Waterproof running shoes tested | RUNNER'S WORLD

Most runners don't let wet or bad weather stop them from running. Of course, this is also due to the good functional clothing. When it comes to shoes, the topic is not yet so ubiquitous. Conventional running shoes usually have a light mesh upper material, which provides the shoes with optimal ventilation and makes them extremely flexible and comfortable, but does not protect them from moisture and cold. More and more manufacturers are also offering water-repellent or completely waterproof running shoe models. Many are equipped with a "Gore-Tex" membrane, but there are also other membranes and ways to make a running shoe waterproof.

Gore-Tex membrane ensures optimal protection

A Gore-Tex membrane should ensure dry feet in any weather. Running shoe models whose upper material is equipped with this membrane are often marked with the abbreviation "GTX" or "G-TX".

The Gore-Tex membrane consists of approximately 1.3 billion pores per square centimeter. These are so small that moisture cannot penetrate, as a drop of water is 20,000 times the size of the pores. At the same time, the small openings are able to let water vapor molecules through from the inside, which is why the manufacturer speaks of breathability. The membrane is permanently waterproof and breathable at the same time.

A small drop of bitterness: The upper materials equipped with such a membrane are usually a little more robust - and therefore a little heavier and less elastic. The running shoes therefore weigh a little more.

Waterproof trail shoes

So-called trail shoes are ideal for those who prefer to run through the forest or on unpaved paths. Here the choice of Gore-Tex models is very large. The sole with a special profile offers additional protection on uneven terrain and is more slip-resistant. In order to ensure protection against twisting, the foot in trail shoes is usually flatter in the shoe than in conventional running shoes.

Be careful when choosing the size

When trying it on, make sure that there is a thumb-width space in front of the tips of your toes. Since the upper material in membrane models is a little tighter and tighter and is also not as flexible, you may well need a size larger for waterproof shoes.

The best waterproof running shoes in the test

Below we have compiled some waterproof or water-repellent road and trail shoes that we recommend for running in rain, snow and wet conditions.

Adidas Solar Glide 4 GTX

ManufacturerAdidas Solar Glide 4 GTX

Order here: women's model (€149.95) or men's model (€149.95)

The Solar Glide 4 GTX is a reliable training shoe: comfortably cushioned with a Boost sole in the heel and midfoot area, but at the same time with a very stable construction. And the waterproof upper goes well with the very solid construction (weight: 318 grams). Well suited for road running and paved forest paths.

Weight: 278 grams (women), 318 grams (men) drop: 10 millimeters price: 150 euros

Adidas Ultraboost Winter.RDY

ManufacturerAdidas Ultraboost Winter.RDY

Order here: women's model or men's model (179.99 €)

Instead of the normal outsole, tire specialist Continental has given the Ultraboost Winter.RDY (the abbreviation stands for winter-ready) a more profiled and softer rubber compound that is supposed to provide more grip in difficult conditions. And instead of the airy, knitted upper of the normal Ultraboost, there is a water- and wind-resistant Primeknit material that is significantly stronger, but still very soft. For extra insulation and comfort, the inside of the shoe is roughened - which unfortunately leads to the sole annoying factor of the shoe: The inner lining, like a Velcro fastener, tends to get caught in the socks, so that you always have to adjust them after putting them on to smooth out wrinkles. And when you take off your shoes, you also like to take off your socks. Otherwise, the Ultraboost remains a very comfortable cushioning shoe for neutral runners, even in the winter version. The running behavior is unchanged. In wet, muddy conditions, the shoe always offered enough support. Important: The shoe is not permanently waterproof, but kept your feet comfortably warm and dry when running through rain and puddles

Weight: 348 grams (women), 348 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 180 euros

Water-repellent: the AWL models from Asics

ManufacturerAsics waterproof AWL running shoes: Kayano 28, Cumulus 23 and Pulse 13 (top to bottom).

There are two series of weatherproof running shoes from Asics: firstly, the new AWL models, the abbreviation stands for "All Winter Long" and brings all models equipped with a uniform mesh upper material, which consists of a single part and protects the foot from rain , snow and wind protects, but should allow heat and moisture to escape to the outside. They are waterproof, i.e. water-repellent, but not completely waterproof, and also have warm padding. The new, very smooth and waterproof upper material is extremely comfortable to wear, is softer than other completely waterproof membranes and does not rustle. As with all shoes with a waterproof membrane, however, the advertised breathability has its limits: you can rarely complain about cold feet in the AWL models, but rather about a build-up of heat. A commendable innovation are the reflective elements for better visibility in the dark.

