Best Waterproof Running Shoes (2026)
GORE-TEX road and trail trainers that keep feet dry through rain, mud, and snow, across every budget and surface, with one pick per use.
Rain, mud, and snow shouldn’t cancel your run. An ordinary mesh trainer soaks through in minutes, leaving cold, squelching, blister-prone feet - but a waterproof running shoe seals out the wet so you can keep training in comfort whatever the weather. Below are the best waterproof running shoes across every surface and budget, from plush road trainers to grippy trail runners and studded ice shoes.
Explore by category
This is our best-of-the-best across running. For deeper, category-specific picks, see our focused guides:
- Best waterproof trail running shoes - grip for mud, rock, and roots
- Best GORE-TEX road running shoes - cushioned trainers for wet pavement
- Best waterproof running shoes for winter - ice studs, snow lugs, and warmth
- Best budget waterproof running shoes - dry feet without the premium price
- Best women’s waterproof running shoes - women’s-specific fits
How we picked
We prioritized proven waterproof protection (GORE-TEX and quality membranes), outsole grip on wet roads and trails, cushioning and comfort for a running gait, and a secure fit - then chose the standout across each running niche. Every shoe was held to our standard five-criteria test below.
How we test waterproof shoes
Every pick is scored on the same five criteria and cross-checked against real owner feedback - so the ranking reflects how a shoe holds up, not its spec sheet.
Waterproofing
How well it seals - GORE-TEX, eVent, or a quality liner, with gusseted tongues and taped seams.
Traction
Outsole compound and lug pattern, and real grip on wet rock, gravel, and slick mud.
Support
Midsole stiffness, torsional rigidity, and stability on uneven ground and under a pack.
Comfort
Fit and width options, cushioning, break-in, and weight over long days.
Durability
Upper toughness, toe and heel protection, and how it holds up season after season.
Best trail overall
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
The most well-rounded waterproof trail runner: a grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole bites wet rock and roots, a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry without the stiff feel of clunkier shoes, and cushioned PWRRUN foam stays comfortable on long, technical miles.
Pros
- Outstanding Vibram Megagrip traction
- Breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
- Cushioned yet nimble
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel firm on pavement
- Snug performance fit
Best road overall
Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
The best cushioned road shoe for wet miles: a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane bonds to the upper for light, breathable waterproofing, plush DNA LOFT v3 foam smooths hard pavement, and grippy RoadTack rubber holds wet roads. A superb rainy-day daily trainer.
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing for a road shoe
- Plush, balanced neutral cushioning
- Reliable grip on wet pavement
Cons
- Snug toe box for wide feet
- Warmer than mesh on mild days
Best for mud
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX
When trails turn to soup, nothing grips like the Speedcross. Deep chevron lugs and Mud Contagrip rubber claw through mud, snow, and soft ground, all sealed by a GORE-TEX membrane and locked down by the snug Quicklace system.
Pros
- Unbeatable grip in mud and soft ground
- Fully waterproof GORE-TEX
- Secure Quicklace fit
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel odd on pavement
- Narrow fit
Most cushioned
Saucony Triumph 23 GTX
For long, wet road miles in maximum comfort, the Triumph pairs a deep, soft PWRRUN PB midsole with a waterproof GORE-TEX upper. It soaks up unforgiving pavement while keeping rain and puddles out - a plush pick for high-mileage and heavier runners.
Pros
- Exceptional plush cushioning
- Waterproof GORE-TEX upper
- Stable for a soft shoe
Cons
- Heavier than lean trainers
- Premium price
Best road-to-trail
HOKA Challenger 8 GTX
If your runs mix pavement and dirt, the Challenger 8 GTX handles both: plush HOKA foam stays smooth on roads, moderate lugs grip packed trails, and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry across surfaces. A versatile do-it-all waterproof trainer.
