Choosing the Right Waterproof Trail 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 look at the best waterproof trail shoes in 2026 for men and the best waterproof trail shoes for women and give our verdict!
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
Best for mud and technical terrain
Pros
- Fully waterproof with GORE-TEX technology
- Excellent grip on muddy and wet terrain
- Secure fit with a precise lockdown
- Lightweight for its category
- Durable and long-lasting materials
- Cushioned for comfort on rough trails
Cons
- Limited reflective elements
- Narrow fit may not suit all foot types
- Higher price point
Hoka Challenger 8 GTX
Best for road to trail versatility
The Hoka Challenger 8 GTX is the waterproof version of one of the most popular road-to-trail shoes on the market, and for UK runners who want a versatile all-weather shoe, it is an outstanding choice. The GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane keeps your feet dry without adding the stiff, boot-like feel that some waterproof shoes suffer from, making it genuinely comfortable for longer efforts in wet conditions.
The standard Challenger 8 is already one of our favourite versatile trail shoes, and the GTX version adds waterproof confidence without significantly compromising the things that make it great. The EVA midsole is plush and protective with a 42mm stack height, the redesigned 4mm multi-directional lugs handle road, gravel, packed dirt and light trail well, and the fit is comfortable and accommodating straight out of the box.
Where it sits on this page is in the versatile, everyday waterproof shoe category rather than the technical specialist category. If your running mixes tarmac, gravel and light trails in wet weather and you want one shoe that handles it all without fuss, the Challenger 8 GTX is the strongest option at this price.
As with the standard version, it is not designed for deep sticky mud or highly technical mountain terrain. For those conditions you want the Speedcross 6 GTX above. But for everyday UK running in autumn and winter conditions it is excellent and has built a strong reputation among road-to-trail runners since its launch in early 2026.
Pros
- Fully waterproof with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane
- Exceptionally comfortable with 42mm stack height
- Versatile enough for road, gravel and light trail
- Improved lug design sheds mud better than the Challenger 7 GTX
- Wide fit option available
- Great for everyday training in wet UK conditions
Cons
- Not suitable for deep mud or highly technical terrain
- Slightly heavier than the standard Challenger 8
- GTX upper reduces breathability compared to the standard mesh version
- Higher price than standard version at around £155
Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX
Best all-rounder for most runners
The Brooks Cascadia is one of the most trusted names in trail running and has been for over two decades. The 19th version is widely regarded as the best Cascadia yet, and the GTX version adds Gore-Tex waterproofing to an already excellent all-terrain shoe. For UK trail runners who want a dependable, comfortable waterproof shoe that handles a wide variety of terrain, this is one of the strongest options at the price.
The Cascadia 19 has been significantly updated from its predecessor. The midsole now uses Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam, adding 2mm more cushioning in the heel and 4mm more in the forefoot compared to the 18. The result is noticeably softer and more responsive underfoot without losing the stability and protection that Cascadia fans expect. The drop has also reduced from 8mm to 6mm, making it more accessible to a wider range of running styles. The improved Trail Adapt System integrates a flexible rock plate within the foam for added protection on technical terrain.
The GTX version wraps all of this in a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, keeping your feet dry in rain, puddles and wet trails without the stiff, boot-like feel that some waterproof shoes suffer from. In practice it is one of the more breathable waterproof trail shoes available, though as with all GTX shoes it runs warmer than the standard mesh version.
The outsole uses Brooks’ TrailTack Green rubber with redesigned 4.5mm multidirectional chevron lugs. The grip is excellent on hard-packed trails, wet rock and mixed terrain. It does not handle deep mud as well as the Speedcross 6 GTX above, but for most UK trail conditions it provides reliable traction year-round. Wide fit options are available in both men’s and women’s versions.
This is the shoe we would recommend to most UK trail runners looking for a waterproof option — it is comfortable enough for long distances, grippy enough for technical terrain and versatile enough to handle everything from muddy winter paths to rocky summer trails.
