It’s easy to be a summer runner – pleasurable even. While getting your fitness fix, you can use it as an opportunity to soak up the sun’s rays and explore the great outdoors. It’s a delight. The same cannot be said for the winter.
When it’s raining cats and dogs and temperatures have plummeted, it’s enough for even the most determined of runners to hang up their sneaks until spring rolls back around.
But if you’re training for a race, want to keep your fitness at your warm weather peak or need an excuse to get outside to stroll or discover new peaks, the right apparel will keep you dry and your miles dread-free – and this begins from the feet up.
Waterproof trainers are of the utmost necessity for any and all outdoor activities. These designs will keep your feet dry and comfortable whether you’re pounding the pavement in the urban jungle, hiking muddy trails or taking to the track. But how do you select such a shoe? We’ve consulted the experts to find out.
What should you look out for to ensure trainers are waterproof?
It all comes down to material and specifically waterproof membranes built to withstand the elements. John Jennings, Runners Need Footwear Buyer explains, “You should look out for running shoes with GORE-TEX technology - 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 whilst still keeping water from getting in, meaning that your feet keep dry and comfortable, even in the wettest conditions”.
Liz Ellyard, Senior Category Manager, Performance Footwear EMEA adds that this “treatment added to the existing upper ensures that the shoe becomes waterproof yet still breathable. It’s lightweight, flexible, and pretty much invisible. However, you’ll see if it is on the shoe by its well-recognised brand logo and tag that must always be used when it’s Gore-Tex”.
Are leather trainers waterproof?
“Leather running shoes are not waterproof, only water resistant,” says Jennings. “The thicker the leather, the better job it does at offering a short-term barrier against water. However, if exposed to high levels of water, it will find its way in. Leather will also take water on and thus become very heavy, quickly”.
Are mesh trainers waterproof?
“Left untreated, mesh uppers are not waterproof” reveals Ellyard. “They are designed for breathability, support and to be lightweight”. But when you apply the Gore-Tex membrane, this changes. “Mesh and fabric are some of the most popular materials for running shoes, however, it’s the membrane that makes them waterproof”, Jennings confirms. “The membrane keeps the water out, but is also breathable”.
How to choose waterproof trainers
This should begin with looking out for that all-important Gore-Tex branding. Jennings suggests with the inevitability of puddles, grass and mud “wet, uncomfortable trainers and blisters are a concern”. Yet, stick to waterproof shoes are this “reduces the chance of your socks getting wet, which in turn reduces the chance of blisters to keep your run comfortable”.
After you have selected a shoe that is marked as waterproof, the specific features to look out for are the same as ordinary running shoes - aka cushioning, support, a lightweight build and a comfortable fit, according to the running expert. While waterproof trainers are created for functionality, who says they can’t be attractive too? There are endless colourways, silhouettes and styles to choose from.
Jennings also highlights the following:
Where do you run?
- Road: these shoes contain more cushioning to provide shock absorption on hard tarmac or concrete.
- Trail: these shoes have a varied tread depth depending on your chosen trail terrain and offer better grip and ankle support which is vital for running on uneven tracks.
- Versatile: if you fancy a bit of both, consider a hybrid running shoe with a balanced mix of grip and cushioning.
Have you had your gait analysed?
All Runners Need stores offer free video gait analysis as part of its comprehensive running shoe fitting service. Using video technology to analyse your running style, expert fitters can assess how much you pronate (the extent to which your foot naturally rolls inward when you run) and where your foot strikes the ground. Using this information, they will recommend a running shoe based on foot shape, terrain, level of pronation and personal preference.
Are you wearing insoles?
Insoles allow you to personalise the fit to your foot and can help provide additional comfort in the heel, arch and across the ball of your foot.
What socks are you running in?
The thickness of your sock can make a big difference to the fit and feel of your shoe, especially as your feet expand in the heat. Always wear the socks you intend to run in when you go for a shoe fitting. Consider a good, technical running sock specifically designed with added arch support, moisture-wicking properties, and extra padding across the ball of the foot, toes, and heel for better impact protection.
Tips and tricks for running in the rain
Ellyard stresses that the key is to “be prepared!”. She continues: “Footwear and apparel can make a big difference to your experience of running in the rain. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment. Keeping your feet dry during wet weather can increase your comfort throughout the run, with less chance of friction, bacteria and slipping”.
Simon James, Run the Wild Founder and Runners Need Ambassador suggests adding reflective pieces to your arsenal. “Rain often means low light conditions so select outer layers that are bright, highly visible and have reflective detail to stay safe”. Also, be aware of chafing. “It can happen whatever the weather, but it can be much worse if you and your clothes are wet from the rain. Use anti-chafe gels to reduce risk. As soon as you get home, take your clothes off and change into something dry to keep warm”.
To protect the lifespan of your trainers, he shares his final tip: “When you get back from your run, take off your running shoes and stuff them with crumpled newspaper to help keep their shape and draw the moisture out of the fabric. Try not to put them in front of a heater or in the dryer as this can shrink and warp their shape”.
But most importantly of all, “embrace it”, Ellyard says. “Enjoy the freedom and fun of running in the puddles, it can be liberating and quite different to normal life which is predominantly spent in the comfort of your home or workplace”.
