Runners can tell how soggy it feels running with their feet wet. However, if you run with shoes that provide no protection against water, getting your feet wet is inevitable and you have to deal with the inconvenience and irritation of soggy feet. But why do people still run with shoes that provide no form of protection against water in water-laden areas? With waterproof running shoes, your feet are protected from water and remains dry.
Some even go further by providing your feet space to breathe in other to stay fresh and dry. While it is true that nothing is completely waterproof, and it is only a matter of time and an increase in water pressure before water gets through it, waterproof shoes provide protection against water better than waterproof shoe protectors and water-resistance shoes.
This article will discuss the top 10 waterproof running shoes in the market. Before that, I will discuss why you need a waterproof running shoe, how to identify one when you see it, and the things to consider when buying a waterproof running shoe. After reading this article, you should be better informed about waterproof shoes and how to choose the best waterproof shoe for yourself.
Top 10 Waterproof Running Shoes
Below are the best waterproof shoes for running based on our research. They are all in the mid-range class and aren’t too priced to be called elite products. Make your pick based on the factors discussed earlier.
Best Waterproof Running Shoes in the Market
The Salomon Speedcross 4 Running Shoe is arguably the best waterproof shoe for running. They are true to size with their uppers are made of textile and synthetic materials which helps it to prevent water from getting into the shoe. Even though it prevents water from going through it, it provides a lot of support for breathability as the textile mesh upper still allow air to pass through it freely.
The shoe provides enough traction and grip to make running on trail possible. In fact, looking at the Salomon Speedcross 4 Running Shoe outsole, you can tell it had been designed to make trailing enjoyable with its aggressive grip and precise hold. One thing about the grip provided by this shoe is that it is still strong even on slippery and wet surfaces. Using this monster on rocky surfaces, snow, or even mud is not a bad idea. This shoe has been found to be very comfortable on the feet by runners and hikers.
The shoelaces are easy to use. The toe box of the shoe is wide enough to allow your feet space to flex. This shoe provides a moderate level of support and might need augmentation if you have high arches and need more than just moderate cushioning. The shoe is also very durable and has been claimed to last for a long time without compromising its comfort. This highly recommended mudder has been praised by many to be responsive and a great performer.
However, some users complained that they do not get dried easily. It had also been said to be uncomfortable when used on an uneven surface. Also, while many users claimed the breathability support of the shoe is great, some claimed it wasn’t as breathable as they expected.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Very good traction and grip even over slippery surfaces
- Price is good considering its quality and durable
- The Quicklace system of the shoe had been praised by many
- The toe box is wide enough to allow your feet flex
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some users claimed the shoe wasn’t as breathable as they expected
- They do not get dried easily
Best Waterproof Running Shoes for Women
One of the best waterproof shoe for running is the Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Hiker Sneaker which many women find very comfortable with them on their feet. A pair of these shoes are perfect for running. They provide good support and are visually appealing. The beauty and vibrant color of this shoe is one of the things that make these shoes stand out among other waterproof running shoes. Their outsole has also been praised by many users as strong enough and provide impressive traction against muddy and concrete surfaces.
The mesh lining of the upper part of the shoe makes it breathable while retaining its waterproof quality. The shoe had been stated to be true to size. They also provide stability and enough air-cushioned support to make wearing them comfortable. They are also good at shock-absorption. Many users of the shoe also claimed that the shoe is very suitable for hiking. Users of this shoe did not experience any form of injuries, pain, or blisters that was traced to the shoe. The color scheme of the shoe has also been praised by many users.
Before buying this shoe, there are some things you need to be aware of. First, the cushioning on the heel isn’t good enough and have been criticized by some users. The shoe had also been reported to have durability issues as some users claimed it starts falling apart within few months.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- They are visually appealing and come in various color schemes
- They are very comfortable on the feet
- They provide good traction and grip even against muddy surfaces
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some users claimed the shoe started falling apart after a few months
- Heel cushioning not good enough for some users
Perfect Fitter for Men
Made for men, the Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex CMTK GTX shoe had been made to perfectly fit the feet. A lot of users are happy with the shoes’ fit and stated that they fit perfectly as they expected. This trail running shoe has been made with durability and lightweight in mind. With this shoe on your feet, raising your feet and dropping them feel as effortless as possible. They have also been made to be waterproof and breathable at the same time – thanks to the Goretex membrane of the shoe that allows air to pass through it but prevent water from going through it.
