Best Gore Tex Running Shoes in 2022

How We Chose Our Selection of Gore Tex Running Shoes

• Quality - When it comes to Gore Tex running shoes we’re looking for a few things in addition to fit and durability. We want to see a shoe that’s breathable, impervious to wind and above all waterproof. While it would seem like a given that any Gore Tex shoe is going to embody all three of those things it’s actually not a given at all. Because other factors such as the mix of Gore Tex and other fabrics along with the quality of the stitching and the adhesives used in the construction of the shoe can also impact whether or not water and wind are able to penetrate. So the shoe has to be the complete package from a quality perspective or it doesn’t make our list. Period.
• Reviews - As always we take the measure of customer reviews but we do so with a grain of salt. And that’s because the source of such reviews must necessarily always carry a question mark. That’s especially true for scathing or overly effusive reviews. Still, we take note of what is there, toss out most of the highs and lows and try to see if we can glean a consensus. We’ll then take that consensus into account when making our determination. That said we’re independent types who like to make up our own minds based on our own experience.
• Brand - Certainly shoemakers who have long experience in the production of athletic shoes are going to attract our attention first, simply because they’ve been in the game for a long time and have proven themselves worthy of serious consideration. But that doesn’t mean we’re close-minded. We’ll consider any brand and if the shoe is worthy of inclusion on our list it will wind up on our list.
• Price - Contemporary, high-quality mens trail running shoes are not cheap. That is a given. So while we’re always in search of value we don’t expect to find the best Gore Tex running shoes in the bargain bin at the big box store. Quality costs money these days. That said even expensive shoes can be a good value if they’re comfortable, enhance performance and are built to last. And that’s what we’re looking for more than just price: value.

Features To Look For In Gore Tex Running Shoes

The inclusion of Gore Tex as well as other waterproofing features means that the criteria for choosing this type of running shoe is slightly different than for other athletic shoes. Standard trainers for instance are designed for indoor use on hard, even surfaces and are designed to withstand the type of lateral movements that come with aerobic workouts and Crossfit. While Gore Tex running shoes are designed specifically to handle the rigors of the outdoor environment, whether that’s on a rain soaked track or a mountain trail. Below are some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting the right Gore Tex running shoes for you.

• Comfort and stability - It goes without saying that the best running shoes for men should be as comfortable as possible in all conditions. They should operate like an extension of your foot, not as an anchor or unwieldy appendage. The fit should be snug and firm, never binding or loose, it should be wide or narrow enough to accommodate the particularities of your foot and it should breathe so that moisture and heat don’t accumulate inside the shoe and create a soggy oven around your feet.

Just as it’s important for driver safety that a high-performance automobile remains stable through tight, challenging turns the best trail running shoes also provide proper and adequate support when you’re digging in on loose terrain or rounding a corner on a rain-slickened sidewalk. If the sides of the shoe have too much given in them you could wind up turning your ankle or slipping or simply losing your footing and falling. Likewise, you’ll want your running shoe - Gore Tex or not - to provide stability along the heel to toe axis so that your toes aren’t jammed into the front of the shoe when running on steep downgrades or your heels slipping out when running uphill.

• Weight - Because this type of running shoe has to include waterproofing features you won’t see on a standard running shoe it’s going to weigh a bit more than other types of running shoes. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a block of concrete around your foot. We’re talking a matter of ounces here, not pounds or kilos. Still, the added weight will likely be noticeable to anyone used to wearing standard running shoes. The best way to counteract that additional weight is by paying extra attention to the fit and comfort. If the shoe fits like a glove and offers excellent padding and support throughout you’re far less likely to be conscious of any additional weight as you run.
• Water resistance - You’re buying Gore Tex running shoes for their outstanding water resistance, not because you like to carry around some additional weight on your feet. So the degree of water resistance is going to be a key determining factor in whether you buy these shoes or those. An important factor related to water resistance is the ability of the shoe to dry quickly once it gets wet. That’s because water = additional weight. In addition, no running shoe is going to be able to prevent water from spilling over the top at the ankle if you completely submerge your foot in a deep puddle or stream. Therefore your shoe will need to feature materials that dry quickly and an upper that is as breathable as possible to allow moisture to pass through so the inside can dry out. The faster the shoe dries out the better it is for your feet and your overall safety and performance.
• Durability - Gore Tex shoes are intended for outdoor use in all kinds of weather. If they’re not well built they’re simply not going to be able to stand up to Mother Nature. This is one area where, when in doubt, it may pay to default to a name brand simply because you can be fairly certain that the shoe is fabricated from high-quality materials and in a way that is going to stand up to whatever challenges you present it with.

