Waterproof running shoes are not fully waterproof. They delay water rather than stop it, buying you roughly five minutes to an hour of dry running before the low-cut heel collar lets slush in and the membrane slows the drain. For winter training that delay is the whole point, because a membrane plus wet-grip rubber converts being wet on the outside into being damp on the inside, and outside wet is what makes you miserable and sick.
That is the honest starting point for this roundup of the best waterproof running shoes for winter training. Nobody who sells shoes will tell you that, and most runners discover it the hard way after the first slushy mile. We spent this past winter block putting twelve GTX and waterproof trail models through wet runs, packed snow, sleet and sub-zero cold to work out which ones earn a place in a training rotation.
What follows is organised around your conditions rather than around marketing language. Every pick has a real use case attached to it, and two of them are deliberately not the flashiest shoes on the market. Last updated October 2026, and every rating and review count below is copied straight from the current listing data.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Waterproof Running Shoes for Winter in October
Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex
- GORE-TEX membrane
- Contagrip all-terrain outsole
- 3D Advanced Chassis
- Reinforced toe cap
Salomon Speedcross GTX
- Highest rating in the group
- Contagrip TA lugs for mud and snow
- Quicklace lockdown
All 12 Best Waterproof Running Shoes for Winter in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex |
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| New Balance Hierro V7 Gore-Tex |
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| Salomon Speedcross GTX |
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 Columbia Konos TRS Outdry |
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 Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX |
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 Salomon Speedcross Peak Gore-Tex |
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 Merrell Nova 4 Waterproof |
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 Merrell Speed Strike 2 Waterproof |
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 Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX |
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 New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 GTX |
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 adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-Tex |
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 ASICS Trabuco 14 GTX |
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A few patterns stand out before you read a single review. Eleven of the twelve use a sealed membrane, and the one exception uses Columbia’s own OutDry construction, which is a waterproof-breathable bonded build rather than a Gore-Tex bootie. Traction splits into three families here: Salomon’s Contagrip family, Vibram rubber on the two New Balance pairs, and the brand-specific compounds from Nike, Merrell and Columbia.
1. Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex: the winter all-rounder
Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes – Lead/Black/Barbados Cherry – 12
GORE-TEX membrane
Contagrip all-terrain outsole
3D Advanced Chassis
Reinforced toe cap
Pros
- Comfortable for long hours on foot
- Durable at roughly a year of hard use per pair
- Aggressive lug grip on rough loose ground
- Keeps feet dry through puddles
- Quicklace system is quick on wet fingers
Cons
- Runs narrow through the forefoot
- Asymmetrical lace eyelets can press on the big toe
This is the pair we put in the rotation first, and it stayed there. Eleven thousand reviews give you an unusually clear picture of how it behaves over a full winter rather than over two wet runs. Owners describe it as comfortable for long periods on foot, including all-day standing work, which is a decent proxy for a runner moving slowly in the cold.
The GORE-TEX membrane is described as waterproof, windproof and breathable, and in practice the windproofing is the part winter runners notice most. A blocked wind chill on an exposed road is often the reason your feet feel cold long before the ground is properly frozen, and the Contagrip outsole handles the wet half of the problem.
Durability is the standout in the owner feedback, with roughly a year of hard use reported per pair. That matters more in winter than at any other time of year, because GTX uppers and mesh get chewed up by grit, road salt and slush faster than they do in summer.
Who should buy the XA PRO 3D this winter
Anyone running three or more sessions a week in mixed conditions who wants one shoe to trust. The 3D Advanced Chassis gives underfoot protection and motion control, and the reinforced toe cap is the detail that keeps the front of the shoe alive when you are kicking through frozen puddles.
Where it frustrates people
The fit is narrow, and that is the single most repeated complaint. The asymmetrical lace eyelets can press across the big toe on long efforts, which is where owners report discomfort over long walks. If you have wide feet, size up and check the toe box before your first long winter run.