The shoe provides enough arch support for both forefoot and rearfoot in other for them to remain stable and adaptive to the surface. The shoe has also been praised for its durability. The shoe provides enough traction and grip to keep you moving on any terrain. Because of the strong grip the shoe has over the surface, many trail runners have adopted this shoe as a trailing shoe and it gets the job done perfectly. The upper of the Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex CMTK GTX Running Shoe is made from mesh while its sole is made from synthesized materials.
Aside the above discussed good sides of the shoe, they are also affordable and reliable. The stylish design and color schemes of the shoe have also been applauded by many users of the shoe.
However, some users claimed that the shoe was narrow for them and that the cushioning provided was inefficient for them. Users also complained that the outsole wears out quickly
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Affordable and comfortable on the feet
- Fits perfectly on the feet
- Lightweight
- Provide enough grip for trailing
You need to pay attention to It:
- Outsole wears out quickly
- Narrow fit for some users
- Cushioning not efficient for some users
Most Affordable on the List
Looking for a shoe that’s affordable, made for running and provide your feet protection against water? Then the Adidas Men’s Rockadia Trail Running Shoe is one of the options you have. These shoes are very durable and are perfect for trailing. In fact, the shoe was initially made for trailing because of it sturdy outsole that provides a strong grip and traction over the shoe. The shoe upper is made of textile and synthetic materials while the sole is made of rubber. The shoe also provides a good level of breathability.
Many users stated that the grip provided by this shoe is reliable. The color schemes available are also one of the reasons runners love this shoe. Many users claimed they received compliments and find the shoe visually appealing. They are also very comfortable even on flat surfaces. Even though they are cheap, their build is of high quality. In fact, many users claimed the shoe last longer than some shoes that were more expensive.
Most of the problems associated with this shoe have to do with measurements and sizing. The shoe does not conform to standard and does not provide width options. Some users stated that the shoe is a narrow fit for them.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Very affordable and comfortable on the feet
- Provides good traction
- The design quality is high
- The shoe is visually appealing
You need to pay attention to It:
- Narrow fit
- Sizing does not conform to standard
Perfect for Overpronators
For those that suffer from overpronation, their feet moved inward as they walk or run. In extreme scenarios, it could lead to strains and injuries. To prevent these, shoemakers produced some type of shoes known as Motion Control Shoes. The Salomon XA Pro Running Sneaker is one of such shoes. If you know you have flat feet, this shoe is a perfect running shoe for you. Interestingly, it is waterproof and appropriate for all kinds of weather. Many users stated that the shoes fit perfectly and their laces make them comfortable to wear.
What makes them waterproof and breathable is their upper that though prevent water from passing through them, allows air to pass through. They easily get dry when washed or used during rainfall. They are perfect for use on rocky surfaces as well as in muddy environments. Because they are lightweight, they become suitable for use for running and trailing. They are high performers and are made of good quality materials and standards. The midsole is the reason this shoe provides a good level of support, protection, and comfort.
However, the shoe is quite pricy and lacks ankle support and cushioning. The shock-absorbing mechanism isn’t as great as it should.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Perfect for overpronators
- Perfectly fits the feet
- Get dried quickly
- Provide good grip and traction
- Made of quality materials
You need to pay attention to It:
- Lacks ankle support
- Expensive
- Shock absorber not as effective as it should
Comfortability at its Peak
The Saucony Ride 10 GTX Running Shoe had been praised by many users as very comfortable, accommodating, and supportive. The shoe is one of the top waterproof shoes in the market and users claimed they are smooth and fits the leg perfectly. The upper of the shoe is made of textile and synthetic material with their Gore-Tex technology that makes it possible to remain waterproof and still provide enough breathability support to keep your feet dry. Their soles in turn, are made of rubber and provides cushioning to make the feet feel comfortable.
