How To Find The Best Waterproof Running Shoe
When it comes to running, perhaps you are a dedicated runner who loves nothing but the thrill of running in the best pair of shoes that makes you feel like you are on top of the world. From shock-absorbing pairs to heavy-cushioned ones, you have seen the different varieties out there, as means of keeping your foot as comfortable and ready as possible to run as much as you can.
That said, perhaps you tend to run in a lot of water (or at least, rainy weather), and so having a decent pair of waterproof shoes would not be a bad idea. After all, normal running shoes can tend to get soggy easily! It can certainly be tricky to find waterproof running shoes out there, if it is possible at all to being with.
Hence, we are here to help! Read on to learn more in this article on how to find the best waterproof running shoes. We are here to give you the tips and tricks, as well as suggestions to get you started. Soon enough, you will be on your way to a clean, dry experience while running in the water!
Without further ado, let’s get right down to it!
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Things to consider before purchasing the best waterproof running shoes
First things first, you will need to consider just what kind of running shoes you would like to have when it comes to trampling through the wettest, most humid, of environments. In other words, your running shoes will have to be appropriate for whatever kind of running you do, whether it is through swamps, on asphalt and concrete, and so forth.
That said, we have compiled a list of features to consider before purchasing the best waterproof running shoes for you out there:
1. Material.
First things first, you will need to consider the material for your running shoe, especially if it will be waterproof for you to run in. Ask yourself if it is made of waterproof material, so that you can safely benefit from prevent your feet and socks from getting too wet in them.
That said, look for heavy-duty fabric and material when picking out your waterproof running shoe, so that you can go about getting the best pair for you. It is best to take your time doing so, so that you will benefit in the long run, literally and figuratively.
2. Comfort.
Aside from the obvious aspect like waterproof material, it is important that your waterproof running shoe remains comfortable, just like any other running shoe out there. Therefore, it should contain the essentials like cushioning, as well as midsole support whenever your arch comes into contact with the shoe itself.
After all, you would not want to feel miserable while running if the shoe is not comfortable. Not only that, but also you can also be susceptible to injuries if the shoe does more harm than good. Finally, getting a comfortable waterproof running shoe makes you all the more motivated to wear them each time, so that you do not waste money otherwise. We cannot stress enough that comfort is key to waterproof running shoes, just because some might not be comfortable to begin with.
3. Durability.
Besides being made of waterproof material, the waterproof running shoe needs to be made from material that is durable, too. In addition, it should be flexible, just because normally the material that is used to make it waterproof can be naturally stiff, so having material which counterbalances that is the way to go.
That being said, look out for those which are at once waterproof, sturdy, and flexible, so that you can ensure the best running experience…while running in the water!
4. Shape and size.
Of course, this is standard practice when it comes to picking and purchasing just about any running shoe out there, whether waterproof or not.
Size is important, not just for making sure that it fits your feet, but also for comfort. Plus, you would not want to increase your chances of getting injured with an inappropriate shoe size, right? The rule of thumb is to first measure your foot with a measuring block, then go half a size to a full size up to give your feet some breathing space. It is also important for your toes to have wiggle room, so make sure that there is enough room in the toe box for that.
As for the shoe’s shape, it is simply a matter of a wide or a narrow running shoe. It depends on your own feet, whether it is naturally wide or narrow. That said, it is a matter of picking a running shoe which adheres to your type of foot. It is not hard to do, as long as you have a general idea of just what your foot shape is.
5. Arch type.
Finally, there is the arch type to consider when picking out your waterproof shoe. Again, just like with the shape and size, finding your arch type is applicable to choosing any other running shoe out there.
That said, just what are the arch types? Ultimately, it comes down to three: high, medium, and low. Here are the differences among the three of them:
- a. High arch. This refers to the curve of your foot’s center: for high arches, it is when the curve is elevated notably higher than usual, thereby giving an upside-down U shape to it.
***Note: I had a great article about "How To Find The Best Running Shoes For High Arches", you can find it here. - b. Medium arch. This is the ideal arch to have, just because it is neither too high nor too low for running; in fact, it is the most efficient arch type to have, for it strikes a balance between overpronation and underpronation.
- c. Low arch. Also known as “flat feet,” low arches is when your foot’s arch is, literally, low to the ground, without much flexion when you walk or run. It usually leads to overpronation, which can be detrimental and can cause injuries, if not careful.
If you are interested in learning more about waterproofing shoes, this video is a good one to start with:
Top Five Best Waterproof Running Shoes
Product Name | Our Review | Score | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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4
/5
| $ | ||
 |
5
/5
| $$ | ||
 |
4
/5
| $ | ||
 |
4.5
/5
| $$ | ||
 |
4.5
/5
| $$ |
*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. Saucony Men's Grid Excursion Tr10 Trail Running Shoe
Saucony Men’s Grid Excursion Tr10 Trail running shoe offers a special XT-600 rubber sole that is sure to leave your shoes free of water whenever you run. Not only that, but also it comes with a GRID midsole cushioning that keeps your running shoe comfortable and flexible, even when you run through the roughest of terrains out there. Finally, its supportive upper weld keeps things together not only by being waterproof, but also protective from debris and so forth.
