Great British weather is in full force this summer, so your outdoor adventures might call for some accessories usually reserved for the cold season — namely a pair of trainers that can stand up to all conditions.
Whether you’re planning a wholesome hike or have party plans at a weekend festival or day rave (not that different to a walk when you could be clocking up 30k plus steps), waterproof shoes are a must to keep your feet dry. And when you want them to stay fresh and comfortable too, a pair with Gore-Tex is the obvious choice.
You’ve probably seen the logo on some of the style set’s favourite Gorpcore labels, from Salomon to Hokas, which shows that there are plenty of stylish options out there — and they are brimming with practical properties too.
So how does Gore-Tex work? John Jennings, Runners Need Footwear Buyer says, “Gore-Tex technology is a waterproof, breathable membrane that is used for outdoor gear. It works by allowing sweat and moisture to escape from the inside of the shoe while still keeping water from getting in, meaning that your feet keep dry and comfortable, even in the wettest conditions”.
If you’re planning to spend a whole day in a field getting your steps up exploring and dancing, or on a summer adventure outdoors, then a pair of trail runners are ideal as they’ll offer better grip and ankle support. You might see soles made from another trademarked material; Vibram which combines the softness and springiness of foam, and the durability of rubber. Great for saving those soles after many miles.
Whatever your style, here are the best Gore-Tex trainers to shop now.
Merrell Moab Speed Gore-Tex Trainers
Sure, not everyone will be bold enough to opt for white trail shoes, but the monochrome design makes this Merrell pair of waterproof trainers pop. They have Gore-Tex uppers to keep your feet totally dry and are padded yet breathable for ultimate comfort. Plus the FloatPro Foam midsole comes in a cool speckled design, and they’ve got a Vibram Ecostep outsole to keep you feeling stable on any terrain.
Buy now £148.00, Free People
Hoka Challenger 7 Gore-Tex
Hoka is super popular among runners because of the stacked height of the sole, which absorbs shock and eases pressure on the joints. So you know they’re comfy. If you’re not sure where your day will take you, this pair are ideal as they’re designed for both trail and on-road activities. And, as for their waterproof creds, the Gore-Tex finish means they’re ready for any eventuality, while the lugs on the sole mean they’ve got excellent grip too. Choose the Challenger 7s in all black for a sleek finish to outdoor looks.
Buy now £150.00, Hoka
The North Face Verto Alpine Gore-Tex Sneakers
These minimalist design Gore-Tex trainers by The North Face are as great for hikers as they are for weekend revellers. As well as the waterproof uppers, the rubber soles have great grip on all surfaces and they’re super cushioned to keep your feet comfy all day.
Buy now £155.00, The North Face
Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers
Ubiquitous in East London, you’ll be hard-pressed to enter a pub in the postcode without spotting these Salomons. They’ve acquired serious style credentials as much as practical ones. The beauty of the XT-6 range — as well as being waterproof — is that they’re easy to get on with no lacing up required thanks to the pully toggle (great for ensuring they’re a snug fit). They’ve also got great support with their signature Agile Chassis system and Mud Contagrip sole.
Buy now £180.00, Net-A-Porter
Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low Gore-Tex
We love the fresh colourway of these Gore-Tex trainers from Nike’s outdoor range, ACG. They’ll look just as at home in the city as outdoors, and if you are making your way down a mountain or through a muddy festival field, your feet will stay dry and comfy thanks to the rugged sole which gives great traction and the cushioned foam inners.
Buy now £164.99, Nike
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex Shoes
The New Balance Fresh Foam trainers have had a waterproof upgrade in Gore-Tex, and they’re perfect for hiking with a stacked sole that combines the brand’s signature cushioned Fresh Foam X midsole foam with off-road-ready outsoles made from Vibram Megagrip.
Buy now £80.00, New Balance
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Everyone knows a Nike tick, and if it’s your go-to brand then the Pegasus Trail 4 has to be your Gore-Tex trainer of choice. As well as a sleek silver and black design, and statement trail symbol they’ve got all the practical features you’d want from a trail runner. Waterproof Gore-Tex will keep out wet weather with the higher ankle gaiter giving extra dry coverage.
Buy now £144.99, Nike
Adidas Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex
If you prefer ankle support from your hiking shoes, then Adidas’ Gore-Tex trainers offer style with substance. Promising to take you through meadows and even streams, the second edition of the Free Hiker has a Continental outsole to give great support and stability in any conditions, and more foam in the midsole ensures they’re the brand’s comfiest hiker yet.
Buy now £180.00, Adidas
Saucony Excersion TR16 Gore-Tex
These lightweight Gore-Tex trainers from Saucony are springy, comfy and come in a more classic silhouette for anyone who isn’t a fan of the stacked look. They’re super breathable for your hikes and adventures and have rugged details such as grippy outsoles, while the VERSARUN cushioning keeps them comfy for hours.
Buy now £115.00, Saucony
Merrell Agility Peak
Another pair with serious cool factor (giving a nod to Brat summer green), these Merrell trail runners are one of the brand’s most popular trail running shoes for good reason. There are almost too many trademarked techy features to name for your comfort and agility. For maximum cushion and comfort, there’s a trademarked FloatPro Foam midsole, an odour treatment, Vibram Megagrip sole and traction lugs, and, of course, Gore-Tex waterproof protection.
Buy now £170.00, Merrell
