more stable ride to handle any weather conditions.
Best fitting trail shoe
KARHU Ikoni Trail WR
$160
Karhu has taken data from over 5 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 2
$146.25 - $195
One of the most popular HOKA shoes, 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. This newest version is even more eco-friendly for more sustainability. 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 Anacapa GTX 2.
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.