2. New Balance Hierro V7 Gore-Tex: cushioned protection for long winter miles
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Marine Blue, 6.5 M
Fresh Foam X midsole
GORE-TEX waterproof fabric
Vibram outsole
12.8 ounces
Pros
- Plush cushioning suits longer distances
- GORE-TEX keeps feet dry in wet conditions
- Vibram grip on mixed terrain
- Toe Protect guards against debris
Cons
- Vibram outsole adds grip weight on pavement
- Heavier platform suits long runs over short speed work
If your winter long run is the session you care most about, cushioning matters more than weight and the Hierro V7 is built around that. The Fresh Foam X midsole is the softest platform in this group, and owners consistently pair it with longer trail distances rather than short speed work.
The GORE-TEX fabric protects against wind, rain and water, and the Vibram outsole delivers reliable grip across mixed terrain. Toe Protect technology guards against rocks, roots and debris, which is the part of winter trail running that actually hurts when it is not there.
At 12.8 ounces this is not the lightest shoe here, but the weight is doing something for you. It is a long-run shoe, and a heavier platform is a reasonable trade when the run is an hour or more rather than five miles of tempo.
Best for long winter distance
Marathon blocks, long slow distance and any weekend run that starts in the dark. The midsole takes repeated impact well, and the Fresh Foam X platform is the one to pick if your winter block is built around volume rather than intensity.
Where it falls short for winter running
Vibram rubber is a trail compound, so on a plowed road it is grip you are paying for in weight and noise without using. Expect a softer, less responsive ride than the lighter trail models below, which makes this a poor choice for short sharp winter sessions.
3. Salomon Speedcross GTX: the traction specialist
Salomon Men’s Speedcross GTX, Waterproof Trail Running Shoes – Black/Black/Quiet Shade – 11 Medium
GORE-TEX with floating tongue
Contagrip TA lug pattern
Sensifit and Quicklace
2.69 pounds
Pros
- Highest-rated pick in the group at 4.6
- Contagrip TA lugs dig into mud and soft snow
- Waterproof yet breathable membrane
- Precise fit from Sensifit and Quicklace
Cons
- Aggressive lugs feel harsh on pavement
- 2.69 pounds is a heavy pack on long winter runs
This is the shoe for the week it actually snows. The Contagrip TA sole with its aggressive lug design is the reason owners mention it by name when they talk about mud, wet ground and soft snow, and it holds up on the surfaces where a flatter trail outsole just skates.
The updated waterproof Gore-Tex construction is paired with a floating tongue, which keeps debris out from the top and is a small quality-of-life win when you are running through slush. Sensifit construction with the Quicklace closure gives a secure, precise fit that does not need retieing halfway through a cold run.
The anti-debris mesh upper in abrasion-resistant ripstop is built for exactly the abuse winter delivers. Grit, road salt and ice melt get into everything midwinter, and this upper is designed to take it.
When traction is the deciding factor
Snow that has been walked on, mud, wet gravel, frozen puddles and anything with a slope to it. Runners on trail-running threads reach for grippy lugs over membranes when real snow arrives, and this is the pair that satisfies both halves of that argument.
The case against it on dry days
Those aggressive lugs are unkind on pavement, and the listed weight of 2.69 pounds is a lot to carry when the conditions are merely damp. This belongs in a rotation alongside a lighter trainer, not as the only shoe you own for the coldest months of the year.
4. Columbia Konos TRS Outdry: a budget route to a wet-weather trail shoe
Columbia Women’s Konos TRS Outdry Waterproof Shoe, Moonstone/Teal, 7.5
OutDry membrane
Adapt Trax wet traction
OMNI-MAX PLUS midsole
Navic Fit lockdown
Pros
- OutDry rated for moderate to heavy rain or snow
- Adapt Trax tread grips wet terrain
- OMNI-MAX PLUS absorbs impact
- Navic Fit locks the mid-foot down
Cons
- Listed as a hiking shoe rather than a running shoe
- No published weight figure in the listing
The OutDry membrane is the reason to look at this shoe at all. Owners and the brand rate it for moderate to heavy rain or snow, which puts it in the same practical territory as the Gore-Tex models here even though the construction is a bonded build rather than a sealed bootie.
