Are Waterproof Sneakers Value It? (2026)

Operating with moist toes, in moist socks, in moist footwear is the right recipe for blisters. It’s additionally a quick observe to low morale. Nothing dampens spirits faster than soaked socks. On extremely runs, I all the time carry spares. And when confronted with moist, and even snowy, mid-winter miles, the lure of weatherproof footwear is robust. Something that may stem the soggy tide is value a go, proper?

This is not as easy a solution because it sounds. Up to now, a whole lot of runners—that features me—felt waterproof footwear got here with too many trade-offs, like thicker, heavier uppers that change the texture of your footwear or an inclination to run scorching and sweaty. Basically, weatherproof footwear are much less comfy.

However waterproofing expertise has developed, and it could be time for a rethink. Winterized footwear can now be as gentle because the common fashions, breathability is best, and the consolation ranges have improved. Manufacturers are additionally beginning to add additional puddle safety to among the hottest footwear. So it’s time to ask the questions once more: Simply how a lot distinction does a little bit of Gore-Tex actually make? Are there nonetheless trade-offs for that additional safety? And is it actually value paying the premium?

I spoke to the waterproofing execs, an elite extremely runner who has braved brutal circumstances, and a few knowledgeable working shoe testers. Right here’s every little thing you’ll want to find out about waterproof trainers in 2026. Want extra info? Take a look at our information to the Greatest Operating Footwear, our information to weatherproof materials, and our information to the Greatest Rain Jackets.

How Do Waterproof Operating Footwear Work?

On a fundamental degree, waterproof footwear add additional boundaries between your good dry socks and the moist world exterior. In case you’re working by puddles deep sufficient to breach your heel collars, you’re nonetheless going to get moist toes. However waterproof footwear can defend in opposition to rain, moist grass, snow, and smaller puddles.

Gore-Tex might be the commonest waterproofing tech in footwear, nevertheless it’s not the one resolution on the town. Some manufacturers have proprietary tech, otherwise you would possibly come throughout different methods like eVent and Sympatex. That GTX stamp is unquestionably the one you’re most probably to come across, so this is how GTX works.

The water resistance comes from a layered system that’s composed of a sturdy water repellent (DWR) coating to the uppers with an inner membrane, together with different particulars like taped seams, extra sealed uppers with tighter woven mesh, gusseted tongues, and better, gaiter-style heel collars.