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Keep your feet dry and blister-free in the winter deluges

Wet feet are one of the worst things about running. Sopping wet socks chafing your skin as blisters form on your pickled toes is uncomfortable to say the least. In the worst case, it can even result in your 13-mile training run cut short if you’re hit by heavy rain and your ultralight shoes are as protective as tissue paper.

To combat this, most footwear brands now include several waterproof versions of their best-selling models. Often, these are nearly identical to the non-waterproof model, apart from the addition of a Gore-Tex waterproof outer to stop water working its way in.

The price you pay for this protection is extra weight, less breathability and a higher price. However, your feet will thank you on those occasions when the grey clouds gather and the rains come down.

What to look for when buying waterproof trainers

Gore-Tex will become your new best friend when you own a pair of waterproof trainers. Almost all waterproofing in running gear is provided by this material. You can usually tell if a shoe features Gore-Tex weather protection via the presence of ‘Gore-Tex’, or the shortened ‘GTX’, in the shoe model’s name.

Look for terms including ‘waterproof’, ‘water-repellent’ or ‘water-resistant’. ‘Waterproof’ is the highest level of waterproofing and is designed to keep water from entering the shoe via an impenetrable membrane. ‘Water-repellent’ or ‘water-resistant’ means that the fabric will repel water for a short time, but after prolonged exposure to wet conditions water will start to permeate through the shoe.

Generally, you’ll sacrifice breathability for waterproofness. Waterproof membranes use advanced technology to allow water vapour out while keeping external water from coming in, but it’s not as breathable as regular fabric. Waterproofing also adds a little weight to the shoe, usually in the region of 15-30g.

The other thing to consider is outsole grip. Many waterproof shoes are trail running shoes that feature high levels of traction and longer, 5mm or 6mm lugs for off-road running in wet weather. If you’re mixing up road and trail, there are plenty of options that will keep you dry on both types of trail, as well as plenty of waterproof road-running shoes with minimal grip for faster, more comfortable running on hard surfaces.

Weight: 292g (M), 245g (W)

On claims the latest membrane on its Cloudflyer Waterproof is '100% wind and waterproof and highly breathable'. We found it to be exactly that, and while breathability is reduced slightly (as expected), it remained resilient in testing conditions. On’s trademark Helion and CloudTec combine to provide the cushioning you’ve come to expect for long runs on paved surfaces, and at 245g, the women’s are just 35g heavier than the regular Cloudflyers.

Read full review of the Cloudflyer

Weight: 279g (M), 229g (W)

A pair of road-to-trail shoes that feature a grippier sole with 4mm lugs yet are suitable for putting in the wet-weather miles on the road, the Challenger ATR 6 GTX come complete with a Gore-Tex bootie that’s water-resistant rather than waterproof, so will repel all but the heaviest of rain. They’re a neutral shoe with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, providing high levels of support and stability, as well as the cushioning Hoka’s renowned for.

Weight: 261g (M), 261g (W)

Whatever the weather’s like outside, the new Sonic 4 road-running shoes will protect you from it. They feature an innovative stretch bootie wrapped in Gore-Tex that shields your foot from bad weather. They are designed for the road, so are lightweight at 261g, and the levels of cushioning, provided via the Optivibe midsole, are low for a more responsive ride.

Weight: 302g (M), 244g (W)

Under Armour’s Infinite running shoes are a favourite among those training for marathons due to the Hovr cushioning and comfortable sock-liner fit. The Infinite 3 Storm takes everything that runners love and wraps it in a water-repellent upper that zips over the laces so no water can worm its way in through the lace eyelets. And despite this extra membrane, weight is not sacrificed too much, with the men’s nudging the scale at just over 300g.

Weight: 225g (M), 200g (W)

The popular Endorphins are one of a number of Saucony models that have received a makeover using the brand’s Runshield technology for winter models. Inspired by alpine sportswear, it’s water-resistant and designed to keep your feet warm via a thermal backing. They’re at the higher end of the price range, but for that extra cash you lose precious grams, as they are extremely lightweight and designed for running at speed due to the nylon plate. They’re also available in a refreshingly bright colour palette of blue, yellow and red.

