Waterproof Trail Shoes

Waterproof trail shoes have special membranes

Waterproof trail-running shoes tend to get hot on the feet, but some of the latest models are earning high marks for their breathability. Waterproof trail-running shoes are more expensive than their non-waterproof cousins, but the extra expense may be worth it if you run in wet or wintery weather.

Among waterproof trail-running shoes for runners with a neutral gait, the Salomon XT Wings GTX (*Est. $160) earns tops marks in several reviews, including an Editor's Choice award from Women's Adventure magazine. Testers find the shoe performs well over rugged trails, but is versatile enough for runs on asphalt and snow. The Salomon XT Wings GTX is pricier than most waterproof trail running shoes, but testers for Women's Adventure like the extra features that come with a higher price tag, like single-pull laces and a Gore-Tex membrane.

Reviewers at the British edition of Men's Fitness also like the easy-to-use lacing system, and they pick the Salomon XT Wings GTX as one of their favorite trail running shoes. Running Times also praises the versatility of this shoe, although its testers find that the inclusion of Gore-Tex waterproofing has made the upper stiff and poorly ventilated. Overall, they recommend it for runners who train in cold or wet weather who need the extra protection.

The Teva Aniso eVent (*Est. $100) is nearly as well reviewed as the Salomon XT Wings GTX, but it costs $60 less. It tops Backpacker magazine's list of waterproof trail-running shoes in the lightweight category, and it was also singled out by National Geographic Adventure in its fall 2008 trail-shoe guide. The combination of a breathable softshell upper with the eVent waterproofing membrane means feet stay dry without overheating, so the Teva Aniso eVent is a good choice for runners who run wet trails in warm weather. As Backpacker editors point out, the only downside to the softshell upper is less protection from rocks and sticks; their tester could feel sharp rocks along the sides of the shoe. The Teva Aniso eVent comes in men's and women's sizes.

The Kayland Dragonfly eVent (*Est. $120) also rates highly with Backpacker magazine, earning the Editor's Choice award for best all-around waterproof trail running shoe. Like the Teva Aniso eVent, the Kayland Dragonfly uses an eVent waterproofing membrane, which provides ample ventilation even during hot test runs in the desert. In addition to breathability and waterproofing, testers for Backpacker like the cushioning and stability, although the laces frequently loosened during trail runs. The Kayland Dragonfly eVent comes in men's sizes only, although you can convert to women's sizes by adding 1.5 sizes to get the women's size. Thus men's size 5.5 equals women's size 7.

For a waterproof, neutral shoe, the Pearl Izumi Syncroseek III WRX (*Est. $120) is another well-reviewed option, winning the coveted Gear of the Year award from Outside magazine. Testers praise the waterproof, yet breathable upper and the seamless interior that helps prevent blisters. The Pearl Izumi Syncroseek III WRX performs well on varied terrain, although at 14 ounces, it is heavier than comparable waterproof trail running shoes. Testers for Outside magazine like the rugged outsole that handles everything from mud to slippery rocks, and Running Times agrees that this trail-running shoe provides excellent traction. However, testers for Running Times find that this shoe's performance is compromised by its heavy weight. It comes in men's and women's sizes.