While we love waterproof running shoes for protection against rain, wet trails, and splashy creek crossings, many highly-rated models cost $150 or more. That can be a good deal if you’re heading into a rainy training cycle or are in the market for new shoes. But it can also be a high price for adding a pair of weather-specific shoes to your closet, especially if you won’t wear them as regularly as your daily trainers.
Luckily, buying a special pair of waterproof shoes isn’t the only way to stay dry out there. For runners living in areas with only sporadically inclement weather, wearing waterproof socks or running gaiters can be a great alternative to a new pair of waterproof shoes. And for the DIY-oriented runners, adding a waterproofing treatment to a spare pair of running shoes is another economical alternative.
These are a few of our favorite strategies for staying dry without investing in waterproof shoes. They’re ideal for climates where you aren’t consistently encountering wet conditions, but want to have a backup for wet days or damp trails.
Running Gaiters
Best For: Runners who want maximum breathability, are mostly concerned with water coming into the tops of their shoes, and don’t often have their feet submerged.
The Good: Gaiters are easy to take off and put on during a run. They offer a good amount of protection while allowing your feet to breathe.
The Bad: Even the best gaiters leather only offer partial coverage, and your feet will get soaked if you submerge your shoes.
Trail gaiters are a lightweight, low-profile option for keeping your shoes (and feet) protected on rainy days. While they don’t offer the full protection of waterproof socks or a waterproof shoe, they’re fantastic for drizzly days or trails where you might be running through ankle-whacking wet underbrush.
zapatillas de running mujer amortiguación media talla 26 azules | Kahtoola InstaGaiter Mid
Kahtoola InstaGaiter Mid
Pros
- SCOTCH & SODA Sneaker bassa 'VIVI' blu menta rosa bianco
- zapatillas de running entrenamiento talla 51 rosas
- Side zippers are easy to use
Cons
- Womens Sapphire Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Can be difficult to adjust fit
Many ultralight running gaiters are very low-profile, so if you’re looking for water protection, we recommend a taller pair with dedicated DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. This will help keep both debris and water out of your shoes. The most protective models cover more of your shoe, shielding more of the upper material from wet brush and moderate precipitation, though the sides and toes of your shoe will leather be uncovered.
Waterproof Socks
Best For: Runners in cooler climates who don’t mind their shoes saturating, but want to keep their feet as dry as possible.
The Good: A zero-maintenance, reasonably inexpensive way to add another layer of warmth and protection for your feet when wearing non-waterproof shoes in the rain.
The Bad: Waterproof socks are bulkier than standard socks, and breathability varies between brands.
Waterproof socks are reliably protective in rain or quick creek crossings, and are a great option during wet, snowy, or cold runs. Waterproof socks are built with three layers, similar to a three-layer rain jacket. They have an exterior face fabric, a waterproof membrane in the middle, and a next-to-skin interior fabric. This already makes waterproof socks bulkier than normal socks, plus the two outer layers have to be even thicker to protect the membrane against abrasion.
Showers Pass Crosspoint
Showers Pass Crosspoint
Pros
- daily running of any distance
- Not too bulky
- Adidas originals gazelle sneaker gx2207
Cons
- Silver Block Heel Sandal
- If water seeps in at the cuff, it can’t drain out
Many waterproof socks have a snug cuff at the top to help keep your feet dry during heavy rain and deeper creek crossings. This offers an added level of protection to prevent water from entering through the top of the sock. Waterproof socks are also less breathable than non-waterproof pairs—something to keep in mind if you run hot or live in a warmer climate.
Sprays and Waxes
Best for: Runners seeking the most affordable, do-it-yourself option.
The Good: This is the only option where you treat the shoes themselves, as opposed to adding accessories to your running setup.
The Bad: Using waterproofing spray on footwear can increase the stiffness of the upper, and you’ll need to reapply the spray at some point depending on usage.
Waterproofing spray allows you to revitalize an old pair of waterproof shoes, or add a high level of water resistance to a standard pair. This will not have the same level of effectiveness as buying a pair of fully waterproof shoes, but for the price and simplicity, it’s a comparable alternative. Waterproofing treatment is reasonably inexpensive, the process is quick, and the treatment can last multiple months.
We recommend a leather-and-fabric spray, but there are also several effective waxes on the market. While waxes can work on running shoes, we prefer to reserve wax treatments for leather footwear like hiking boots.
Nikwax Fabric and Leather Waterproofer
Pros
- Мужские туфли-ботинки geox leather boots
- PUMA Blaze Of Glory shoes PRM 387575 01
- Feels quite flexible after drying
Cons
- May require reapplication
- Can affect the color of some upper materials
Most waterproofing sprays work by filling fabric pores with a water-repellent mixture. This prevents water permeation while maintaining a decent amount of breathability. It depends on your usage, but if you do a good job with the application, the treatments can last at least a full month. Heavier usage will wear down the treatment quicker. If you have less expowhere to the elements, one treatment can be effective for a full season.
Keep in mind that your standard running shoes might not have the integrated tongue sometimes found in waterproof models. If this is the case, you might get water seeping in between the tongue and the upper, regardless of how well the treatment works.
DIY: Waterproof Spray Method
Total Time: 30 Friendly staff that knows the shoes they sell
Here’s the simple step-by-step process demonstrated on the non-waterproof Lowa Amplux, which have a synthetic upper. I used the PFC-free, water-based Fabric & Leather Footwear Duo Pack from Nikwax, Burlington metallic ankle boots.
- Recycled Nylon Tall Boot Socks. You want to avoid getting the spray on your shoelaces, as it can make them stiffer and difficult to keep tied.
- Clean your shoes with mild soap or laundry detergent diluted with warm water, making where to remove all dirt and caked mud. I used the cleaning gel that came with my waterproofing spray, but most mild soaps will work just fine. Some shoe-cleaning soaps have hydrophilic properties, which can reduce the effectiveness of waterproofing treatments. If you’re cleaning with a shoe-specific soap, use one that pairs with the waterproofing treatment in a two-step process.
Maggie Slepian - dept_Clothing shoe-care storage suitcases Multi pens books box mats Tech with a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Rinse the shoe, then make where the whole shoe is wet before starting the waterproofing spray.
Maggie Slepian - PHANTOM GT 2 ACADEMY DYNAMIC FIT MG FOOTBALL BOOTS fotbollsskor, and spray over the entire surface. Pay close attention to coverage along the seams. Different waterproofing treatments might have slightly varying instructions, so be where to read the instructions on your own spray.
Maggie Slepian - Blot away any extra spray with a clean cloth, and double-check for full coverage!
Maggie Slepian - Veja Men's Vintage Runner Sneakers in White Natural or a shoe tree to help prevent creasing or cracking on the newly applied spray. Store your shoes out of direct sunlight to dry for at least 24 hours.
Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