Pros:
- Has a special XT-600 rubber sole for waterproof quality.
- Comes with a GRID midsole cushioning for comfort and flexibility.
- Has a supportive upper weld for debris protection.
Cons:
- Not that waterproof as expected.
Opinion:
I heard that Saucony Men’s Grid Excursion Tr10 Trail running shoe was to be great for waterproofing, so I bought them and tried them out. I found the rubber sole to be decent in wicking away moisture from the environment, and the upper weld was great for keeping debris away. However, it was not as waterproof as I had expected, which was a disappointment.
2. Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Runner
Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 trail runner is well-known for its anti-debris and water-resistant technology, which is sure to make any rainy day well-spent running outside without having to worry about your shoes, socks, and feet getting soaked at all. Plus, its combination of Sensifit and Quicklace allows for a snug running pair for easy slip-on and slip-off before and after your run. Ultimately, it provides just the right amount of protection for technical trail running, should you decide to do it.
Pros:
- Contains anti-debris and water-resistant technology.
- Has Sensifit for a snug fit, so that you can keep it together when you run.
- Consists of Quicklace technology for easy slip-on and slip-off.
Cons:
- Can be too narrow for some runners.
Opinion:
Overall, I found Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 trail runner to be pretty good at being waterproof, especially since I tend to run in the rain. So far, they have done a good job of keeping my feet clean and dry. Even better, it is anti-debris, so it has been great at keeping away sticks, rocks, and other not-so-pleasant dirt material away. Granted, it can be a bit narrow for some runners, but I did not have a problem with it.
3. Altra Running Womens Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec Shoe
What makes Altra Running Women’s Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec shoe is its Polartec technology, which is fashioned for the ultimate water resistant shoe. Other than that, it strikes just the right balance in terms of cushioning, as well as having a zero-drop differential to ease you into a smoother, more natural way of running.
Pros:
- Has Polartec technology for waterproof protection.
- Has just the right amount of cushioning.
- Contains a zero-drop differential for a smoother, more natural way of running.
Cons:
- Not very long-lasting in being waterproof.
Opinion:
Altra Running Women’s Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec shoe is famous for its Polartec technology for a waterproof experience, and I found that it held up well when first trying it out. I also very much enjoyed the cushioning and zero-drop feature, so that I ran more naturally and it helped correct my flat-footedness. However, it was only waterproof for a couple of hours and after that, the effects started to wear off, to my disappointment.
4. Men's The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Trail Running Shoe
What makes Altra Running Women’s Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec shoe is its Polartec technology, which is fashioned for the ultimate water resistant shoe. Other than that, it strikes just the right balance in terms of cushioning, as well as having a zero-drop differential to ease you into a smoother, more natural way of running.
Pros:
- Has Polartec technology for waterproof protection.
- Has just the right amount of cushioning.
- Contains a zero-drop differential for a smoother, more natural way of running.
Cons:
- Not very long-lasting in being waterproof.
Opinion:
Altra Running Women’s Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec shoe is famous for its Polartec technology for a waterproof experience, and I found that it held up well when first trying it out. I also very much enjoyed the cushioning and zero-drop feature, so that I ran more naturally and it helped correct my flat-footedness. However, it was only waterproof for a couple of hours and after that, the effects started to wear off, to my disappointment.
5. ASICS Men's GT-1000 3 Synthetic Running Shoe
ASICS Men’s GT-1000 3 synthetic running shoe offers its iconic High Abrasion Rubber in heel, which not only is wear-and-tear resistant, but also does a good job of keeping things intact and waterproof. It also offers a 2.7-inch shaft drop from the arch, so as to keep your arch supported and protected upon contact. The EVA full-length midsole also offers that extra arch support, should you need it.
Pros:
- Contains a High Abrasion Rubber for wear-and-tear resistant and waterproof qualities.
- Offers a 2.7-inch shaft drop from the arch for support.
- Has an EVA full-length midsole for extra protection.
Cons:
- Does not contain forefoot cushioning.
Opinion:
I found ASICS Men’s GT-1000 3 synthetic running shoe to be fairly decent in keeping my feet water-free, thanks to its High Abrasion Rubber. It was also durable, which I liked. I really enjoyed the arch support that came along with it. My only gripe was that it did not contain as much forefoot cushioning as I had wanted, which would have made my running experience more pleasant.
Winner of the Roundup
The winner of the roundup goes to Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Runner (#2). It goes above and beyond not only in being waterproof, but also anti-debris, thereby giving you a clean and dry experience to write home about. It is a worthwhile investment, should you decide to go for it!
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