The 7 Best Women’s Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Running in the mountains or desert is ideal when the weather is perfect. But often, and usually when we’re training our hardest to prepare for race season, we have to face many days of rain and snow as well as the following days where trails are full of puddles and mud.


Running in the mountains or desert is ideal when the weather is perfect. But often, and usually when we’re training our hardest to prepare for race season, we have to face many days of rain and snow as well as the following days where trails are full of puddles and mud. These are the days when we consider pulling out our dependable waterproof trail running shoes to keep our feet warm and dry as we brave our way through the elements. Because nothing puts a damper on a long trail run than soaking wet and cold feet. There are many choices when it comes to good waterproof trail running shoes. The main parameters to consider when embarking on your search is the type of trail running shoe, for example, rugged-trail or off-trail, the heel-to-toe drop, the amount of cushioning, and if it has a rock plate. Then there are other aspects such as stability and the weight. We know how important it is to take into consideration all these aspects, after all, a pair of great waterproof trail running shoes is the key to a satisfying, great run especially in discouraging weather.  And like a good friend, we’ll tell you our honest opinion on what we think are the best waterproof trail running shoes womens on the market based on our extensive research and experience.

Mystery Solved!

The Best Women’s waterproof trail running shoes is:

Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Women

Why we love it?

  • Offers the best dual density midsole cushions your run and provide stability and flexible
  • Secure fit, providing by lacing system
  • The most durable trail running shoes
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SOURCES UNCOVERED

2.1K

SCUTTLEBUTT CONTEMPLATED

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HOURS INVESTIGATING

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PRODUCTS INSPECTED

Top 7 Products

Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Women

Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Women

Cloudventure Waterproof Trail-Running Shoes Women

Cloudventure Waterproof Trail-Running Shoes Women

Arc’teryx Norvan LD GTX Women

Arc’teryx Norvan LD GTX Women

Brooks Cascadia 14 GTX Women

Brooks Cascadia 14 GTX Women

La Sportiva Tempesta GTX Women

La Sportiva Tempesta GTX Women

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Waterproof Women

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Waterproof Women

Salomon Trailster GTX Women

Salomon Trailster GTX Women

Awards
Price 149.95$ View On Amazon 149.99$ View On Amazon 194.95$ View On Amazon 159.95$ View On Amazon 160.00$ View On REI 119.93$ View On REI 119.95$ View On Amazon
Overall Rating 10 9.3 9 8.3 8 7.3 7.3
Pros Lacing system provides a secure fit, The durable upper is made with a breathable protective mesh, Best waterproofness product in trail running, The dual density midsole cushions your run and provide stability and flexible Very Durable, Highly Responsive, Lightweight, Low heel Drop Highly Breathable, Multi-directional traction, Great Responsiveness, Perfect fit, Sock liner keeps debris out Lightweight feel, Incredible cushioning, More grounded run, Highly durable, Strong traction Airmesh upper, Responsive, Flexible and Versatile, Durable winter shoe, Extremely comfortable, Stylish and sporty design, FriXion XF rubber outsole Attractive design, Comfortable and Durable, Absorbs shock, Lightweight Outsole tractions ability, Upper waterproof mechanism, Runners like the collar padding because it can hold the foot in place and prevent slipping
Cons Toe box a little constricting, Maybe large lugs breaking off or wearing prematurely, Not much lightweight, Breathability could be improved Costly, Limited color selection Not the most affordable shoe, Lacks cushioning Might offer inconsistant sizing, May not be as stabilizing for some Expensive Uncomfortable, Narrow/tight Skin irritation due to the tongue unit rubbing uncomfortably against the bridge of the foot
Bottom Line Best waterproof trail running shoes of the year!
Waterproofness 10 10 9 8 8 8 8
Stability 10 9 9 9 8 7 7
Comfort 10 9 9 8 8 7 7

2. Cloudventure Waterproof Trail-Running Shoes Women

9.3
Waterproofness
10
Stability
9
Comfort
9

Pros

  • Very Durable
  • Highly Responsive
  • Lightweight
  • Low heel Drop

Cons

  • Costly
  • Limited color selection

This pair of waterproof trail running shoes womens comes really close as a second runner-up to our number one. In fact, they were almost tied. On running shoes have recently exploded in the market and have taken storm with their trail running line. Their Cloudventure Waterproof has a really unique design that just feels different when you run it. We’ve joked about running on clouds before, but they seriously patented a technology that actually makes you think of clouds because of their Zero Gravity Cloud and CloudTech cushioning, which was inspired by the desire for a “soft landing followed by an explosive takeoff.”  They even boast strategically placed “heel clouds” for steep inclines and descents. They use the Missiongrip outsole with multiple grip patterns forn maximum controllability when conditions get crazy. Okay, they don’t use GORE-TEX but they are really proud of their On waterproof membrane that is 100% waterproof and stretchy and comfortable. This in combination with the way they’ve designed the shoe makes it so that you can just fly on off-road terrain. The Cloudventure has a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop and weighs 1 lb 4 oz. We really like this pair of waterproof trail running shoes womens because it’s beautiful, it’s comfortable, it’s got crazy traction and the cushioning of clouds, but especially because it’s different.

