Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes in 2026: 3 Top Picks + Buying Guide

Each pick below is a waterproof trail running shoe with a Gore-Tex membrane. Prices shift daily, so the buttons show the current price.

Trail shoe listings on Amazon mostly show a title and an attribute table, so these short reviews stick to those facts and the rating record.

1. Best Overall: Salomon Men's Speedcross GTX

Salomon Men's Speedcross GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

• Membrane: Gore-Tex (GTX)
• Weather: listed as waterproof
• Use: trail running
• Closure: lace-up

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Why it made the list: The Speedcross is one of Salomon's best-known trail running lines, and this Gore-Tex version adds a waterproof membrane. The men's listing is highly rated by buyers, with over a thousand ratings, the best combination of score and volume among the waterproof trail runners we found. That record makes it a safe choice for wet spring and fall trails.

Highlights:

• Gore-Tex waterproofing, listed as waterproof
• Very strong rating record
• Long-running Salomon trail line

Trade-off:

• The listing gives no weight, drop or outsole details, so check Salomon's size and spec notes before you buy.

Best for: Runners who deal with rain, mud and wet grass most of the year.

2. Best Budget (Under $100): New Balance Men's Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex

New Balance Men's Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoe

• Membrane: Gore-Tex (per the title)
• Midsole: Dynasoft foam (per the title); listed as cushioned
• Use: trail running and hiking
• Closure: lace-up

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Why it made the list: Finding a real Gore-Tex trail runner from a major brand under $100 is not easy, and the Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex does it. It is well rated by buyers, with hundreds of ratings, and its listing names trail running and hiking as uses. It is one of the best waterproof trail running shoes under 100 we found.

Highlights:

• Gore-Tex membrane at a budget price
• Cushioned Dynasoft midsole
• Works for runs and light hikes

Trade-off:

• The attribute table lists it as water resistant rather than waterproof, so treat it as a shoe for rain and wet grass rather than creek crossings.

Best for: Budget-minded runners who want Gore-Tex for easy, wet trails.

3. Best Premium / Upgrade Pick: La Sportiva Men's Wildcat 2.0 GTX

La Sportiva Men's Wildcat 2.0 GTX Running Shoes

• Membrane: Gore-Tex (GTX)
• Weather: listed as waterproof
• Grip: listed as slip resistant
• Use: trail running and hiking

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Why it made the list: La Sportiva is an Italian mountain footwear brand, and the Wildcat 2.0 GTX is its waterproof version of a long-running trail shoe. The men's listing is well rated by buyers, with hundreds of ratings and lists trail running and hiking as uses. It is the upgrade for runners who want a mountain brand and waterproof protection in one shoe.

Highlights:

• Gore-Tex waterproofing
• Slip-resistant claim for wet ground
• Suits both running and fast hiking

Trade-off:

• The listing shares few specs and it has a smaller rating pool than our Overall pick.

Best for: Mountain runners who want a premium waterproof shoe for rough, wet routes.

This guide is research, not hands-on testing. We searched Amazon US for waterproof trail running shoes, kept only models with a Gore-Tex membrane or a waterproof listing, and dropped older generations when a newer one was on sale. We then compared fit and comfort (rating score and volume), weather protection and breathability, weight and packability, durability signals and value. We also chose picks that differ from our other trail shoe guides where an equally credible option existed.

Type

• Cushioned: Thick midsoles soften long, rocky miles. The Nitrel's Dynasoft foam is a good example.
• Zero drop: Heel and forefoot sit level, a style brands like Altra are known for. The best altra waterproof trail running shoes follow this design; transition slowly.
• Waterproof: A membrane like Gore-Tex keeps water out, at the cost of some breathability.
• Wide: Look for wide sizes if your forefoot feels pinched. The best waterproof trail running shoes for wide feet usually come as a separate wide version.
• Lightweight: Lighter shoes feel faster but may offer less protection.
• Carbon plate: A stiff plate adds pop for racing. It is rare in waterproof trail shoes.
• Minimalist: Thin soles and little cushioning for ground feel. Few are waterproof.

Fit & sizing tips

Try shoes later in the day with your running socks. Leave about a thumb's width in front of your toes, since feet swell and slide forward on descents. The heel should stay locked on climbs. Waterproof shoes do not stretch as much as mesh, so do not count on a tight pair loosening up.

