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Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes in the United States 2025 — Top 5 Picks for Wet Trails (Gore-Tex & PFC-Free Options)

Published on Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Designed to keep feet dry in wet conditions, waterproof trail running shoes combine waterproof membranes (for example Gore-Tex or newer PFC-free alternatives) with breathable uppers to reduce moisture build-up. Ideal for muddy trails, creek crossings, and all-weather training, these shoes let runners stay out longer without sacrificing traction, protection, or comfort. In USA, where rain, slush, and variable temperatures are common across regions and seasons, buyers prioritize reliable waterproofing, good lug patterns for grip on wet roots and rocks, lightweight but durable construction for long distances, and environmentally friendlier membrane options. Consumers also balance factors like cushioning, stability, toe protection, and fit—some prefer low-profile technical shoes for fast, technical terrain while others want more cushioned models for long days on mixed trails. Brand reputation, warranty and local availability are important in American markets, and an increasing number of runners are choosing PFC-free waterproof treatments and responsibly sourced materials when possible.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Lightweight Endurance

2. Best Mud Traction

3. Best Cushioning & Comfort

4. Best Agile Trail Runner

5. Best Stability & Protection

Top Picks Summary

  1. Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX
  2. Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
  3. HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX
  4. Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX
  5. Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX
1
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT ENDURANCE

Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX

Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX

The Norvan LD 3 GTX is best-in-class for alpine-oriented waterproof trail running where durability, low weight and precise fit matter; its minimalist Gore-TEX protection and reinforced upper keep feet dry on long technical routes while staying lighter than many heavy-duty waterproof options. Compared with the other shoes on this list it trades a higher price for superior technical materials and a more race-ready feel, making it a top pick for runners who prioritize performance and longevity over cushioning or cushioning-driven value.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Featherlight endurance

  • Precision alpine hug

  • Featherlight endurance

  • Precision alpine hug

Review Summary

87%

"Users praise the Norvan LD 3 GTX for its precise fit, durable build and reliable waterproofing while noting it can feel relatively stiff and pricey for long-distance cushioning. Overall owners appreciate the shoe's protection and responsiveness on technical terrain."

  • Tenacious rock grip

  • GORE-TEX membrane for reliable waterproof protection while remaining breathable.

  • Tenacious rock grip

  • GORE-TEX membrane for reliable waterproof protection while remaining breathable.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Norvan LD 3 GTX is best-in-class for alpine-oriented waterproof trail running where durability, low weight and precise fit matter; its minimalist Gore-TEX protection and reinforced upper keep feet dry on long technical routes while staying lighter than many heavy-duty waterproof options. Compared with the other shoes on this list it trades a higher price for superior technical materials and a more race-ready feel, making it a top pick for runners who prioritize performance and longevity over cushioning or cushioning-driven value.

  • Featherlight endurance

  • Precision alpine hug

  • Tenacious rock grip

  • GORE-TEX membrane for reliable waterproof protection while remaining breathable.

  • Low-profile, responsive EVA midsole with a sticky Vibram outsole for technical traction.

  • Featherlight endurance

  • Precision alpine hug

  • Tenacious rock grip

  • GORE-TEX membrane for reliable waterproof protection while remaining breathable.

  • Low-profile, responsive EVA midsole with a sticky Vibram outsole for technical traction.

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$320-380 USD

2
BEST MUD TRACTION

Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

The Speedcross 6 GTX is a market leader in aggressive traction and mud-shedding grip, offering reliable Gore-TEX waterproofing and a lug-focused outsole that outperforms most competitors on soft, wet trails. Financially positioned in the mid-range, it delivers more immediate traction than cushier rivals like HOKA and more forgiving terrain bite than neutral models such as the Saucony, making it an excellent choice when traction under wet conditions is the primary concern.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Mud-crushing lugs

  • Snug quick-lace grin

  • Mud-crushing lugs

  • Snug quick-lace grin

Review Summary

83%

"Reviewers love the Speedcross 6 GTX for its aggressive grip and confidence in mud and soft trails, though some find it heavy and less composed on hardpack or rocky ground. Fit is snug and durable enough for repeated wet-season use."

  • Immediate bite traction

  • Aggressive chevron lugs and Contagrip compound deliver exceptional grip in muddy conditions.

