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Trail running, is among the intense exercises that help the body burn about 10% more calories when compared to road running. The idea, therefore, is to combine routes that are characteristic of firm hardpack trails, with mud, hills, and flat routes. The above cocktail of trails is sure to work a greater range of muscle groups, starting from the legs, to the core, feet, and ankles.
Trail running is not for the faint-hearted, the right attitude and footwear are, the perfect starter pack; we will, therefore, compile a couple of the best waterproof trail running shoes for both men and women designed to protect and support the foot in the rugged terrain.
In general, we will be looking at the comfort and supportive features such as the aggressive tread patterns to counter the rocks, and the waterproof, but breathable upper among others.
| Our Pick For Men | Our Pick For Women |
|---|---|
| New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Hierro V5 | La Sportiva Women’s Jackal GTX Trail |
  |   |
| View Price | View Price |
Comparison Table- Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
| Shoe Type | Midsole & Outsole | Upper Material | Price |
| La Sportiva Women’s Jackal GTX Trail Running Shoe | Outsole– Frixion XT 2.0 rubberMidsole- compression-molded EVA | Sandwich mesh/mono-burr nylon | Check Price Here |
| HOKA ONE ONE Women’s trail running sneaker | Oversized Eva foam midsole, podular outsole, and 4mm lugs | Waterproof dual-layer mesh | Check Price Here |
| ON Women’s Cloudventure Sheild Waterproof | Micro-engineered Grip-Rubber sole with 4 levels of grip | 2 layer mesh and nylon upper | Check Price Here |
| Inov-8 Mens Terraultra 260 | Outsole characteristic of deep grooves that offer the best grip while preventing aquaplaning | Waterproof mesh upper for enhanced breathability | Check Price Here |
| Salomon Men’s Spikecross 5 GTX Trail Running | Contagrip sole with 12 tungsten spikes | Incorporated a full Gore-Tex bootie for wet protection | Check Price Here |
| New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Hierro V5 | Rubber outsole | TPU-coated textile upper | Check Price Here |
Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for women
La Sportiva Women’s Jackal GTX Trail Running Shoe – Best overall pick
La Sportiva Women’s Jackal GTZ running shoe seeks to dare the runner against rain and snow without giving up the comfort feel and glove-like fit. The trail running shoes have incorporated a nearly-seamless upper designed to offer comfort, and at the same time reduce the hotspots when engaging the long trail runs. The configuration of the upper part can take the beating of an intense trail running activity as the incorporated ripstop mesh inserts encourage durability, are light in weight, and are well ventilated.
For the long runs, the shoe features the infinito PU inserts equipped in the compression molded Eva midsoles which cushion the feet consequently reducing foot fatigue. The balance performance of the La Sportiva women’s jackal remains reliable via the FriXion XT 2.0 rubber compound outsole.
Pros
- Best shoes for use in snowy and rainy areas
- Perfect women’s shoes for the long runs
- The incorporated 4mm ortholite footbed enhances comfort
Cons
- Available in only two colors
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HOKA ONE ONE Women’s trail running sneaker – Best lightweight trail shoes
The Hoka One One women’s trail running sneaker features a dual-layer mesh on the upper part that offers balance and support when tackling the steep terrains; the shoe holds the feet in place, while the midsole geometry enables a smooth ride. The fast and light women trail shoe from Hoka One One, offers the best traction performance thanks to the multi-lugged outsole.
Additionally, 4mm deep lugs have spread to the forefoot, a necessary consideration as it offers the necessary grip while on the trail more so in wet conditions. The women’s trail sneaker hacks the comfort equation with the modified midfoot design that will ensure the runner’s foot is locked down, and in combination with the supportive heel counter runners can be sure of lateral and medial security.
Pros
- Offers amazing support, are comfortable
- The best option for heel pain and aching feet
- Good for both road and trail
Cons
- Not convenient for the long term
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ON Women’s Cloudventure Sheild Waterproof – Best value shoes
The ON Women’s Cloudventure waterproof runners, are perfect for the mountains, and will, therefore, keep your feet dry thanks to the advanced ON membrane, which is 100% waterproof, and apart from being dry, the feet also remain breathable. Runners can additionally move freely, courtesy of the highly stretchable upper; comfort is all-around thanks to the cloud tec cushioning technology, which remains active when a foot strike is engaged.
