Best Waterproof Sports Shoes (2026)
One page mapping the best GORE-TEX and membrane shoes for running, hiking, trail, walking, and everyday athletic wear, and which you need.
“Sports shoes” covers a lot of ground - running, hiking, the trail, walking, the occasional obstacle race - and rain, mud, and puddles threaten all of it. Rather than one compromise shoe, the smart move is the best waterproof shoe for the activity you actually do. Below we map the top waterproof sports shoes by activity, from versatile all-rounders to specialists, so you can find your match in one place.
The best waterproof shoe for each activity
Every pick below keeps your feet dry with a proven waterproof membrane (mostly GORE-TEX). Want to go deeper on your sport? We have dedicated guides:
- Best waterproof running shoes - road, trail, winter, and budget
- Best waterproof trail running shoes - grip for mud and rock
- Best waterproof hiking shoes - day hikes and trekking
- Best waterproof walking shoes - everyday comfort in the wet
How we picked
We chose the standout waterproof shoe for each major activity - judged on real waterproofing, grip, comfort, support, and durability - plus versatile all-rounders that cross between sports. Every pick is a real, in-stock model with a genuine waterproof membrane, 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 all-round sports shoe
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
The ultimate do-everything waterproof athletic shoe: Salomon's 3D Advanced Chassis delivers stability and motion control for running, hiking, and daily wear alike, an all-terrain Contagrip outsole grips any surface, and a GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry. Tough, stable, and genuinely versatile - the closest thing to one shoe for everything.
Pros
- Stable, supportive 3D chassis
- Grippy all-terrain Contagrip
- Durable, fully waterproof GORE-TEX
Cons
- Firmer than plush running shoes
- Heavier than a pure road trainer
Best lightweight all-terrain
Merrell Moab Speed GORE-TEX
A lighter, faster, athletic take on Merrell's classic Moab: cushioned and quick enough to run, protective enough to hike, with a grippy outsole and a GORE-TEX membrane. A comfortable, nimble all-terrain sports shoe for people who mix trails, walks, and light runs.
Pros
- Light and athletic
- Comfortable cushioning
- Versatile grip; GORE-TEX
Cons
- Less support than burly hikers
- Average outsole life
Best for road running
Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
The best waterproof shoe for pavement running: plush DNA LOFT v3 foam smooths hard roads, a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry, and grippy RoadTack rubber holds wet streets. See our [road running guide](/best-gore-tex-road-running-shoes/) for more.
Pros
- Plush, balanced road cushioning
- Excellent road-shoe waterproofing
- Reliable wet-pavement grip
Cons
- Not for mud or trails
- Snug toe box for wide feet
Best for trail running
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
The best waterproof shoe for running trails: a grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole bites wet rock and roots, GORE-TEX Invisible Fit keeps feet dry, and cushioned PWRRUN foam handles long, technical miles. More in our [trail running guide](/best-waterproof-trail-running-shoes/).
Pros
- Outstanding Vibram Megagrip
- Breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
- Cushioned yet nimble
Cons
- Aggressive lugs firm on pavement
- Snug performance fit
Best for mud & obstacle races
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX
When the ground turns to soup - muddy trails, OCR courses, soft fields - nothing grips like the Speedcross. Deep chevron lugs and Mud Contagrip claw through slop, sealed by a GORE-TEX membrane and locked down by the snug Quicklace system.
Pros
- Unbeatable grip in mud
- Fully waterproof GORE-TEX
- Secure Quicklace fit
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel odd on pavement
- Narrow fit
Best for hiking
adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX
The best waterproof sports shoe for the trail on foot: a grippy Continental rubber outsole, a GORE-TEX membrane, and a light, agile build make it a superb day-hiking and trail-walking shoe. See our full [hiking shoes guide](/best-waterproof-hiking-shoes/).
Pros
- Outstanding Continental grip
- Light and agile
- Partly recycled upper
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Less cushioning for long days
Best cushioned for long distance
Saucony Triumph 23 GTX
For long, wet miles in maximum comfort, the Triumph pairs a deep, soft PWRRUN PB midsole with a waterproof GORE-TEX upper. It soaks up hard ground while keeping rain out - plush protection for high-mileage athletes and heavier runners and walkers alike.
