Wet feet are never pleasant, but especially when running, they pose a real problem, as sore spots and blisters can form in no time, and at the same time, the likelihood of catching a cold increases. If you don't want sore feet and a cold to stop you from running, then it's high time to get yourself water-resistant running shoes.
Thanks to continuous development, running shoes with water-resistant and waterproof properties are long since no longer fully insulated hothouses that excessively heat your feet. Running shoes for wet conditions are, thanks to GORE-TEX® membrane and other high-tech materials, simultaneously water-resistant and breathable.
When are Water-Resistant Running Shoes Useful?
If you don't want to miss your outdoor running sessions throughout the year and are therefore also out in wet and cold conditions, then water-resistant running shoes are a must for you.
Lightweight running shoes with mesh uppers are perfect for summer, but in bad weather, they quickly lead to unpleasantly wet and cold feet, which does no favor to either your feet or your immune system. If you want to enjoy full running fun in every season, you should definitely get a pair of water-resistant running shoes that effectively protect your feet from wetness and cold.
What is the Difference between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Running Shoes?
The terms water-resistant and waterproof are often used interchangeably, but there are some important differences between the two. People often talk about water-repellent running shoes when they actually mean water-resistant properties. Simply put, no water can penetrate waterproof materials at all, while water-resistant or water-repellent materials offer good protection, but not 100% protection against moisture penetration.
The upper material of waterproof running shoes consists of synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester and can be so tightly woven that it is very difficult for water droplets to penetrate. In contrast, water-resistant materials absorb moisture and release it back to the outside thanks to quick-drying properties. Water-resistant Running shoes therefore protect your feet from moisture as long as the material can absorb and dry moisture. In continuous rain, your feet will eventually get wet because the material doesn't dry fast enough and at a certain point can no longer absorb any more moisture.
Waterproof running shoes mostly consist of tightly woven synthetic GORE-TEX® fabric, which effectively repels moisture and is breathable at the same time. This keeps your feet dry and warm even in continuous rain, without overheating too quickly.
GORE-TEX® Membrane - for Dry Feet
The secret of running shoes that keep moisture out lies in a microporous membrane made of synthetic fibers built into the shoe. The most famous brand name here is GORE-TEX®. Usually easily recognizable by the abbreviation "GTX", these models have special properties due to their membrane that keep feet dry. Comparable properties can also be found in technologies such as RAIN.RDY from adidas or Storm technology from Under Armour, as well as others, which you can usually recognize by the abbreviation WP for "Water Proof".
The membrane consists of billions of pores per square centimeter, each of which is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. Therefore, moisture has no chance of penetrating. At the same time, the pores are 700 times larger than water vapor molecules, so sweat can easily escape.
What to Look for when Buying Waterproof Running Shoes
In addition to wearing comfort and sufficient protection from wetness, when buying waterproof running shoes, is the right size another important criterion. The integrated membrane in waterproof running shoes makes them often run a bit small. Accordingly, you should choose running shoes at least half a size larger than usual when buying. This way, you have even during long runs, consistent high wearing comfort.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Water-Resistant Running Shoes
Basically yes, but with every additional water droplet, the shoes – and also the wetter becoming socks always heavier, so running becomes correspondingly more strenuous. Furthermore, blisters can form, you get cold, and you risk catching a cold.
Waterproof materials prevent water from penetrating, while water-resistant materials do let water through, but only after a certain time, when they have become so saturated with moisture that they cannot absorb any more.
Mesh is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, which is why it is so popular with manufacturers of sports shoes and apparel. Particularly fine-mesh mesh can to a certain extent be water-repellent, but is not waterproof.
Almost all running shoe manufacturers offer one or more water-resistant or waterproof variants. These are easily recognizable by abbreviations such as GTX (for GORE-TEX®), WP (for "Water Proof") or brand-specific designations like RAIN.RDY from adidas.
Waterproof or water-resistant Running shoes keep feet warm and dry. At the same time, they ensure optimal sweat wicking and thus also during more intense runs for a largely dry shoe climate. Since the upper material is often more robust than with conventional running shoes, water-resistant running shoes are generally a bit heavier and less flexible.
Water-Resistant Running Shoes at Running Point
In our online shop, you will find a large selection of water-resistant as well as waterproof running shoes for women, men, and children in all standard sizes. Whether adidas, ASICS, Puma, Under Armour, or Saucony: You are sure to find the perfect running shoe with us for your needs!
