They say there’s no such thing as bad conditions—just bad gear.

But in the mountains and on the trails, those conditions—especially in winter, spring, and late autumn—can put even very good gear to the ultimate test. When the path ahead has rain, water crossings, mud, snow, or even just cold weather, choosing the right running footwear can be the difference between an epic day out and “we’ll try again tomorrow”. 

“No problem,” you think. “I’ll just wear waterproof shoes when I’m going to encounter those conditions.” It’s easy, right?

Not quite.

Conditions on the trail and in the mountains can be as varied as the terrain. When you embark from the trailhead or into the alpine, you can’t see everything you’ll encounter—there could be a stream crossing that’s not on the map, or snow in a high-up section above the treeline. A stretch with ankle-deep mud could, under a canopy of leaves, be slow to dry even though it hasn’t rained for a few days. And of course, bad weather could always roll in unexpectedly.

Just as you’d always bring a backup layer into the mountains for cold or wet conditions, it can be a good practice to assume that on any mountain or trail run, your feet might be getting wet, and that you could benefit from protecting yourself from those elements (and the blisters that follow) with a pair of waterproof trail running shoes.

If you’re worried they’ll be too warm, or not breathable enough, rest assured: waterproof technology has come a long way since it earned that reputation. And with Arc’teryx’s obsessive dedication to crafting the highest-quality, most durable, most innovative footwear and gear for mountain athletes, you can know our waterproof trail and mountain running shoes for women and men will be a reliable and steadfast companion.

Here, we’ll help you understand the benefits of waterproof footwear, how waterproof technology works in shoes, and how you can pick the best pair for your next run. We’ll even cover how to best maintain and care for waterproof running footwear to ensure you get the longest life possible from them.

Finding the best waterproof shoe can be a bit confusing. There’s water-resistant vs. waterproof, and some brands use an in-house technology instead of partnering with a proven waterproof product. Arc’teryx waterproof trail and mountain running footwear is fully waterproof—not water-resistant—and partners with the industry-leading GORE-TEX® waterproofing technology to stay true to our commitment to build the best-performing shoes and gear for mountain athletes. Here are the ways we’ve designed our waterproof footwear to perform best when you need it most:

Breathable-yet-waterproof technology

Arc’teryx uses GORE-TEX® in all our waterproof products. GORE-TEX® is the household name in waterproof technology for a reason. Not only is it the best at keeping moisture out, but it’s breathable enough to prevent overheating, so you can wear our waterproof trail running shoes comfortably in cold or hot conditions.

Rather than encasing the shoe in a waterproof film or shell, as is often the perception, the proprietary GORE-TEX® lining sits inside the shoe like a bootie, sealing out water, snow, and mud. It’s made of a membrane with pores small enough to keep liquid out, yet large enough to let gas escape—meaning it sits in the sweet spot where your feet stay dry but they can still breathe and ventilate to stay cool.

Durability and traction

Waterproofing footwear means more than keeping your feet dry: It needs to keep you upright and moving confidently on the same wet rocks, water, mud, and snow the GORE-TEX® is keeping out. That’s why every Arc’teryx waterproof trail and mountain running shoe features Vibram®-branded rubber outsoles and proprietary lug patterns for maximal grip and traction on the wet, slippery, sloppy surfaces you could encounter. Our shoes are also built to last for hundreds of kilometres, so you can head out with the knowledge that your gear won’t let you down.

Lightweight design

Even with the added technology to keep your feet dry and gripped to the trail, Arc’teryx waterproof shoes are designed to be as lightweight as possible while still performing at a high level for hundreds of kilometres in challenging terrain and conditions. Unlike hiking footwear, which typically trades a few extra grams for added sturdiness, trail and mountain running shoes trim every available piece of weight without sacrificing durability or performance. When you’re trying to move quickly over long distances, that extra weight (or lack thereof) can add up.

Cushioning and support

Despite their lightweight build, Arc’teryx waterproof trail and mountain running shoes feature plenty of cushion to protect your feet and reduce fatigue over long days on rugged terrain. Their midsoles are designed to balance the need for support over long distances with the need to retain some groundfeel and remain precise on technical or uneven terrain.

Ultimately, the best waterproof trail or mountain running shoe depends on your personal preference, but there are a few things you can take into consideration to guide you in the right direction and ensure the best experience on your next outing.

For additional help finding the right Arc’teryx shoes for you, try our Footwear Finder quiz.

Terrain

Waterproofing aside, you’ll want to choose the trail or mountain running shoe best-suited for the type of terrain you want to run on and the type of running you want to do. For more uneven, undulating, and varied terrain that could include rocks and roots, a lower-profile, more responsive shoe might be preferable, while a smoother trail allows you to open up your stride and might be better-suited for a shoe with more cushion or more propulsive geometry. Lug length can also make a difference: For muddier or otherwise softer ground, longer lugs might give you more confidence, while shorter lugs can make a shoe more versatile if your run switches between rock, dirt, mud, snow, or even some tarmac.

Weather conditions

Recent rain or snow can cause the ground to be softer, which could call for a lower-profile, more stable shoe, but could also necessitate longer lugs. If there is active rain or several deep water crossings where water could still get in over the top of the shoe, consider a sock made from synthetic materials to wick water off your feet and further prevent blisters and discomfort.

Fit and comfort

There’s no substitute for trying a shoe on. If it feels comfortable, it’ll likely work well for you, and if it doesn’t, don’t assume it will break in: That’s a recipe for blisters and forgettable trail runs. Be sure to pick a shoe that fits correctly, with a tight fit in the middle and room for your toes to splay. Avoid a fit so roomy your foot is slipping around inside it on uneven terrain.

To find the perfect fit in our footwear, visit an Arc’teryx store or dealer near you and try on different styles with the help of a product guide.

If you’re running in water, mud, and snow, your trail and mountain running shoes are going to collect dirt and grime which, if left unattended, can degrade the materials and cut into their performance and lifespan. Like with any piece of technical outdoor gear, make sure you clean, dry and store your waterproof footwear properly to ensure their longevity and get the best performance out of them for the long-term.

Cleaning

You can clean your shoes by hand using a light cleaning solution like diluted dish soap and a soft brush to scrub the soles and upper. You can also use a washing machine, but remove the insole, use cold water, and wash them on a light or medium setting.

Drying

Air dry your shoes if possible to avoid damage. Do not use a dryer, and try to avoid direct exposure to heat or sunlight, which can shrink or otherwise disfigure your shoes.

Storage

Keep your shoes in a relatively cool and dry space, like a mudroom or garage. Be careful with basements, which can be damp, or garages that aren’t climate-controlled, as heat or cold can affect the shoes’ integrity.

Whether you’re in the throes of winter rain and snow, or slogging through residual mud or river runoff, waterproof trail and mountain running shoes can make your outing more comfortable, less complicated, and more fun. Current waterproof technology is highly breathable, making these shoes suitable for all four seasons. When you aren’t sure what conditions lie ahead—which is usually the case in the mountains—waterproof footwear is a great option.

Check out all of Arc’teryx’s performance waterproof trail and mountain running shoes for women and men, as well as their entire trail and mountain running shoe collection for women and men.