10 Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes For Men in 2026: Grip, Gore-Tex, and All-Weather Comfort

If you run year-round, the right pair of waterproof trail running shoes for men can keep your feet drier, more stable, and more comfortable when the weather turns rough.

In this roundup, we focus on models that balance traction, weather protection, and ride feel so you can choose a shoe that matches your terrain, distance, and pace.

Best 10 Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men Picks for 2026

Technical Mountain Pick - Salomon XA PRO 3D GTX

If you want waterproof trail running shoes for men that can handle rough, mixed terrain, the Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex is built for tough outings. It combines a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex upper with a low-profile chassis and grippy Contagrip rubber for steady performance when the trail gets technical.

Best For: Runners and hikers who want stable support, weather protection, and rugged traction on demanding trails.

Pros:

• Gore-Tex membrane keeps water and wind out while staying breathable.
• 3D Advanced Chassis adds underfoot stability and motion control.
• Contagrip outsole is made for mixed terrain and loose gravel.
• Reinforced toe cap adds extra protection on rough trails.

Cons:

• More of a rugged trail shoe than a lightweight speed option.
• Designed for demanding terrain, so it may feel overbuilt for easy paths.

This is a strong choice if stability and protection matter more than a minimalist feel. It is well suited to wet, uneven routes where dependable grip and foot protection are priorities.

Comfort Trail Workhorse - Merrell Nova 4 Waterproof

The Merrell Nova 4 Waterproof is a practical pick if you want waterproof trail running shoes for men with a comfort-first feel. Its waterproof membrane helps keep water out, while the breathable mesh and TPU upper, FloatPro Foam midsole, and Quantum Grip outsole aim to balance everyday trail use with reliable footing.

Best For: Trail runners and hikers who want lightweight comfort, water protection, and dependable grip.

Pros:

• Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape.
• FloatPro Foam midsole is built for lightweight, lasting comfort.
• Quantum Grip rubber outsole supports confidence on tougher trails.
• Removable EVA foam footbed adds a simple comfort update.

Cons:

• Water resistance is listed as not water resistant in the details, so the membrane is the main protection.
• At 1.5 pounds, it may feel heavier than some lighter trail runners.

Overall, this shoe leans into comfort and versatility more than race-day speed. It is a solid option for wet trails, hiking, and mixed outdoor use where cushioning matters.

Weather-Ready Trail Runner - adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2 Climaproof

The adidas Terrex Tracefinder 2 Climaproof is a versatile option for waterproof trail running shoes for men when you want lightweight coverage and trail-ready traction. Its Climaproof weather protection, Lightmotion foam, and Traxion rubber outsole are aimed at keeping you dry, cushioned, and stable across changing terrain.

Best For: Trail runners who want breathable weather protection and confident grip on varied surfaces.

Pros:

• Climaproof helps block moisture while letting sweat escape.
• Lightmotion foam adds soft step-in comfort and support.
• Traxion rubber compound delivers multi-directional trail grip.
• Durable upper reinforcements help protect against trail hazards.

Cons:

• Water resistance is listed as not water resistant in the details.
• Best suited to trail use rather than general casual wear.

For runners who want a balance of protection, comfort, and traction, this shoe fits well into wet-weather trail days. It is especially appealing if you want a breathable feel without giving up grip.

Eco-Friendly Wet Trail Pick - adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy

The adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy is a simple, weather-focused choice among waterproof trail running shoes for men, especially if you also want a hiking-ready build. It uses a waterproof RAIN.RDY membrane, EVA cushioning, and a Traxion outsole to keep footing secure on rugged terrain.

Best For: Hikers and trail users who want waterproof protection, lightweight cushioning, and strong traction.

Pros:

• RAIN.RDY membrane is designed to keep feet dry in wet conditions.
• EVA midsole provides durable, step-absorbing comfort.
• Traxion outsole is built for all-direction grip on rugged terrain.
• Made in part with recycled and renewable materials.

Cons:

• Listed as a hiking shoe, so it is less specialized for pure running.
• Water resistance details in the listing still say not water resistant.

This model makes sense if your trail days often blur into hiking and all-day outdoor wear. It focuses on practical weather protection and traction rather than a race-oriented ride.

