The main question here is do you buy a waterproof trail running shoe and what are their advantages over non-water proof running shoes, if any? Here in the UK, let’s face it you will do your fair share of trail running in wet and sludgy conditions. But will a waterproof running shoe truly keep your feet dry and if so what makes for a good waterproof trail running shoe?
Let’s take a closer look.
Do Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Keep My Feet Dry?
The short and quick answer is yes, but not in all conditions. Materials that waterproof trail running shoes use will keep water and moisture out (more on this in just a minute). But they are not going to prevent water from seeping in by your heal and ankles, especially when your foot submerges into a puddle. So, while trail running shoes can be ‘waterproof’, your expectations should not be that they are ‘watertight’
The other factor to consider is that if the materials won’t let water in they are not going to be great at letting water out. So, if you do find yourself running through lots of puddles you may find your shoe suddenly pooled up with water with little means for it to escape. Furthermore, resulting in the shoe becoming heavy which is counter-intuitive for buying a waterproof trail shoe in the first place.
How Do Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Keep My Feet Dry
Waterproof trail running shoes are often fitted with both waterproofing liners on the outside and a waterproof membrane woven into the inside. The waterproof membrane has become the essential technology for waterproof active wear in general, so let’s take a closer look at how this works.
Waterproof Membrane
A waterproof membrane is a must when considering purchasing a waterproof trail running shoe. It’s essential technology that prevents water from getting into the shoe. Gore-Tex is the ‘go-to’ membrane for most trail running brands. They have been the market leader for many years and specialise in providing waterproof materials and membranes for the footwear and outdoor clothing industry. So you can’t go wrong with a trail shoe that has incorporated Gore-Tex waterproof membrane technology into their footwear.
The membrane contains billions of tiny pores per square inch of membrane that’s smaller than a water droplet. So it prevents water from getting into the shoe but the pores also allow for condensation or water vapour to escape. This keeps the shoe breathable and prevents your foot from over heating when they are working hard over the trails.
Over the years, Gore-Tex have designed their technology to be thin and lightweight. Their ‘invisible-fit’ technology is designed for Gore-Tex to firmly be in the background of the shoe and not add any significant additional weight.
What are Optimum Conditions for Waterproof Trail Running Shoes?
Despite the label of ‘waterproof’ there is an optimal level of wet and weather conditions that you should consider wearing waterproof shoes.
Damp and Drizzling Rain
If it is a slightly damp or light drizzle rain then waterproof trail running shoes can prove to be very effective. Ordinary trail running shoes can make your feet wet by water getting in through a breathable upper mesh. But a waterproof trail running shoe will prevent this keeping your foot dry. Essentially, if there are no deep puddles where your shoe will become submerged then waterproof footwear will prove to be an advantage.
If you are prone to blisters then you may also want to consider waterproof footwear in damp or drizzle conditions. If water or moisture get into the shoe it can cause more friction between the shoe and the foot where blisters can occur.
Cold Weather Conditions
Also, waterproof trail running shoes can be a worthwhile investment in cold weather conditions. They tend to be better insulated and stop any wind chill on the toes and feet. So, if you are planning to run in snow or conditions where wind chill is a factor, we’d favour waterproof over non waterproof.
When to Buy Non Waterproof over Waterproof?
Surprisingly, once the weather has created a very wet and muddy surface or the rain is heavy then waterproof is not your best option. Also, the warmer the temperature the more you want to think about how breathable and lightweight your trail show will be.
Heavy Rain or Muddy and Sludgy Conditions
Non-waterproof trail running shoes tend to be lighter and less bulky. So, choosing non waterproof is recommended whenever favouring a lighter option versus weight being built up through the foot getting wet. This means that in very wet conditions non waterproof may still be the better option as we have explained above. The waterproof shoes are not going to completely stop water getting in and it will retain the water that does.
Hot Weather Conditions
In hot conditions you want to make sure that your shoe is breathable. However, waterproof membrane technology allows for water vapour to escape, so they also help to keep the foot well circulated. The main reason for choosing non waterproof in hot conditions is due to them being lighter and less bulky than waterproof footwear.
Other Considerations to Keep Feet Dry
As we have mentioned before, waterproof shoes does not mean water tight. Especially in the UK, you are going to have to embrace wet feet at some stage. But there are some other considerations for footwear that can help to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Gaitors For Added Waterproofing
Some runners opt to use gaitors, which is essentially a cover that fastens around the ankle and top of shoe. They can help to keep water out but it’s often a matter of personal preference on whether runners feel comfortable wearing them.
Waterproof Running Socks
Waterproof running socks will help to keep feet dry but there are some additional considerations when pairing waterproof socks with trail running shoes. They tend to be thicker and bulkier, so they may not be a great choice to pair with waterproof shoes. Particularly, if you are participating in a race or aiming for faster times.
But if the aim is just to keep the feet dry and you’re happy to take any measure to achieve that, then it’s worth considering.
Our Verdict on Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Waterproof Trail Running Shoes are a worthwhile purchase if you do a lot of trail running. Which means that you will likely be running a considerable amount of time in the optimal conditions for using waterproofs (i.e. wet, drizzle, light rain, cold, snow). Also, if you are a competitive trail runner you will want a pair of waterproof’s in your collection.
If you are an occasional trail runner then it might not be worth paying the extra price that comes with waterproof vs non-waterproof trail shoes. Using ordinary non waterproof with gaitors and also waterproof socks can prove effective enough to get you through the occasional trail.
Some Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for You to Consider?
If you come to the decision that waterproof is the option for you, take a look at some of these:
Nike Pegasus GTX
Women: £139
Men: £144.95
Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow
Women: Price is £122 to £140 depending on size
Men: Price is £112 to £140 depending on size
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Women: Price is £109 to £152 depending on the size
Men: Price is £133 to £164 depending on the size
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
Women: Price ranges from £104 to £140 depending on size
Men: Price ranges from £75 to £150 depending on size
Asics Gel-Trabuco 9 GTX
Women: Price ranges from £91 to £137 depending on size
Men: Price range from £107 to £115 depending on size
