Waterproof trail running shoes divide opinion among serious runners, and I have been on both sides of the argument. I have run through Welsh mountain bogs in GTX shoes and felt grateful for dry feet on the climb, then regretted the same shoes two hours later when water came in over the collar and stayed there. I have also run winter Mendip trails in non-waterproof shoes and felt my toes go numb within twenty minutes.
From years of coaching and racing in UK conditions, my honest answer is this: waterproof trail shoes are worth it for cold, wet, short to medium-distance running in autumn and winter. They are a poor choice for deep water, summer running, or racing where drainage matters more than waterproofing.
Below are five waterproof trail shoes we recommend for UK conditions in 2026, with a clear note on which we have run in ourselves and which we have researched.
Updated October 2026
Choosing the Right Waterproof Trail Shoes
The right shoe depends on your terrain, your distance and your foot shape. Below are our picks for 2026, with men’s and women’s versions where available, and our verdict on each.
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
Best for mud and technical terrain
How we know: Tested by us over many runs in different conditions
The Speedcross 6 GTX is the one to look at if your winter running is mostly mud, wet grass and soft ground. The aggressive chevron lugs are built to bite into soft surfaces, and the Gore-Tex membrane keeps rain and puddles out. SensiFit construction and the Quicklace system give a snug, secure fit, which matters on steep, slippery descents.
It is a specialist shoe. Lugs this deep are less at home on hard-packed trails and road sections, and the fit is narrow, so runners with wider feet should try a pair before buying. Like any GTX shoe, it will not keep out water that comes over the collar.
Pros
- Fully waterproof with Gore-Tex
- Excellent grip on muddy and wet terrain
- Secure fit with precise lockdown
- Lightweight for its category
- Cushioned for comfort on rough trails
Cons
- Narrow fit may not suit all foot types
- Limited reflective elements
- Higher price point
- Can make your feet very warm
Check out our review of the Salomon Speedcross 6
Hoka Challenger 8 GTX
Best for road-to-trail versatility
How we know: Tested by us over many miles in many conditions especially on hybrid road-to-trail runs.
The Challenger 8 GTX is the waterproof version of one of the most popular road-to-trail shoes around. If your wet-weather running mixes tarmac, gravel and light trail, it is the one-shoe answer. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry without the stiff, boot-like feel some waterproof shoes have.
The EVA midsole is plush and protective with a 42mm stack height, and the 4mm multi-directional lugs are aimed at road, gravel, packed dirt and light trail. A wide fit option is available.
It is not designed for deep, sticky mud or highly technical mountain terrain. For those conditions, look at the Speedcross 6 GTX above. For everyday autumn and winter training in the UK, it is a comfortable, versatile choice.
Pros
- Fully waterproof with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit
- Very cushioned with a 42mm stack height
- Versatile across road, gravel and light trail
- Wide fit option available
- Good for everyday training in wet UK conditions
Cons
- Not suited to deep mud or highly technical terrain
- Slightly heavier than the standard Challenger 8
- GTX upper is less breathable than the standard mesh version
- Higher price than the standard version, at around £155
Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX
Best all-rounder for most runners
How we know: Researched from general opinion from other trail runners and from available sources on the shoe
The Cascadia has been one of the most trusted names in trail running for over two decades, and the 19 GTX adds Gore-Tex waterproofing to a dependable all-terrain shoe. It is the one we would point most UK trail runners towards if they want a single waterproof option.
The midsole uses Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam, with 2mm more cushioning in the heel and 4mm more in the forefoot than the Cascadia 18. The drop is down from 8mm to 6mm, and the Trail Adapt System builds a flexible rock plate into the foam for protection on technical ground.
The outsole uses TrailTack Green rubber with redesigned 4.5mm multidirectional lugs, which suit hard-packed trails, wet rock and mixed terrain. It will not handle deep mud as well as the Speedcross 6 GTX, and like all GTX shoes, it runs warmer than the standard mesh version. Wide fit options are available for men and women.
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproofing
- DNA Loft v3 foam, a step up from the Cascadia 18
- Good all-terrain grip from the redesigned outsole
- Rock plate for protection on technical ground
- Comfortable fit with little break-in reported
- Wide fit available for men and women
Cons
- Not as aggressive in deep mud as the Speedcross 6 GTX
- GTX version runs warmer than the standard Cascadia 19
- Slightly heavier than non-waterproof alternatives
- The plush tongue can feel overpowering for some runners
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
Best for technical terrain and wet rock
How we know: Opinion from others that we know who have run in this shoe over various distances and online research
The Peregrine has long been one of the more respected technical trail shoes, and the 16 GTX brings Gore-Tex waterproofing to it. It suits runners who want trail performance in wet conditions rather than a road-to-trail compromise.
The standard Peregrine 16 moved to a full Vibram Megagrip outsole, and that carries into the GTX, which should help on wet rock, roots and steep descents. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane keeps feet dry without the stiff feel of some waterproof shoes. The PWRRUN foam midsole has a 32mm heel stack for longer efforts while keeping a low-profile, connected feel.
