Working with moist toes, in moist socks, in moist footwear is the right recipe for blisters. It’s additionally a quick monitor to low morale. Nothing dampens spirits faster than soaked socks. On extremely runs, I all the time carry spares. And when confronted with moist, and even snowy, mid-winter miles, the lure of weatherproof footwear is powerful. Something that may stem the soggy tide is value a go, proper?
This is not as easy a solution because it sounds. Previously, a variety of runners—that features me—felt waterproof footwear got here with too many trade-offs, like thicker, heavier uppers that change the texture of your footwear or an inclination to run sizzling and sweaty. On the whole, weatherproof footwear are much less comfy.
However waterproofing expertise has advanced, and it could be time for a rethink. Winterized footwear can now be as mild because the common fashions, breathability is healthier, and the consolation ranges have improved. Manufacturers are additionally beginning to add further puddle safety to a few of the hottest footwear. So it’s time to ask the questions once more: Simply how a lot distinction does a little bit of Gore-Tex actually make? Are there nonetheless trade-offs for that further safety? And is it actually value paying the premium?
I spoke to the waterproofing professionals, an elite extremely runner who has braved brutal situations, and a few knowledgeable operating shoe testers. Right here’s every thing you have to find out about waterproof trainers in 2026. Want extra info? Take a look at our information to the Best Running Shoes, our information to weatherproof fabrics, and our information to the Best Rain Jackets.
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How Do Waterproof Working Footwear Work?
On a primary degree, waterproof footwear add further obstacles between your good dry socks and the moist world exterior. In case you’re operating by means of puddles deep sufficient to breach your heel collars, you’re nonetheless going to get moist toes. However waterproof footwear can shield in opposition to rain, moist grass, snow, and smaller puddles.
Gore-Tex might be the most typical waterproofing tech in footwear, nevertheless it’s not the one resolution on the town. Some manufacturers have proprietary tech, otherwise you may come throughout various methods like eVent and Sympatex. That GTX stamp is unquestionably the one you’re most probably to come across, so here is how GTX works.
The water resistance comes from a layered system that’s composed of a sturdy water repellent (DWR) coating to the uppers with an inside membrane, together with different particulars like taped seams, extra sealed uppers with tighter woven mesh, gusseted tongues, and better, gaiter-style heel collars.
