The best shoes for running in the rain

It is not easy to run in the autumn/winter season and look for that continuity that every runner looks for on the asphalt, because the adverse weather becomes one of the "worst enemies" of the runner. At RUNNEA we help you to face 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 the weather conditions that normally occur in the winter season, you have to wear the best material from head to toe, to protect you from inclement weather, but also provide you with the best performance to continue with your physical conditioning, and reach the peak shape you want to overcome future sports 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 with 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 running in the rain

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 16 GTX
4. Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex
5. Adidas Ultraboost Light GTX
6. HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex
7. Adidas Supernova GoreTex
8. ASICS Gel-Pulse 15 GTX
9. On Cloud 5 Waterproof
10. Saucony Triumph 22 GTX
11. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield
12. Mizuno Wave Rider GTX 2
13. Under Armour Machina Storm

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 16 GTX

The Brooks Ghost 16 GTX is a running shoe designed to deliver an exceptional running experience in all weather conditions. With a focus on comfort, durability and performance, these shoes have become a favorite choice for runners looking for protection without sacrificing the quality of their training. They stand out for their GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology, which provides waterproof and breathable coverage. This feature is essential for protecting feet from rain and water, without compromising breathability, ensuring feet stay dry and comfortable at all times. All this in a set of just 252 grams of weight and a 12 mm drop.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 12 mm
• Pace: Medium
• Weight: 252 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 GoreTex

The adidas Supernova GORE-TEX shoes are intended for use in adverse conditions of cold or rain, especially. A model that in addition to the protective membrane, offers great cushioning and comfort for daily training sessions and long distance competitions where the weather is very extreme. It is a shoe for running in cold temperatures, less than 5, or in areas where rain is a constant. The waterproof GORE-TEX membrane prevents water from entering and ensures that the foot remains in the same conditions as at the start of the session, dry and breathable. The synthetic lining is sufficiently protected to keep the foot intact, but at the same time, the material is thin and lightweight.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 9 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 337 gr

ASICS Gel-Pulse 15 GTX

The ASICS Gel-Pulse 15 GTX is one of the most awaited reissues from the Japanese company since the traditional Pulse 15 was introduced without waterproofing. The point of innovation lies, as it could not be otherwise, in that upper with Gore-Tex membrane that makes them a completely waterproof model. For its part, it maintains the already consolidated and effective features, materials and technologies of its original version, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 15, with the acclaimed GEL compound in its heel, an aerodynamically designed FlyteFoam midsole and its AHARPLUS rubber reinforcement in the heel that will offer maximum durability. It slightly increases the weight of its standard version to 280 grams but is anchored in the usual 8 millimeters drop.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 280 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 Triumph 22 GTX

The Saucony Triumph 22 GTX, in general, are running shoes designed to offer great cushioning for all your runs, with improved stability, as will happen with its traditional model. However, this Gore-Tex version will be especially characterized by providing that extra protection against adverse weather agents, such as water or moisture. Like the Saucony Triumph 21 and its more conventional version without Gore-Tex upper, it will have a 10-millimeter drop midsole, with 35 and 25-millimeter heel and toe profiles, respectively.

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

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 2

The second version of the Mizuno Wave Rider GTX 2, one of the Japanese brand's shoes designed for running in areas where rain is present for much of the year or for use on wet or muddy terrain, is now available. We are talking about a trail running shoe that incorporates a Gore-Tex membrane in addition to some of the most popular technologies developed by the Japanese brand. The upper features Mizuno's AirMesh technology so we are guaranteed a good breathability despite integrating a Gore-Tex membrane that protects our feet and keeps them dry even if we run on wet or muddy terrain. The Mizuno Enerzy technology is also present in the shoe and the outsole retains the same design as the previous version but the position and size of the lugs are modified to provide greater grip and better response and water evacuation when we run on those terrains with more presence of water and mud.

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

Under Armour Machina Storm

The Under Armour Machina Storm is a running shoes designed for all those runners who need a model of medium and even high paces but above all lightweight, breathable and stable in equal parts. A model that will provide the best response in the race, and also keep your feet as comfortable as possible. This is a model with a UA Storm technology upper, which repels water without sacrificing breathability or fit. At the end of the day, we are talking about a model weighing just 275 grams, which is very light and has a drop of 8 millimeters.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 275 gr

Some basic tips for running in the rain

Incidentally, the chorus 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."

Having said that, 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 your running pleasure, even if the weather is bad. Also keep in mind that no race, if you have in mind to wear a race bib, is suspended because it rains.

Pay attention to your running style

It is more than clear that when it rains cats and dogs, 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 there it's a must to wear 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 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 training intensity and speed

Finally, you should know 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: if at 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?