Road-Ready Comfort - New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 GTX

If you want waterproof trail running shoes for men that lean toward comfort and everyday versatility, the New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex is a practical pick. Its DynaSoft midsole aims for a responsive feel with plush cushioning, while the AT Tread outsole is built to handle both on- and off-road traction.

Best For: Runners who want a cushioned waterproof trail shoe that can also handle hikes and mixed use.

Pros:

• GORE-TEX waterproof fabric helps block wind, rain, and water while staying breathable.
• DynaSoft midsole and EVA foam insert add comfort for longer wear.
• AT Tread outsole is designed for versatile traction on and off the trail.
• No-sew overlays support a cleaner, streamlined upper.

Cons:

• Water resistance is listed as water resistant, so it may not feel as fully protective as some dedicated waterproof trail shoes.
• The focus on cushioning may be more appealing than a highly aggressive trail feel.

Overall, this model makes sense if you want a comfortable waterproof trail running shoe for men that can double for hiking and other outdoor use. It balances protection, cushioning, and all-around traction without getting too specialized.

Mud-Grip Specialist - Salomon Speedcross GTX

The Salomon Speedcross GTX is a strong option if you need waterproof trail running shoes for men with a clear focus on grip and protection. Its updated Gore-Tex construction, aggressive Contagrip outsole, and secure fit make it well suited to wet, muddy, or loose trail conditions.

Best For: Trail runners who prioritize aggressive traction and a secure, protective fit in wet conditions.

Pros:

• Waterproof, windproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane helps keep feet protected.
• Contagrip TA sole with aggressive lugs is built for mud, wet ground, and soft snow.
• Sensifit construction and Quicklace system create a precise, secure foothold.
• Ripstop fabric and anti-debris mesh add durability and trail protection.

Cons:

• The aggressive lug design is tuned for trail grip, so it may feel specialized for off-road use.
• It uses a quick-pull lace system rather than a standard lace setup.

For runners who expect messy conditions, this shoe is one of the most purpose-built choices in the group. It puts traction and security first, which is exactly what many trail runners want when the ground turns soft or slippery.

Wet-Weather All-Rounder - Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX is a versatile choice for waterproof trail running shoes for men who want a smoother ride between road and trail. It pairs a waterproof GORE-TEX upper with ReactX foam and a grippy ATC rubber outsole, making it aimed at wet-weather runs and mixed surfaces.

Best For: Runners who want a waterproof trail shoe with responsive cushioning and road-to-trail versatility.

Pros:

• Waterproof GORE-TEX upper and 3-D print toe cap help keep water out.
• ReactX foam midsole is designed for lightweight, responsive energy return.
• ATC rubber outsole adds grip on steep inclines and in wet weather.
• Low-top build keeps the profile simple and familiar for running use.

Cons:

• Its focus on smooth ride and versatility may be less specialized than more aggressive trail shoes.
• The upper uses faux leather and mesh/rubber materials, which may not appeal to runners seeking a more traditional trail build.

As a wet-weather running option, this model stands out for combining waterproof protection with a more energetic, everyday-friendly feel. If you want one shoe that can handle both pavement and trails in rain, it’s a compelling pick.

Mountain Grip Pick - Salomon Speedcross Peak GTX

If you're shopping for waterproof trail running shoes for men that can handle mud, rain, and rocky ground, the Salomon Men's Speedcross Peak Gore-Tex is built for tough conditions. Its Gore-Tex bootie construction, strong traction, and secure quick-lace fit make it a practical choice when the route is unpredictable.

Best For: Trail runners and hikers who need waterproof protection and aggressive grip on harsh, mixed terrain.

Pros:

• Fully sealed Gore-Tex Waterproof Bootie helps keep feet dry.
• All Terrain Contagrip outsole is made for wet, dry, loose, or hard surfaces.
• Quicklace system and Sensifit construction create a secure, foot-hugging fit.
• Protective mudguard adds debris defense and durability.

Cons:

• More trail-focused than road-friendly.
• Moderate cushioning may not feel as plush as max-cushion options.

Overall, this model stands out when grip and wet-weather protection matter more than everyday versatility. It is a strong pick for runners who want confidence on technical trails and messy conditions.

