Black Oszea Tasman waterproof sneaker

Best Waterproof Running Shoes in NZ and Australia (2026): Gore-Tex and Beyond

Short answer: if you run through cold, wet NZ and Australian winters, a Gore-Tex (GTX) running shoe keeps rain, puddles and spray off your feet and holds in warmth. Strong options sold locally include the Brooks Ghost GTX for road, the HOKA Challenger GTX and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX for road-to-trail, and the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX and ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 GTX for muddy trails. But if your runs are warm, or you regularly splash through water deeper than your ankle, a breathable mesh shoe that drains and dries fast is often the better tool.

How we chose (and what we didn't do)

We haven't wear-tested these shoes. This shortlist draws on independent reviews (mainly RunRepeat's lab-tested guides and Believe in the Run) and Gore's own membrane information. We only included a model if we could find it on an NZ or Australian retailer's site in October 2026, and we note where stock looked thin. We've left out prices because they change often, so check the retailer for current sizes and colours.

Comparison at a glance

Shoe Road or trail Membrane Best for Source
Brooks Ghost GTX (17/18) Road Gore-Tex Daily road runs, wet footpaths RunRepeat, The Running Company (AU)
HOKA Challenger ATR 7 / 8 GTX Road-to-trail Gore-Tex Mixed routes, gravel, wet parks Active Feet (AU), Gear Patrol
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX Road-to-trail Gore-Tex Easy trails plus road links Believe in the Run, Nike AU
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX Trail Gore-Tex Deep mud, soft and slippery ground RunRepeat, Frontrunner Colombo (NZ)
ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 GTX Trail Gore-Tex Technical, rocky wet trails The Running Company (AU), Frontrunner Queenstown (NZ)

The shoes

Brooks Ghost GTX: best for wet road miles

RunRepeat named the Ghost 17 GTX its pick for traction, measuring strong grip on wet concrete. The same guide scored its breathability at 1 out of 5 and noted that the tongue isn't fully gusseted, so water can creep in if you submerge the shoe. The newer Ghost 18 GTX is listed in Australia by The Running Company, which describes a Gore-Tex layer bonded to the upper and a wet-surface outsole. When we checked, its sizes showed as sold out. THE ICONIC also lists the Ghost 18 GTX and delivers to Australia and NZ.

HOKA Challenger GTX: best for road-to-trail routes

Active Feet in Australia lists the Challenger ATR 7 GTX. The retailer says it's "built at the intersection of road and trail", with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and 4 mm lugs. Gear Patrol (January 2026) covered the newer Challenger 8 GTX, a winter version of HOKA's all-terrain trainer with a Gore-Tex membrane against slush and puddles. RunRepeat rated HOKA's softer road model, the Clifton 9 GTX, its best overall waterproof pick. We couldn't confirm a current NZ or AU stockist for it, though, so it isn't on our list.

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX: best for easy trails and park loops

Believe in the Run's reviewer called it a strong hybrid for "any combination of road and not-so-technical trails". It handled several stream crossings "pretty decently", and she liked the built-in gaiter. She also flagged loose heel stability and said it isn't made for rocky, technical terrain. Nike's Australian site lists the GORE-TEX version but doesn't show stock, so check before you buy.

Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX: best for mud

RunRepeat rated it the best waterproof shoe for mud and snow, thanks to deep 5 mm lugs that shed mud well. The trade-off: RunRepeat says it "completely lacks breathability", and the fit is snug and narrow. Frontrunner Colombo in Christchurch lists the women's version. It's a good match for winter tracks once they turn to slop.

ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 GTX: best for technical wet trails

Retailers describe it as a stability-focused trail shoe with a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit system, a flexible rock plate and an ASICSGRIP outsole. The Running Company lists it in Australia. In NZ, the listings we found at Frontrunner Queenstown and Bivouac were sold out, and Bivouac had marked it as clearance, so treat NZ availability as limited for now.

Waterproof or breathable? A quick decision guide

Gore says the pores in its membrane are about 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. That's how it keeps rain out while letting some sweat vapour escape (Gore-Tex). In practice, reviewers keep finding that GTX shoes run warmer and breathe less than mesh. For more on this, see what a waterproof membrane is and why waterproof shoes can still feel sweaty.

  • Choose waterproof for cold, rainy runs, puddled footpaths, wet grass and muddy trails, where warm, dry feet matter more than ventilation.
  • Choose breathable mesh for warm or humid runs. A GTX upper traps heat and sweat, so most Australian summers or a humid Brisbane or Auckland day call for mesh.
  • Choose breathable mesh for creek crossings or water above ankle height. Water that comes in over the collar stays trapped inside a membrane shoe. RunRepeat and Fleet Feet both point out that mesh drains, and it can dry out during the run.
  • Think about drying time. Fleet Feet notes that the same material that blocks water also slows drainage, so a soaked GTX shoe takes longer to dry before your next run.

Wet-running tips

  • Socks: merino or synthetic socks stay warmer when damp than cotton and are kinder to your skin.
  • Gaiters: for slush, deep wet grass or splashy tracks, RunRepeat suggests waterproof gaiters to stop water getting in over the collar.
  • Drying: pull out the insoles, stuff the shoes with newspaper and dry them at room temperature, away from heaters. Our guide to drying wet shoes covers the details.
  • Rotate: if you run most days through winter, a second pair means you always start in dry shoes.

FAQ

Are Gore-Tex running shoes worth it in NZ and Australia?

For cold, wet winter running, often yes. For warm-weather running or routes with deep water, a breathable mesh shoe that drains and dries faster is usually the better choice.

Do waterproof running shoes keep water out completely?

No. They resist rain, puddles and wet grass, but water can still get in over the collar, and some designs let water in around the tongue if you submerge them. Gaiters help.

Are waterproof running shoes hotter?

Yes. RunRepeat rated most of the GTX shoes it tested at 1 out of 5 for breathability, so expect warmer, sweatier feet on mild days.

Can I use a waterproof trail shoe on the road?

Road-to-trail models like the HOKA Challenger GTX and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX are designed for mixed surfaces. Aggressive mud shoes like the Speedcross can feel firm on pavement.

After the run: dry feet for the rest of the day

A GTX running shoe is built for the run itself. For the commute, the school drop-off or a wet day in the office, a waterproof everyday sneaker does the job. Full disclosure: we make Oszea. Our Tasman sneakers use a four-layer ZEA-TEX build: a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft lining. They're designed for rain, puddles and wet grass, not full submersion, and they're not running shoes. They're for the hours either side of your run.

Sources

Last updated October 2026. Availability changes quickly, so check with the retailer before you buy.

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