3. Arc’teryx Norvan LD GTX Women

9
Waterproofness
9
Stability
9
Comfort
9

Pros

  • Highly Breathable
  • Multi-directional traction
  • Great Responsiveness
  • Perfect fit
  • Sock liner keeps debris out

Cons

  • Not the most affordable shoe
  • Lacks cushioning

How could anyone not fall in love with anything made by Arc’teryx? If you just look at the Norvan LD GTX, it will be like love at first sight because of how elegant and chic this pair is. They look like dainty ballerina slippers compared to some of the other waterproof trail running shoes womens that offer a similar amount of support and cushioning. The Norvan LD GTX is best for rugged-trails and has a 9 mm toe-to-heel drop at a weight of 1 lb 3 oz. The outsoles provide maximum adhesiveness for wet and technical terrain with the Vibram Megagrip. In addition, the shoe has 3.5 mm lugs that are ergonomically patterned for extra traction. Then there’s a 4 mm OrthoLite 3D molded insert plus an EVA/polyolefin midsole that absorbs impact plus a layer of thermoplastic polyurethane that is strategically placed to give you comfortable cushioning but keeping the shoe lightweight. Of course, the waterproofness is ensured by a GORE-TEX membrane with GORE Invisible Fit technology that gives that soft and flexy feeling that we love so much.

4. Brooks Cascadia 14 GTX Women

8.3
Waterproofness
8
Stability
9
Comfort
8

Pros

  • Lightweight feel
  • Incredible cushioning
  • More grounded run
  • Highly durable
  • Strong traction

Cons

  • Might offer inconsistant sizing
  • May not be as stabilizing for some

Brooks are Brooks. We know some serious veteran trail runners in their 70’s who swear by Brooks and there’s a good reason for it. The Cascadia 14 GTX will give you that dependable Brooks stability but is also quite light at 1 lb 4.6 oz and boasts the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane that we love so much. The heel-to-toe drop is 8 mm and there is moderate cushioning provided by their BioMoGo DNA that dynamically adapts to your stride. What’s nice is that this pair has a rock plate to prevent that sharp little stone from stabbing your feet when you’re flying downhill on technical trails. We love the Brooks Cascadia and Caldera lines for their regular trail running shoes because of their Pivot Post stabilizing suspension system that really gives you the extra control when running on uneven terrain, which is also equipped on the Cascadia 14 GTX. The shoe has a nice TrailTack rubber outsole that gives you extra traction over wet rocks and trails to give you confidence if you’re running in a downpour. This pair of waterproof trail running shoes womens has lots of soft padding around the foot to give you that walking-on-pillows feeling but doesn’t make your feet look bulky, which can be an important aspect for some female trail runners.

5. La Sportiva Tempesta GTX Women

8
Waterproofness
8
Stability
8
Comfort
8

Pros

  • Airmesh upper
  • Responsive
  • Flexible and Versatile
  • Durable winter shoe
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Stylish and sporty design
  • FriXion XF rubber outsole

Cons

  • Expensive

Now here’s a fantastic waterproof trail running shoe if you’re an off-trail trail runner in a really wet climate. The Tempesta GTX is super light at 1 lb 2 oz and ensures waterproofness with a GORE-TEX Comfort Liner and GORE-FLEX strobel boards, this means that you can splash in puddles and still have dry feet. Not only that, you can also hurl yourself down (just kidding) all kinds of terrain knowing that FriXion XF sticky rubber outsole will give you full-length coverage and maximum adhesiveness. In addition to the fancy outsoles, the Tempesta GTX boasts two sets of 6mm lugs, one acts as an impact break system that absorbs impact while giving you plenty of traction, and the second gives you added cushioning and more traction, so you can really grip all kinds of wet surfaces, including snowy surfaces. Inside the shoe, your feet will be cushioned by the IMEVA foam midsole that provides even more stability, support, and shock resistance. The upper part of the shoe is made with AirMesh, making it soft, breathable, and flexible, especially with the GORE-FLEX lining that is extra flexible and moves with the foot as you run.

6. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Waterproof Women

7.3
Waterproofness
8
Stability
7
Comfort
7

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable and Durable
  • Absorbs shock
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Uncomfortable
  • Narrow/tight

Just from looking at the Speedgoat, you can tell that this pair of waterproof trail running shoes offers tons of support and comfort. The first noticeable mark of stability is the oversized CMEVA foam midsoles that are lightweight but really cushy and absorb shock at impact points. Then, there’s the Megagrip high-traction outsoles by Vibram with 5 mm multidirectional lugs for crazy grip on really technical and wet terrain. The midfoot overlay is made of reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane that gives the foot a secure fit plus an extra textured thermoplastic polyurethane reinforcement in the toe box. The upper is made of open-mesh construction but is lined with SKYSHELL waterproof membrane that ensures a dry foot in any wet condition and a nice fit at the same time. We know, we know, we always rave about GORE-TEX membranes, but the SKYSHELL really will keep your feet dry. As for specifications, the Speedgoat 3 Waterproof is best for rugged-trail and has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop. It doesn’t have a rock plate but it isn’t necessary with all the cushioning and support happening between your feet and the ground. Esthetically, however, we still prefer the previous waterproof trail running shoes womens that we’ve ranked, but at 1 lb 3 oz and all the cushioning of clouds, the Speedgoat still ranks among the top for us.

7. Salomon Trailster GTX Women

7.3
Waterproofness
8
Stability
7
Comfort
7

Pros

  • Outsole tractions ability
  • Upper waterproof mechanism
  • Runners like the collar padding because it can hold the foot in place and prevent slipping

Cons

  • Skin irritation due to the tongue unit rubbing uncomfortably against the bridge of the foot

This waterproof trail running shoe is for all you light-trail runners who love a lot of space for your toes as well of soft cushioning for the rest of your feet. It’s lightweight at 1 lb 3.2 oz, has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, and no rock plate. This shoe promises out-of-the-box immediate comfort because of the Energy Cell midsoles and OrthoLite footbed plus the Trailster’s famed ample toe box space for that cushy generous fit. Of course you won’t have to worry about ever having wet feet if you’re out in the rain because your feet will be protected by GORE-TEX waterproof liners. You also won’t have to worry about slipping because the shoe is equipped with Contagrip rubber. The Trailster GTX is just a really comfortable, roomy, straightforward waterproof light-trail running shoe that won’t let you down, even if the weather does.

Criteria for Our Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Considerations

Waterproofness

Since we’re looking at waterproof trail running shoes womens, the waterproofness is clearly the most important criteria for us. We like GORE-TEX membranes and liners because we know them well, they’re in most of our waterproof gear and it’s been time tested on countless outings through some pretty crazy weather conditions.

That’s why we’re pretty confident about the waterproofness when we see a product that offers GORE-TEX. That being said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t other material equally as waterproof, in fact, On has a 100% waterproof membrane that really impressed us. That’s why they made it a serious runner up to our top waterproof trail running shoe. So, if there was any dampness, any sign of leakage into the shoe, we removed the pair immediately from further consideration. You can be certain that our list of shoes will protect your feet from nasty wet conditions or if you just like splashing in puddles the day after.

Stability

We know that trail running involves running on trails that can be technical, uneven, full of sharp rocks, and basically challenging to stay balanced and upright. That’s why we selected waterproof trail running shoes womens that offered plenty of stability, from the way the shoe wrapped around the foot to the construction of the midsole and outsole. We also selected shoes with a really grippy outsole and smart lug design to make sure that you get the traction you need when running down wet surfaces.avier would just feel too heavy. 

Comfort

If a shoe was too stiff, as most waterproof trail running shoes can be, we removed it from our selection. If a shoe took too long to break in, we didn’t select it. If a shoe was too heavy, we didn’t select it. Basically, if a shoe didn’t give that ‘ahh’ feeling from the start to the end of wearing it, we didn’t select it.

The shoes that we did select all have that ‘ahh’ feeling that’s soft, cushy, and light. So, all of the shoes have lightweight cushioning surrounding the foot, including the waterproof membrane, which had to feel like it was able to move freely as the foot moved. We wanted that springy feeling, too, nothing heavy, after all, these aren’t hiking shoes, they’re waterproof trail running shoes womens for serious trail runners.

Please note that all runners have their own preference for their optimal heel-to-toe drop for their shoes. So, this was not a factor in our selection but we did include as a stat for your information. The shoe weight remained under 1 lb 4.5 oz for the pair for our selection because anything he


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Detective Devin
Hey, this is Devin! I love the adventure and drinking coffee..