Best waterproof running shoes 2026

Every current shoe that also comes in a waterproof version, usually with a GORE-TEX membrane. Each one links to the standard shoe; look for the waterproof name when you buy.

13 current models, ranked by their average score from published reviews (how we rank). Updated October 2026. Want a personal pick? Try the shoe finder.

How to choose

A waterproof membrane keeps out puddles, rain and wet grass, which makes a real difference on cold winter runs and dewy trails. The trade-off is warmth and drainage: once water gets in over the top of the shoe, it's slow to get out again, so for deep bogs and river crossings many trail runners prefer a fast-draining shoe instead.

Waterproof versions usually cost a little more and weigh a few grams more than the standard shoe. The ride, cushioning and fit are otherwise the same, so pick the model you'd choose anyway, then the waterproof version of it.

The full ranking

  1. 1. ASICS

    Novablast 6

    96/100 · 1 review

    Trampoline energy at a sensible price. The Novablast stays one of the most fun daily trainers going, with a little more polish this time.

    249 g8 mm dropbouncyfun£140 RRP
  2. 2. Saucony

    Peregrine 16

    92/100 · 2 reviews

    An agile, grippy all-rounder that loves muddy UK trails.

    278 g4 mm dropgrippynimble£140 RRP
  3. 3. HOKA

    Speedgoat 7

    91/100 · 2 reviews

    Runner's World's 2026 trail champ: cushioned, grippy and confident on almost any terrain thanks to 5mm Vibram lugs.

    281 g4 mm dropplushgrippy£160 RRP
  4. 4. Brooks

    Cascadia 20

    90/100 · 2 reviews

    Brooks' trusty trail workhorse: stable, protective and confidence-inspiring on rough ground.

    298 g6 mm dropprotectivestable£140 RRP
  5. 5. Nike

    Vomero 18

    90/100 · 2 reviews

    Nike's big-stack comfort shoe: a deep ZoomX-and-ReactX sandwich that soaks up long, slow miles at a fair price.

    298 g10 mm dropplushsmooth£145 RRP
  6. 6. ASICS

    Trabuco 14

    89/100 · 2 reviews

    ASICS' cushioned all-round trail shoe now runs on softer FF Blast Max foam over a forefoot rock plate. Stable and comfortable on gravel and dry singletrack, but less sure-footed in mud and on wet rock.

    283 g8 mm dropbalancedprotective£140 RRP
  7. 7. Brooks

    Ghost 18

    88/100 · 2 reviews

    The everyman's daily trainer, refined again: soft, smooth and ultra-dependable, in four widths.

    289 g10 mm dropsoftbalanced£135 RRP
  8. 8. HOKA

    Clifton 11

    87/100 · 2 reviews

    HOKA's best-seller evolves gently: soft, light-for-its-size and rolling, with a slightly more conventional drop.

    266 g8 mm dropsoftsmooth£140 RRP
  9. 9. Salomon

    Speedcross 6

    87/100 · 2 reviews

    Salomon's mud specialist, with deep 5 mm chevron lugs that bite into sloppy ground and shed clay well. Firm and high-drop, so it shines on soft, steep trails rather than hardpack or tarmac.

    298 g10 mm dropgrippyfirm£140 RRP
  10. 10. New Balance

    880v15

    85/100 · 2 reviews

    The 880 v15 packs in far more Fresh Foam X than before, turning New Balance's workhorse into a cushier, lower-drop daily trainer. It is durable and comes in four widths, though heavier and less nimble than older versions.

    286 g6 mm dropbalancedfirm£140 RRP
  11. 11. HOKA

    Challenger 8

    85/100 · 2 reviews

    A cushioned road-to-trail shoe with a Clifton-style ride and lugs that bite on gravel and park paths. Version 8 is taller and roomier, making it a comfortable door-to-trail option for mixed surfaces.

    269 g8 mm dropsmoothsoft£130 RRP
  12. 12. Nike

    Pegasus 42

    84/100 · 2 reviews

    The workhorse gets a full-length Air Zoom unit and extra forefoot foam: a lively, dependable everyday trainer that handles easy runs and the odd tempo without fuss.

    286 g10 mm dropbouncybalanced£130 RRP
  13. 13. Altra

    Lone Peak 9+

    A trail legend: zero drop, roomy toe box and built tough for technical terrain.

    310 g0 mm dropnaturalgrippy£130 RRP

Head to head

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