Waterproof running shoes. What do you think?

[RunBrianRun]

Does anyone have experience of running in them and could share their feedback before I explore further? I wonder whether they are worth the bother or not?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

I haven’t tried them... but I’ve run through many puddles where my feet would have got wet regardless. I’m considering waterproof socks for the coldest bits of winter.

[NotPrime in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Waterproof socks and shoes are fine until you get water in them. Then by virtue of being waterproof they retain water inside them and it’s like running in your very own puddle. For hills and trails I don’t wear waterproof footwear. Much better to let the water escape. For road running where footwear is not going to fill with water they may be of some benefit.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to NotPrime]

That’s definitely what I was thinking with the shoes... and socks possibly the same. I’m pretty used to having wet feet on the trail, and may just hope that when it’s really cold I can avoid the puddles!

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I was thinking along these lines too. Most of my running will be road or grass verge and nothing longer than 10k so I may just get waterproof shoes for that. I’ve never heard of waterproof socks before. They sound cheaper so that’s got to be good 😀

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

Depends if you need shoes... waterproof socks are £20ish and upwards .

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I always need shoes 😂 I ca never have enough running shoes 😂

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

I haven't tried them either, but on some of the trails I run I splodge through water/mud which goes over the tops of my shoes. Maybe there is a "goldilocks" zone....not too wet, but not too dry, where they would be really good. Hopefully lots of people who know more will respond to you! 😊

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

That’s my worry but I suppose if I intend to trail run in the wet im going to get wet, so suck it up. I don’t have any plans to trail run but that could change quickly once I get back and see the beautiful countryside that I have so dearly missed.

[alisonx Graduate10]

I have not long had my asics trails which are GTX - so far my feet have stayed dry and i have yet to experience any water logging problems, but then they have not been tested in the wettest of conditions yet (not had any) So far so good as far as i can tell.

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Thank you. Do you find you pick days to trail run that aren’t too wet or have you just got lucky so far.

[alisonx Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

I have just got lucky so far - its been wet & muddy but not been in a downpour whilst running yet lol

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Not good. Socks are much better apparently. I’ve just ordered sealskinz.

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Yes. I’ve never heard of socks before. Please let me know how you get on

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

Hmmm didn’t like the feel of them at all. Very think and stiff. Going to send them back. Think I’ll just have to get wet, cold feet.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Sealskinz are very thick. I've had them for walking, much better for big boots. That's why I went with the Dexshell ultrathin 👍🏻

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Oh great I’ll look at them 👍🏽

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

The sizing is quite small, I have S currently but I'm going to get some M too as I need a bit more toe room, they can pull quite tight.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

These are the ones I have but struggling to find M 🤔 might have to try another style. They still have a slightly weird feel in that you can feel the lining stuff but not as thick or bag-like as sealskinz

dexshell.co.uk/DEXSHELL-ULT...

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I’ve ordered these! Couple of £ cheaper on amazon 👍🏽

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

I'm probably going to try these next, just look more fun and really good runners reviews

dexshell.co.uk/DEXSHELL-ULT...

[Macmac Graduate10]

I have waterproof trail shoes that do not get sweaty and are brilliant at grip, keeping the water out etc too. I have dexshell waterproof socks which are good, but I find my feet do not breathe so well in them. Both options have their uses though. I got the socks

in case my marathon was wet, and as it was on road I would not want to wear trail shoes as they are too hard. If you want to run on trails, may as well get some that are waterproof. I love going off road personally, as well as the speed/consistency you get with road running.

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to Macmac]

Thanks Macmac I’m thinking a good pair of trail shoes for running on the downs and a pair of socks for the seafront will be perfect

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Macmac]

Interesting that you think trail shoes are hard, which brand do you have? I swear by my Saucony peregrine 8s. They are so flexible and well cushioned, not quite to road standard but definitely pillowy...

[Macmac Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I have New Balance Summit KOM GTX which have a rock plate hence are firmer and have less give on a hard surface. They are excellent on rocky stoney paths and muddy trails but prefer not to run too far on road as they do not have the cushioning of my road shoes.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Macmac]

It's a fine line between surfaces. That's a shame, I can run pretty much anywhere in mine, I'm just conscious tarmac will wear the soles faster. Just wish my model was still available but have hope for the next generation due out next month 🤞🏻

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I use Dexshell ultrathin waterproof socks in the wettest and coldest weather although I wouldn't wear them for more than about 2hrs at a time but then I don't aim to be out for too long in the worst weather.

It's quite interesting to see how fast good shoes and socks drain and wick the water away. I've been out on occasions where my feet have been soaked but then are bone dry before I finish 👌🏻

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank JoJo. I do wonder how something that’s waterproof one way can allow for wicking. Do they make your feet really sweaty and the skin all wrinkly?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

A little bit but not much, it really depends on the outside temperatures and whether you're prone to sweaty feet too. I wore mine last 20th Oct for 3.5 hrs/14 miles of really wet boggy fields. My feet were very slightly damp (sweaty) at the end but not wrinkly.

My best runs in them though have been short and sweet (less than an hour) through puddles that join up to become one long stream where you are just splashing through water and it is great fun when you can feel the water outside the sock... but you're dry and warm. 🤣👌🏻

[RunaroundSue Graduate10]

No experience of waterproof shoes, but I have seal skins for my walking boots ( the old style ones and also softer new ones) . I haven't been wearing them for a while because my current boots are still keeping me dry - I have had some in the past that leaked a bit but were so comfortable I didn't want to get rid of them.

But they are too bulky for running shoes.

Sometime ago on C25K I asked about waterproof socks and was advised to buy merino wool socks. They are really good, my feet do get wet but they stay warm.

The first time I ran through icy water I was disappointed because my feet were instantly cold, but after a few minutes they warmed up and stayed warm for the rest of the parkrun.

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

Thank you runaround. I like the idea I’d keeping feet warm too! I hadn’t even thought of that aspect as I haven’t had cold feet for the last 11 years 😬

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

I went with merino socks after a similar discussion on here & have found them excellent. Feet get wet but warm up almost immediately and stay warm throughout the run. I do strip them off the moment I get home though! And keep a towel by the door, too. 😊I’ve used them for up to an hour & a half with no Ill effects.

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

Yes. Socks off and straight into the washing machine ready for next wash.

I was very glad of them today, especially because our Run Directors had introduced an extra muddy section It was for a good reason though - the river drop has well, dropped! What started as a small crack alongside on Monday had developed into a dropped shelf by Friday so some urgent re-routing was required.

I do wish that I had changed my shoes and socks before going for my bacon and egg buttie though - my feet got a bit cold walking back to the car.

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to RunaroundSue]

Throwing it down here - glad it’s not my running day. Full of sympathy for those of you who are experiencing the damage (and glad I live on top of a hill!)

[RunaroundSue Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

It wasn't raining today, cold and frosty at first but nice clear autumnal morning.

Prof mud though - that will be either us until about March or April!

We had plenty of rain on Thursday but not as bad as some areas