Best waterproof running shoes for wet weather in 2024

Hitting the road or the trails on a refreshingly rainy day can be an exhilarating way to get your running fix in. But it can often be dampened by wet shoes that feel heavy and distract you from your session.

Of course, running shoes can never be fully waterproof. The opening around the ankle can invite splashes of rain and puddle water into your shoe, but this can be minimal with the right running trainers.

Running shoes with reliable waterproofing can make a huge difference on your runs. Gore-Tex is one of the most common waterproof membranes, thanks to its dependable moisture protection and breathability, but there are countless others that work well, too.

There’s a wide variety of waterproof running shoes, so you can find a pair that are suited to your foot type, running style, and choice of terrain. The options included in this list have been picked based on in-depth research, analysis of user reviews and industry knowledge.

For more info, check out our detailed buying guide for choosing the right running shoes.

Best waterproof running shoes to buy in 2024

Brooks Ghost 14 GTX Running Shoe

The Brooks Ghost 14 GTX running shoes are designed to balance stability and comfort.

The brand says this is done using moderate-intensity cushioning in the sole and a secure fit from the Air Mesh upper. The shoes have a 12mm drop and are aimed at athletes with a neutral gait.

A Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane is bonded to the running shoe’s upper to protect your feet from rain in a material that’s said to be lightweight.

Extra cushioning throughout the sole, from the heel to the forefoot, is designed to provide responsive yet supportive heel-toe transitions.

On Cloudrunner Waterproof

Available for men and women, the Cloudrunner Waterproof running shoes are aimed towards all types of runners.

They promise to be windproof and waterproof to make them the ideal companion when running in any conditions, while the brand says that they’ve also been engineered to deliver much-needed breathability.

With their plush foam cushioning, wide outsole, and foam collar, the Cloudrunner Waterproof running shoes are designed for comfort and stability.

The shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of 9mm.

Hoka Challenger 7 Gore-Tex

• Buy now for women from Hoka (£150)
• Buy now for men from Hoka (£150)

Hoka has designed the Challenger 7 shoe to be suitable for both road and trails.

It has a breathable Gore-Tex membrane for protection from the elements. Heel-toe drop is 5mm while the stability is said to be best suited to neutral runners.

Hoka has increased the stack height over the last version to offer more cushioning, resulting in a claimed ‘plush’ feel.

Meanwhile, you’ll find toe reinforcement and an internal heel counter are included to help provide stability and durability in varied terrains.

The outsole features 4mm lugs to help provide all-terrain traction.

Walking in wet conditions too? Check out the best walking shoes, from our sister site, BBC Countryfile Magazine.

Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex

• Buy now for women from Nike (£144.95)
• Buy now for men from Nike (£144.95)

Designed for a mix of road and not-too-gnarly trails, this addition to Nike’s Pegasus range should help to keep your feet dry when traversing wet terrain.

The waterproof Gore-Tex layer, along with the raised gaiter at the ankle, are built to keep moisture and debris from the inside of your shoes.

The outsole is said to use less rubber to aid a transition between road and trail, but there is added rubber at the front to offer a much-needed layer of durability.

Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 Gore-Tex

• Buy now for women from Adidas (£150)
• Buy now for men from Adidas (£150)

The Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 shoe from Adidas is another option that’s designed to go from the road to the trail with ease.

A breathable Gore-Tex lining helps to seal out moisture, while the shoe’s cushioning and the light midsole is designed to provide a responsive run experience.

They’re made in part using recycled materials, with 50% of the upper being recycled content.

A lugged rubber outsole is said to improve your traction whether you’re running in wet or dry conditions, while the shoes have a drop of 8mm.

Asics GT-2000 10 GTX

With midsole cushioning, medial support, and rearfoot and forefoot impact absorption, the Asics GT-2000 GTX running shoes are designed to provide full padding and support for your feet.

There’s a Gore-Tex membrane for water protection, and there’s an OrthoLite X-30 sockliner for softer step-in comfort. The shoes have an 8mm drop and are designed to provide a stable ride.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex

A stand-out feature of the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX shoes are the 5mm lugs in the sole, providing you with more aggressive traction when running on soft or uneven terrain.

It’s this which makes it a particularly popular choice for trail running on muddy ground, while a quick-lace system is designed to help maintain a secure fit, which is handy when your shoes are caked in mud and you don’t want the faff of tightening laces.

Available in a range of colours, the shoes have a Gore-Tex construction for weather protection and a tight mesh to prevent debris from getting in.

The upper is welded, not stitched, for better durability and more of a glove-like feel.

Plus, Salomon says the midsole combines rebound with soft cushioning for decent energy return and comfort. These shoes have a heel-toe drop of 10mm.

Merrell Fly Strike Gore-Tex

With a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and a claimed breathable mesh upper, these running shoes are great for moisture protection.

The footbed cover is 100% recycled materials and the footbed itself is made from 50% recycled EVA.

The sticky rubber outsole is designed to bring traction to your run while the heel’s shock absorption is said to reduce torque and provide a smooth transition into the midfoot.

A relatively low-profile tread makes this another option that’s targeted at a combination of hard-packed trails and pavement.

Should I choose waterproof or water resistant?

The answer to this will come down to personal preference, but there are pros and cons of both, which we’ll touch on here.

First, let’s take a look at the difference between the two phrases.

For a product to be classed as fully waterproof it typically needs to feature a waterproof membrane with taped seams.

That often comes in the form of Gore-Tex, but many brands also have their own in-house versions, too.

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Meanwhile, something that’s classed as water resistant is likely to rely on a durable water repellent (DWR) coating (or sections of water-resistant materials) to keep rainwater at bay.

At times you might find shoes that feature both a membrane and a DWR coating.

Waterproof membranes offer more reliable weather resistance, while coatings can wear away with time and need reproofing to retain their water resistance.

The downside of shoes with a membrane, however, is that they’re less breathable and can cause more sweating.

Ultimately, if you want reliable, consistent waterproof performance then a waterproof shoe with a membrane should be your pick, but if you want to balance breathability and water resistance, consider a shoe without a membrane.

Need more kit to keep you dry and warm through the winter? Check out our lists of the best waterproof running jackets and best long-sleeved running tops.

For more running gear:

• Best trail running shoes reviewed
• Best stability running shoes
• Best shoe odour eliminators
• Best budget running shoes