The best waterproof trail running shoes for women and the best waterproof trail running shoes for men are often the same model on a different last. See our best trail running shoes for women and best trail running shoes for men guides for fit by gender. If you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis, a stable, cushioned shoe with room for your own insole is a good start, and a podiatrist can advise on your case.

Waterproof vs breathable

Waterproof shoes keep out rain, puddles and wet grass, but they trap more heat and dry slowly once water gets in over the collar. Breathable mesh shoes let water in but drain and dry fast. For cold, wet seasons, waterproof wins. For hot weather or deep stream crossings, many runners prefer mesh.

Layering & season

Pair waterproof shoes with merino or synthetic socks in cool weather. Add low gaiters to stop water and grit from entering at the ankle. In snow, look for traction devices that fit over trail shoes.

Care & durability

Rinse mud off after runs, pull the insoles and air dry at room temperature, away from heaters and campfires. Heat can damage membranes and glue. Brush grit out of the lugs, and replace shoes when the tread is worn flat or the membrane starts leaking.

How much should you spend?

• Under $100: A few real Gore-Tex options from big brands, such as the Nitrel V6, plus sale prices on older models. This is the range for the best waterproof trail running shoes under 100.
• Under $150: Mainstream waterproof trail shoes from Salomon, Brooks, Nike and others, often on sale. The best waterproof trail running shoes under 150 sit here.

Premium models like the Speedcross GTX and Wildcat 2.0 GTX can cost more than this top band.

Waterproof trail runners suit cold, wet running: spring mud, fall rain, winter slush and dewy morning grass. They keep feet warmer and drier, which helps avoid blisters on long wet runs. The downside is heat, weight and drying time.

Regular mesh trail shoes and the best waterproof trail runners serve different seasons. If you run mostly in summer or cross deep water, mesh often works better. For more options, see our best trail running shoes for hiking guide.

Among brands, the best salomon waterproof trail running shoes include the Speedcross GTX, while the best hoka waterproof trail running shoes come from Hoka's GTX versions of the Speedgoat line.

What is the best waterproof trail running shoes?

The Salomon Speedcross GTX is the best waterproof trail running shoe for most runners. It pairs a Gore-Tex membrane with a strong buyer rating from over a thousand ratings. The New Balance Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex is the budget pick, and the La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX is the premium upgrade.

Are waterproof trail running shoes worth it?

Yes, if you run in cold, wet or muddy conditions. They keep feet drier and warmer and help cut blisters on wet runs. In hot weather, or when water pours in over the top, they trap moisture and dry slowly, so mesh shoes are often better in summer.

How long do trail running shoes last?

There is no official figure from most brands, since wear depends on mileage, terrain, body weight and care. Midsole foam compresses and lugs wear down first, and membranes can begin to leak with age. Replace your shoes when the tread is smooth or new aches appear.

Are expensive trail running shoes worth it?

Often, if you run trails regularly. Higher-priced shoes tend to add better membranes, grippier rubber and more protective uppers. For occasional runs, a well-rated budget Gore-Tex shoe can be enough. Fit and grip for your terrain matter more than the price tag.

How do you clean trail running shoes?

Remove the insoles and laces, knock off dried mud and scrub with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Skip the washing machine and dryer. Stuff the shoes with newspaper and air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat, which can damage Gore-Tex membranes and glue.

What is the most reliable brand of trail running shoes?

Salomon, Brooks, Hoka, New Balance and La Sportiva all have long track records and large rating pools. The most reliable shoe is the one that fits your foot and suits your terrain. Waterproof trail running shoes reviews can help, but a good fit matters most.

The Salomon Speedcross GTX is our pick for the best waterproof trail running shoes, thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane and top rating record. The New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex is a top rated waterproof trail running shoe under $100, and the La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX is the premium upgrade.

If you have searched for best waterproof trail running shoes reddit, our practical answer stays the same: fit first, then grip and weather protection. Check current prices with the buttons above, and browse our best trail running shoes guide for more options. These are our best waterproof trail running shoes 2026 picks, and the best rated waterproof trail running shoes we could confirm.