No. 10 – Karhu Flow Trail Fulcrum
Best for: Neutral runners
Ideal surface: Road, trail
Makes you feel like: The Incredible Hulk
For those days when you need a little extra breathability, the Kahru Flow Trail Fulcrum is a smart choice. The bulk of the upper is constructed with a synthetic mesh-like material, while the mudguard is enhanced with a durable waterproof treatment. This ensures that obstacles like mud and creeks will be no problem with the Karhu Flow Trail Fulcrum, which comes in a coloway that would make any Oregon fan happy.
No. 9 – Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX
Best for: Neutral runners
Ideal surface: Trail
Makes you feel like: You’re at boot camp
The Saucony Xodus 5.0 GTX is about as rugged as you can get while still remaining relatively lightweight. At 11.4 ounces, this runner has everything you need to tackle the trails and more. Its Gore-Tex upper keeps water completely out of the shoe, while a spike-like Vibram XS-Trek outsole provides serious ground-digging traction. There’s nothing soft about these.
No. 8 – Brooks Ghost 7 GTX
Best for: Neutral runners
Ideal surface: Road
Makes you feel like: A high school track star
Now in its 7th run, the Brooks Ghost just keeps getting better. If you love the Ghost 7 but reside in an especially rainy part of the country, you’ll be glad to know that it’s offered in a completely waterproof Gore-Tex version, too. It’s got the same neutral-friendly BioMoGo DNA setup as the standard Brooks Ghost 7, while its Gore-Tex membrane will keep you safe from the elements. Tell the rain to keep falling, it’s won’t be slowing you down in these.
No. 7 – The North Face Ultra Trail GTX
Best for: Neutral runners
Ideal surface: Trail
Makes you feel like: You’re ready for this list
The North Face’s Ultra Trail GTX is another rough and rugged trail runner. These are built to tackle just about whatever you can throw at them, yet they still manage to weigh in at a fairly light 12 ounces. Like we said, waterproof running shoes aren’t always pretty, but they’re built to get the job done, and the Ultra Trail GTX does just that. Built for sweatin', not stuntin'.
No. 6 – Merrell Allout Blaze
Best for: Neutral
Ideal surface: Trail
Makes you feel like: A mountain climber who plays an electric guitar
The Merrell Allout Blaze is technically a hiking shoe, but thank to its TPU heel cup, Unifly cushioning, and Vibram outsole, it can definitely handle some running miles, too. It’s one of the heavier models on the list, but that makes it better for more challenging terrains and harsh weather. Keep these on standby for when the going gets rough.
No. 5 – New Balance Minimus MO10
Best for: Runners seeking a minimal feel
Ideal surface: Road, trail
Makes you feel like: You’re not even wearing sneakers
If you’re in search of something a little less restrictive, the New Balance Minimus MO10 has the feel of a minimal runner while maintaining a tough, waterproof shell. Puddles, mud, and rain will be no match for these, and an abrasion-resistant support cage will keep things in check on the trails. No matter the surface, you won’t be held back in these lightweight runners.
No. 4 – Asics GT-2000 2 GTX
Best for: Mild to moderate overpronators
Ideal surface: Road
Makes you feel like: A Seahawks player during the offseason
Fear not pronators, because we’ve got an option for you, too. The Gore-Tex version of the Asics GT-2000 2 is the waterproof version of one of their most popular performance models. They make use of the brand’s time-tested Gel cushioning, which is paired with FluidRide tech for durable energy return that will last through the season and beyond. The sealthy colorway is also great for runners who want a little pop of color on an otherwise subtle palette.
No. 3 – Brooks Adrenaline ASR 11 GTX
Best for: Moderate overpronators
Ideal surface: Trail
Makes you feel like: A trend setter
Another one for the overpronators is the Brooks Adrenaline ASR 11 GTX. The standard Adrenaline ASR 11 was already rugged, but now its DWR water resistant coating has been replaced with a fully waterproof Gore-Tex lining. They feature a BioMoGo DNA midsole for form-fitting cushioning and a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar which wraps from the medial heel to forefoot and helps control pronation. As an added bonus, consider the fact that Brooks could soon be on the rise with the hypebeast set. They just dropped their first collaboration with Boston’s Concepts, and their retro archives are deeper than you might expect. Jump on it before everyone else.
No. 2 – La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX
Best for: Neutral runners
Ideal surface: Trail
Makes you feel like: You found the perfect rainy day shoe
La Sportiva went all out with the Wildcat 2.0 GTX trail runner. It’s built with an AirMesh upper that is supported by a Trail Frame cage and Transkinetic heel cup, which is all lined with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. No matter how wet the conditions are, you’ll be able to tackle the trails without worrying about splashing into your kicks. Down low, the brand’s patented Impact Brake System uses grippy lugs to provide stellar traction on rough surfaces. Best of all, they come in a rain-appropriate blue based colorway.
No. 1 - Saucony Ride 7 GTX
Best for: Neutral
Ideal surface: Road
Makes you feel like: You found the one pair of waterproof running shoes that don’t look like waterproof running shoes
Taking on adverse weather in style can be a challenge, but don’t abandon hope just yet. The Ride 7 GTX is a Gore-Tex equipped version of one of Saucony’s most popular and versatile running shoes, and it’s stylish to boot. It’s equipped with full-length Powergrid technology for a combination of Grid’s shock absorption and Powerfoam’s energy returning response. While the Gore-Tex membrane keeps the outer moisture at bay, a Rundry lining wicks away sweat, resulting in an all around dry and comfortable feel.