Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes (2026)
GORE-TEX and membrane trail runners that stay dry on wet, muddy, technical ground without the weight, compared on grip, drainage, and real fit.
Wet grass, mud, snowmelt, and stream crossings will soak an ordinary running shoe in minutes - and cold, wet feet turn a good trail run miserable. A waterproof trail running shoe keeps your feet dry and warm so you can keep your pace and your focus. Below are the best waterproof trail runners across conditions and running styles, from mud specialists to plush road-to-trail cruisers.
For everyday roads in the rain, see our best waterproof running shoes; if you’d rather hike than run, browse our waterproof hiking shoes.
How we picked
We prioritized proven waterproof protection (GORE-TEX and quality breathable membranes), outsole grip on wet rock and mud, cushioning and comfort for a running gait, and a secure, locked-in fit for technical ground. Every shoe was held to our standard five-criteria test below - and a light, fast shoe that soaked through didn’t make the cut.
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 overall
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
The most well-rounded waterproof trail runner: a grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole with aggressive lugs bites wet rock, roots, and mixed terrain, while a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry without the stiff, heavy feel of clunkier waterproof shoes. Cushioned PWRRUN foam makes it comfortable for long, technical miles.
Pros
- Outstanding Vibram Megagrip traction
- Breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
- Cushioned yet nimble and secure
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel firm on pavement
- Snug performance fit
Best for mud
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX
When the trail turns to soup, nothing grips like the Speedcross. Deep chevron lugs and Salomon's Mud Contagrip rubber claw through mud, snow, and soft ground, then shed debris fast, all sealed by a GORE-TEX membrane and locked down by the snug Quicklace system.
Pros
- Unbeatable grip in mud and soft ground
- Secure, precise Quicklace fit
- Fully waterproof GORE-TEX
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel odd on hard-pack and pavement
- Narrow fit
Best road-to-trail
HOKA Challenger 8 GTX
The waterproof version of HOKA's do-it-all road-to-trail favorite. Plush foam and moderate, multi-directional lugs make it smooth on pavement and trustworthy on dirt, while a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry - perfect if your run mixes roads and trails.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning for long runs
- Smooth on pavement, capable on dirt
- Breathable GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
Cons
- Lugs too shallow for deep mud
- Less stable on very technical terrain
Most cushioned
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
Springy ReactX foam brings road-shoe comfort to wet trails, wrapped in a GORE-TEX upper with a raised cuff that blocks debris. The most cushioned, sneaker-comfortable pick here for runners logging big, easy trail miles.
Pros
- Plush, springy ReactX cushioning
- Sneaker-comfortable all-day feel
- Raised cuff blocks trail debris
Cons
- Trail-light traction for technical ground
- Less rugged than dedicated trail shoes
Best stability
Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX
Brooks builds the Cascadia for a balanced, stable ride, with a structured platform that steadies your foot on uneven, off-camber trails - a great pick if you want cushioning without the wobble of a soft, tall shoe. A GORE-TEX membrane keeps it dry.
Pros
- Stable, balanced ride on rough ground
- GORE-TEX waterproofing
- Secure fit; removable insole
Cons
- Heavier than nimble racers
- Moderate lug depth
Most agile
Merrell MQM 3 GORE-TEX
Merrell's 'move quickly' shoe is a light, agile hybrid that runs the flats and scrambles the rough bits, with a protective rock plate underfoot and a GORE-TEX membrane on top. A nimble, locked-in choice for fast days on technical terrain.
Pros
- Nimble, locked-in performance fit
- Rock plate protects on sharp ground
- Recycled laces and lining
Cons
- Less cushioned than max-stack shoes
- Snug fit runs small for some
Fastest feel
The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT
TNF's rockered VECTIV plate rolls you forward for a genuinely fast, propulsive feel, while the breathable FUTURELIGHT membrane keeps rain out without turning into a sweatbox - an ideal pick for fastpacking and quick, weather-resistant trail miles.
Pros
- Propulsive, fast rockered ride
- Breathable FUTURELIGHT membrane
- Light and stable underfoot
Cons
- Weather-resistant more than fully sealed
- Firm ride won't suit cushion lovers
Most stable & durable
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
A rugged, ultra-stable waterproof trail runner and one of the highest-rated trail shoes anywhere: Salomon's 3D Advanced Chassis steadies the foot on technical, uneven ground, an all-terrain Contagrip outsole grips anything, and a GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry season after season.
Pros
- Very stable, supportive 3D chassis
- Grippy all-terrain Contagrip
- Extremely durable; GORE-TEX
Cons
- Firmer, less nimble ride
- Heavier than racing-style shoes
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 Speedcross 4 - The previous-generation Speedcross with thousands of reviews - deep-lug grip and a quick-drying upper, and usually cheaper than the current model.
- Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Low 2 - A roomy, zero-drop trail runner with a water-resistant bootie upper - breathable protection for damp trails and natural-running fans.
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 TR - ASICS' plushest trainer in a weather-ready trail build - top-rated by owners for soft, cushioned comfort on long runs.
- The North Face Altamesa 500 - A highly cushioned, weather-ready trail runner with a roomy toe box and durable toe cap - comfortable over long, damp miles.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need waterproof trail running shoes?
For cold, wet, muddy, or shoulder-season trails, yes - a waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and warm so you can focus on the run. In hot, dry conditions, a breathable non-waterproof trail runner is usually more comfortable, since membranes trap some heat.
Do GORE-TEX trail runners make your feet overheat?
They're warmer and less breathable than a mesh trail runner, so feet can feel hot on warm days. The upside is dry, warm feet in rain, snow, and stream splashes. Newer membranes like GORE-TEX Invisible Fit breathe better than older ones, and pairing them with moisture-wicking socks helps.
Waterproof membrane or quick-drying shoe - which is better for trails?
It depends on the conditions. A sealed membrane (GORE-TEX) is best for cold and wet, keeping water out until it pours in over the collar. For repeated water crossings or hot weather, a quick-draining non-membrane shoe sheds water fast and dries quickly instead of holding it in - a different strategy worth considering if your feet are going to get wet anyway.
What's the difference between a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe?
Trail runners are lighter, more flexible, and more cushioned for a running gait, with aggressive lugs for grip. Hiking shoes are stiffer and more protective for heavy packs and rough terrain. Many runners and fast hikers prefer trail runners for their lower weight and comfort on maintained trails.
How should waterproof trail running shoes fit?
Aim for a thumb's width at the toe so your feet don't jam on descents, with a locked-in midfoot that stops sliding on technical ground. Try them on with your running socks, and remember many trail runners run slightly snug for a secure, performance fit.
Are waterproof trail runners good for hiking too?
Absolutely. A cushioned, grippy waterproof trail runner like the Peregrine GTX or Speedgoat GTX is a popular lightweight alternative to a hiking shoe for day hikes and fastpacking, as long as you're not carrying a very heavy pack that calls for a stiffer, more supportive platform.