  • Immediate bite traction

  • Aggressive chevron lugs and Contagrip compound deliver exceptional grip in muddy conditions.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Speedcross 6 GTX is a market leader in aggressive traction and mud-shedding grip, offering reliable Gore-TEX waterproofing and a lug-focused outsole that outperforms most competitors on soft, wet trails. Financially positioned in the mid-range, it delivers more immediate traction than cushier rivals like HOKA and more forgiving terrain bite than neutral models such as the Saucony, making it an excellent choice when traction under wet conditions is the primary concern.

  • Mud-crushing lugs

  • Snug quick-lace grin

  • Immediate bite traction

  • Aggressive chevron lugs and Contagrip compound deliver exceptional grip in muddy conditions.

  • GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps feet dry on wet, sloppy trails.

  • Mud-crushing lugs

  • Snug quick-lace grin

  • Immediate bite traction

  • Aggressive chevron lugs and Contagrip compound deliver exceptional grip in muddy conditions.

  • GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps feet dry on wet, sloppy trails.

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$170-220 USD

3
BEST CUSHIONING & COMFORT

HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX

HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX
🏠 Local Product

The Speedgoat 5 GTX stands out as the best choice for long-distance waterproof trail runs thanks to class-leading cushioning, a plush midsole and a sticky Vibram outsole that soaks up impact across hours of wet, technical terrain. It is technically pricier and heavier than pared-down models like the Arc'teryx Norvan or Saucony Peregrine, but its superior shock absorption and comfort make it the market leader for endurance runners who value protection and reduced fatigue over minimal weight.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Cloudlike cushion

  • Trail-eating grip

  • Cloudlike cushion

  • Trail-eating grip

Review Summary

89%

"The HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX is widely praised for plush cushioning, stable ride and excellent traction with the added benefit of waterproofing, with the trade-offs being extra weight and slightly reduced breathability. Owners often highlight comfort on long, rough runs as a major strength."

  • Roller-coaster stability

  • Maximal cushioned midsole provides plush comfort and impact protection on long runs.

  • Roller-coaster stability

  • Maximal cushioned midsole provides plush comfort and impact protection on long runs.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Speedgoat 5 GTX stands out as the best choice for long-distance waterproof trail runs thanks to class-leading cushioning, a plush midsole and a sticky Vibram outsole that soaks up impact across hours of wet, technical terrain. It is technically pricier and heavier than pared-down models like the Arc'teryx Norvan or Saucony Peregrine, but its superior shock absorption and comfort make it the market leader for endurance runners who value protection and reduced fatigue over minimal weight.

  • Cloudlike cushion

  • Trail-eating grip

  • Roller-coaster stability

  • Maximal cushioned midsole provides plush comfort and impact protection on long runs.

  • GORE-TEX waterproof membrane paired with engineered mesh for breathability and weather protection.

  • Cloudlike cushion

  • Trail-eating grip

  • Roller-coaster stability

  • Maximal cushioned midsole provides plush comfort and impact protection on long runs.

  • GORE-TEX waterproof membrane paired with engineered mesh for breathability and weather protection.

Order Now

$240-320 USD

4
BEST AGILE TRAIL RUNNER

Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX

Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX
🏠 Local Product

The Peregrine 14 GTX delivers a strong value proposition for waterproof trail running by balancing nimble responsiveness, reliable Gore-TEX protection and a competitive price point that undercuts many premium rivals. Technically it offers a more versatile, lighter footprint than the stability-focused Brooks and more affordable long-distance comfort than some HOKA options, making it ideal for runners who want waterproof performance across varied terrain without paying a premium.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Nimble technical agility

  • Responsive ground feel

  • Nimble technical agility

  • Responsive ground feel

Review Summary

84%

"Users report the Peregrine 14 GTX as a nimble, grippy and relatively lightweight waterproof option that handles technical trails well, while some note the Gore‑Tex version is less breathable than the non‑waterproof model. Overall it’s valued for versatile performance and reliable traction."

  • Debris-shield comfort

  • Lightweight, flexible platform with PWRRUN foam for a responsive, snappy ride.

  • Debris-shield comfort

  • Lightweight, flexible platform with PWRRUN foam for a responsive, snappy ride.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Peregrine 14 GTX delivers a strong value proposition for waterproof trail running by balancing nimble responsiveness, reliable Gore-TEX protection and a competitive price point that undercuts many premium rivals. Technically it offers a more versatile, lighter footprint than the stability-focused Brooks and more affordable long-distance comfort than some HOKA options, making it ideal for runners who want waterproof performance across varied terrain without paying a premium.

  • Nimble technical agility

  • Responsive ground feel

  • Debris-shield comfort

  • Lightweight, flexible platform with PWRRUN foam for a responsive, snappy ride.