See below for the best waterproof trainers for running. Soggy socks begone.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex
The New Balance Fresh Foam silhouette has been treated to a wet weather makeover with the addition of Gore-Tex and hiking elements. These are shoes made for uneven terrain with a stacked sole that combines the brand’s signature cushioned Fresh Foam X midsole foam with off-road-ready outsoles made from trademarked Vibram Megagrip. The combination provides a steady platform, so you’ll remain stable and strong on your feet no matter the uneven ground.
Enjoy the great outdoors no matter the weather with the upper that has been layered with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that doesn’t sacrifice breathability, in fact, the opposite is true. Air circulation is prioritised through the mesh construction where the synthetic material is woven together with no-sew overlays to stand the test of time. Something that is enhanced too thanks to the toe protection.
Buy now £160.00, New Balance
On Running Cloudrunner Waterproof
A favourite among pro athletes and celebrities alike, the On Running trainers combine fashion and function in equal measure. One look at the muted colour palette with the pop of pink will solidify their place in your athleisure collection but they’ll earn it too with their cushioned and supportive silhouette and waterproof revamp.
The featherlight shoe weighs in at just 282g but they pack a lot in. You’ll be surprised just how plush the cushioning is, made from the brand’s signature Zero-Gravity foam and formed into a stacked cradle-shaped sole. This priority on comfort is continued through to the tongue too. To keep you pounding the pavements come rain or shine, you can maximise the waterproof mesh construction that is Swiss engineered for breathability and so your feet remain bone dry.
Buy now £150.00, On Running
Hoka Clifton 9 GORE-TEX Running Shoes
Hoka is so popular among runners that it is one of the most ubiquitous brands that you’ll spot when spectating marathons around the world – and that is due to the way that the sole is created. This stacked silhouette absorbs shock from the high-impact sport, easing pressure on the joints with every stride. But while we can talk endlessly about their comfort, even through those elevated mileages, it’s the waterproof qualities that we’re impressed with most of all.
Much like its contemporaries, the waterproof iterations of the Hoka Clifton 9 have been updated with Gore-Tex to be ready for any eventuality. This technology is set against a recycled polyester fabric that is airy and provides ventilation, while remaining lightweight. The ultimate companion in winter, the silhouette is not just splash proof but there are reflective details too.
Buy now £149.99, Sports Shoes
Adidas Supernova 3 GTX Running Shoes
Whether you’re drawn in by the sleek colourway pictured or would instead prefer the retro black and white alternative, the Supernova is undeniably an attractive shoe. If you’re familiar with the Adidas BOOST range, you will no doubt spot this technology at the sole to put a spring in your step and give you greater energy return. So that nothing stands in your way, there is the addition of Gore-Tex, turning a quality running silhouette into an all-season, all-weather essential that will have you welcoming in the winter with open arms.
So you remain stable on your feet with every stride, there’s the brand’s trademarked Continental WinterGrip rubber outsole and for an eco-conscious twist, you can be content in the knowledge that the shoes are constructed with at least 50 per cent recycled content.
Buy now £110.00, Adidas
Nike Pegasus Shield Men's Weatherised Road Running Shoes
The Pegasus Shield has been put through its paces by the experts at Nike to have your back no matter the season. The shoes have been weatherproofed so whether you’re taking to the streets through rain, cloud, snow or storms, your footwear will not stand in the way of you achieving your PB.
This is not only demonstrated in the symbols at the heels – an attractive design element – but through the water-repellent finish and cosy knit insulated interior. You will also be able to maximise the more gripped sole than you’d typically see on a road shoe that provides more traction with micro grooves and multidimensional shapes. See also the Nike React technology, a foam you’ll spot across the brand’s offering to provide a smooth ride and energy return.
Buy now £134.95, Nike
Asics GT-1000 11 GORE-TEX Running Shoes
No matter the climate in question, this shoe from Asics will see you through. The GT-1000 11 has been adorned with a Gore-Tex membrane to give waterproof protection but importantly also to circulate the air. Through the mesh construction, there’s a flow of cool air that can permeate the upper, forcing hot, humid and muggy air to escape to keep your feet at the optimal temperature as you increase your pace and distance.
The running shoes are also embellished with a FlyteFoam Midsole for underfoot cushioning that turns famously unforgiving terrain like pavements into a less impactful experience by reducing shock. This is heightened through the brand’s signature GEL technology that allows for softer landings.
Buy now £79.99, Sports Shoes
Merrell Agility Peak 4 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes
Get creative with your tracks with these trail shoes that will provide grip on even the most potholed of terrains. Tick off rugged paths with ease thanks to the souped-up midsole of these Merrel beauties. The Agility Peak 4 have been treated to the brand’s even lighter FloatPro foam as well as a new Vibram MegaGrip outsole.
To support your precious feet, the jacquard upper keeps them locked in but is also breathable, encouraging a flow of air so heat doesn’t build up. Gore-Tex is the star of the show, though, giving waterproof protection so they’re dry as well as secure and comfortable.
Buy now £79.99, Sports Shoes
Nike InfinityRN 4 GORE-TEX
The possibilities are endless with the InfinityRN, a shoe designed specifically for challenging yourself no matter what the conditions hold. When the rain is non-stop and the winds are unforgiving, that’s where these trainers shine.
The silhouette is layered up with hi-tech features, from the Gore-Tex exterior and water-repellent liner to keep your feet dry to the collar complete with insulation for warmth. These elements are set atop the Nike ReactX foam that is said to give even more energy return than the React and has a more environmentally friendly composition providing less of a carbon footprint.
Buy now £174.94, Nike