Pros
- Cushioned and smooth on pavement
- Capable on dirt and gravel
- Breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
Cons
- Lugs too shallow for deep mud
- Less stable on technical ground
Best for ice & winter
Icebug NewRun BUGrip GTX
The only shoe here that grips sheet ice: Icebug embeds 18 dynamic carbide steel studs that bite pure ice and packed snow, while a GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane keeps feet dry and a BOA dial locks the fit. The pick for icy winter running.
Pros
- Carbide studs grip pure ice
- Fully waterproof GORE-TEX
- Precise BOA dial fit
Cons
- Studs slip on bare indoor floors
- Premium price
Best cushioned road value
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 GTX
A plush, versatile road trainer that keeps rain and slush out: soft Fresh Foam X cushioning smooths hard pavement, a GORE-TEX membrane seals the upper, and a grippy outsole holds wet roads. Comfortable, dependable, and a strong value for daily wet-weather miles.
Pros
- Plush Fresh Foam X cushioning
- Waterproof GORE-TEX membrane
- Great everyday value
Cons
- Road only - not for mud or snow
- Warm on mild days
Best budget
Saucony Excursion TR15 GTX
A rare budget trail runner with a genuine GORE-TEX upper: trail-specific mesh locks the foot in, carbon-rubber lugs grip wet dirt, and the streamlined build looks less bulky than most value shoes. The best cheap way into waterproof running.
Pros
- Genuine GORE-TEX at a low price
- Grippy carbon-rubber lugs
- Streamlined, secure fit
Cons
- Basic cushioning
- Not for long, fast efforts
Also worth considering
Strong, well-reviewed shoes that just missed our ranked list - worth a look if the picks above aren't quite right for you.
- Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX - Salomon's iconic ultra-stable waterproof trail runner - thousands of owners and a top rating; tough, grippy, and built to last seasons.
- adidas Ultraboost 22 GORE-TEX - A plush, street-ready road trainer with Continental WinterGrip and a waterproof Primeknit upper - a well-reviewed alternative that's often deeply discounted.
- Salomon Speedcross 4 - The previous-generation Speedcross with thousands of reviews - deep-lug grip and a quick-drying upper, often cheaper than the current model.
- Nike Winflo 9 Shield - A weatherized, water-repellent road trainer - cushioned and warm for cold, wet runs at a friendly price.
Frequently asked questions
Should I run in waterproof shoes?
For cold, wet, muddy, or snowy runs, yes - a waterproof membrane keeps your feet drier and warmer, which makes bad-weather miles far more comfortable. For hot, dry summer running, a breathable non-waterproof shoe usually feels better, since any membrane traps some heat.
Are these good waterproof running trainers for jogging?
Yes - whether you call them running trainers or jogging shoes, every pick here keeps your feet dry on rainy road and trail runs. Choose a cushioned road model (like the Brooks Ghost GTX) for pavement jogging, or a lugged trail model (like the Saucony Peregrine GTX) for wet, off-road running.
What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant running shoes?
Water-resistant shoes shrug off light drizzle and splashes but soak through in sustained rain or puddles. Waterproof running shoes use a sealed membrane (usually GORE-TEX) that keeps water out even through puddles and wet grass - until water pours in over the collar. For real wet-weather running, choose fully waterproof.
Do waterproof running shoes make your feet overheat?
They're warmer and less breathable than mesh, so feet run hotter on mild days - a fair trade in cold rain. Newer membranes like GORE-TEX Invisible Fit breathe noticeably better than older ones. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks and save them for genuinely wet or cold conditions.
Waterproof road or trail running shoes - which do I need?
Match the surface. For roads, sidewalks, and rainy commutes, a cushioned waterproof road shoe rolls smoothly. For parks, gravel, mud, and trails, a lugged waterproof trail shoe grips far better on soft, uneven ground. See our dedicated road and trail guides below.
How should waterproof running shoes fit?
Aim for a thumb's width at the toe so your feet don't jam on downhills, with a secure midfoot and heel that stop sliding. Try them on with your running socks late in the day when feet are slightly swollen; trail shoes often fit a touch snugger for a locked-in feel.