I’m a Runner and These Waterproof Running Shoes Are a Game Changer.
If you know a runner, I have the perfect gift for you. If you’re a runner, I know you should tell your mom what you want for Christmas. And even if you don’t have a gift-giving holiday in the near future, you should still know the good news about waterproof sneakers. They are already out there, probably on sale right now, and they will change your life.
I speak from experience. Not too long ago my birthday was approaching and I had no idea what to tell my mom I wanted. (She kept asking.) I thought about this a little while I was running on a local highway in the drizzling, almost freezing rain, my toes squelching with every step. I suddenly remembered that Gore-Tex shoes exist. I owned them a couple of years ago and liked them, but never replaced them when they wore out. Somehow they seemed too much of a luxury. Most runners endure wet weather in regular shoes and wool socks, so why not make do?
I’ll tell you why not. Wool socks will keep your feet warm, but won’t keep them dry . If you go to the park to go for a run, you drive home with wet feet. You come home, wring out your socks, air out your shoes, and hope they’re mostly dry by the time you go on your next run. Putting on wet shoes is as much fun as putting on a wet swimsuit. Returning home after running in the rain with dry feet, on the contrary, is one of the greatest consolations for creatures in this cruel world.
What kind of weather are waterproof shoes suitable for?
Waterproof shoes are great for drizzle or snowy weather. With regular shoes, your body heat tends to melt the snow that hits your shoes, leaving your feet wet even on a cold day. Waterproof shoes are great for when it’s snowing, when there’s little snow on the ground, or when it’s raining. This covers just about any weather I would probably consider conducive to running in the Pennsylvania winter.
What waterproof shoes don’t do?
However, water resistance is not waterproof . With Gore-Tex and similar materials, you won’t be able to step into ankle-deep puddles and stay dry. A heavy enough rainfall will likely end up passing through or around the material.
Please note that the shoe’s water-resistant material does not prevent snow or rain from entering the upper portion of the shoe. To get around in deep snow, you’ll probably want to attach gaiters (or buy shoes with built-in gaiters).
And if you run in a variety of winter conditions, you may also need more traction on the bottom of your shoes. You can buy shoes with built-in spikes or add your own .
What are the best waterproof running shoes?
I know you’re dying to see mine, so here they are: Nike InfinityRN Gore-Tex . (Mine are white.) To be honest, I haven’t done much research and won’t swear that they are the best. My requirements were (1) waterproof and (2) Nike, since Nike has always been a good fit for me. They fit the bill and I’ve had many enjoyable runs on them in the rain and snow.
Based on reviews, forum posts, and other input from runners about their favorite waterproof running shoes, I’ve rounded up a few more great models worth checking out. I’m linking one model for each, but click through to see other colors, sizes, and men’s/women’s versions.
Note that Gore-Tex is a proprietary brand of breathable, water-resistant fabric, but there are other brands (for example, Saucony has one they call Runshield). Gore-Tex is often abbreviated “GTX” in shoe model names, so think about that when searching for shoes. The benefit of many of these shoes is that they have high-traction soles that reduce the likelihood of slipping on wet surfaces.