Adapt Trax is the traction story, and it is designed specifically for wet and slippery ground rather than borrowed from a dry trail outsole. The OMNI-MAX PLUS underfoot system with a Techlite+ midsole handles impact, which is useful when you are running-walking a snowy route rather than running continuously.
Navic Fit gives a natural mid-foot lockdown, which is worth more than it sounds in cold weather. Cold hands and wet gloves make fiddly lacing genuinely frustrating, so a secure fit system that locks in once is a real feature.
Best for snow-heavy winters on a budget
Runners who want dependable wet-weather protection for hilly, snowy routes without chasing the most expensive trail shoe on the market. It ranks 33 in women’s hiking shoes, so the design intent is hiking first, and that is a good match for winter trail routes that double as walks.
Where it is not the right tool
It is a hiking shoe, so do not expect a running-specific stack height, drop or ride for tempo work. If your winter block is interval-heavy on the road, this is the wrong shape for the job and you would be better served by a road GTX trainer.
5. Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX: a road-to-trail winter trainer
Nike Men’s Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-TEX Black/Black/Anthracite 8 Medium
GORE-TEX upper with toe cap
ReactX foam midsole
Nike Trail ATC rubber outsole
1.94 pounds
Pros
- Waterproof upper with a protective toe cap
- ReactX foam is lightweight and responsive
- ATC outsole grips wet inclines while staying smooth on road
Cons
- 4.1 is the lowest rating in this group
- 1.94 pounds is heavy for a trail trainer
- ReactX is a road-leaning foam with less trail compliance
This is the shoe for runners whose winter routes change week to week. The Nike Trail All Terrain Compound outsole is described by owners as gripping steep inclines in wet weather while staying smooth on road, which is exactly the dual-surface behaviour a mixed winter route demands.
The ReactX foam midsole is 13 percent more responsive than the previous React foam, and the GORE-TEX upper carries a 3-D print toe cap that keeps water and grit out of the front of the shoe. The same road-trail hybrid approach gets repeat mentions in runner forums, where people describe using such shoes on snow without ever having problems on wet surfaces.
It is also the least warmly reviewed pick here at 4.1. That matters less for a wet grip shoe than for a cushioned daily trainer, but you should expect the fit and finish to be less polished than the Salomon and New Balance options.
Best for mixed road and trail winter routes
Runners crossing gravel paths, park trails and pavement inside a single week. The ATC compound handles both, the toe cap takes the abuse, and the responsive foam suits the tempo-ish middle of a winter training week rather than only long easy miles.
Why the reviews are cooler
The rating reflects a shoe that does several jobs rather than excelling at one. Listed at 1.94 pounds it is heavy for a trail trainer, and the ReactX foam is tuned more for road response than for long hours over rough ground. If you run a lot of pavement in winter, compare it with the lighter trail options first.
6. Salomon Speedcross Peak Gore-Tex: built for long days on your feet
Salomon Men’s Speedcross Peak Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoe – Black/Castlerock/Cherry Tomato – 9.5 Medium
Sealed Gore-Tex bootie
Protective mudguard
All Terrain Contagrip outsole
Sensifit with Quicklace
Pros
- Kept feet and socks dry through mud snow and puddles
- Comfortable over 10000 to 18000 steps in a day
- Lightweight and stable on descents
- Grip holds on dirt mud and rock
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Stiff at first and needs a break-in period
Look at the owner comments and the thing that comes up most is all-day comfort, with people reporting 10000 to 18000 steps in a day without trouble. For winter training that covers a commuting foot, a long run and a walk home, which is a very common pattern when the weather turns.
The fully sealed Gore-Tex waterproof bootie construction is the most thoroughly sealed design in this roundup, and owners specifically report dry feet and dry socks through mud, snow, puddles and wet grass. The protective mudguard wraps the base of the shoe, which is where slush attacks first.
