For the avid runner, there is a “no excuses” approach to tackling the great outdoors each and every day in order to meet fitness goals. Unfortunately, Mother Nature can’t be tamed and often her plans don’t coincide with our own, resulting in less than desirable running conditions. Yes, you guessed it – the rain. Cold, wet running conditions result in soggy grass terrains, slick pavement, and puddles with questionable depth. If your running shoe isn’t waterproof, running on a wet day means soggy socks and a miserable attitude.
Waterproof runners often feature technology that will keep the cold and wet at bay, all while still allowing proper circulation and ventilation so your feet don’t sweat. The best part is that many of your favorite brands feature waterproof models, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and brand loyalty.
Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX Running Shoe
A true mud warrior available in 5 different colors, the Speedcross 4 from Salomon will keep your feet safe while hitting the pavement. An aggressive lug pattern results in a sturdy grip, so you can switch terrains easily without slipping. GORE-TEX technology promises a weatherproof experience without compromising on comfort, breathability, and ventilation. The anti-debris mesh keeps sand and dirt from seeping into your socks, and it rolls off easily when it dries. Sensifit technology cradles the foot from the midsole throughout the laces to keep everything snug and secure.
- Tech: Anti-debris mesh, water-resistant GORE-TEX textile, Wet Traction Contagrip, Sensifit
Inov-8 Roclite 282 GTX Trail Running Shoe
For a lean sneaker that keeps its technology concealed through a sleek design, the Roclite 282 GTX trail runner from Inov-8 is the pair to take a closer look at. A 5-millimeter sticky and lugged outsole grips the ground easily and firmly, allowing for superior takeoff and easy terrain transition. A mesh body creates breathability and comfort, while the inner GORE-TEX lining keeps the cold and wet at bay without sacrificing the quality of your run. The Roclite 282 is also much lighter than its predecessor, so there is no added weight keeping your feet down.
- Tech: GORE-TEX textile, 5-millimeter sticky outsole, SHOC-ZONE 3 Arrow
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic GTX Shoe
No stranger to the quality running shoe market, Adidas brings forth the Outdoor Terrex Agravic GTX shoe for your rainy day needs. Featuring responsive Boost cushioning that provides a comfortable bounce to your step regardless of how hard you are running. The Continental Rubber outsole grips and hugs every landscape you throw at it, and it thrives in wet conditions. The textile mesh body has detailed, abrasion-resistant welding to halt any damage to your shoe due to twigs and rocks while on the go. GORE-TEX lining keeps every drop of water away from your socks without sacrificing comfort. The style takes the traditional three-stripe Adidas trademark and brings it to life with a variety of colors.
- Tech: GORE-TEX lining, Continental Rubber, abrasion-resistant textile and mesh, Boost cushioning
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX Running Shoe
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX running shoe is an ideal go-to for your all-terrain needs. Abrasion-resistant mesh microfiber uppers paired with the HF reinforcement lacing harness creates an overall durable shoe, built to last run after run. The shoe features GORE-TEX technology and GORE-TEX Extended Comfort, ensuring the water-resistance you require on a rainy day jaunt while keeping everything ventilated and comfortable. Ultralight Airmesh will keep your feet cool in the heat, and will assist in preventing blisters while on a long distance run. A FriXion XT sole and with Impact Brake Systems and X-Axis create stability and ideal traction while you navigate rocky and muddy terrains. The unparalleled TPU Transkinetic heel creates a reinforced ankle support that avoids injury and keeps you in the game.
- Tech: GORE-TEX lining, HF reinforcements, FriXion XT sole, Impact Brake System, X-Axis, TPU Transkinetic heel, abrasion-resistant AirMesh
Saucony Ride 10 GTX Running Shoe
Named Runner’s World Best Update for Summer 2017, Saucony’s 10th addition of the Ride series features a GTX running shoe. With the new InvisibleFit technology introduced by GORE-TEX, you will have a waterproof and weatherproof running experience without compromising a comfortable and almost customized fit. The shoe is incredibly lightweight due to engineered mesh and a woven heel. The TRI-FLEX outsole is designed for optimal, minimized shock with great ground contact and ideal flexibility. The EVERUN topsole construction cushions your foot and keeps it snug to the shoe, without causing unwanted rubbing and chaffing.
- Tech: InvisibleFit, GORE-TEX lining, EVERUN Topsole, TRI-FLEX outsole, engineered mesh
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Shield iD Shoe
If you are in the market for a water-resistant shoe that can be easily customized and personalized, look no further than Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Shield iD running shoe. The one-piece Flymesh material is super lightweight and ultra breathable, and is built with a water-resistant finish to keep the rain and mud out without overheating your foot. Flywire cables run throughout the lacing system to create sturdiness to the arch of your foot for ultimate support. A sticky rubber on the forefoot creates additional traction for takeoff even on slick roads and acts as additional traction for inclined runs. The Zoom Air technology means a cushioned and springy feel each step you take.
