Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for 2022 | GuardMyShoes
Trail running is greatly pleasing as it lets you explore nature while burning your calories at the same time. But what about those water splashes, rains, and river crossings that make your shoes soak up all the water making them weighing tones?
If you’ve been looking for the solution to save your shoes from water on trail running then waterproof options are your savior. You must get your hands on the best waterproof trail running shoes that are specifically designed for preventing the water from entering your shoes. After understanding the need for investment in these shoes, this article will give you a clear idea of what shoes to get for yourself.

Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
1. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 GTX Trail Running – Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Salomon trail running shoes are one of the most popular running shoes among runners who run on dirty trails. These shoes are considered to be the leaders because of the perfect grip that they offer on the soft as well as rough trails. While using these waterproof trail running shoes, I have noticed that my feet were dry and were protected from many elements because of the grip that they offer while running for miles.

The most significant feature of these shoes is that they provide great support to the ankles which reduce the risk of falling on slippery trails and prevent rolled ankles that can put runners’ feet off until recovery. Therefore, runners will run more confidently while wearing these neutral shoes. While focusing on the construction of these shoes, they are crafted from synthetic material which makes the shoes highly durable.
Furthermore, the feature of Gore-Tex lining along with floating tongue makes the shoes weatherproof as it offers high comfortability to the runners while keeping their feet dry in every condition. What’s more important is that the upper mesh is highly breathable, allowing maximum airflow around the inner sole. Moreover, the Quicklace adjustment system never makes these shoes loose fit while ensuring the safety of the runners.

Pros
- Excellent grip
- Highly comfortable
- Gore-Tex lining
Cons
- Inner sole is not stable
Salomon is the perfect pair of waterproof trail running shoes suitable for trail runners owing to being lightweight and highly comfortable. Moreover, the shoes are crafted with high-quality synthetic material which makes them highly durable. The feature of Gore-Tex lining is the significant factor that keeps the feet of the runner dry and makes them waterproof. Additionally, these shoes have a perfect grip and are considered to be the best waterproof trail running shoes.
2. On Mens Cloudventure – Waterproof Textile Synthetic Trainers
This pair of waterproof trail running shoes is suitable for rocky trails and a variety of terrains. These running shoes are well-made and highly durable. Rocky terrains can be hard and uncomfortable on your feet. However, the most significant trait of these shoes is that they are equipped with a non-removable insole that facilitates the runners with intense cushioning.

The biggest advantage that I’ve noticed while using these shoes is the immense protection that these shoes provide to my feet and joints from causing pain as better and more intense cushioning is equal to better shock absorbency. Moreover, On Cloudventure waterproof shoes are crafted with an incredible tough rubber outsole which enhances the traction pattern. This feature helps in providing perfect grip to the runner’s feet and is suitable for gripping wet rock faces.
Furthermore, these shoes enhance the waterproof nylon upper mesh with a two-layer mesh lining as well as a membrane which helps in keeping the maximum flow airflow around the feet and prevent the feet from sweating. The benefit of mesh lining is that it keeps the runner’s feet warm even in chilling weather. Hence these shoes are suitable for those runners who want to go trail running in every weather condition and on more unpredictable and hard trails.

Pros
- Non-removable insole
- Tough rubber outsole
- Mesh lining
Cons
- Not suitable for people who need minimalist shoes
Cloudventure are considered to be the best waterproof trail running shoes because of their durable construction. The upper mesh of these shoes is made of nylon which prevents water from entering into the shoes and helps in keeping the runner’s feet dry. Equipped with an incredible tough rubber outsole, these shoes improve the traction pattern. With a great cushioning system, these shoes provide perfect grip to the feet of the runner, making them suitable for rocky trails.
3. ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQG – Lone Peak All-WTHR Low Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA men’s shoes are again the best waterproof trail running shoes that are loaded with immense benefits and features. The best part of these running shoes is that the upper mesh is handmade and is highly durable which maximizes the airflow around the feet and keeps them dry. These shoes are specially designed for people having wide feet or bunions. Being lightweight, these shoes are highly durable and are more comfortable.