All Terrain Contagrip outsole, Sensifit construction, a one-pull Quicklace and a stowable lace garage complete the package. Owners call it lightweight and stable on descents, which is where wet grip matters most.
Best for runners who do more than run
Winter season tends to create hybrid sessions: a run, a commute, dog walking, a walk to the shop. This shoe is built for that and the sealed bootie is the version of waterproofing that survives repeated wet exposure rather than one splashy run.
Where the caveats sit
It runs narrow, and it is stiff for the first runs until the midsole settles. Traction is described as good rather than outstanding for a Salomon model, so if deep snow is the normal condition of your winter, step up to the Speedcross GTX lug pattern instead.
7. Merrell Nova 4 Waterproof: a lighter trail shoe with a removable footbed
NOVA 4 Waterproof
Waterproof venting membrane
FloatPro Foam midsole
Quantum Grip outsole
Removable EVA footbed
Pros
- Membrane seals out water while venting moisture
- Lightweight FloatPro Foam for long distances
- Quantum Grip for extreme trail environments
- Removable footbed accepts custom insoles
Cons
- Only 169 reviews so less long-term wear data
- No published weight figure in the listing
The Nova 4 is the pick here for anyone who swaps insoles between seasons, which is a surprisingly common winter habit. The 50 percent recycled removable EVA foam footbed lifts out and takes custom insoles, and buyers with orthotics call that out specifically.
The waterproof membrane is described as sealing out water while letting moisture escape, which is the language that matters most in cold weather because a shoe that vents from the inside is far easier to live with than one that traps sweat. The breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper is the second half of that balance.
FloatPro Foam is a lightweight midsole, and the Merrell Quantum Grip rubber outsole is built for what Merrell calls extreme trail environments. The listing notes a removable footbed and ranks 70 in men’s trail running shoes.
Best for orthotics users and light winter miles
It is the lightest-feeling trail option in the roundup, so it suits frequent mid-week sessions in the wet rather than a single long weekend run. The venting description on the membrane also makes it a better pick than most for runners who overheat in sealed boots.
Where the evidence is thin
With 169 reviews the durability picture is much less established than the shoes with five-figure review counts near the top of this list, and the listing publishes no weight figure, so you are choosing partly on feel. If your winter block is eight weeks or more of daily running, budget for a mid-season check on the outsole and upper stitching.
8. Merrell Speed Strike 2 Waterproof: built for wet ground and long days out
Merrell Speed Strike 2 Waterproof
Waterproof synthetic upper
Abrasion-resistant toe cap
Lightweight EVA midsole
1.5 pounds
Pros
- Kept feet dry in rainy windy weather
- True to size with good arch support
- Wide toe box that does not slip at the heel
Cons
- Supplied laces are too short to tie securely
- Shoes arrive stiff and need a break-in period
This is a shoe for winter running that is really a run-walk shoe, and that is not a criticism. Reviewers describe feet staying dry in rainy, windy weather, and a wide toe box that does not slip at the heel, which are the things you want on a wet dog walk or a cold commute.
The waterproof synthetic leather and mesh upper comes with an abrasion-resistant synthetic heel and toe cap, and a lightweight EVA midsole with a rubber outsole. At 1.5 pounds it is one of the lighter pairs here, which matters when the same shoes have to cover a full day of mixed activity.
Best for run-walk and off-road winter days
Anyone whose winter block includes long walks, hill repeats done at walking pace, or a lot of time on trails that are not really runnable. The wide toe box also makes it forgiving if you wear thicker winter socks, which is where many GTX models start causing hot spots.
Why it is not a training shoe
The EVA midsole is basic, so do not expect a responsive ride for anything faster than an easy effort. The most repeated complaint is practical rather than technical: the supplied laces are too short to tie securely, so buy a spare set before your first long outing.
9. Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX for women: a straightforward waterproof trail option
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-TEX Women’s Waterproof Trail Running Shoes (FQ0912-001, Black/Cool Grey/Anthracite/Wolf Grey) Size 7.5
GORE-TEX waterproof construction
Womens specific sizing
Trail running fit
8.5 women equals 7 men
Pros
- GORE-TEX waterproof construction
- Trail running platform for mixed routes
- Womens specific sizing rather than a scaled mens shoe
Cons
- 4.0 is the lowest rating in this group
- Only 121 reviews so limited owner detail
This is the women’s version of the Pegasus Trail 5 platform, and the brand is upfront about the sizing: 8.5 women equals 7 men. That line matters, because a lot of runners size up blindly in a GTX shoe and end up with a boot that does not sit right over a thick sock.
The GORE-TEX waterproof construction does the obvious job. What the review data does not give you is much detail, and that is worth knowing before you commit. At 4.0 across 121 reviews, this is the least warmly reviewed shoe in the roundup.
Best for runners who know their size in this model
If you already wear the Pegasus Trail 5 in a non-waterproof version, the GTX is the same platform with a membrane, and that familiarity is worth more than a higher rating from a stranger. It suits mixed road and trail winter routes where you want one shoe rather than two.
Why the ratings are the lowest here
A low rating on a lightly reviewed shoe usually points at fit and finish rather than a failed membrane. The listing carries very little detail beyond the sizing note, so if you are between sizes this is the pick worth trying on in a shop rather than ordering blind.
10. New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex: the value GTX
New Balance Women’s DynaSoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoe, Terrarium/Black/Black, 10 M
GORE-TEX waterproof fabric
DynaSoft midsole
AT Tread outsole
No-sew overlays
Pros
- GORE-TEX protection without a heavy penalty on breathability
- DynaSoft midsole blends responsiveness with plush comfort
- AT Tread outsole works on road and trail
- Entry-level pricing for a genuine GTX
Cons
- Only 115 reviews so the feedback pool is small
- No published weight figure in the listing
The Nitrel V6 is the entry point here for anyone who wants a genuine GORE-TEX upper without stretching to the top of the range. Buyers specifically cite waterproof protection that does not come at the cost of breathability, which is the hardest balance to hit in a sealed shoe.
The DynaSoft midsole is described as pairing responsiveness with plush comfort, and the AT Tread outsole works both on road and off it. No-sew overlays add durability, and an EVA foam insert rounds out the build. It ranks 103 in women’s trail running shoes.
Best for a first winter in waterproof shoes
If you are sceptical about membranes and want to try one without a big commitment, this is the sensible test pair. It is light enough for mid-week sessions, comfortable enough for a long run, and the outsole does not punish pavement.
Where the caution sits
With 115 reviews the feedback pool is small and the listing publishes no weight. The DynaSoft midsole is plusher than responsive, so runners chasing sharp turns for track work will find it soft, and the AT Tread outsole is a compromise compound rather than a dedicated snow or ice lug pattern.
11. adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-Tex: maximum cushioning on a road platform
adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-TEX Running Shoes Men’s, Grey, Size 7.5
Boost midsole
GORE-TEX membrane upper
Road running platform
2.45 pounds
Pros
- Boost midsole delivers the brand's signature energy return
- GORE-TEX adds waterproofing to a road trainer
- Comfortable for long slow winter distance
Cons
- Road outsole gives less bite than trail compounds on snow
- 2.45 pounds is heavy for a road trainer
The Ultraboost 21 GTX is here for the runner whose winter training is almost entirely on the road and who wants maximum cushioning underfoot. The Boost midsole is the brand’s signature platform and reviewers return to its energy return again and again across the 114 reviews on the listing.
The GORE-TEX membrane upper is the reason to pick it over a standard Ultraboost. The listing places it in men’s road running shoes, and that road bias is the crucial detail: the outsole is designed for pavement, not for packed snow or ice.
It is an older platform, and the listed weight of 2.45 pounds reflects that. Cushioning has moved on since then, though the ride remains a soft, forgiving one.