How To Take Care Of Gore Tex Running Shoes

Running outside, especially in wet conditions, means your running shoes are going to get dirty faster and to a greater degree than athletic shoes intended for use in the gym. As such you’re going to need to clean them from time to time. If not for aesthetic reasons then simply to prevent caked on mud and debris from undermining the breathability of the shoe. Here are a few tips and reminders that should help you care for your Gore Tex shoes:

• The best way to clean your Gore Tex running shoes is by hand.
• You should always remove the shoelaces before cleaning the shoes.
• Use lukewarm water with a mild soap and a clean sponge to wash the shoes. If there is dirt embedded in some of the seams use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean it out, applying minimal pressure.
• Avoid using bleach or any kind of harsh stain remover on your shoes as these may harm the ability of the shoe to breath.
• Never put your Gore Tex running shoes in the dryer. Let them air dry instead. Just make sure they are thoroughly dry before putting them on again.

Gore Tex Running Shoe FAQ

Q: What are Gore Tex running shoes?

A: Gore Tex running shoes are standard running shoes that have had waterproofing elements built into them, including a layer of waterproof Gore Tex fabric and other features like a bellowed tongue that prevents water on the top of the shoe from seeping inside the way it can with standard shoes. Gore Tex running shoes are intended for people who regularly run in wet conditions or trail runners who regularly encounter natural water features that need to be passed over or through.

Q: What is the difference between Waterproof and Gore Tex shoes?

A: A non-Gore Tex “waterproof” running shoe really should come with an asterisk applied. That’s because, while they may start out able to repel rain and even keep you dry while splashing through the occasional puddle or stream the waterproofing is typically applied to or concentrated on the exterior of the show. This means that over time it’s going to wear down. So six months after purchasing your “waterproof” running shoe you may find your foot very wet indeed one day after splashing through the same type of puddles the shoe handled with ease when it was new. Gore Tex, on the other hand, is not a waterproofing treatment. It’s a waterproof material. There’s no waterproof layer to wear off, wear down or wear out. Both waterproof and Gore Tex running shoes will have a bellowed tongue to prevent water seeping in around the tongue like it does on standard running shoes. So even treated waterproof shoes will always have a bit of a leg up over standard mens running shoes when it comes to handling water.  Gore Tex shoes are the only ones that are truly waterproof over the long haul. (Just keep in mind what we said above about the inevitability of your feet getting wet from overtopping water or heavy rain causing water to run down your legs into the shoe.)

Q: Do Gore Tex running shoes fit smaller or bigger than other shoes?

A: For all intents and purposes the fit of the best Gore Tex running shoes is the same as for any other type of athletic shoe and has more to do with the manufacturer than the type of shoe or whether that shoe contains Gore Tex. The fact is there is no way to create a universal guide when it comes to the fit of running shoes because a size 10 shoe from manufacturer X is likely to be a wee bit different than a size 10 shoe from manufacturer Y. The inclusion of Gore Tex, as well as things like the bellowed tongue designed to keep water out, may make the Gore Tex shoe appear slightly bulkier on the outside than a standard running shoe. But fit is determined by the inside of the shoe. You could add two inches of insulation to the outside of a size 10 shoe and it would still fit like a size 10 on the inside. To get the optimal size for your feet to try and shop for waterproof running shoes in the afternoon after your feet have had some time to swell up a bit. This will ensure a proper fit at all times of the day in all conditions. Remember; you can always tighten your laces a bit but you can’t make the inside of the shoe any bigger than it is. So fit your shoes to accommodate your feet at their largest.

Q: Do running shoes provide more grip that normal shoes?

A: If by “normal” you mean everyday shoes like you wear to the office then of course. Running shoes are engineered to keep you upright while moving at high speeds on a variety of surfaces both dry and, occasionally, wet. If, however, by “normal” you mean “normal” athletic shoes then the answer becomes more nuanced. Because what will give you more grip on the wooden floor of the basketball court is not going to provide very good grip when you’re careening down a mountain path and vice versa. The right way to approach the issue of grip when it comes to any type of athletic footwear is to consider the surface or surfaces you intend to use the shoes on. That will determine the type of sole your trail running shoes should have and the type of grip it should provide.