A membrane keeps out puddles and wet grass, but the shoe runs warmer, and water that gets in over the top stays in.
What we look for in a waterproof trail shoe
A membrane. A water-resistant coating doesn't count here.
Grip for wet ground. Waterproof shoes are for wet days, so lugs and rubber matter.
A collar that sits close. A snug collar keeps water from coming in over the top.
The lightest waterproof shoes
Merrell
Antora 4 Waterproof
- Weight
- 207 g
- Stack
- 29 / 21 mm
- Widths
- Regular
≈ $160 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane. Lugs of 3 mm.
Hoka
Speedgoat 6 GTX
- Weight
- 232 g
- Stack
- 38 / 34 mm
- Widths
- Regular, Wide (D)
≈ $170 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane.
Hoka
Challenger 8 GTX
- Weight
- 255 g
- Stack
- 42 / 34 mm
- Widths
- Regular, Wide (2E)
≈ $165 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane. Lugs of 4 mm.
Cheaper ones, $177 or less
Saucony
Excursion TR18 GTX
- Widths
- Regular
≈ $130 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane. Lugs of 4 mm.
Xero Shoes
Mesa Summit WP
- Widths
- Regular
≈ $145 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane.
Topo Athletic
Terraventure 4 WP
- Weight
- 340 g (M9)
- Stack
- 25 / 22 mm
- Widths
- Regular
≈ $155 Where to buy
Waterproof, with a membrane.