- Tech: Flymesh material, water-resistant finish, Flywire cables, sticky rubber forefoot, Zoom Air forefoot and heel
Brooks Ghost 10 GTX Running Shoe
For a removable foam sole and a plush, buttery soft fabric and collar, reach for the Ghost 10 GTX running shoe brought to you by Brooks. Featuring a GORE-TEX technology membrane that keeps cold and wet weather on the outside, engineered mesh with thin synthetic overlays that expand and contrast with every step, and Omega Flex grooves that encourage natural foot movement. Brooks own BioMoGo DNA is a prime adaptive cushioning technology that hugs the midsole for a stable running experience. The soft-blown rubberized outsole and forefoot allow for swift spring action with every step.
- Tech: High energizing cushion, GORE-TEX membrane, BioMoGo DNA, Omega Flex grooves, engineered mesh
Topo Athletic Hydroventure Running Shoe
Named The National Geographic’s 2016 “Gear of the Year” award winner, the Hydroventure by Topo Athletic earned its title by delivering a flexible running shoe that can face puddles and mud head-on. Promising to be the lightest waterproof shoe on the market today, the eVent mesh is coated with the brand’s synthetic waterproofing material while keeping the foot ventilated and comfortable. A flexible rock plate is featured in the EVA midsole to protect against roots, rocks and any other hard surface you may come across on your trail run. The carbon rubber outsole has multi-directional lug patterns to offer a firm grip and just the right amount of traction. The forefoot flex grooves keep a natural flexibility to the foot, and additional mud release features keep dirt and grime at bay for an easy clean.
- Tech: eVent Waterproof mesh, EVA midsole, forefoot flex grooves
Under Armour Verge 2.0 Low GTX Running Shoe
Delivered by a brand that creates tough, durable and breathable clothing at an athletic-level standard, Under Armour has created the Verge 2.0 Low GTX running shoe. The 100% GORE-TEX waterproofing is breathable and comfortable, and withstands the test of time by ensuring a water-resistant experience even after serious wear and tear. The textile and synthetic structure is super lightweight and quick drying after a rainy day trek in the city. Welded overlays increase foot support and offer a strong, durable stability. The ESS rock plate in the midsole protects your feet from sharp and hard surfaces, while the EVA midsole’s soft foam base gives you shock-resistance and springs you into your next step. Michelin Wild Gripper outsole features a state-of-the-art lug pattern used on tires to promise traction and great control.
- Tech: GORE-TEX membrane, ESS rock plate in EVA midsole, welded overlays, Michelin outsole with Wild Gripper lug pattern
The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoe
The North Face Ultra 109 GTX hiking shoe was created to survive the ever-changing terrains and tough weather conditions often faced on a hike. Versatile for both a nature hike and a run around the block, the GORE-TEX technology features its own Extended Comfort Range, which promises strong water-resistance while feeling breathable. Mesh walls ventilate your feet to keep them from overheating, while the compression-molded EVA midsole holds your foot in place with every step. The rugged UltrATAC rubber soles offer unparalleled traction while hitting wet surfaces, and work just as well when the weather is back to balmy.
- Tech: GORE-TEX waterproofing, Extended Comfort Range, EVA midsole, Snake Plate construction, UltrATAC rubber soles
On Running Cloudventure Shield Sneaker
Sporting its own waterproof technology, the Cloudventure Shield sneaker from On Running showcases a pioneered membrane technology built into the shoe material (not sprayed or brushed on) which means it won’t wash away overtime. Due to the lack of hardened glaze that many shoes use to waterproof, the sneaker maintains all the flexibility and stretch you’d expect from a standard pair of runners. The incredible cushioning inside the shoe keeps your foot stable and avoids unnecessary shock when you hit the pavement. A rubberized outsole creates traction, and the rounded rubberized toe works wonders while running on hills.
- Tech: Cloudventure Waterproof engineered membrane, soft cushioning
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Low Neo Shoe
For a shoe loaded with state-of-the-art technology, check out the Lone Peak 3.0 by Altra. The Polartec NeoShell lining will keep your feet warm and dry by creating an all-weather barrier between you and the mud and puddles that may cross your path. Sandwiched StoneGuard Rock Protection technology handles rough and sharp objects without penetrating the shoe (or your foot!), and the unique lug traction on the rubberized outsole is patterned for uphill and downhill motion. The Altra FootShape toe box encourages your foot to remain in a natural position to increase form and avoid injuries.
- Tech: Natural Ride System, GaiterTrap technology, StoneGuard Sandwiched Rock Protection, Polartec NeoShell, TrailClaw outsole