Asics Gel Kayano 28 AWL

Order here: women's model (190 €) or men's model (190 €)

The proven and popular Kayano stable shoe has been Asics' top model for years or decades, a real classic. The Asics Kayano, now in its 28th version, optimally combines stability and comfortable cushioning. The voluminous, exo-skeletal cap around the heel and the plastic bridge under the midfoot give the feeling of being held securely and stabilized while running. Both together have the effect as if someone grabs and stabilizes the foot while running. The cushioning isn't buttery soft and springy, it's more classic, so you have a firm, safe and direct running feeling.

Weight: 283 grams (women), 338 grams (men) Drop: 13 millimeters (women), 10 millimeters (men) Price: 190 euros

Asics Gel Cumulus 23 AWL

Order here: women's model (150 €) or men's model (150 €)

The neutral shoe classic Asics Gel-Cumulus is known as an excellently cushioned running shoe without special support elements. Midsole construction is unchanged from the standard Cumulus in both the AWL and G-TX versions (see below). Unlike its predecessor, it is now made of FlyteFoam and has become even softer. The "guidance rail" in the outsole is intended to promote a flowing movement from heel to toe. The outsole profile is slightly more indented than, say, the Gel-Pulse, but not as severe as a pure trail shoe. Another difference to the cheaper Pulse: The AWL version of the Cumulus has practical quick lacing, as is known from triathlon shoes.

Weight: 230 grams (women), 299 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 150 euros

Asics Gel Pulse 13 AWL

Order here: women's model or men's model (110 €)

The Gel-Pulse is a lesser-known, cheaper shoe from Asics' wide range of neutral shoes. Similar to the popular Gel-Cumulus, it is a very well cushioned all-round training shoe without special support elements. In practice, you hardly notice that the material AmpliFoam, which is probably a little cheaper to produce, is used instead of the newer FlyteFoam. It's a little firmer, but by no means hard. The flexibility is just as good. On the other hand, the blast is slightly lower than with the Cumulus. Gel elements in the rearfoot area, i.e. on the heel, ensure a softer landing with improved shock absorption. Like the other AWL models, the Pulse has a warming and water-repellent upper with reflective Asics logos on both sides. The lacing is classic here, and the tongue is separate from the rest of the upper, as is the case with most running shoes. The outsole is designed more for slip resistance on slippery ground than for increased traction in snow or mud, and the fit is rather narrow.

Weight: 299 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 110 euros

Waterproof: the G-TX models from Asics

ManufacturerThe waterproof Gore-Tex models from Asics: Gel-Cumulus 23 G-TX, Gel-Pulse 13 G-TX, GT-1000 9 G-TX, GT-2000 9 G-TX (top left to bottom right).

Anyone who wants to keep their feet dry in their Asics running shoes, even on longer runs in continuous rain, is better off with the G-TX models. The Gore-Tex membrane is completely waterproof. Structure and running characteristics correspond to the standard models. The Asics Gel-Cumulus as a cushioning classic has a wide fan community, in the 23rd version it offers an even softer running feeling with the Flytefoam foam in the midsole. The slightly cheaper Asics Gel-Pulse 13 neutral shoe is also available in the completely waterproof GTX version. Asics also offers waterproof versions of the GT-1000 9 and GT-2000 9 models, both of which offer more grip and support with stabilizing elements. The GT-2000 has a slightly higher drop of 10 millimeters than the GT-1000 (8 mm) and also offers a little more cushioning. Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 G-TX: women's model (€160) or men's model (€160)

Asics Gel-Pulse 13 G-TX: women's model (120 €) or men's model (120 €)

Asics GT-1000 9 G-TX: women's model (130 €) or men's model (130 €)

Asics GT-2000 9 G-TX: women's model (160 €) or men's model (160 €)

Brooks Ghost 14 GTX

Manufacturer Brooks Ghost 14 GTX

Order here: women's model (160 €) or men's model (159.95 €)

The Ghost is one of the best all-rounders among running shoes. With the GTX version, the upper material is waterproof thanks to the membrane and the running behavior is very close to that of the normal Ghost. The running impression is comfortable, the cushioning is not overtaxed even on long runs in the marathon preparation.

