Footwear Developers Say These Waterproof Shoes Are Worth the Hype
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If you’re a runner who goes on wet hikes or likes to take a jog no matter the weather, a good pair of waterproof running shoes might be worth looking into.
According to senior footwear developer at Vibram Corporation, Alex C., waterproof running shoes have to go through a series of rigorous tests in order to even be marketed as waterproof. “Most companies love to label their products ‘water resistant’ instead of ‘waterproof,’ as these products will still demonstrate wicking and slippage,” he says. He explains that anything water resistant just means it has a high level of resistance against water.
Meanwhile, anything waterproof keeps water out entirely. That’s because true waterproof shoes have a waterproof membrane, says Sabrina Wang, footwear product development and design. Companies like GORE-TEX, BD.Dry, or eVent are all companies that use waterproof technologies to create waterproof fabrics for shoes and apparel to be worn in all kinds of weather. When shopping for the best waterproof running shoes, you’ll want to look for these technologies being implemented into the shoes.
Meet the experts: Alex C., Senior Footwear Developer at Vibram Corporation; Jean Yang, footwear design and development and accessory design expert; Sabrina Wang, footwear product development and design.
For the most part, our experts share that water resistant shoes might be all you need if you’re an everyday runner who wants to keep dry from rain and puddles. But waterproof shoes can be worth it if you live in a constantly damp environment or run on the beach everyday.
Below, find the best waterproof running shoes recommended by footwear developers and designers.
Clifton 9 GTX Road-Running Shoes
Hoka is a top brand recommendation from Alex C. It’s also a popular brand for hiking, running, walking, and even for those standing on their feet all day at work.
According to the brand, this specific style is Hoka’s first ever weatherproof road shoe. It features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane, which is guaranteed to keep wearers dry (waterproof!). It also features a mesh design for breathability, plus a rubber outsole for grip.
You can find all colors and sizes on the Hoka website.
What reviewers say: “These shoes have amazing stability, cushion and style. It’s been a while since I ran without pain. They’re worth every penny to not feel pain while running.”
X Ultra Shoe
Salomon is a footwear brand well loved by Alex C. and Prevention editors alike. Salomon proudly uses GORE-TEX in several of their styles, including the X Ultra.
The X Ultra offers maximum traction with its unique outsole, which features two types of rubber for better grip. The shoe uses a blend of Otholite and EVA foam for ample support and cushioning. Plus, the built-in tongue gusset helps prevent debris from getting inside the shoe.
What reviewers say: “Besides these, I also own two pairs of the Ultra3 GTX hiking boots, one for home and one for work. The shoes are just as wonderful as the boots: comfortable, waterproof, great for rough terrain, as well as look great to wear as an everyday shoe.”
Endorphin Speed 4 Road-Running Shoes
Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 4 running shoe was designed as a race-day shoe. It offers the brand’s Speedroll technology, which is supposed to provide effortless speed and forward motion.
The brand used a special foam blend for their cushioning, which they call PWRRUN PB. It’s supposed to be lighter than EVA foam and helps the runner bounce back with each step.
You can find all colors and sizes on Saucony’s website.
What reviewers say: “I am in love with these shoes! They are so lightweight and are exactly what I need to keep me feeling good. This is my second pair and I’m so glad I invested in them again.”
Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX Trail-Running Shoes
Jean Yang, footwear design and development and accessory design expert, says her go-to brand for running shoes is New Balance. She likes that their shoes are functional, comfortable, and reliable.
While not all of New Balance’s styles are waterproof, this specific design has GORE-TEX waterproof linings that challenge wind, rain, and water. The shoes are extra cushioned, featuring the brand’s Fresh Foam X midsole and a grippy Vibram outsole. Mesh uppers make the shoes feel breathable during and after a run.
What reviewers say: “These shoes are so comfy. They have a soft top which means they don’t rub, but they still feel supportive. They are really light, but still feel like the sole will give good grip on all surfaces.”
Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe
The Pegasus Trail 4 was a top performer in our best cushioned running shoes. With this style, two standout factors that ensure that your feet stay dry while running include a waterproof GORE-TEX layer and an ankle gaiter, which is a sort of like a fabric guard that acts as a shield against moisture.
Runners appreciate the lightweight feel and flexible cushioning. Just note, several reviewers recommend sizing up half a size for the best fit.
What reviewers say: “I ordered a size 4 and they were too snug, so I scaled half a size up and they are perfect. They’re completely waterproof, lightweight and look great.”
001 G+ Spike Shoe
Alex C. highly recommends Norda for waterproof running shoes. He notes that the brand is newer and underrated—after all, it was only founded in 2020. Norda is a Canadian brand made by runners, for runners, and they were designed to face the toughest weather conditions in Canada.
Norda’s 001 style provides rubber grips for better traction, a comfortable EVA midsole, and a 5mm drop between the heel and the forefoot, which helps the runner get a solid stance for speed.
