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 POSTS: The Best Trail Running Shoes [Buyer’s Guide] / Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running
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 Trail 2 GORE-TEX (GTX Waterproof)
The Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX is an excellent waterproof trail shoe and has earned my pick as the best waterproof trail running shoes for wet and cold winter running. The Pegasus Trail 2 Gore-Tex is 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.
Read Next ↗
They’re great for running on light trails and even road surfaces, and I love how comfortable they are while running fast downhill due to the cushioning in the heel. The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX also dig in very well while climbing hills.
Nike React foam offers great protection and cushioning under foot and they are generally a very comfortable fit, in my experience. They are also very reasonably priced for a waterproof trail shoe!
Recommended US Online Stores for Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX
Recommended UK Online Stores for Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX
Sportsshoes.com
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£129.95 | See Deal |
Nike.com
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£129.95
out of stock
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See Deal |
Amazon.co.uk
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See Deal |
2. Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
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 – and in our opinion the best waterproof trail running shoes. 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
Recommended US Online Stores for Speedcross 5 GTX
Amazon.com
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$129.95
5
new
from $129.95
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See Deal |
Backcountry.com
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$149.95 | See Deal |
Salomon.com
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$150.00 | See Deal |
Zappos.com
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$149.95
out of stock
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See Deal |
Rei.com
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$150.00
out of stock
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See Deal |
Recommended US Online Stores for Speedcross 5 GTX
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Sportsshoes.com
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£139.99
out of stock
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See Deal |
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Amazon.co.uk
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See Deal |
3. 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.
Read Next ↗
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: 12.17 oz (345g) | 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?
On-running.com
Also available in the US, UK, and Globally at on-running.com
4. La Sportiva Kaptiva GTX
The La Sportiva Kaptiva GTX is a flexible, lightweight training and racing trail shoe that can help you unleash your speed in gnarly, cold conditions
They provide a balance of durability, cushion, stability and traction while keeping your feet warm and dry in variable conditions throughout the fall/winter months. There are thermoplastic polyurethane toe caps that will protect your toes from trail debris like rocks and roots, while the knit wrap around tongue improves comfort and fit.
The outsoles on the Kaptiva GTX have 3.5–4.5mm lugs that enhance traction in slippy conditions, and there are also EVA rock guards to shield your forefoot and heel from rocks and roots.
Weight: 9.1 oz (258g) | Drop: 6mm | Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5 | Support: Neutral
Recommended US Stores for Kaptiva GTX
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Zappos.com
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$159.00 | See Deal |
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Rei.com
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$159.00
out of stock
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See Deal |
Sportiva.com
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$159.00
out of stock
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See Deal |
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Amazon.com
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See Deal |
Recommended UK Stores for Kaptiva GTX
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Amazon.co.uk
|
£130.49
4
new
from £130.49
|
See Deal |
|
Sportsshoes.com
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£130.49 | See Deal |
5. Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Waterproof
The Speedgoat 4 Waterproof trail running shoe is designed to take on all types of technical trail. The Speedgoat 4 is extra durable and stable in this waterproof version. These fit a little narower than some other brands so take that into account when purchasing. There is heel and midfoot support in the upper which also controls lateral roll nicely.
These trail shoes offer wearability in all kinds of conditions from rainy trails to snowy roads. Hoka One One’s EVA 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: 12.2 oz | Drop: 4mm | Cushion (0=responsive, 5=plush): 3/5 | Support: Neutral
Recommended US Stores for Speedgoat 4 GORE-TEX
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Backcountry.com
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$159.95 | See Deal |
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Zappos.com
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$159.95 | See Deal |
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Rei.com
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$160.00
out of stock
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See Deal |
|
Amazon.com
|
See Deal |
Recommended US Stores for Speedgoat 4 GORE-TEX
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
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Backcountry.com
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$161.21
out of stock
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See Deal |
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Zappos.com
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$157.81
out of stock
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See Deal |
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Amazon.com
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See Deal |
Interesting tips. Are you sure about the weight of On Cloudventure Water Proof? I think it was heavier when I tried it. Will it work on roads as well?
Hi Jon,
You’re absolutely right! They’re 12.17 oz (345g) – I mistakenly wrote down the weight of the non waterproof version. Thanks for pointing that out!
-Alastair