Gore-Tex Trainers: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Wet Run

Gore tex trainers use a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep water out while still letting your feet breathe. For UK runners, where rain is less an occasional inconvenience and more a training partner, that combination changes what's possible on a wet Tuesday morning.

This guide covers what gore tex running shoes actually are, how the technology works, which type suits your running, and how to look after a pair so they last. We've also answered the questions runners ask most often, from cleaning to whether they're too warm for summer.

Gore-Tex trainers are running shoes built with a Gore-Tex membrane laminated inside the upper. The membrane is a thin layer with billions of microscopic pores. Each pore is small enough to stop liquid water getting in, but large enough to let water vapour from sweat escape outward. That's the core trick: waterproof from the outside, breathable from the inside.

Most major running brands, including Asics, Brooks, Hoka and Saucony, produce gore tex versions of their popular road and trail shoes. You'll usually spot them by the "GTX" suffix in the name, such as the Brooks Ghost 17 GTX or the Hoka Speedgoat 7 GTX.

Waterproof running shoes solve a specific problem: keeping your feet dry without trapping them in a hot, airless shoe. That matters most in a few clear scenarios:

Where waterproof trainers matter less: dry, warm weather running. The same membrane that blocks rain also limits how much air moves through the shoe, so gore tex trainers run warmer than a standard breathable shoe. More on that trade-off below.

Not every gore tex trainer is built the same way. The right pick depends on where and how far you run.

Gore tex trail running shoes combine the waterproof membrane with an aggressive outsole built for grip on loose or technical ground. Look for deep lugs, a rock plate for underfoot protection, and a reinforced toe cap. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 GTX and Asics Trabuco 14 GTX are built for exactly this: technical trails, mud, and unpredictable terrain where both traction and dry feet matter.

For less technical trails, mixed terrain, and forest paths, a lighter option like the Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX or Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX still delivers waterproofing with a bit less bulk underfoot.

Road-focused gore tex trainers prioritise cushioning and a smooth ride over aggressive grip, since the tread just needs to handle wet tarmac and pavements rather than mud or rock. The Brooks Ghost 17 GTX and Hoka Clifton 11 GTX are popular daily trainers built on well-cushioned platforms, with the Gore-Tex membrane added for cold or wet-weather sessions.

Some waterproof trainers are designed to handle a mix of road and light trail without being a dedicated trail shoe. The On Cloudrunner 3 Waterproof and On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 Waterproof both sit here, offering everyday cushioning with enough outsole grip for towpaths, parks and the odd muddy verge.

When comparing gore tex running shoes, a handful of features make the real difference to how they perform.

Road running calls for a road-focused gore tex trainer with smoother tread. Trail running calls for a dedicated waterproof trail shoe with a grippier outsole and rock protection.

If wet-weather and winter running are the main use case, prioritise warmth and waterproofing. If you want one shoe for all seasons, be aware that gore tex trainers run warmer in summer than a standard breathable shoe.

Marathon and long-distance training benefit from a well-cushioned platform like the Brooks Ghost 17 GTX or Hoka Clifton 11 GTX. Faster sessions and shorter distances suit a lighter, more responsive shoe.

Runners Need stores offer gait analysis and in-store fitting, which is worth doing before buying gore tex trainers since the fit can differ slightly from the standard, non-waterproof version of the same model.

Neutral runners have the widest choice of models. If you overpronate, look for shoes with added stability features, which several brands now build into their GTX versions too.

Proper care extends the life of the membrane and keeps the shoes performing as they should.

Clean them after muddy or wet runs. Remove loose dirt and mud with a soft brush or damp cloth as soon as you can, paying attention to the outsole lugs where debris gets trapped.

Use mild soap, not detergent. For a deeper clean, use a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Harsh detergents and solvents can damage the membrane over time.

Air dry away from direct heat. Stuff the shoes with paper towel to draw out moisture and let them dry at room temperature. Radiators, tumble dryers and direct sunlight can degrade the materials and the membrane's glue lines.

Reproof occasionally. The outer fabric can lose some water repellency over time, even though the membrane underneath still works. A specialist waterproofing spray, applied every few months or after heavy use, keeps the outer surface shedding water rather than soaking it up.

Rotate your pairs. Alternating between two pairs of running shoes gives each pair time to dry out fully between runs, which helps both cushioning and the membrane last longer.

• Identify your main terrain: road, trail, or a mix of both
• Decide whether you need waterproofing for winter only or year-round
• Check the cushioning level matches your typical distance
• Try before you buy, ideally with a gait analysis at a Runners Need store
• Factor in half a size up if you're between sizes, since GTX uppers fit snugger

Gore-tex trainers solve a genuinely common problem for UK runners: how to keep training through rain, mud and winter without wet, cold feet cutting sessions short. Whether you need a road-focused pair like the Brooks Ghost 17 GTX, a rugged trail shoe like the Hoka Speedgoat 7 GTX, or an all-rounder like the On Cloudrunner 3 Waterproof, matching the shoe to your terrain and typical distance makes the biggest difference to how it performs.

Ready to find your pair? Browse the full range of waterproof running shoes at Runners Need or book a gait analysis appointment in-store to get properly fitted.