The best waterproof running shoes for rain

It is not easy to run in the winter season and look for that continuity that every runner seeks on the asphalt, because the adverse weather becomes one of the "worst enemies" of the runner. At RUNNEA we help you to put a good face to bad weather, and we present you our selection of the best waterproof running shoes to run in winter, and in the rain.

It is clear that if you want to go running in weather conditions of winter season, you have to wear the best material from head to toe, to protect you from inclement weather, but also to provide you with the best performance to continue with your physical conditioning, and reach the peak of form you want to overcome next sporting goals.

Running shoes brands are aware of this, and do not miss the opportunity to present technologies and materials specifically designed for winter running in both textile and sports footwear. Many top-level firms have opted to include the famous and efficient Gore-Tex membrane in their most emblematic models, and have even created their own options, such as the exclusive Shield fabric from Nike Running. Gore-Tex, Shield, Waterproof or different materials of similar characteristics have the same mission: to offer waterproofing to keep you dry from the first to the last kilometer you run, withstanding wind, cold and rain. At the same time, they also help you to progress with the utmost comfort and not get home completely soaked.

Running shoes for rainy days

In short, winter running shoes are a good investment so that bad weather doesn't leave you at home. In our opinion, these are some of the top choices:

1. New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12 GTX
2. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 GTX
3. Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
4. Nike Pegasus 39 Shield
5. Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex
6. Adidas Ultraboost Light GTX
7. HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex
8. Adidas Supernova 3 GTX
9. ASICS Gel Pulse 14 GTX
10. On Cloud 5 Waterproof
11. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield
12. Mizuno Wave Rider GTX

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12 GTX

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12 GTX is a running shoe perfected to complete your workouts in all conditions. With the rolling essence of the 880 line, this new model from New Balance comes with Gore-Tex in its upper, for greater protection on rainy and cold days. A running shoe created for low intensity workouts but so that they can withstand any inclement weather, so the weather is never an excuse. With maximum comfort and cushioning as firm as durable, these New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12 GTX stand as an ideal choice for your daily workouts in the harsh and cold winter.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 12 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 298 gr

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 GTX

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 GTX is a shoe that retains the essence and main features of the traditional Gel-Cumulus 25 but incorporating the Gore-Tex membrane to keep our feet dry at all times if we go running in rainy or cold conditions.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 286 gr

Brooks Ghost 15 GTX

The presence of the Gore-Tex membrane adds value to the Brooks Ghost 15 GTX, one of the American brand's daily training shoes par excellence. This shoe is ideal for running during the coldest and rainiest periods of the year.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 12 mm
• Pace: Medium

Nike Pegasus 39 Shield

Designed to give you a more responsive running experience and impassable protection during your most wintry workouts, the new Nike Pegasus 39 Shield will allow you to enjoy your favorite sport to the fullest even in rainy conditions. The most updated version of the longest running shoe in history ensures lighter, more responsive and comfortable cushioning to propel you to race speeds. In addition, this Shield version features an upper with a water-repellent coating. Another highlight of this waterproof version of the Nike Pegasus 39 Shield is that it features an outsole designed to offer good traction for wet surfaces. Thanks to the inclusion of the exclusive Storm-Tread pattern and textures inspired by winter tires. All of its micro-groove interweaving provides better grip to the surface, while the multi-directional pieces help deflect water, improving direct contact.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 290 gr

Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex

The Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex are running shoes that give us that extra protection that so well characterizes the Infinity Run range of the American multinational, in addition to its good cushioning we also have the waterproof membrane to have no excuses to go running in adverse weather conditions.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Pace: Medium

Adidas Ultraboost Light GTX

We no longer have an excuse to go running on the rainiest days of the year with the new adidas Ultraboost Light GTX which, in addition to incorporating the waterproof membrane, also incorporates some of the most outstanding technologies of the German multinational to go running with comfort and cushioning assured.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Medium

HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex

One of HOKA's most popular shoes is undoubtedly the HOKA Clifton 9 which, for the coldest times of the year, is also available the HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex which incorporates the waterproof membrane to protect us if we go running on rainy days or with intense cold.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: Low
• Weight: 273 gr

Adidas Supernova 3 GTX

With the new adidas Supernova 3 GTX we are guaranteed a good comfort and support for running during our daily workouts and, in this version, also with the Gore-Tex membrane we will no longer have an excuse to run in the rain or on wet or damp terrain.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 9 mm
• Pace: Medium

ASICS Gel Pulse 14 GTX

The ASICS GEL-PULSE 14 GTX, the new edition of the Pulse line with Gore-Tex membrane, is a shoe that will allow you to train in all kinds of situations, even in the most adverse weather. And it is a model that keeps its essence alive. A rolling philosophy of great versatility and a cushioning capacity of the most successful in the ASICS catalog. A model that does not renounce comfort and that comes with extra protection and durability, so that you do not get tired of running with it even in the worst circumstances.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 320 gr

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

The latest update of one of the best known and indicated running shoe models from the Swiss company On, the On Cloud 5 Waterproof, arrives updated to be waterproof, maintaining as a flag an exquisite cushioning, like all models of the brand. These On Cloud 5 Waterproof are a very versatile shoe, since in addition to being able to use them in your running workouts, they will be ideal for you to wear them in your day to day. With an updated design, using new materials and better technical features than its predecessors, the brand's designers have managed to bring to market a lighter shoe, with a better fit and greater comfort, now also more protected.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 281H / 227M

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield

One of the best mixed running shoes currently available on the market with a waterproof membrane is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield, which will allow us to run at fast paces on those cold winter days or even in the rain while maintaining the temperature of our feet at all times.

• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 229H/204M

Mizuno Wave Rider GTX

The Mizuno Wave Rider GTX is a good candidate for running in the mountains in wet and/or muddy terrain thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane.

• Surface: Trail
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Pace: Low

Some basic tips for running in the rain

Incidentally, the refrain of the song "Run in the rain" by British singer-songwriter, Tom Grennan, recites, "Just give me the answers and give me the signs/Just give me the reasons to run in the rain and I'll be fine."

The editorial team offers you those answers, signs and reasons to run in the rain, apart from putting on some of the winter running shoes we have mentioned above, we also provide some basic tips for you to enjoy the pleasure of running, even in bad weather. Also keep in mind that no race, if you have in mind to wear a race bib, it is suspended because it rains.

Pay attention to your running style

It is more than clear that when it rains a lot, and you go out for a run, you should pay attention to your running form, and thus reduce the risk of falling. Apart from wearing the right running shoes for the occasion, you should also modify your running technique with shorter strides, and always looking to keep your balance.

While you're at it, don't forget to practice a good and optimal warm-up, which will help you fight the cold, activate you faster and start your training run earlier.

Dress in layers

Just like an onion, when you're out running in bad weather, it's important to layer your clothing. From least to most important, because the layer that protects you the most is the one that is closest to the body, so here, yes, 100% technical fabric that expels water and sweat, but maintains body temperature. Then you can reinforce with a jacket, vest or windbreaker that will ensure more protection and warmth, but that are also easy to put on / take off, and transport.

By the way, stick to this maxim: Wearing more layers of clothing will not keep you drier. The opposite may even be the case, because the more clothes you wear, the more wet and damp clothes you wear.

Being and being visible

When talking about the layers of clothing it is recommended that the outermost layers, these include reflective elements, and thus make you more visible to others, especially when running on asphalt. Not only for your safety, but also for the safety of others.

Wear quality, running-specific socks.

When it comes to running in the rain, not only is it important to have a good pair of waterproof running shoes, but the choice of socks also plays a key role. When running with wet feet, the likelihood of chafing or blisters increases significantly due to the friction of the wet textile against the skin. It is therefore essential to wear socks designed specifically for running that offer the following features:

• Technical materials: opt for socks made of materials that wick away moisture quickly, such as polyester or polypropylene, as these help keep feet dry and prevent moisture buildup.
• Proper fit: A well-fitting sock will minimize wrinkles and creases, thus reducing the risk of chafing. In addition, some running socks have reinforced heel and toe areas for added protection.
• Flat seams: make sure your socks have flat or, ideally, seamless seams to avoid pressure points that can cause discomfort during your run.

running socks guide: How to choose the right socks for running?

Make use of the visor/cap

This is a very practical accessory, because the visor allows you to run with your face free of water. In the winter season it makes more sense to opt for visors made of stronger and more resistant fabrics that also provide more warmth, but do not give up breathability.

Put on dry clothes as soon as you finish

Perhaps the most important thing, if you don't want to catch pneumonia. Once you finish your training session, or your race, it is mandatory to change your wet clothes for completely dry ones.

Controlling the intensity and speed of your training

Finally, you should be clear that running in the rain can be a refreshing and different experience, but it also carries certain risks, especially if the terrain is slippery, or if there are puddles that may hide potholes or obstacles. That is why it is recommended:

• Moderate intensity: although you may be tempted to run faster to finish sooner, it is essential to maintain a moderate intensity. This will allow you to have more control over your movements and react in time in case of a slip or unexpected obstacle.
• Running technique: maintain an upright posture and take shorter strides. This will give you better stability and allow you to be more responsive to possible slips. In addition, by taking shorter strides, you reduce the impact on your joints, minimizing the risk of injury.
• Avoid the most problematic areas: if possible, avoid running in areas with lots of puddles or accumulation of leaves, as these can be particularly slippery. It is also advisable to avoid sudden changes of direction and be especially cautious on downhill runs.
• Listen to your body: ifat any time you feel discomfort or perceive that the terrain is too dangerous, do not hesitate to slow down or even stop. Safety must always be the priority.

Regarding the care of the material, if they are not running shoes optimized for water, the home trick is to introduce newspaper balls to remove the moisture from the inside completely. And we also recommend that you discard the option of putting the shoes on radiators, because they can deform the materials, and thus reduce their performance.

Don't stay at home... in bad weather, good running! Are you ready?

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