The shoe has been very handy in case of long runs and some runners have even used it for marathon runs. These shoes are so light that you wouldn’t feel them when you are lifting your feet – this makes moving at your maximum speed as effortless as possible. Heavy runners also praised the Saucony Ride 10 GTX Running Shoe for having a midsole that supports their weight. On a general note, they can be said to be responsive, high performers, and comfortable.
However, many users find the shoe to be narrower than they expected. They are not also as durable as one would expect based on the previous edition of Saucony Ride. The sizing of the shoe does not follow the standard rule and their outsole do not provide a strong grip over wet surfaces.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Very comfortable on the feet
- Good for long runs
- Breathability support is great
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some users stated that the shoe does not last long
- Sizing does not conform to standard
- Outsole does not provide good grip over wet surfaces
Efficient Runner
The New Balance 910 V4 GTX Running Shoe is one of the popular waterproof runners in the market. They are made to be high performers and efficient runners with their close-to-the-ground feel and lightweight nature. They have been found to perform excellently well when used for trailing and have been found to be stable and comfortable with them on feet. This shoe has a sole made of rubber, while the upper is made from synthesized materials.
One of these synthesized materials is the Gore-Tex material which provides the shoe’s waterproof features and at the same time, make breathability possible. The shoe also provided a mechanism for toe support, thereby reducing your risk of getting injured with this shoe on your feet. Users also stated that the shoe toe box is roomy enough to allow their toe to move freely. Because they are waterproof, they can be used in any kind of weather.
However, the shoe has also received backlash from many runners that have used the shoe in the past. Even though many users find the shoe very comfortable to wear, some claimed that they are not comfortable for running. The shoe had also been criticized for making squeaky sounds after a few months of usage. The shoe is not also visually appealing as some users claimed the colors are too bright and unattractive.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- High performance and responsive
- Toe protection support
- Breathability support is great
- Perfect for trailing
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some users felt the shoe aren’t comfortable as they should
- The shoe makes squeaky sounds after a few months of usage
- Colors are too bright and unattractive
An Affordable Runner for Women
The Asics Women’s Gel Cumulus 17 GTX Sneakers will get you not to mind the weather. Come rain or shine, you’re good to go and won’t miss any training because of water restrictions. This shoe is made for use in water. There’s a membrane attached to the upper of the shoe known as Gore-Tex material which allows air to pass through it in other to keep your feet dry but prevent water from entering so as not to get your feet wet. Both the upper and the sole of the Asics Women’s Gel Cumulus 17 GTX Sneakers are made from synthetic materials.
Their soft sockliners, midsoles, and collar make them very comfortable. Many appreciated the level of cushioning that this shoe provides. They are also good at shock absorption. The outsole of the shoe is quite efficient when it comes to gripping even wet surfaces. They won’t do bad too when used in a snow area.
The shoe however, makes a lot of squeaky sound after sometimes. They are quite heavy too and might hinder you from moving at your maximum speed. Users also stated that the shoes were smaller than they expected.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Affordable
- Breathability support is great
- Great shock absorbers
- Has an efficient gri
You need to pay attention to It:
- Makes squeaky sound
- They are quite heavy
- Shoes are smaller than expected
Best Waterproof Stability Shoe
Runners that neither supinate nor overpronate have neutral feet that only Stability Shoes can provide them with the needed support and cushion. Here’s one Stability Shoes that’s loved by many, affordable, comfortable, and responsive – it is the Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe. This shoe has been made to be waterproof and at the same time, provide a medium through which air and enter and leave the shoe effortlessly.
According to some runners, saying this shoe is affordable is an understatement considering its durability and quality design. They prefer to use the word “Cheap”. They come with a rubber sole while their upper is made from mesh materials. The shoe provides a good level of traction. However, even though they are waterproof, the amount of traction provided against wet surfaces is not encouraging. In fact, some users stated clearly that they aren’t good for running over wet surfaces. The shoe is also a narrow fit
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Perfect for people with neutral feet
- Affordable
- Very comfortable on the feet
- Users stated that the shoe lasted longer than they expecte
You need to pay attention to It:
- Narrow fit
- Traction provided not effective in wet environments
Perfect for All Terrain
If you are the type that runs on more than one terrain and you’re looking for a shoe that will suit that, then Adidas Ultraboost All Terrain Shoe is here for you. It is one of the best waterproof shoes for running and has been applauded for how comfortable they feel with feet in them. They provide enough support and traction needed for trails. They are also lightweight. Users who wore this all day long stated that they felt comfortable with their feet in the shoe throughout.