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps feet genuinely dry
- Best version of the Cascadia yet with DNA Loft v3 foam
- Excellent all-terrain grip from redesigned outsole
- Rock plate provides good protection on technical ground
- Comfortable straight out of the box with no break-in needed
- Wide fit available for men and women
- Lighter than the Cascadia 18
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
- Plush tongue can feel slightly overpowering for some runners
UK price: Around £150-£160
Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
The Saucony Peregrine has long been one of the most respected technical trail shoes on the market, and the 16 GTX brings Gore-Tex waterproofing to what is already one of the best versions of the shoe ever made. For runners who want genuine technical trail performance in wet conditions rather than a road-to-trail compromise, this is one of the most capable waterproof options on this page.
The standard Peregrine 16 made headlines for upgrading to a full Vibram Megagrip outsole — and that upgrade carries directly into the GTX version. The result is outstanding grip on wet rock, technical descents, roots and mixed terrain, backed by a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane that keeps your feet genuinely dry without adding the stiff, heavy feel that some waterproof trail shoes suffer from. The PWRRUN foam midsole with its 32mm heel stack provides enough cushioning for longer efforts without losing the low-profile, connected feel that Peregrine fans have always valued.
The upper is notably tough — nearly twice as rip-resistant and five times more abrasion-resistant than a standard mesh upper according to Saucony — and includes a D-ring for gaiter compatibility, which is a useful addition for runners tackling deep autumn and winter trails. Fit is true to size with the familiar secure Peregrine lockdown through the midfoot and heel.
Where it sits on this page is in the technical trail specialist category. If you primarily run on demanding terrain — rocky paths, steep descents, rooty singletrack — and want waterproofing that does not compromise the shoe’s performance credentials, this is the strongest choice. If your running is more road-to-trail and you want something more versatile and comfortable on pavement, the Challenger 8 GTX or Cascadia 19 GTX above would be a better fit.
Pros
- Full Vibram Megagrip outsole — the best all-terrain grip available
- Gore-Tex Invisible Fit feels flexible and lightweight for a waterproof shoe
- Excellent for technical terrain including wet rock and steep descents
- Tough, highly durable upper
- Gaiter compatible with integrated D-ring
- True to size fit with great midfoot lockdown
- Low-profile connected feel retained despite waterproofing
Cons
- Narrower fit — not ideal for wide feet without sizing up
- Not designed for deep sticky mud — the Speedcross 6 GTX is better for that
- GTX version runs warmer than the standard Peregrine 16
- No direct Saucony affiliate programme — buy through Amazon Associates
UK price: Around £155-£165
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
The La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX has been labelled a game-changer for waterproof trail running shoes, and it’s easy to see why. Its Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry, while the built-in water-resistant gaiter adds an extra layer of protection by keeping out snow, mud, and debris—so you can focus on the trail, not what’s getting into your shoes. The BOA Fit System lets you dial in the perfect fit effortlessly, keeping you secure and steady on uneven terrain. Plus, the outsole, with its deep 7mm lugs, delivers unbeatable grip on icy or slippery surfaces. If you’re serious about taking on winter trails, this shoe is a total game-changer.
Pros:
- Excellent traction with 7 mm lugs for snow and mud.
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane with built-in gaiter.
- Secure BOA Fit System for easy adjustments.
- Durable build with robust toe protection.
Cons:
- Expensive at around $235/£195
- Narrow toe box may feel snug.
- Best for winter and technical terrains, less versatile.
- Potential ankle rubbing during break-in period.
Why Choose Waterproof Trail Shoes?
Waterproof trail shoes will prevent the following:
- Cold or numb toes
- Wet socks
- Wrinkly feet
- Horrible brown toes and toenails
- Heavy shoes full of water that make it hard to pick your feet up
- An uncomfortable run (especially when you have a good few miles to cover)
Positives of GTX trail shoes
- They keep your feet dry
- Waterproof trail running shoes keep your feet warm
- They keep grit and small stones out
Negatives of Waterproof Trail shoes
- Water won’t get out
- They make your feet sweaty
- Grit and mud can’t get out – that is unless you choose gaiters as an add on or as a feature of a waterproof trail shoe.
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 allowing sweat to escape, keeping feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
Key Things to Consider
The right features in waterproof trail running shoes can significantly improve your performance, comfort, and overall running experience on wet trails.
Disclaimer: Our posts often 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.