Weight: 319g (M), 319g (W)

Nike describes the latest Pegasus Shields as 'weatherised', which to you and us means rain-resistant. The breathable upper is finished in a water-repellent, PFC-free coating and features a gusseted tongue to stop water flooding in, with added insulation on the interior to keep warmth in and cold at bay. The grip’s been bolstered, too, and includes a rain channel so it doesn’t slip on wet asphalt. Aside from that, it comes with all the features that made the Pegasus 38s popular, but with added weather – or should we say ‘weatherised’ – protection.

Weight: 318g (M), 318g (W)

The SolarGlide 4s also come in a weather-resistant variety – the Gore-Tex versions are designed to see you through winter. Firstly, Continental WinterGrip Rubber soles mean you’re less likely to slide on sheened pavements, and secondly the Gore-Tex membrane combined with RAIN.RDY acts like a bouncer refusing entry to any precipitation. The waterproofing does result in less breathability, but as you’ll usually be running in these through winter you’ll appreciate the extra warmth in cold, wet conditions. The shoes keep the comfort and speed levels of the regular SolarGlide 4s but add in an extra 40g due to the weatherproofing.

Weight: 350g (M), 350g (W)

These eat up wet conditions for breakfast thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane that shields the trainers from water while remaining breathable. They’re designed for trail running due to the chunky Traxion grip, however they work well on the roads, too, although perhaps not for long distance due to the knobbly protrusions on the sole. They’re also available at the lower end of the price scale than some other Gore-Tex trainers, so are ideal if you’re shopping on a budget.

Weight: 303g (M), 278g (W)

The popular long-running Brooks Ghost model’s GTX version features a lightweight invisible Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, designed to flex and fit like the standard Ghost. It also features the Ghost’s DNA Loft midsole that provides a medium-to-firm level of cushioning and high levels of responsiveness, making them a popular choice for longer distance training and races.

Weight: 220g (M), 220g (W)

A lightweight trail shoe that can also tackle roads, the Skyrockets come wrapped in a waterproof Gore-Tex layer. The shoes themselves are stripped down in an effort to drop weight, so they’re aimed at those looking for speed over shorter distances.

Weight: 345g (M), 279g (W)

Not only are these trail shoes waterproof but they also feature a not-inconsiderable amount of reflective detailing to aid with visibility when you’re on the pavements in low-light or storm conditions. In addition, there’s added grip for wet, muddy conditions via the Vibram outsole. We’ve called the v6s 'a comfortable yet responsive, multi-tasking, multi-terrain marvel', and the addition of Gore-Tex elevates it to new levels for winter running.

Weight: 309g (M), 257g (W)

A high-mileage shoe built for stability and comfort over distance on hard surfaces, with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, Flytefoam cushioning and added Gore-Tex upper to protect your feet against drizzle/showers/storms/hail/snow/blizzards or whatever else the climate can, and will, chuck at you. They remain breathable due to the ventilated upper, so they won’t turn into too much of a sweat box.

Weight: 315g (M), 315g (W)

Type: Trail As these are from off-road specialists inov-8, you know that they’ll tackle the muddiest of off-road trails. The Roclites have built a solid reputation for their hardiness and dependability when the conditions go downhill (particularly while you’re literally going downhill). The GTX version features the regular version’s hardwearing Graphene grip to glue you to the trails, 6mm lugs provide extra bite when you need it, Gore-Tex protection from the elements and inov-8's Codra mesh upper to boost breathability.

Read full review of the Roclite G 315 GTX

Weight: 396g (M), 322g (W)

This is a trail-to-road shoe that features a waterproof upper with a gusseted tongue attached, making it even harder for rogue raindrops to work their way into the shoe. The collar around the ankle is also designed to be higher to stop water from soaking your feet, and, in another feature designed to keep water out, the eyelets extend further up the shoe so that you can lace up higher.