Which are the best trail waterproof running shoes in 2023 and are they worth investing in? We take a look at a selection of top waterproof trail running shoes and answer the questions:
- What is GTX?
- The pros of Gore-Tex trail shoes
- What’s not to love about them?
- The various GTX shoes available
- How to choose the best waterproof running shoes for you
Updated 17/09/2023
Waterproof or Gore-Tex trail running shoes are specially designed to offer protection against water, mud, and other elements while running on trails. Waterproof trail shoes feature Gore-Tex or other waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry even in wet and challenging terrains.
Unlike regular running shoes, waterproof trail running shoes have added features that make them suitable for off-road running. They typically have more aggressive outsoles with deep lugs to provide better traction on uneven and slippery surfaces. Additionally, they often have reinforced toe caps and rock plates to protect your feet from sharp rocks and debris along the trail.
One of the key features of waterproof trail running shoes is their ability to keep water out. Constructed with materials that repel water and prevent it from seeping into the shoe, they keep your feet dry and comfortable even in wet conditions. This is particularly beneficial during long runs or races when wet feet can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injury.
As with any item of sports attire, there are pros and cons however, in the case of waterproof trail running shoes, the good and the bad stem from the same feature! If the water can’t get in, equally it can’t get out. They keep your feet warm – good when it is cold and bad when it’s hot and, they stop dirt getting in, and out!
Let’s take a look in greater depth at the arguments for and against waterproof trail running shoes as well as our top suggestions for different terrains.
Click here to see our waterproof trail shoes recommendations
Positives of waterproof trail shoes
They keep your feet dry
So the best trail waterproof running shoes keep the water out for the most part so feet stay drier for longer. When you are heading out on a long run, the last thing you want is wet feet in the first mile. you are then stuck with wet feet and socks for the remainder of your run. While the ground may be dry outside, if you are an early morning runner you are sure to notice how wet your feet get when running through dewey fields early in the morning. Your feet will soon get wet in non waterproof trail running shoes will. If you are an early runner, a pair of waterproof trail shoes may be just the ticket.
They keep your feet warm
The nonbreathable upper means that the heat stays in so on a cold day, your feet will stay warm.We don’t know about you but we have plenty of experience of freezing cold and wet feet on our autumn/winter frosty morning runs. Wet and cold feet can soon numb your toes. Taking your socks off at the end of the run gives your feet that “just out of a long bath” appearance and can lead to some pretty many toes. Waterproof shoes are great for keeping your feet warm (read on to find out why this doesn’t work in warmer climates).
Keeps grit and small stones out
Have you noticed how, when you are wearing normal trail shoes, you always seem to end up with bits of grit, mud, and small stones in your shoe? Well, the absence of mesh means that you don’t get this in waterproof trail running shoes. If they do find their way in though, they won’t find their way out!
The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX has a high ankle gaiter to stop water and debris from getting in.
Negatives of GTX shoes
Water can’t get out
Waterproof trail running shoes won’t stop the water from getting in all the time. In fact, if you are running through deep puddles that go past your ankles, there is nothing to stop the water from getting into the shoe (unless you wear gaiters). Stands to reason, if the water can’t get in then it can’t get out. The drainage that you get with standard trail shoes won’t be there with GTX shoes. This can lead to blisters. If you do find yourself running through very deep puddles and small streams, you may want to invest in a pair of gaiters too.
You might get sweaty feet
As we mentioned above, the best waterproof trail running shoes do keep your feet warm however, if you start out in the cold early morning and it warms up during a longer run, come to the end you are going to have hot sweaty feet – uncomfortable, like to cause blisters and other issues. For this reason, GTX shoes are not recommended for late spring/summer runs. To be fair though, the puddles don’t tend to be such an issue in the drier months – even with heavy rainfall, they tend to dry quite quickly.
Grit and mud can’t get out
If you do run through a deep and muddy puddle, the chances are you could end up with a shoe full of mud and grit which then can’t work its way out of the shoe again.
Choosing the right trail running waterproof shoes
If you are considering a pair of waterproof trail running shoes and want to know which ones are the right ones, the following are examples of shoes suitable for different types of terrain. We take a look at the best waterproof trail shoes for men and the best waterproof trail shoes for women and give our verdict!
What is GTX?
GTX – let’s discuss this technical trail running term and what it means. Usually, when appearing after the make and model of a shoe, it indicates that the shoes are waterproof. The GTX is short for Gore-Tex and indicates a brand of the material that is used to make the shoe waterproof. Most brands choose Gore-Tex so be sure to look for the label to ensure you are getting the genuine article.
