What's the point of waterproof running shoes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I notice most of the waterproof shoes are the rugged 'trail' style with grippy tread, like the first one below. But they also make waterproof 'road' style running shoes, like the second, which look like normal sleek running shoes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

To get more money from dumb consumers. That's it. Waterproof footwear only makes sense with higher top boots.

[Anonymous]

My kid's cross country team runs in the rain. They also run at 8am on weekends when the ground is still wet with dew. Waterproof shoes are a lifesaver.

[Anonymous]

Useless. You want water to drain out. These keep water in if it gets in through the ankle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Useless. You want water to drain out. These keep water in if it gets in through the ankle.

This.
They hold in moisture, which running aggravates, so really sweaty nasty shoes are the result, resulting in more fungal growth and faster deterioration of the shoes so they have to buy a new pair sooner.

Great marketing gimmick though.

[Anonymous]

I buy waterproof trail shoes. I walk the dog on wet grass, hike on wet trails in the rain, and spend three hours with wet shoes at baseball games (you have to walk through wet grass to get to the field. On a warm summer day I don’t really bother, but especially if I have to go from my walk to my desk and don’t want to change my socks I’ll wear waterproof sneakers. I have never had a problem with lack of breathability or sweating, but I’m not a runner, just a walker/hiker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I notice most of the waterproof shoes are the rugged 'trail' style with grippy tread, like the first one below. But they also make waterproof 'road' style running shoes, like the second, which look like normal sleek running shoes.

Its this rugged trail style grip that I have found to be extremely slippery on many surfaces - works fine on rocks - but if you are running or hiking on wooden bridges or other wet surfaces - you might as well be walking on ice - its something to do with the compound/hard plastic that is used. Something to be aware of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Useless. You want water to drain out. These keep water in if it gets in through the ankle.

This.
They hold in moisture, which running aggravates, so really sweaty nasty shoes are the result, resulting in more fungal growth and faster deterioration of the shoes so they have to buy a new pair sooner.

Great marketing gimmick though.

Are we talking about the same style of waterproof shoes? These Ons are waterproof and they look fairly breathable:

[Anonymous]

Reading reviews, these waterproof shoes seem to get stinky, which means they're trapping in sweat and become a bacteria breeding ground. Gross!

Example,
https://runrepeat.com/on-cloud-5-waterproof Can get smelly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Useless. You want water to drain out. These keep water in if it gets in through the ankle.

This.
They hold in moisture, which running aggravates, so really sweaty nasty shoes are the result, resulting in more fungal growth and faster deterioration of the shoes so they have to buy a new pair sooner.

Great marketing gimmick though.

Are we talking about the same style of waterproof shoes? These Ons are waterproof and they look fairly breathable:

Pretty sure you aren't going to get waterproof and breathable in one shoe - a truly waterproof shoe is going to be like a rubber boot - not breathable.

[Anonymous]

They will keep your feet dry walking on wet grass or path in light to moderate rain. I love mine.

[Anonymous]

I think I'd rather have damp socks once in a great while than dry shoes that don't breath and are a breeding ground for bacteria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Goretex is not new. It has been around at least as long as I have, and I am in my 40s.

So have waterproof shoes lined with Goretex.

Don’t you ever walk through grass in the mornings? It’s actually really sad if you never have a use for shoes that will keep your feet dry unless you live in Arizona or some other desert. Normal people walk in natural footing at times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think I'd rather have damp socks once in a great while than dry shoes that don't breath and are a breeding ground for bacteria.

The waterproof lining is breathable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Useless. You want water to drain out. These keep water in if it gets in through the ankle.

This.
They hold in moisture, which running aggravates, so really sweaty nasty shoes are the result, resulting in more fungal growth and faster deterioration of the shoes so they have to buy a new pair sooner.

Great marketing gimmick though.

Are we talking about the same style of waterproof shoes? These Ons are waterproof and they look fairly breathable:

Pretty sure you aren't going to get waterproof and breathable in one shoe - a truly waterproof shoe is going to be like a rubber boot - not breathable.

Why do people who know nothing about topics go online and just make up nonsense? It’s amazing.