And given that it is impossible to outrun the rain, the ON Women’s Cloudventure shield waterproof shoe sports a micro-engineered grip rubber sole, characteristic of up to 4 levels of grip designed to keep your pace steady on the different types of terrain.
Pros
- Offers the best support
- Can stand varied trail abuse without compromising overall shoe integrity
- Offers a glove-like fit
Cons
- Not durable for over 6 months
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Best Waterproof trail running shoes for men
Inov-8 Mens Terraultra 260 – Best budget trail running shoes
Looking to scale the distances in the trail, well the Inov 8 Men’s Terraultra 260 is your companion as it will offer the best trail traction thanks to the 4mm cleats that are made complete with the water dispersal channels, consequently preventing aquaplaning while offering a maximum grip. And apart from providing a glove-like fit, the shoe allows runners a natural run, as the grooves on the outsole and the midsole enable multi-directional flexibility.
The upper part of the Inov 8 Men’s Terraultra 260 is breathable and waterproof, and can easily tackle the hard and rocky paths, including the trails and smooth roads. The fit is soc-like with a highly responsive cushioning; grip performance is not exactly the best on snow and ice, but exceptionally good on hard and rocky roads, paths, and trails, and a small reliable performance when used in soft and muddy areas.
Pros
- The shoe flexes with the feet during movement
- They are light in weight thus easy on the tough terrains
- Good for long-distance running
Cons
- The toe box is not wide enough
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Salomon Men’s Spikecross 5 GTX Trail Running – Best wide feet trail running shoes
Salomon Men’s trail running shoe offers the best performance when used in both wet areas and dry terrains. The upper Gore-Tex feature protects the wearer from wet weather thus keeps the feet dry while offering incredible durability. Sporting a winter contra grip sole that features up to 12 tungsten spikes wearers can be sure of a confident grip when engaging either the soft, or compact snow including ice.
The shoe additionally, affords wearers a precise and secure fit thanks to the sensifit technology, while the relevant balance is provided by the enhanced hind sole. The Salomon men’s spike cross is comfortable on the inside, courtesy of the insole that not only cushions the foot but provides comfort and is durable. The shoe is available in an attractive red color with a minimal combination of black waterproof material. The red color is available in numerous shades, thus runners can choose between the racing red and the red dahlia.
Pros
- Offers a confident grip on snow
- The shoes are wet proof will keep your feet dry and wick away moisture from inside the shoe
- The traction feature is reliable
Cons
- The toe box is a bit narrow
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New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Hierro V5 – Best high profile trail running shoe
Weighing about 1.85 pounds the New Balance Men’s fresh form Hierro V5 enables runners to go the distance with the durable Vibram mega grip outsole. The latter offers a superior grip, combined with multi-directional traction. The upper part features a TPU coated textile material with a shrouded construction that protects the insides from debris while keeping the feet dry when engaging the off-road runs.
The inside features an ergonomic construction, equipped with a soft underfoot courtesy of the fresh foam midsole cushioning, designed to afford runners an ultra-cushioned lightweight ride. The trail shoe is characteristic of a snug bootie construction. Waterproofing on the New Balance Men’s fresh foam Hierro V5 is achieved with the incorporation of the Gore-Tex upper.
Pros
- The trail running shoes are ultra-comfortable
- Are durable
- Offers excellent grip
- Offers a snug comfortable bootie fit
Cons
- The sole is somehow squishy
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Features to look for in waterproof trailing running shoes
- Tread and traction- the above features on your shoes will either encourage movement or derail your progress altogether. The idea, therefore, is to invest in trail running shoes that can effectively grip the ground, thus contribute to your balance and movement.
- Waterproofing features- depending on the environment you will be running, your feet must be kept dry at all times. The upper part must, therefore, be constructed from a waterproof material; some of the construction materials will, therefore, incorporate nylon and others the Gore-Tex material.
- Cushioning – a trail running shoe with minimal cushioning will impact your exercise negatively because you are going to feel like you are walking on the bare ground thus cause stress on the knee joint and leg. Pain in the above areas will reduce the exercise time, be sure, therefore, to ensure that you get enough padding on the insole.
Final Word
We have compiled what we believe to be the best waterproof trail running shoes for both men and women, and we are confident that you won’t miss one that matches your taste and style. Many factors need to be considered when picking your waterproof trail running shoes however, I hope we have guided you on the right track to make your next pick.