Best for cushioned road miles in bad weather
Winter long runs on wet pavement, where the priority is impact comfort and keeping the road spray off your socks. It also works for runners who want one shoe for road and treadmill through a wet month without running in boots.
Why it is not a winter trail option
A road outsole on packed snow or ice is a genuine hazard, not a minor compromise. The 2.45-pound weight is also heavy for a road trainer, so anyone prioritising speed should read this as a comfort shoe only. For anything off the cleared path, use a lugged trail model instead.
12. ASICS Trabuco 14 GTX: the pick for dark winter runs
ASICS Men’s Trabuco 14 GTX Running Shoes, 10, Black/Brisket RED
GORE-TEX invisible fit
FF BLAST MAX cushioning
Reflective details
1.44 pounds
Pros
- Invisible fit seals well and dries out quickly
- FF BLAST MAX gives high energy return with soft landing
- Reflective details for night and early morning runs
Cons
- Aggressive tread feels uncomfortable on pavement
- Springy ride reads as odd rather than supportive to some
If your winter runs happen in the dark, the Trabuco 14 GTX is the one in this group with reflective details as a stated feature. That is not cosmetic in midwinter. Most winter sessions happen before work or after it, and visibility on a wet road is a safety question before it is a style one.
The GORE-TEX invisible fit is bonded to the engineered mesh upper without a visible bootie line, and owners single out two things: it seals well, and it dries out quickly. Fast dry-out matters more than most people expect, because a damp shoe in a cold garage cannot be worn tomorrow.
FF BLAST MAX cushioning delivers high energy return with a cloud-like landing, and at 1.44 pounds it is the lightest listed weight in the roundup. It ranks 104 in men’s trail running shoes.
Best for night and early-morning winter training
Dark road-to-trail routes, gravel loops and park trails where reflective detail and a fast-drying upper both matter. The invisible fit construction is the one to choose if you rotate a single pair through several wet days in a row.
Where it is uncomfortable
The aggressive tread feels bad on pavement, so it wants a gravel or trail surface. Owners also note that the very springy ride can read as odd rather than supportive to some runners, so test the fit on a longer run before committing a whole winter to it.
No Running Shoe Is Fully Waterproof
Waterproof running shoes delay water, they do not stop it. A sealed membrane is bonded inside a tightly woven upper, often with a gusseted tongue blocking the route down past the eyelets, and the result blocks rain and slush from outside while slowing sweat from escaping. The low-cut heel collar remains open by design, so water eventually arrives through the neck of the shoe rather than through the fabric.
That is where the common forum complaint comes from. A runner on a running-shoe forum put it plainly: once the water gets in, it will not get out. That is accurate. The problem is not that the membrane leaks, it is that the low cut drains slowly and the same material that keeps water out also keeps water in.
The practical fix is layering rather than hoping. Runners in triathlon threads recommend good socks, possibly waterproof ones, plus running gaiters as the default answer to trapped water. A gaiter seals the collar and catches water before it reaches your sock, and a merino or synthetic sock that dries quickly handles what does get through.
Overheating is the mirror image of the same trade. A membrane slows perspiration escaping, so a hard winter session can leave you soaked from the inside. Slower sessions in cold conditions suit waterproof shoes well, and faster efforts on mild days do not.
Are Waterproof Running Shoes Worth It for Winter Training?
They are worth it if you run three or more times a week through a cold, wet season and you care about staying dry from the outside. They are not worth it if you wear them for three weeks of the year, if your winter runs are mostly on a treadmill, or if your priority is speed.
The honest case for them is physiological. Cold feet reduce your stride efficiency and comfort long before they damage anything, and cold plus wet is the combination runners report as miserable. The case against them is the same membrane argument in reverse: you trade outside wetness for inside wetness, and the shoe dries more slowly than a breathable mesh trainer.