Saucony says the upper is nearly twice as rip-resistant and five times more abrasion-resistant than a standard mesh upper. There is also a D-ring for gaiter compatibility, useful for deep autumn and winter trails. The fit is true to size, with a secure midfoot and heel hold.
If you run mostly on demanding ground, such as rocky paths, steep descents and rooty singletrack, this is our pick. If your running is more road-to-trail, the Challenger 8 GTX or Cascadia 19 GTX above will suit you better.
Pros
- Full Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Gore-Tex Invisible Fit feels flexible for a waterproof shoe
- Suited to technical terrain, wet rock and steep descents
- Tough, durable upper
- Gaiter compatible with an integrated D-ring
- True to size, with good midfoot lockdown
Cons
- Narrower fit, so wide feet may need to size up
- Not designed for deep, sticky mud (the Speedcross 6 GTX is better)
- GTX version runs warmer than the standard Peregrine 16
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
Best for snow and winter trails
How we know: Tested by one of our external reviewers who runs all kinds of marathons (including artic ultras)
The Cyklon Cross GTX is the specialist on this page. A Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry, and a built-in water-resistant gaiter helps keep snow, mud and debris out. The BOA Fit System lets you dial in the fit quickly, and the 7mm lugs are aimed at snow, ice and slippery ground.
That makes it a winter shoe rather than an all-rounder. It is expensive, the toe box is narrow, and you should allow for some ankle rubbing while it breaks in.
Pros
- 7mm lugs for snow and mud
- Gore-Tex membrane with a built-in gaiter
- BOA Fit System for easy adjustment
- Durable build with robust toe protection
Cons
- Expensive at around £195
- Narrow toe box may feel snug
- Best for winter and technical terrain, so less versatile
- Possible ankle rubbing while breaking in
Why Choose Waterproof Trail Shoes?
If you run long distances in all weather, wet seasons mean puddles, waterlogged ditches, muddy tracks and boggy fields, plus early morning dew and snow in colder months. Waterproof shoes help you avoid:
- Cold or numb toes
- Wet socks
- Wrinkly feet and muddy brown toes
- Heavy, waterlogged shoes that are hard to pick up
- An uncomfortable run when you still have miles to cover
Positives of GTX trail shoes
- They keep feet dry and help keep them warm
- They keep grit and small stones out
Negatives of waterproof trail shoes
- Water that gets in over the collar can’t get out
- They run warmer, so feet sweat more
- Grit and mud can’t get out either, unless you add gaiters or choose a shoe with one built in
What Is GTX?
GTX stands for Gore-Tex, a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric technology used in outdoor gear, including running shoes. Its ePTFE membrane has microscopic pores that block water droplets while letting sweat vapour escape.
Key Things to Consider
- Waterproofing: look for a reliable membrane such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
- Breathability: waterproof shoes run warmer, so check for ventilation or breathable mesh panels.
- Traction: deep, multidirectional lugs matter most on slick, muddy trails.
- Durability: look for tough materials and reinforcement in high-wear areas.
- Fit: try shoes with the socks you run in, and check width options if you have wide feet.
- Collar and gaiters: a gaiter-compatible shoe helps keep water and debris out over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
What are the benefits of waterproof trail running shoes?
They keep your feet drier and warmer in rain, snow, puddles and wet grass, which helps avoid cold feet and rubbing.
Do waterproof trail running shoes affect breathability?
Yes. Membranes like Gore-Tex let some sweat vapour out, but the shoes are less ventilated than non-waterproof models.
Are waterproof shoes heavier than regular trail running shoes?
Usually slightly, because of the added membrane, though brands work to keep the difference small.
Can I use waterproof trail running shoes in warm weather?
You can, but they trap heat. A breathable, non-waterproof shoe is usually more comfortable in summer.
How do I maintain the waterproofing on my trail running shoes?
Clean them regularly and use a reproofing treatment suitable for the shoe’s materials. Avoid soaking them for long periods.
Are waterproof trail running shoes fully waterproof?
They protect against rain and splashes, but water will come in if it goes over the collar, and it can’t easily escape once it’s in.
What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
Waterproof shoes have a membrane designed to stop water getting through. Water-resistant shoes repel light moisture but let water in under prolonged exposure.
Do waterproof shoes work well in mud?
They keep water out, but grip depends on the outsole. For deep mud, choose a shoe with aggressive lugs, such as the Speedcross 6 GTX.
How do I choose the right waterproof trail running shoes?
Consider your terrain, typical weather, fit, weight and how much waterproofing you need.
Can I use waterproof trail running shoes for hiking?
Yes, for light hiking and fastpacking, though they are built for running first.
More Shoe Guides to Check Out
Best Trail Running Shoes 2026, Best Fell Running Shoes and Best Trail Running Shoes for Beginners.
About the Author
Sheryl Selway is a UKA-qualified running coach and chair of a 400-member running club, and runs Running for the Hills. She has 11 years of experience in trail running over multiple distances and terrains. She doesn’t work alone – she is from a family of running enthusiasts who also test and review products alongside her so that they can give a more objective review. She also has an army of friends who are more than happy to test products for her.