Pros
- Exceptional plush cushioning
- Waterproof GORE-TEX upper
- Stable for a soft shoe
Cons
- Heavier than lean trainers
- Premium price
Best for rugged terrain
La Sportiva Spire GTX
The most rugged, do-anything-outdoors pick: GORE-TEX Surround keeps feet dry yet breathes through the sole, a supportive, backpacking-capable platform handles rough ground, and a grippy FriXion outsole holds wet rock. Built to take a beating across seasons.
Pros
- Waterproof yet unusually breathable
- Supportive, rugged platform
- Very durable
Cons
- Premium price
- Runs about a half-size large
Best for stability & support
Oboz Sawtooth X Low B-DRY
The pick for athletes who need real support: Oboz's molded O-FIT insole delivers a firm, structured arch on a stable, torsionally stiff platform - great for flat feet or heavier loads. Durable and dry with PFC-free B-DRY, plus a tree planted per pair.
Pros
- Firm, supportive molded arch
- Stable, stiff platform
- Durable, PFC-free waterproofing
Cons
- Firmer underfoot
- Runs a little warm
Best for walking & everyday
Skechers Slip-Ins Go Walk Flex Waterproof
The easiest everyday waterproof sports shoe: a 100% waterproof, hands-free slip-in with soft, cushioned Go Walk comfort. Ideal for rainy walks, commuting, travel, and casual athletic wear, at a friendly price - and one of the most-loved value picks here.
Pros
- Fully waterproof, hands-free slip-in
- Soft, cushioned all-day comfort
- Great value
Cons
- Not for running or trails
- Casual traction only
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.
- LOWA Innox Pro GTX Lo - A light, versatile multi-sport shoe with a GORE-TEX membrane and LOWA's stable Monowrap frame - great for speed-hiking, trail walking, and mixed outdoor training.
- Salomon Speedcross 4 - The previous-generation Speedcross with thousands of reviews - deep-lug grip for muddy sport, quick-drying, and usually cheaper than the current model.
- Nike Winflo 9 Shield - A weatherized, water-repellent road trainer - cushioned and warm for cold, wet runs and everyday wear at a friendly price.
- The North Face Altamesa 500 - A highly cushioned, weather-ready trail runner with a roomy toe box - comfortable for long, damp days on foot.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a waterproof sports shoe?
Any athletic shoe built with a sealed waterproof membrane (usually GORE-TEX) - spanning running shoes, trail shoes, hiking shoes, and athletic walkers. The membrane keeps rain, puddles, and wet grass out while you run, hike, walk, or train, unlike a water-resistant coating that soaks through in sustained wet.
Can one waterproof shoe do everything?
A versatile all-rounder like the Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX comes close - it runs, hikes, and handles everyday wear. But for a specific sport, a specialist is better: a cushioned road runner for pavement, a lugged trail shoe for mud, a supportive hiker for heavy packs. We name the best for each below.
Are there waterproof shoes for the gym or cross-training?
True waterproof gym shoes are rare - indoor training doesn't need waterproofing, and membranes reduce breathability. For mixed indoor/outdoor training and commuting in the rain, a versatile athletic shoe like the XA Pro 3D or a Merrell Moab Speed works well; for pure gym use, a breathable trainer is better.
Do waterproof sports shoes make your feet hot?
They're warmer and less breathable than mesh, so feet run hotter on warm, dry days - a fair trade in cold rain and on wet trails. Save them for genuinely wet or cold conditions, pair them with moisture-wicking socks, and keep a breathable pair for hot weather.
Waterproof or water-resistant sports shoes - which do I need?
Water-resistant shoes handle light drizzle and splashes but soak through in real rain or puddles. Waterproof (membrane) shoes keep water out even through wet grass and shallow puddles, until it pours in over the collar. For serious wet-weather activity, choose fully waterproof.
How should waterproof sports 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. Try them on with athletic socks late in the day when feet are slightly swollen. Performance and trail shoes often fit a touch snugger for a locked-in feel.