Hoka Speedgoat GTX
One of the most popular trail running shoes and a go to for many, we recently discussed this pair of shoes at length with a fellow runner. It was a warm May morning. We turned up for hill reps on a grassy hill. He wore his Speedgoat Gore-tex. His exact words – “great shoes, comfortable, brilliant on trails, I really rate them, especially in winter but my goodness don’t they make your feet extremely hot in the warmer weather!
These shoes were then put to the test for hill reps – by number 6 of the 1 minute reps, he was commenting that his feet were really really hot! The lesson here – you don’t want waterproof shoes in the middle of summer! Why would you though? Any rain will be a light shower and your feet won’t get that wet.
These shoes are the perfect solution when you want to race over wet trails and snowy roads.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Salomon 6 Speedcross 6 GTX waterproof trail shoe deserves its legendary status as a top trail shoe. The 6 is even lighter than its predecessor and evacuates mud even quicker. You won’t be disappointed with this investment in off road running. The comfortable shoe that will keep your feet dry and keep you upright on the wet and slippery trails.
Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX
The Roclite 315 GTX is a trail running shoe that is designed for a variety of terrain. It has a cushioned midsole that provides comfort and a grippy outsole that provides traction on wet and dry surfaces. The shoe features a Graphene-enhanced G-GRIP outsole that provides excellent traction, a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry, a flexible rock plate and front-end bumper that protects the underfoot and toes and a cushioned POWERFLOW MAX foam midsole that gives more energy return and bounce. The Roclite 315 GTX is a good choice for runners who are looking for a comfortable, versatile, and durable trail running shoe that is also waterproof and breathable. It is also a good choice for runners who want a shoe that provides good traction on a variety of terrain.
The Inov-8 Roclite 315 is a great shoe – it does actually drain well in the non-waterproof version. The trouble is, because of the construction of the upper mesh, too much getting wet does tend to damage the material quite quickly so the GTX may be preferable if you do a lot of trail running in wet conditions.
Asics Gel-Trabuco 9
The Gel-Trabuco 9 is a trail running shoe that is designed for a variety of terrain. It has a cushioned midsole that provides comfort, and a grippy outsole that provides traction on wet and dry surfaces. This shoe features a Gel cushioning system that absorbs shock, an ASICSGRIP outsole that provides traction, and a rock protection plate that protects the foot from rocks and roots. The Gel-Trabuco 9 is a good choice for runners who are looking for a comfortable and versatile trail running shoe. It is also a good choice for runners who want a shoe that is durable and provides good traction.
For the trail runner who is seeking durability, protection and grip, these Asics Gel-Trabuco 9 GTX can be described as rugged and comfortable.
Inov-8 Parkclaw 275 GTX
The Parkclaw 275 GTX is a trail running shoe that is designed for technical terrain. It has a cushioned midsole that provides comfort, and a grippy outsole that provides traction on wet and dry surfaces. This shoe features a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry, a Dynamic Flex Control upper that provides support and flexibility, and a Meta-Flex groove that helps to improve traction. It is a good choice for runners who are looking for a trail running shoe that is comfortable, versatile, and durable. It is also a good choice for runners who want a shoe that is waterproof and breathable.
Salomon Supercross Blast GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes
The Supercross Blast GTX is a versatile trail running shoe that is designed for a variety of terrain. It has a responsive EnergyCell midsole that provides cushioning and support and a Contagrip TD outsole that provides excellent traction. The shoe features a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry, a Sensifit upper that provides a snug and comfortable fit, and a Quicklace system that makes it easy to put on and take off. A good choice for runners who are looking for a versatile and comfortable trail running shoe. It is also a good choice for runners who want a shoe that is waterproof and breathable.
GTX Trail Shoes for Running in Soft Mud
During the rainy season (which one might argue is all year in the UK), you may want something with more grip. In which case check out this pair of waterproof trail running shoes:
La Sportiva Tempesta
You may choose to opt for non-waterproof trail running shoes and a decent pair of socks. Most trail shoes drain well and after a few minutes, even in the coldest temperatures, the breathable mesh membrane will allow the water out reducing the weight of the shoe and keeping your feet relatively dry. For those who really don’t like getting their feet wet though, there is a wide selection of waterproof trail shoes to choose from. Tell us which you prefer.
Disclaimer: Our posts may contain affiliate links. We may earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page although we only ever recommend products that we genuinely believe will enhance your trail running experience.