Some users also claimed that they have used the shoe for gym workouts and they were quite effective for that. They are stylishly designed and a lot of people find the shoe visually appealing.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Perfect for use on all terrain
- Quick comfortable and soft on the feet
- Lightweight
You need to pay attention to It:
- Users felt there was no upgrade from previous versions
- The collar makes some users uncomfortable
Why do you need a Waterproof Running Shoe?
It might seem obvious why you need a waterproof shoe for running. However, if you look closely, unless there’s a need for one, you wouldn’t need to spend huge just to buy waterproof shoes. Probably, what you need is a waterproof shoe protector or water-resistant shoe. I will dwell more on why you need a waterproof running shoe instead of a water-resistance shoe. I left the waterproof shoe protector out for a reason – they are not in the same league. The shoe protectors are wearables and hinder the shoe from providing some of its functions.
So, why waterproof running shoes? Why not a water-resistant shoe? Well, on a general note, they serve the same purpose; They protect the feet from getting wet. However, how they go about it differs. Water-resistant shoes cannot withstand being submerged in water; They are meant for lighter rains. A water-resistant shoe can only withstand a pressure of 200mm before its protective layer falls apart. However, in the case of waterproof shoes, they can be submerged in water for long in as much as the water pressure is below 1000mm.
However, any pressure above 1000mm, the shoe can no longer provide you protection and your feet will get wet. This means that waterproof running shoes are a step ahead of water-resistant shoes. While water-resistant shoes can prevent water from entering during a light snow or rain, waterproof shoes can prevent water from getting into your shoe during heavy rain. They are made usually from rubber, plastic, and other non-porous materials as against water-resistant shoes made from leather and other water-repelling materials.
However, it is important to state here before moving to the next section that waterproof running shoes can fail to prevent water from entering the shoe because water can enter through the opening which you insert your foot. The material that provides the protection also weakens as they age and as such, can be the reason why your “waterproof shoe” isn’t working as expected.
How to identify Waterproof Shoes
Waterproof shoes are designed differently from regular shoes. You need to know what to look out for to confirm if a shoe is waterproof or not. One of the key pointer to a waterproof shoe is that the lower half of the shoes are made of waterproof rubber. This will protect water from sipping into the shoe from below. The shoe lining is also very thick and tongues of the shoes are sewn on either side and the bottom.
Types of Waterproof Running Shoe
This part of the writeup is not peculiar to waterproof shoes. They are peculiar to every shoe. As humans, we have basically three types of foot and each has a type of shoe made for it in other to prevent it from injuries and provide them comfort. Based on the 3 foot types, we have 3 types of shoes.
Motion Control Shoes
Motion Control Shoes are the shoes made for people with flat feet. People with flat feet are known as overpronator. This is because their feet moved inward as they strike the ground. While the natural movement of the feet is normal for every human, when it is in excess such as the case of overpronators, it leads to strains and injuries.
To prevent this, Motion Control Shoes have been made to control the movement of the feet, thereby preventing the complications that may arise. Because they are made to control the inward movement of the feet, they are not as flexible as the other types of shoes. They come usually with dual-density midsoles.
Cushioning Shoes
Cushioning Shoes are the direct opposite of Motion Control Shoes. They are made for supinator or underpronators. These are people that their feet move outward as they move. They are more common among people with high arches. These types of shoes are made to be flexible and provide a lot of support to help pad the high arches to provide it comfort and help it remain in place.
Stability Shoes
Stability Shoes are those types of shoes made for people that neither overpronate nor supinate. These types of people are known as people with neutral feet and can be said to be neutral pronators. Since the movement of the feet is not extreme like in the case of overpronating feet and supinating feet, they are made to combine features from both Motion Control Shoes and Cushioning Shoes. This type of shoe controls the movement of the feet as well as provide cushioning to help pad the feet and keep them comfortable.
