6 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes in 2020 (so far…)

It’s no secret that running motivation can be low during the months of Fall and Winter, and this is mostly due to the colder/wetter weather and shorter days. I’m here to tell you that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing (thank you Sir Ranulph Fiennes for the quote). This gear guide features 6 of the best waterproof trail running shoes (PLUS scroll to the bottom for a bonus shoe for conquering the worst of the worst snowy conditions) available that will leave you with no excuses not to run this Winter.

RELATED POST: The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2020 (so far…)

My Ranking criteria -> Great waterproof trail running shoes must:

• be comfortable. Waterproof shoes are generally a little stiffer than non-waterproof shoes but that doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable too.
• be fully waterproof (not just resistant or repellant).
• have some breathability but also keep your feet warm.
• be lightweight. Especially important for ultrarunning and fastpacking where you’re going to be running for long periods of time. Heavy shoes will tire your legs quicker.
• have excellent grip for wet, slippy and muddy terrain.
• be durable. Waterproof running shoes are more expensive then standard trail running shoes so you will want them to last a long time, especially if you intend to be out on the trails a lot, no matter the weather.

With these features in mind, I’m here to help you find waterproof trail running shoes that you’re sure to be very happy with, but also are the best choice for you personally. The shoes on this buyer’s guide are all waterproof, durable, lightweight, comfortable, and offer excellent grip and ankle support, they’re also very good trail running shoes for Spartan/Tough Mudder obstacle course racing.

This list of the ‘best waterproof trail running shoes’ is continually updated, so make sure you check back before buying your next winter trail running shoes.

1. Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex (GTX Waterproof)

The Pegasus 36 Trail GTX is an excellent waterproof trail shoe for winter running. It’s a high-performance trail running shoe that feels just as comfortable on the road as it does on the trails, making it a great door-to-trail hybrid running shoe. The Nike Air Zoom midsole provides plenty of cushioning and protection from sharp rocks. It’s also super lightweight, has lots of reflective hits for the safety-conscious, responsive, and very grippy.

I love the curved achilles heel support like with the standard Nike Pegasus 36 Trail. It works very well for me as it allows for a little bit of over-striding when running fast downhills, without agitating my achilles.

I have awarded the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GTX an Editor’s Choice Award for their outstanding performance on the trails.

Available at Nike.com below

FULL REVIEW: Nike Pegasus 36 Trail GTX Review

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2. On Cloudventure Waterproof

The highly durable On Cloudventure Waterproof offer excellent cushioning while trail running fast downhill and even on road sections because of On’s midsole cushioning and CloudTech outsole. They also perform really well when climbing, this is due in part to a reduction in the forefoot CloudTech pod-compression, meaning more power on the forefoot than before. The waterproof upper keeps your feet dry and warm during those wet and cold winter runs.

It’s a trail running shoe that has a great all-round capability and much like the On Cloudventure (non-waterproof version), it is lightweight, supportive, and offers good protection from gnarly trails and bad weather; two things you can’t control while in the mountains. You won’t be able to blame the weather for not running if you own these trail running shoes.

• Weight: 10.5 oz (298g)
• Drop: 6mm
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5
• Support: Neutral

RELATED LINKS: On Cloudventure Waterproof Review / On Running Shoes Ranked: Which Are Best For You?

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3. Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX – (Best all-rounder)

The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is the latest waterproof edition to an extremely popular shoe amongst runners who love to get dirty on the trails. It’s a lightweight trail shoe and offers a very aggressive grip on technical, soft trails. Your feet will stay dry as you run through puddles and snowfields, while the shoe’s internal temperature is well-regulated thanks to the breathable construction of the upper. This shoe offers lots of ankle and heel support too, which makes it a popular choice for hikers who don’t want the bulk of a traditional hiking boot. And finally, there’s Salomon’s brilliant Quicklace adjustment system that I love as it’s so fast and easy to do up and won’t ever come loose.

• Weight: 12.9 oz (365g)
• Drop: 10mm
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5
• Support: Neutral

Find the best price for the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX

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4. La Sportiva Tempesta GTX – (Most Innovative)

The La Sportiva Tempesta GTX is a flexible, lightweight all-weather shoe that combines a Gore-Flex® strobel board with AirMesh uppers for breathability and a scree-guard to keep your feet dry and secure while trail running. The Tempesta’s outsole combined with La Sportiva’s Impact Brake System™ creates great stability and impressive grip in all trail and weather conditions. Similar to Salomon’s Quicklace system featured in the Speedcross 5 GTX above, the Tempesta GTX uses a single-pull lacing system that keeps your feet snug without fuss.

• Weight: 11.3 oz (320g)
• Drop: 10mm
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5
• Support: Neutral

Find the best price for the La Sportiva Tempesta GTX

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5. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Waterproof

The Speedgoat 3 Waterproof trail running shoe is designed to take on all types of technical trail. The Speedgoat 3 is durable and stable and now, in this waterproof version, Hoka One One has added a waterproof bootie and gusseted tongue. There’s also a wider midsole and toe box which makes it a good choice for those with wider than average feet. There is heel and midfoot support in the upper which also controls lateral roll nicely.

Hoka One One’s CMEVA foam midsole absorbs impact and provides a stable footing while the durable Vibram® Megagrip hi-traction outsole with its deep 5mm lugs give excellent grip on varied terrain.

• Weight: 11.4 oz (323g)
• Drop: 4mm
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5
• Support: Neutral

Find the best price for the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Waterproof

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6. Dynafit Speed MTN GTX

The Dynafit Speed MTN trail running shoe is a tough, lightweight and at the same time a very comfortable shoe for alpine terrain. The sole is impressive in its balanced blend of grip and traction, which offers great footing and hold on both rock and soft surfaces like mud and forest trail. Like the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX and the La Sportiva Tempesta GTX, both mentioned above, this shoe also uses a quick lacing system that’s uncomplicated and saves much time. The GORE-TEX® membrane that is the upper, ensures feet stay dry even in passing showers and on muddy terrain.

• Weight: 13.8 oz (390g)
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5
• Support: Neutral

Find the best price for the Dynafit Speed MTN GTX

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BONUS: Salomon Snowspike CSWP – (TOP IN SNOW & ICE)

With the Salomon Snowspike CSWP (ClimaSalomon Waterproof) you can confidently venture out into the harshest winter conditions. It has total waterproof protection and a high top to keep snow and moisture out of the shoes. There are 12 tungsten spikes built into the sole for confident grip on soft or compact snow and ice. The inner shoe uses Salomon’s Quicklace system to fasten the upper of the main shoe and the outer gaiter is closed with a waterproof zip feature. The Salomon Snowspike is the ultimate winter trail running shoes for those who run in snow and ice.

• Weight: 14.1 oz (400g)
• Drop: 10mm
• Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 4/5
• Fit: Neutral

Find the best price for the Salomon Snowspike Trail Running Shoes