What's the point of waterproof running shoes?

[Anonymous]

Both On and Nike, and I'm assuming other brands, are pushing a lot of stylish running shoes that are waterproof. They cost $20-40 more than the regular non-waterproof shoe. Are that many people...running in the rain (and/or snow)?

I also like to walk and jog on nature trails but I don't run through puddles of water, streams and creeks when I do.

I guess I'm missing how and when this feature is used. Are they literally rain day shoes or do people wear them just in case they encounter watery obstacles? To me, if it's a downpour outside I'm just not running.

[Anonymous]

I love an occasional run in the rain, but it does ruin shoes. I could see myself keeping a waterproof pair of shoes on hand.

[Anonymous]

You do not need a downpour to end up with cold, wet feet. Waterproof shoes help prevent that when possible.

[Anonymous]

Imagine if you were a runner in a rainy place, like, say Beaverton OR. Kinda surprised this is a new thing.

[Anonymous]

I have a pair. I run in the rain as part of my training so that I'll be mentally prepared if it rains on race day.

[Anonymous]

Just this weekend I had planned on spending some time making laps around the fields where my kid had a soccer tournament. The grass was covered with morning dew and my shoes and socks became soaked. A waterproof shoe would have been helpful for this. If you run anywhere but on pavement in the mornings, dew is an issue, even if there is no rain or puddles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just this weekend I had planned on spending some time making laps around the fields where my kid had a soccer tournament. The grass was covered with morning dew and my shoes and socks became soaked. A waterproof shoe would have been helpful for this. If you run anywhere but on pavement in the mornings, dew is an issue, even if there is no rain or puddles.

Interesting. So you think parents are buying these as like a casual shoe or you mean it's for like cross-country running on grass?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love an occasional run in the rain, but it does ruin shoes. I could see myself keeping a waterproof pair of shoes on hand.

I'm intrigued by them. I guess I'm wondering about the breathability because most of the time I'd be in them, I'm sure I'd avoid the water. I can't think of any runs or jobs when wet feet are an issue, but I'm sure it's happened.

[Anonymous]

Do they really keep your feet dry? If you go through a puddle you will still get water in your shoes. Right? Aren't they hot because they are not very breathable? Maybe it is just me, but my feet sweat a lot even in winter my feet are never cold while running.

A lot of distance hikers/backpackers actually do not like or want waterproof shoes because they are not breathable and if they do get wet inside they take a lot longer to dry out.

[Anonymous]

I run in light rain often, and I’m not even that hardcore. I also sometimes run in the dark and can’t see puddles until my socks are soaked.

[Anonymous]

I was just thinking I'd like a pair to wear to my kid's sporting events because often the grass is wet. It doesn't take much to get my shoes and socks wet, and then I have to sit there for an hour in wet socks.

I'd pay a little more, but probably not a huge amount more. I was thinking of buying scotch guard. Would that work? Hmm.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't it make your feet really hot when it's not raining?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't run in these as a daily runner - as others mentioned there is no breathability and your feet will overheat, likely increasing the chance of blisters.

I run in all weather - rain, snow, heat, ice etc. For warm rain - I'd have to decide whether I'd use these based on my miles - for a short run - regular running shoes are just fine. For a longer run with soaking wet socks and heavy sneakers - I would try a waterproof sneaker.

In the winter - wet, snowy trails and roads - your feet need to stay dry and warm. I have used waterproof socks instead in the past - as they also kept my feet warm. As a hiker - having waterproof shoes is essential for long hikes or overnights where wet feet can cause all kinds of issues. I have noticed that many of these waterproof shoes don't account for the rain coming in along the top-sock line - they are fine for puddles and ponding on the surface. The other note - they tend to have slippery soles - so if you are running on a surface like a wooden bridge - be careful.

[Anonymous]

The Nike rep just told me a lot of buyers for waterproof running shoes are people in the PNW where people run in the frequent rain and/or the streets are wet after raining. Nike and On Cloud (U.S. operations) are both headquartered in Oregon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Doesn't it make your feet really hot when it's not raining?

I think the new waterproof shoe tech (Gore-Tex) is breathable, thin, and you barely notice it.