Things to consider before buying a Waterproof Running Shoe
Just like any other type of shoe, waterproof shoes should be bought based on an informed decision. Shoes are made for different purposes and foot types. If you buy a pair without putting this into consideration, you will end up buying a pair that fall short of your expectations and that might lead to buying another which will be an added cost.
Before buying any pair, you need to be certain it is made for your use case and your type of foot. One interesting thing about shoes is that they are usually made for specific activities which they well in. If you subject them to other uses, they either become uncomfortable to use, cause you injuries, or breakdown.
Intended Environment of Use
This is one of the very important factors that should help you make your buying decision. This factor will determine if what you need is just a waterproof shoe protector or even a water-resistant shoe. You cannot be running in an area that is not water-laden and be thinking of buying a waterproof shoe for running. That will amount to waste of money. You should only buy waterproof running shoes when the weather of the region you intend to run in makes it inevitable to run from water.
Even at that, if you are not going to be running in heavy rainfall and snow, there is no need buying a waterproof shoe for running because, to be frank, they are expensive than normal shoes.
Intended Use
What do you intend to use the shoe for? Running shoes are made to withstand different pressures and provide different levels of support based on their intended use. For example, the level of traction you expect from a running shoe for trailing will be entirely different from the level of grip and traction expected from a shoe you intend to use it for a marathon run.
Very important is also how long do you intend to put them on and the distance you intend to be covering. That you used a shoe for a short run and it was incredibly comfortable does not mean you will feel the same level of comfort if you try using them for a long run. Usually, most shoes that fit perfectly and aren’t too tight feel comfortable when used for a short while.
However, when their use is extended for long, they began to feel uncomfortable and might even cause you pain. What am I trying to say, you need to buy a running shoe based on the surface you intend to run on and how long you intend to run with them on your feet.
Foot Type
Because foot differs in the way they move and the type of support they need to remain stable and comfortable, shoes are made to fit a particular foot type. Before buying a pair of shoes for running, you need to know your foot type. Knowing your foot type is very easy. To know your foot type, do the following:
- Wet one of your feet
- Place it on a cardboard and remove it.
- If you can see most part of your footprint, you have a flat foot and can be said to be an overpronator
- If you can see about 70 percent then you have neutral feet
- However, not seeing most part of your foot on the print means you are a supinator and have high arches
As a rule of thumb, overpronators should only wear Motion Control Shoe. Cushioned Shoes are meant for supinators while people with flat feet should go for Stability Shoes.
Breathability
Without your feet breathing, they are bound to sweat and make you feel uncomfortable. While it is easy for non-waterproof shoes to provide the breathability option, the case is different for waterproof shoe. the problem is this; If there’s no space for water to pass through, how then do you expect air to get in and out of the shoe? This leaves many waterproof running shoes not to support breathability.
However, there are some waterproof running shoes that despite providing protection against water, they also provide good breathability support. These shoes contain a lining made with Gore-Tex, a synthetic material that prevents water from going through it but allows air in and out.
Heel Thickness
Running Shoes are made to have thick heels in other to move at a very good speed. Unlike regular shoes that won’t mind having low heels, running shoes have to be thick in other facilitate running.
Shoe Weight and Durability
The weight of a shoe is equally important when it comes to running. You will be needing a shoe that is lightweight and flexible enough not to hinder you from moving at your maximum speed. I know what I am saying, the weight of a shoe can be the reason you will not win a tournament or get tired easily when running.
The durability of a shoe is also an important deciding factor. Make sure you get a shoe that has been reviewed to last long. You wouldn’t want to be going to the store every now and then because your shoes keep falling apart.
Make a Purchase
You’ve gone through all the 10 shoes and by now, I expect you to have pick one. However, if you’re still finding it difficult to make a pick, please, go through the things you need to consider before buying a waterproof running shoe discussed above. I am sure you will make a buying designing after reading it. What do you think about our list of top waterproof running shoes?
