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If you run throughout the winter months, you’re probably going to experience some challenging conditions. For most of us in the UK, that means running in wet weather. Even if it’s not raining, the roads and pavements are often covered in water. It’s particularly frustrating when a big truck drives past and disperses the water that’s sitting by the side of the road all over your feet. Equally, while there shouldn’t be any trucks driving past you on trails, the underfoot conditions are likely to be wet during the winter - when you’re out in the hills.
When it rains in warm weather, running shoes should dry quickly and any annoying squelching should quickly dissipate. However, it’s a different story in the winter months. Low temperatures and wet feet are a recipe for disaster as it can lead to numb toes and general discomfort. The solution? Waterproof or water-resistant running shoes.
Now, waterproof and water-resistant running shoes are suitable for the summer months. However, while they’re still very breathable, they don’t let as much heat escape as running shoes that have normal mesh uppers. This makes them less practical in temperate conditions. It’s for this reason that at Run4It, we stock a greater selection of weather-proof running shoes for the winter months. This article runs through some of the best waterproof and water-resistant running shoes for the months ahead.
Best Waterproof Running Shoes 2023:
Brooks Ghost 15 GORE-TEX
The Brooks Ghost 15 are one our most popular neutral running shoes. The GORE-TEX edition features exactly the same cushioning and fit as the standard model, except they have a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane in the upper.
As GORE-TEX Invisible Fit is bonded directly into the shoes, it adds minimal weight and doesn’t feel bulky. This offers complete protection against the wind and rain. As a result, the Brooks Ghost 15 GORE-TEX are great daily mileage running shoes for the winter months.
HOKA Clifton 9 GORE-TEX *Expected soon*
HOKA’s iconic Clifton are available in a waterproof version for the first time this winter. Fans of the HOKA Clifton 9 should be pleased to know that the GORE-TEX version offers the same cushioning and comfort as the standard edition. However, like the Brooks Ghost 15 GORE-TEX, they feature GORE-TEX Invisible Fit.
From a weight perspective, the Clifton 9 GORE-TEX are only 35 grams and 30 grams heavier than the standard version for the men’s and women’s respectively. This means they still feel very lightweight. If you run in the Clifton 9, but want to keep your feet dry over the winter, these are a great option. They should also work well for walks in wet weather.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
There’s a reason you’ll probably see a lot of people walking around in Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX, as well as people running in them. The fully-waterproof version of these popular trail running shoes have a gaiter around the ankle and look great. While the soft fabric around the ankle isn’t GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, like the rest of the upper, it does provide a bit more protection. Crucially stopping debris from entering as easily if you’re running or walking on trails.
These hybrid style running shoes are great for running over a mixture of surfaces. The protective midsole and shallow lugged outsole perform on hard packed ground and light trail surfaces. Unfortunately, this means they’re not equipped for running on steeper terrain.
Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX
The Salomon Sense Ride 5 GORE-TEX are great waterproof alternatives to the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX. With 3.5 mm lugs, the outsole is very well suited to runs over a wide range of terrain. Even though we wouldn’t recommend using them for dedicated road running, they offer enough protection for sections of tarmac that book-end your trail runs.
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX
One of the few fully-waterproof hill running shoes are the Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX. If you’re wondering why we’re referring to them as hill running shoes, the outsole has pretty deep aggressively shaped lugs. This means they perform significantly better in mud and on steep slopes in comparison to the models we’ve just described.
If you’re venturing out to run on boggy trails and muddy slopes, and want to keep your feet dry and warm, these are one of the best. However, keep in mind any water rising over the top of the collar will enter the shoes.
Best Weather-proof Running Shoes 2023:
Nike Pegasus 39 Shield *Arriving in stock in November*
The Nike Pegasus 39 Shield offers very specific features that are tailored to road running over the winter months. Even though these aren’t waterproof, skins are placed around the toes in areas that water could enter. A coating on the upper also stops water from penetrating the mesh as easily. Additionally, a water protective vamp material (area over the toe box), is combined with sealed seams, and gusseted tongue to reduce water entry.
What makes the Pegasus 39 Shield winter specific shoes, are that they also have a grippier outsole and insulated upper. A heathered lining and Nike’s Aeroloft technology keeps your feet warmer in the cold. The outsole features a storm-tread rubber that is optimised to promote grip on wet pavements.
These are excellent road running shoes for cold and wet conditions.
True Motion Nevos Elements
The True Motion Nevos Elements offers similar benefits to the Nike Pegasus Shield 9. With the exception that the upper is not insulated. A water-repellent upper optimises breathability, while keeping your feet drier when the rain falls. If you’re worried about slipping on wet pavements, extra grip on the outsole enhances traction.
It’s natural for your weekly and monthly mileage to drop a bit over the winter. However, maintaining a good level of volume and consistency over this period sets the foundation for the events and races to follow. Having the right kit makes it much easier to achieve your runs. We hope this article helps you pick the right winter running shoes, so you can keep moving forwards towards your goals.