A winter rotation solves it better than either answer. Keep a lightweight breathable trainer for your easy and dry days, a road GTX for wet pavement, and a lugged trail model for the days the footpath disappears under snow. Our testers wear a set of wireless earbuds for running that hold up in the rain, because if you are investing in a winter kit the audio should not be the weak link.
One more piece of winter kit matters more than most runners expect: reflective layers and a light. On short days a headlamp costs very little and changes the risk profile of every dark run, whatever shoe you are wearing. If you are also planning post-run time outdoors, our picks for the best waterproof outdoor speakers for decks solve the same all-weather problem for music.
How to Choose: Six Criteria That Decide It
Membrane type. A sealed GORE-TEX or GTX bootie is the strongest protection and the heaviest. Bonded constructions such as Columbia’s OutDry are lighter and often cheaper, and they are rated for moderate rain or snow rather than prolonged immersion. Water-resistant uppers shed drizzle and are not a serious winter option.
Outsole compound and lug pattern. This is the criterion most buyers ignore and most regret. Salomon’s Contagrip TA, Vibram, Merrell’s Quantum Grip, Nike’s ATC and Columbia’s Adapt Trax are all built for wet ground, but only the heavily lugged models are built for packed snow and ice. A road outsole in a GTX upper is fine in rain and a liability in snow.
Breathability and warmth. A membrane that vents from the inside is far easier over a long session. Match warmth to your climate rather than buying the thickest option available, because an over-warm shoe sweats and then holds that sweat against your foot for the rest of the run.
Weight. Listed weights here run from 1.44 pounds on the ASICS to 2.69 pounds on the Speedcross GTX, with the Hierro at 12.8 ounces. A membrane always adds weight to the shoe, and that cost is only worth paying on the days you genuinely need the protection.
Fit and width. Fit is the most common source of regret in this category. Several GTX trail models run narrow and skip wider widths entirely, and thick winter socks change the shape of your foot, so always try on with the socks you will actually run in.
Drying and fast dry-out. If you only own one pair and run every other day, a bonded construction that dries faster is more practical than a heavier bootie. The ASICS Trabuco 14 GTX is called out by owners for drying out quickly, which is a bigger deal in a cold garage than most marketing suggests.
Which Shoe for Which Winter Forecast
Map the forecast to the shoe rather than the shoe to the forecast. Most winter weeks contain at least three of these conditions, and a two-shoe rotation covers them all.
Dry and cold, no precipitation. A lightweight breathable trainer. A membrane adds weight and blocks the airflow you need when there is nothing to keep out, and a trail lug outsole is dead weight on dry pavement.
Drizzle and wet pavement. A road GTX trainer with a soft midsole. The road-based pairs in this roundup, such as the adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-Tex, handle a wet road well and are comfortable for a long session.
Sleet and freezing rain. A sealed trail model with a wet-grip outsole. Freezing rain is the condition where a smooth road outsole becomes genuinely dangerous, so change shoes rather than change your mind about the run.
Slush. Anything with lugs and a sealed upper, plus gaiters. Slush is the worst case for the trapped-water problem because it enters at the collar in volume, and the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX and Merrell Speed Strike 2 are the two pairs here reviewers describe as genuinely keeping socks dry through it.
Packed snow. The most aggressive lug patterns here, which means the Salomon Speedcross GTX and the Speedcross Peak. Runners on trail-running forums describe reaching for mud-capable trail runners in fresh snow for exactly this reason.
Ice. No shoe in this roundup is an ice cleat, and that is worth saying plainly. On genuinely icy pavements the honest answer is to change your route, because no outsole compound tested here replaces traction on clear ice.
When Not to Wear Waterproof Running Shoes
Skip them for the treadmill, for indoor doubles, and for any session indoors. A membrane does nothing for you and only traps heat, and a warm shoe in a heated room is a fast route to blistered feet.
Skip them for dry cold days. Cold air on its own is easier to handle with thick socks and a windproof outer layer, and the members who recommend a lighter GTX trail shoe for dew and a dusting of snow are not talking about a real winter.
