[Closed] Waterproof trail running shoes - Yay or nay?

They're great ... until you step in something deeper than the ankle and then you just have a wet foot in a shoe that doesn't let the water out. Warmer or waterproof socks and normal shoes might be better.

Aye, lots of hate for them in general, but I have a pair of gore tex Asics gel pulse road shoes (bought by mistake online tbh!) and for my lunchtime 25 minute 5k social they are perfect, batter through puddles (it's through a nature reserve on hardpack and mud) and socks remain dry, feet toastie.

I avoided them for years because the 'experts' said that they were pointless.  However, I've recently bought some Inov8 Gore-Tex ones and they are great in mud, wet grass and puddles.  I've had wet feet once crossing a stream and yes, they do take a while to dry, but it's no big deal.

I suppose it boils down to are you bothered by wet feet. With GTX shoes you avoid a lot of the wet stuff but once in, it stays longer than a non-lined shoe (but they get wetter earlier in the run anyway). It's down to personal preference

I also think they work a bit like a wetsuit, once water enters it is trapped and warms up a bit, whereas with normal running shoes, the cold water just keeps flushing through.

I think they help, my Saucony goretex trail runners are great for wet ground, shallow puddles and wet grass. They also keep my feet warmer in winter.

If it is lashing it down, the ground if really wet or you are jumping in puddles then you will still get wet feet. I've never noticed them "filling up" like my sealskins MTB socks.

they just hold the water for longer, keeping your feet wet.

in cold/baltic conditions i generally use a pair of sealskin socks, same effect as waterproof shoes but as said above - they keep your feet warmer.

I'd say 'nay'. I want a shoe that drains and dries out quickly, if I want to keep my feet a bit drier I run in Sealskinz.

Waterproof trail running shoes – Yay or nay?

Thinking about risking the Economy class toilets?

I'd avoid anything waterproof... even clothing, I'm a believer in "let it breath man"

Shoes, well they gather sweat and that needs to go somewhere, add in wet conditions and it's bad enough with normal runners trying to vent never mind let in water.

Don't buy the ON Cloudventure waterproof ones, they're shit. I gave my pair to my BiL the farmer to wear around the farm.. £130 wasted.

IME it depends on where you're running:

For wet grass, puddles and firmer tracks and trails they're great - canal towpath is a great example, in winter my local towpath has lots of muddy puddles which soaks a non-waterproof shoes.

For running on snow they're brilliant - they stop your feet getting cold. I have a pair of Scarpas with a goretex gaiter that comes over the ankle and went running / snow shoeing on a frozen riven in Finland with shin-deep snow. Feet were toasty.

For mountain trails and bog-trotting where there's a risk of going more than ankle deep, then might fill with water. OK for a shorter run, but less so if you're going out the next day.

I'd go with dovebiker there, pretty much spot on IMO.

For wet grass, puddles and firmer tracks and trails they’re great – canal towpath is a great example, in winter my local towpath has lots of muddy puddles which soaks a non-waterproof shoes.

For running on snow they’re brilliant – they stop your feet getting cold

That's my sort of thing.

Thanks all.

I've got wide feet, can't wear Adidas/Saloman as they're too narrow. I 've had a couple of pairs of Brooks Cascadia which have been really good, come in Gore Tex versions too. Worn them for a trail/road 10k and running up and down the Llanberis path. Not as light or mud-grippy as Inov8's or a fell shoe but should suit the route's you described.

i have worn them on US-UK flights but was sat at the back.

One more scenario they're useful for is 'very cold and dry' where although there's no chance of getting wet, the windproofing makes them warmer

🤣 @ Colonel Wax,

Was socks on my last flight!

😁

M&S multi pack?

I too do waterproof for winter - too many puddles on farm tracks and wet grass in the park means soaking feet.

In proper cold they are also windproof warmer.

I'm also a Brooks convert - not as light or as 'floaty' but by heck they are comfy and just work - and durable.

more useful for walking in and when relegated to general use - off out walking the dog and my feet will stay dry

For wet moors, mud, heavy rain, and general grimness, personally no, warm socks and keep moving.

Canal paths, paths with some mud or running round fields , good for this.

As above fill with water, and it stays there, but can be useful for soaking the toe nails before cutting.

Proper runner no, playing at it, well if you must 😁

@Stu, I think you're right. #Sockspotter

@Flashy - are you Prince Edward?

The clues are there, lots of air travel in comfort away from the plebs, uncomfortable/corrective shoes, mystery occupation, M&S socks as a vain attempt to get down with the kids,  penchant for nice things........

😋

Not sure if it's exactly what you want, but the Nike store have Pegasus 34 Shield's at a fine price at the moment here, and if you're anywhere an outlet store, the Birmingham one had 30% off them too. They're not fully waterproof, but they're relatively splash proof and are perfect for winter running and a bit of light off road. They're also about as comfortable as running shoes get according to my feet.

@ ElShalimo

😁

M&S multi pack?

Please stand up if you have the same multi pack as the cap'n.

*Stands up*

Waterproof and breathable is a myth. I had a Frank Shorter running jacket in around 1987 made of Goretex and had almost every variation of super material since. I have an Event jacket for walking but for running none of them work very well. As above just keep moving and accept that you will be soaking when you finish. The best running clothing in my view is Gore, and I run in their non waterproof jackets, breath better than any waterproof material.

Same for shoes

Mrs Sims has some water resistant Nike zoom running shoes, she rates them highly for running on the road. Might make a suitable half way house, although I don’t know how they would fare running off-road.

edit

I missed lunge’s post, so +1 for what he said