What Alex C. says: “Norda’s a newer brand, but they’re doing amazing things for running footwear. Even my colleagues personally enjoy Norda shoes.”
Versacore Speed Shoe
Yang also recommends the brand Keen, a footwear company that was founded in 2003. Yang likes that Keen sneakers offer a molded rubber toe guard to protect the foot from getting wet.
The shoe also offers eco anti-odor qualities to help with odor control after a long run. This is helpful since waterproof coatings or liners tend to prevent natural airflow through a shoe’s fabric, Wang says. “The same thing happens with wearing waterproof shoes—the moisture can be trapped inside the shoes and causes odor.”
We like that the Versacore Speed Shoe’s rubber outsole provides for a higher-traction grip; plus, you get a cushioned, removable foam insole.
What Yang says: “Keen does a lot of waterproof hiking and running shoes, and they’re always doing rigorous water tests. They have an impressive lab in Thailand that makes sure their products meet certain industry standards. I highly recommend their shoes.”
Everyday Move Sneaker
We deemed these Vessi shoes the best waterproof sneakers in a recent roundup. We like that the design is athletic enough for lighter activities, but casual enough for everyday wear.
According to the brand, the sneakers are made of vegan materials in a “breathable” knit—although users seem mixed about the material feeling breathable.
Note that several reviewers found the sizing a little more on the large side, so you might want to go down half a size.
What reviewers say: “They are comfortable. They hold up really well and keep your feet dry despite constant everyday wear. I love these shoes.”
Is it worth getting waterproof running shoes?
At the end of the day, purchasing waterproof running shoes is a personal choice where one should consider their running needs and lifestyle.
For instance, Yang lives in Redondo Beach, California and runs on the water and sand everyday. “If you’re someone like me who runs at the beach or goes hiking where’s there are a lot of rocks and water, I definitely think waterproof running shoes are worth it,” she says.
But otherwise, Yang and our other experts say that waterproof running shoes aren’t exactly necessary for the everyday runner.
“Some people like the idea of ‘waterproof’ when they actually only need ‘water-resistant’ shoes,” says Wang. She explains that waterproof shoes do lose their waterproofness over time when shoes get dirty. “So even with waterproof shoes, you will still need to spray them with water repellent periodically to maintain its effectiveness.”
Alex C. agrees. He says that he admires that some brands that are doing interesting things with waterproof processes, but unless you’re running in deep running water, you can get away with a lot of water resistant materials. “If you’re planning to run a Spartan race, sure you can go with waterproof. But for the average everyday person, I don’t think waterproof running shoes are completely necessary.”
How to choose waterproof running shoes
Alex C. explains that a waterproof shoe must go through rigorous testing to even be advertised as “waterproof.” He recommends looking for the following factors:
??Liner construction. “True waterproof shoes have a waterproof membrane, like GORE-TEX, BD.Dry, or eVent,” Wang explains. All mentioned are companies that work to implement waterproof technologies into fabrics, including clothing and shoe materials.
?? Full wicking capability. Wicking is the full moisture that is absorbed into the material, Alex C. explains. For waterproof shoes, no moisture should seep into the fabric in any way. “In footwear, we’ll do something called a fully submerged flex test,” he says. “For example, we will fully submerge a hydraulic foot inside the shoe and dip it about three fourths of the way up into the ankle. We then dip the foot 50,000 times under water and check for any seepage. Once a shoe passes this test, only then you can call it waterproof.”
?? Seam sealing. Yang explains that inside the shoe, you’ll find a seam seal tape that works like a fabric tape that seals along the the seams of the shoe. This feature helps keep water out of the shoe.
??Outsole construction. You’ll typically want to gravitate towards a rubber or polyurethane (PU) material, rather than leather for the outsole (bottom of the shoe). Yang says that PU leather and rubber last longer than real leather when challenged against water.
?? Traction. Because you’re intending to run on slippery surfaces and damp environments, you’ll want to look for a grippy outsole. “You want it to be slip resistant, so that your shoe can go against the thermodynamics in hot and cold wet asphalt,” Alex C. explains.
Can using a waterproof spray on a non-waterproof shoe be just as effective as using a waterproof running shoe?
No. According to Wang, waterproof shoes are made with built-in waterproof linings and components. “However, a waterproof spray could create a decent water-resistant coating, and that might be all you need unless you’re running in snow or cold and damp weather conditions,” she says.
Plus, as waterproof spray eventually wears off, you’ll still have to continuously reapply the spray, which in the long term isn’t good for the environment, Alex C. adds.
How we chose running shoes
We tapped Alex C., Senior Footwear Developer at Vibram Corporation; Jean Yang, footwear design and development and accessory design expert; and Sabrina Wang, footwear product development and design for their expert insights on waterproof and water-resistant textiles, plus footwear development and design.
We then cross-referenced their insights and professional recommendations with product descriptions, marketing claims, and product reviews.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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