Road-to-Trail Comfort Pick - Salomon Ultra Flow GTX

The Salomon Men’s Ultra Flow Gore-Tex is a smart option if you want waterproof trail running shoes for men that can transition smoothly from pavement to dirt. It blends a plush feel with trail-ready grip, making it useful for mixed routes and longer runs.

Best For: Runners who split time between road, smooth trail, and light rugged terrain.

Pros:

• Waterproof, windproof, and breathable Gore-Tex upper.
• Plush cushioning supports comfort on longer distances.
• All-terrain Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs adds traction.
• Adaptive upper helps create an instant comfortable fit.

Cons:

• Not the most aggressive choice for highly technical trails.
• Low-top build may feel less protective than higher-cut trail shoes.

This is the pair to consider if your runs change surfaces often and you want one shoe that feels comfortable on both roads and trails. The emphasis here is on easy cushioning and all-day wearability rather than hard-core trail specialization.

All-Terrain Versatility Pick - Salomon Alphaglide GTX

For runners who want waterproof trail running shoes for men that can handle more than one type of outing, the Salomon Men's Alphaglide Gore-Tex is built to be adaptable. It combines waterproof protection, responsive cushioning, and dependable grip for trail running, hiking, and fastpacking.

Best For: Active men who want one waterproof shoe for trail runs, day hikes, and mixed terrain.

Pros:

• Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry in wet and muddy conditions.
• fuzeFOAM cushioning helps reduce impact and fatigue.
• All Terrain Contagrip provides traction on wet, dry, hard, or loose ground.
• Anti-debris mesh and precise heel hold improve security and comfort.

Cons:

• Not as specialized for one terrain type as more focused trail shoes.
• Moderate cushioning may be less plush than maximum-cushion models.

This is the most versatile option in the group, especially if you want a single waterproof pair for several outdoor activities. It favors balanced performance and all-around confidence over a narrowly tuned race-day feel.

How We Picked the Best Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men

We looked for Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men with proven weather protection, dependable outsole grip, and a fit that supports real trail use—not just light path jogging. We also weighed cushioning, weight, upper durability, and whether the shoe makes sense for muddy, rocky, or mixed-condition routes.

Quick Comparison

For fast, technical trails, prioritize aggressive traction and a secure midfoot hold. For longer runs, look for more cushioning and a smoother ride. If you split time between trails and pavement, a more versatile, less aggressive outsole can feel better day to day. Waterproofing helps in wet grass, rain, and shallow puddles, but it usually adds a little warmth and can dry more slowly if water gets inside.

Key Buying Factors for Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men

Waterproofing and Breathability

Most shoes in this category use a membrane such as Gore-Tex, Climaproof, or Rain.rdy-style protection. These help block external moisture, but no waterproof shoe is completely waterproof if water enters from the collar or tongue. If you run in cool, wet climates, waterproofing is a strong benefit. In hot weather, a non-waterproof trail shoe may feel more breathable.

Traction and Terrain

Lug pattern and rubber compound matter as much as the membrane. Deeper, more aggressive lugs are better for mud and loose dirt, while flatter, more moderate patterns can feel more confident on hardpack, gravel, and mixed surfaces. Consider where you run most often rather than choosing the most aggressive outsole available.

Cushioning and Stability

Some runners want a soft, cushioned feel for long efforts; others prefer a firmer platform with more ground connection. If your trails are rocky or uneven, a more stable platform can help reduce fatigue. If you run longer distances, a bit more underfoot comfort usually pays off.

Fit, Lockdown, and Sizing

A secure heel, stable midfoot, and enough toe room are essential on technical terrain. Waterproof uppers often fit slightly differently than mesh trail shoes, so pay attention to width, arch hold, and whether the toe box feels cramped. A snug but not tight fit is ideal for downhill control and all-day comfort.

Who Should Buy Which Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men?

Choose a more aggressive, traction-first model if you run muddy climbs, loose dirt, or slippery singletrack. Pick a cushioned, versatile shoe if you want one pair for steady training runs and mixed weather. If you prioritize road-to-trail flexibility, look for a smoother ride and moderate lugs. For runners in consistently wet or cold conditions, Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Men are especially useful; for hot, dry climates, breathable non-waterproof options may be the better everyday choice.