  • GORE-TEX bootie construction keeps water out while maintaining breathability.

  • Nimble technical agility

  • Responsive ground feel

  • Debris-shield comfort

  • Lightweight, flexible platform with PWRRUN foam for a responsive, snappy ride.

  • GORE-TEX bootie construction keeps water out while maintaining breathability.

Order Now

$160-200 USD

5
BEST STABILITY & PROTECTION

Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX

Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX
🏠 Local Product

The Cascadia 17 GTX is best-in-class for trail runners who need dependable stability and durable waterproof protection, pairing a supportive platform and robust rock plate with Gore-TEX to handle rough, wet trails with confidence. While it may lack the maximal cushioning of the HOKA or the aggressive lug pattern of the Speedcross, it offers a sensible mid-range price and long-term durability that appeals to runners seeking a stable, all-around waterproof option for training and long days on the trail.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Rock-solid stability

  • All-day comfort armor

  • Rock-solid stability

  • All-day comfort armor

Review Summary

81%

"The Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX is frequently commended for its stability, robust construction and dependable waterproofing, making it a go‑to for heavier loads and long miles; critics cite its bulkier feel and modest weight penalty. Most long‑term users trust it for durability and support on varied trails."

  • Hiker-approved toughness

  • Stable midsole with rock-plate protection suited for rough, technical trails.

  • Hiker-approved toughness

  • Stable midsole with rock-plate protection suited for rough, technical trails.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Cascadia 17 GTX is best-in-class for trail runners who need dependable stability and durable waterproof protection, pairing a supportive platform and robust rock plate with Gore-TEX to handle rough, wet trails with confidence. While it may lack the maximal cushioning of the HOKA or the aggressive lug pattern of the Speedcross, it offers a sensible mid-range price and long-term durability that appeals to runners seeking a stable, all-around waterproof option for training and long days on the trail.

  • Rock-solid stability

  • All-day comfort armor

  • Hiker-approved toughness

  • Stable midsole with rock-plate protection suited for rough, technical trails.

  • GORE-TEX waterproof upper combined with engineered mesh for durability and weather defense.

  • Rock-solid stability

  • All-day comfort armor

  • Hiker-approved toughness

  • Stable midsole with rock-plate protection suited for rough, technical trails.

  • GORE-TEX waterproof upper combined with engineered mesh for durability and weather defense.

Order Now

$180-240 USD

What Research and Lab Testing Say About Waterproof Trail Shoes

Laboratory tests and field studies on footwear performance help explain why waterproof membranes plus breathable uppers are effective for trail running. Waterproof membranes work by blocking liquid water while allowing some water vapor (sweat) to escape, reducing interior wetness from outside conditions. Breathability and moisture management reduce the risk of blisters and foot maceration on long runs. Traction patterns and rubber compounds are tested in wet and muddy conditions to evaluate slip resistance, while cushioning and sole stiffness influence running economy and comfort on technical terrain. Environmental testing has also prompted the industry to offer PFC-free alternatives that aim to lower persistent chemical emissions compared with older waterproof treatments.

Waterproof membranes block liquid water ingress while allowing water vapor transmission, which helps maintain interior dryness during external wet exposure.

Improved breathability and moisture-wicking linings reduce blister risk and skin maceration during prolonged activity.

Traction tests on wet, muddy, and rocky surfaces show lug shape, spacing, and rubber compound significantly affect slip resistance.

Sole stiffness and midsole cushioning influence stability and energy return on uneven terrain, affecting comfort during long runs.

PFC-free waterproof treatments and membranes are becoming more common to address environmental persistence concerns associated with older perfluorinated chemistries.

In USA, waterproof trail running shoes are a practical essential for year-round trail access—from soggy spring singletrack to late-season creek crossings. The five top picks featured here—Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX, Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX, HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX, Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX, and Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX—cover a range of needs: the Norvan LD 3 GTX for technical long-distance performance, the Speedcross 6 GTX for aggressive mud grip, the Peregrine 14 GTX for lightweight versatility, and the Cascadia 17 GTX for stability and durability. For most American trail runners in 2025, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its blend of traction, cushioning, and reliable waterproofing. I hope you found what you were looking for — use the search or filters to refine by fit, weight, membrane type, or terrain to expand or narrow your options.

Discover More
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  • Trail Running Shoes for Mountain Terrain
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  • Winter Insulated Trail Running Shoes
  • Trail Running Shoes with Rock Plate
  • Wide Fit Trail Running Shoes

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