Weight: 278 grams (women), 303 grams (men) drop: 12 millimeters price: 160 euros

On Cloudflyer Waterproof

ManufacturerOn Cloudflyer Waterproof

Order here: women's model (€189.95) or men's model (€189.95)

Like the regular On Cloudflyer, the waterproof version is a stable and well-cushioned shoe for quiet training sessions. The processed Helion Superfoam cushioning foam ensures a comfortable running feeling on the road. The Cloudflyer is not particularly suitable for trails because, as with other On models, stones or other small parts collect in the spaces between the cushioning elements in the sole. Its preferred areas of application are solid, asphalted surfaces or leveled park paths. The 100 percent windproof and waterproof membrane makes the On Cloudflyer WP (for waterproof, i.e. waterproof) a recommendation for uncomfortable autumn and winter weather. The prevailing comfort does not diminish even on long runs. There are a few points deducted in terms of comfort compared to the normal Cloudflyer because of the slightly stiffer upper material; it is not as supple and less breathable. The simple black design, on the other hand, is convincing: one tester reports that he also likes to wear the shoe in everyday life.

Weight: 245 grams (women), 292 grams (men) drop: 7 millimeters price: 190 euros

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

ManufacturerNike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

Order here: women's model (€149.99) or men's model (€149.99)

With the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX you have a reliable companion when you are out and about on unpaved paths in damp and cold weather. Thanks to its special outsole, it guarantees the best grip on any surface. The water-repellent Gore-Tex membrane ensures dry feet. An additional gaiter on the shoe collar makes it harder for dirt to penetrate the shoe. In the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX, the midsole is made of the responsive Nike React. A pull tab on the heel makes it easy to put on and take off.

Weight: 270 grams (women), 322 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 150 euros

Mizuno Wave Daichi 6 GTX

ManufacturerMizuno Wave Daichi 6 GTX

Order here: women's model (€116.99) or men's model (€116.99)

Equipped with numerous trail shoe attributes - rough profile sole, waterproof (membrane) upper material - the Daichi surprises with a lot of space in the shoe (possibly choose half a size smaller!) and a high impression of comfort. The shoe doesn't take the streets crooked - but it walks best on field and forest paths or even off-road.

Weight: 280 grams (women), 335 grams (men) drop: 12 millimeters price: 150 euros

Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

ManufacturerBrooks Cascadia 16 GTX

Order here: women's model (€144.99) or men's model (€144.99)

The very popular Cascadia is not a thoroughbred trail shoe, but combines the essential features of a trail shoe with the comfort of a cushioning shoe. The trail shoe features include the non-slip outsole, a stone protection plate and the all-round toe protection. In addition, gaiters can be attached and the loop of the shoelaces can be fastened under a small elastic. The new Invisible Fit membrane from Gore-Tex is also used in the Cascadia 16 GTX, which ensures a more flexible fit of the upper material.

Weight: 270 grams (women), 290 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 160 euros

Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX

ManufacturerSaucony Peregrine 11 GTX

Order here: women's model (€127.99) or men's model (€115.99)

The non-slip sole profile of the Saucony Peregrine is ideal for off-road use: it offers good traction on loose ground without stones getting stuck in it. A continuous, flexible plastic plate in the midsole and a (quite soft) protective toe cap protect against stones. The low drop of four millimeters leaves the foot flat on the ground, which protects against twisting. Nevertheless, the Peregrine is comfortably cushioned. It also walks comfortably on hard ground, you don't feel (or hear) the hard PWRTRAC rubber lugs on the outsole under your foot with every step. This is ensured by the EVA midsole foam "PWRRUN", which is almost gel-like soft and reactive. There are no supporting elements, the rolling behavior is neutral. The fit is medium, the shoe fits well, but not super tight on the foot. The sizes are normal to a little small, in combination with the hardly elastic Gore-Tex upper material this means: try it on and test run before you buy it.

Weight: 288 grams (women), 326 grams (men) drop: 4 millimeters price: 150 euros

Salomon Wild Cross 2 GTX

Manufacturer Salomon Wildcross 2 GTX

Order here: women's model (€159.95) or men's model (€159.95)

The Wildcross is one of the uncompromising trail shoes. Although the model offers more comfort than the (even more popular) Speedcross, the sole with the aggressive lugs signals trail character - and is also a guarantee for moving forward in the snow; it even gets slippery on wet asphalt. The shoe now offers more space than its predecessor; once you get used to the lacing, it sits very securely on the foot.

Weight: 290 grams (women), 322 grams (men) drop: 8 millimeters price: 160 euros

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