Furthermore, these shoes are equipped with the most significant feature that provides great confidence and perfect grip to the runners while running on rocky and rough trails that are called MAX TRACK tread. Furthermore, the shoes offer deep lugs which provide great stability to the runners at every step. The feature of TRAILCLAW lugs that are located strategically underneath metatarsals provides great control underfoot. As a result, this feature provides great traction on the uneven and slippery ground to the runners.
The correct position of feet is very important for easily enduring wet trails. For this purpose, the shoe is designed to have high and well-balanced cushioning which is equal at both rear and forefoot. Therefore, the combination of ALTRA EGO and ALTRA’s Foot Shape design allows natural alignment of the feet as well as helps in reducing the shocks that arise from impact with the ground. I have found these shoes to be more responsive and highly comfortable on more technical terrain.

Pros
- MAX TRACK tread
- TRAILCLAW lugs
- Highly durable
Cons
- Lack of ankle support
These are the best waterproof trail running shoes that have well-balanced cushioning which provides high comfortability to the runners on even rough trails. The outsole is designed to provide high stability and durability while reducing the impact that is produced in pronation. Moreover, the shoes provide perfect grip to the runners while protecting the feet and joints from causing pain. Along with this, these shoes keep the feet of the runners at the correct position while reducing the shock that arises from impact with the ground.
4. Brooks Men’s Cascadia 15 – GTX Trail Running Shoe
This version of Brooks shoes offers better traction and improved fit while remaining lightweight, durable, and extremely comfortable. These shoes are highly preferable for rocky trails because of being soft and have high cushioning. The design of this shoe is highly versatile, having greater flexibility to handle tough runs. This shoe is perfect for people with wide feet because it provides high traction on various types of surfaces.

If you have narrow feet then you don’t need to worry as the shoes are equipped with a perfect lacing system that secures your feet perfectly in the correct position. When it comes to tackling muddy terrain, Brook’s trail track rubber outsole is designed to provide an incredibly perfect grip and high control to the feet of the runner while running on the trails. While using these shoes, I have experienced gaining speed with high stability.
Additionally, the upper mesh of the shoe comes with Gore-Tex protection and a breathable membrane makes the shoes waterproof and prevents the entry of water inside the shoes. This feature further allows the runners to run through rivers, roll in the mud, and combat water splashes without getting their feet a wash. Well-balanced cushioning is another big advantage to the trail runners that provides high stability and comfortability on the foot sole.

Pros
- Versatile design
- Trail track rubber outsole
- Perfect traction
Cons
- Lack of responsiveness
If you are looking for the best waterproof trail running shoes that can be used for multi-purpose paths and trails, then Brooks waterproof trail running shoes are the best purchasing option for you to opt for. These shoes have high and well-balanced cushioning which provides high comfortability to the feet of runners at every step. Moreover, the breathable upper mesh has Gore-Tex protection which makes them waterproof and prevents the entry of water inside your shoes.
FAQs
Are Gore-tex running shoes waterproof?
Gore-tex is a well-known brand responsible for waterproofing shoes. The waterproof membrane or liner primarily blocks the water and prevents it from entering the shoes. Moreover, apart from being waterproof, the shoes are also breathable which allows maximum airflow around the feet.
Is Gore-Tex good for trail running shoes?
Gore-Tex Footwear is very helpful in wetter months. Therefore, it is highly recommended to opt for those trail models that contain Gore-tex for the protection of your feet against wet grass and on slippery and muddy trails.
Can I use trail runners on the road?
Preferably yes. You can use trail running shoes that are less aggressive for running on the roads. As long as your shoes provide support to your feet while running on hard roads, you can use trail runners on roads.
Is Brooks Cascadia 16 waterproof?
Brooks Cascadia 16 is waterproof with an invisible fit membrane. Apart from being waterproof, these shoes also have an upper breathable mesh that allows maximum airflow around the feet.
What is the purpose of trail running shoes?
Trail running shoes are designed for runners who love to run on rough, rocky trails. These shoes are equipped with balanced cushioning that provides high comfort to the runners. Also, they are highly durable with great stability.
What size should your trail running shoes be?
Perfect shoe size is very important when buying the best trail running shoes. It is recommended to try shoes at the end of the day due to swelling of feet after running on long trails. In order to prevent blisters on the toes, a 1 cm gap should be there between the toes and the end of the shoes.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned trail running shoes are designed for those runners who love trail running as they provide high comfortability and stability to the feet of the runners even on uneven or rocky and slippery trails. Have a look at our top 2 recommended best waterproof trail running shoes for having a clear purchasing idea.
- Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 GTX Trail Running has excellent grip and high comfortability.
- Brooks Men’s Cascadia 15 GTX Trail Running Shoe has a versatile design along with perfect traction.