How to shop for water-resistant running shoes in 2022

Many runners are forced to reckon with damp terrain between the winter and spring, whether they’re sprinting down a city sidewalk or jogging through a muddy trail. “The most frustrating thing while running in the rain or through the snow is dealing with wrinkly, wet feet,” said Alli Felsenthal, founder of Run with Alli. She added that soggy sneakers — and the resulting damp feet — can slow you down and cause overall discomfort.

Instead of reaching for the same sneakers you wear in the warm dry months or on the treadmill, you may want to consider investing in a pair that is specifically designed with wet weather in mind. Sneakers constructed with water-resistant materials help keep moisture out of the shoes and prevent wet socks, which can help you avoid friction that leads to blisters, said Samantha Landau, a podiatrist and instructor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine’s Orthopedics Department.

SKIP AHEAD Water-resistant shoes worth considering

Typical running sneakers are not 100 percent waterproof, which means they’re not completely impermeable to water and can’t completely resist moisture penetration, according to Preeti Gopinath, director of MFA Textiles at Parsons School of Design. “Waterproof materials tend to breathe poorly since they are not porous,” she explained — these materials would not make for an ideal running shoe since breathability helps keep your feet cool while you run.

Some running sneakers are designed with water-resistant materials, though. These shoes “can repel and resist moisture penetration to some extent, but will allow water to penetrate over longer exposure to moisture,” Gopinath explained.

If you’re looking to continue your outdoor exercise routine this winter instead of working out indoors due to rising Covid cases across the country, we talked to experts about how to buy sneakers with water-resistant features and rounded up a handful of top-rated options from Select reader favorite brands based on their advice.

Features to look for in water-resistant running sneakers

When shopping for water-resistant running sneakers, Gopinath said the shoe’s sole and exterior — especially the upper — should be made from materials that repel moisture, as they’re more likely to come in contact with water. She noted that water-resistant materials commonly found in sneakers include nylon, rubber and polyester, as well as plastics like ethylene-vinyl acetate and polyurethane. Felsenthal added that GORE-TEX — a type of waterproof fabric made from stretched polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE — is used for the lining of many running and hiking shoes.

According to Gopinath, some running sneakers are more effective at repelling water because they’re coated in a chemical finish or because they include fabric with a tight weave of very fine hydrophobic yarns, such as nylon or polyester. Unfortunately, a chemical finish can wear off over time and water can sometimes find its way through fabric despite a close knit — water-resistant features are not perfect, but they are helpful when it comes to preventing your sneakers from becoming waterlogged.

In addition to what material a sneaker’s sole is made from, Felsenthal suggested looking for features that add traction while running in wet conditions. For example, some sneakers are equipped with textured soles to add extra grip. Gopinath also said water-resistant sneakers need to have strongly reinforced and sealed seams to prevent moisture from soaking through even the smallest gaps, or places where different components of the shoe join, like the sole and upper.

Water-resistant shoes to shop

Since we don’t test water-resistant running sneakers, we relied on expert insights to guide our recommendations. Below, we included one expert-recommended water-resistant sneaker, as well as highly rated sneakers from Select reader favorite brands that meet expert guidance.

Adidas SolarGlide 4 GORE-TEX Shoe

Felsenthal recommended this sneaker fromAdidas, which she said is durable and comfortable during long runs and through damp terrain. It features a GORE-TEX lining, which Felsenthal noted minimizes the amount of water that enters the shoe if you’re running in wet conditions or through puddles. Adidas says the sneaker — which is available in men’s and women’s sizes — is made with recycled materials and that the outsole is built with Continental Rubber for added grip.

HOKA ONE Challenger ATR 6 GORE-TEX

ThisHOKA ONE sneaker is designed with GORE-TEX and boasts a water-resistant mesh upper, according to the brand. HOKA ONE says the shoe offers textured toe reinforcements and lugs on the outsoles to enhance durability and traction. The sneaker offers moderate cushioning, according to the brand, and it comes in men’s and women’s styles.

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX

In addition to a GORE-TEX layer, this Nike sneaker offers a gaiter around the collar to help keep debris and water from getting inside the shoe. Its rubber outsole features what the brand calls a “shockwave-like pattern” and raised nubs for added traction, especially around the heel and toe areas. You can purchase the sneaker in men’s and women’s sizes.

On CloudFlyer Waterproof

On offers a variety of running shoes designed to be worn in wet weather. One popular water-resistant style is the CloudFlyer Waterproof, which the brand says boasts a windproof and waterproof membrane. The shoe, available in men’s and women’s sizes, is constructed with the brand’s Helion superfoam and a 3D-molded heel, plus includes a plush tongue and wide outsole. There are also reflective details in the heel, forefoot and laces to make you more visible if you’re running in the dark, and On says the shoe provides maximum cushioning.

New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 GTX

The knit upper of this sneaker features GORE-TEX fabric to protect feet from moisture. It sports a dual-layer midsole that offers cushioned support, as well as a durable blown rubber outsole, according to New Balance. The sneaker comes in men’s and women’s sizes and boasts a molded heel counter and reflective details.

Is it safe to run outside in wet weather?

Before you lace up your shoes and head outdoors, Landau encouraged runners to assess just how slippery the ground may be, as running in wet conditions — especially without proper footwear — can be dangerous and poses an increased risk of injury. She said running in weather where your sneakers may end up soaked is not recommended.

“A running sneaker has the potential to absorb three times its weight in water, affecting the joints of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back,” she said. “A mile is 2,000 steps, so every step will have three times more weight passing through the joints.”

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