Skip them for a hard session on a mild wet day. A membrane slows sweat escaping, so the faster and harder the run, the more you will accumulate moisture inside the shoe where it cannot dry.
And skip the DIY spray-on water treatment unless you are on a strict budget. Long-running cycling and running forums show plenty of runners doing exactly that to standard shoes for years, and for two runs a month in light rain it is a reasonable substitute for a dedicated winter pair.
Drying and Storing Waterproof Shoes Between Winter Runs
The real complaint about waterproof shoes in cold weather is not comfort, it is that a damp shoe in a cold garage cannot be worn the next day. That is a rotation and drying problem, and it is solvable.
Loosen the laces fully and pull the tongue right out so air can reach the inside of the shoe. Leave the cuff open rather than pushing the tongue down into the collar, which traps moisture against the membrane in exactly the place it is already slowest to dry.
Dry at room temperature away from radiators and tumble dryers, both of which can damage the DWR treatment and glue lines that hold the bootie together. If you use a heater, keep it low and keep the shoe away from the direct source.
Stuff the toe box with newspaper or paper towel and change it every couple of hours if you are in a hurry. Newspaper wicks moisture out of the forefoot faster than almost anything else, and the forefoot is where the water pools first because of the collar entry point.
Two pairs solve most of this. Run one pair on Monday and the other on Wednesday, and each has two dry days to recover, which is a simple fix for the rotation problem that runners report far more often than they report discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there such a thing as waterproof running shoes?
Not in the absolute sense. Running shoes with a sealed membrane such as GORE-TEX block rain and slush from the outside and slow sweat from escaping, but the low-cut heel collar is open by design, so water eventually enters around the neck of the shoe. In practice they delay water by roughly five minutes to an hour rather than stopping it entirely.
What are the best waterproof shoes for winter?
For mixed winter conditions the Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex is the strongest all-round pick, with a 4.4 rating across more than 11000 reviews. The Salomon Speedcross GTX leads on rating at 4.6 and has the best traction of the group, while the New Balance Hierro V7 Gore-Tex offers the softest cushioning for long winter miles. All three use sealed membranes and wet-grip outsoles.
Is it worth getting waterproof running shoes?
Yes if you train three or more times a week through a cold wet season, because they solve being wet from the outside, which is the problem you notice. No if you use them for a few weeks a year, run mostly on a treadmill, or prioritise speed, since the membrane adds weight and slows sweat escaping. A two-shoe winter rotation is the most practical setup.
Will waterproof running shoes keep my feet dry?
They keep the outside of your foot and sock dry for most of a run. Reviews in this roundup describe dry socks through mud, snow, puddles and wet grass, and one owner reached 10000 to 18000 steps a day in the Salomon Speedcross Peak without trouble. Water that does enter at the collar drains slowly, so pairing the shoes with gaiters and quick-drying socks makes a large difference.
What are the best shoes to wear for running in rain?
For rain on the road, a cushioned road GTX trainer such as the adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-Tex or the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 is the practical choice. For rain on trail, mud and slush, you want a sealed upper with an aggressive lug pattern, which points to the Salomon Speedcross GTX. Road outsoles stay smooth and quiet in the wet, so match the shoe to the surface.
Conclusion
For the best waterproof running shoes for winter training, the Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex is the pick we kept reaching for. It handles wet road, trail and everything in between, it holds up to a full season of abuse, and more than 11000 reviews make it the most proven shoe in this roundup by a wide margin.
Pair it with the Speedcross GTX when the ground turns to packed snow, and with the New Balance Hierro V7 when the long run is the session that matters. Rotate rather than commit, keep a breathable trainer for the dry cold days, and expect water to get in at the collar on the longest of the wet ones.
None of these shoes will make you immune to a slushy February. They will delay the soaking, keep the road spray off your legs, and let you finish a winter block without spending half of it cold and wet. That is the whole promise, and 2026 is a good year to take it.
Related reading: our picks for the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers cover the same wet-weather problem for music, not for miles.