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October in Vancouver doesn’t so much rain as move in for the season. Add November slush on Toronto sidewalks, leaf-slick paths in Halifax and the first wet snow on Calgary’s river pathways, and a regular mesh runner is soaked by the end of the block. A waterproof running shoe—usually one with a Gore-Tex (GTX) membrane—keeps your feet dry through puddles and slush while still moving like a running shoe, not a boot. If your wet-weather outings lean slower and steeper, our guide to the best hiking boots in Canada covers that job instead.
We rounded up six waterproof running shoes available on Amazon.ca, chosen on listed construction, price and buyer ratings, with men’s and women’s options. Our top pick is the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX: Brooks’s everyday neutral road shoe with a Gore-Tex membrane, rated 4.5 stars by buyers of both the women’s and men’s versions. Every shoe here is listed as waterproof—no water-resistant stand-ins—and fixed prices run from $139 to $175, with two listings that price by size.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Why We Love It | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall for road runs | Brooks’s neutral everyday road shoe with Gore-Tex, well rated in both men’s and women’s versions. | $168.49 CAD (women’s); men’s varies by size | |
| Stability on wet pavement | A stability shoe ASICS positions for training through rain and winter. | $174.95 CAD | |
| Best value for trails (men’s) | Waterproof trail shoe that also handles everyday city routes. | $149.99 CAD | |
| Muddy trail runs (women’s) | Brooks’s waterproof trail runner, a natural partner to the Ghost GTX. | $153.49 CAD | |
| Maximum grip in mud | Grip-focused trail shoe with the deepest review base in this guide. | Varies by size | |
| Best value (women’s) | Lightweight Gore-Tex hybrid at the lowest price in this guide. | $139.00 CAD |
Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
The Ghost is Brooks’s everyday neutral road shoe, and the GTX version adds a Gore-Tex membrane for the months when every run involves a puddle. That makes it the easiest recommendation for commuters and pavement runners in wet cities—think Metro Vancouver’s rainy season or Montréal’s November slush—who want a normal running shoe that simply stays dry. It’s also the only pick here with solid listings in both genders: the women’s Ghost 16 GTX costs $168.49 with a 4.5-star average from 535 ratings, and the men’s Ghost 16 GTX holds 4.5 stars from 430 ratings, though Amazon.ca only shows its price once you choose a size. It’s a road shoe first, so muddy singletrack is better left to the trail picks below.
Pros
- Gore-Tex membrane on Brooks’s everyday road shoe
- 4.5-star averages for both men’s and women’s versions
- The only pick with reliable listings in both genders
Cons
- Men’s price varies by size on Amazon.ca
- Road-focused, not built for deep mud
ASICS GT-2000 14 GTX (Men’s)
The GT-2000 is ASICS’s stability shoe for runners who want a little more support underfoot, and ASICS describes the GTX version as made for training through rain and winter. At $174.95, the ASICS GT-2000 14 GTX is the priciest fixed-price pick here. Its 4.3-star average from 836 ratings is the biggest number in the group, though that count appears to be shared with the regular, non-waterproof GT-2000 14. One practical note: the Amazon.ca title doesn’t say GTX, so confirm you’re on the Gore-Tex version before checking out. There’s no reliable women’s GTX listing on Amazon.ca right now.
Pros
- Stability-focused design with a Gore-Tex membrane
- Positioned for rain and winter training
- Large overall review base
Cons
- Review count likely includes the non-waterproof version
- Men’s only on Amazon.ca
New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel V6 GTX (Men’s)
New Balance positions the Nitrel V6 Gore-Tex as a waterproof trail shoe that works beyond the trail too, which suits runners whose routes mix city sidewalks with gravel paths and muddy park loops—Edmonton’s river valley in October, for instance. At $149.99 it’s the least expensive men’s pick here, with a 4.2-star average from 162 ratings. Amazon.ca files it under trekking and hiking, so expect a trail-leaning build rather than a fast road shoe. A women’s GTX version exists, but with only nine ratings averaging 3.2 stars, we’ve left it out.
Pros
- Lowest price among the men’s picks
- Gore-Tex for mixed trail and city routes
- Solid 4.2-star rating
Cons
- Women’s version is thinly and poorly reviewed
- Leans toward trail rather than road running
Brooks Divide 5 GTX (Women’s)
The women’s Divide 5 GTX is Brooks’s waterproof trail runner, a natural step up from a road shoe for anyone whose fall routes turn to mud—the North Shore, Gatineau Park or the Bruce Trail after a wet week. At $153.49 with a 4.4-star average from 191 ratings, it pairs well with the Ghost GTX if you split your week between pavement and dirt. The men’s version is currently listed on Amazon.ca at about $370 through resellers, far above typical retail, so we’re recommending the women’s version only for now.
Pros
- Waterproof trail runner from Brooks
- 4.4-star average rating
- Reasonable price for a Gore-Tex trail shoe
Cons
- Men’s version is overpriced on Amazon.ca
- Smaller review base than the road picks
Salomon Speedcross GTX (Men’s)
The Speedcross is Salomon’s grip-first trail shoe, and the GTX version adds a Gore-Tex construction with a floating tongue that the brand says improves comfort. It’s the pick for the sloppiest conditions: late-fall trails, wet leaves on steep climbs and the first slushy snow. The men’s Speedcross Gore-Tex carries a 4.5-star average from 1,673 ratings, the deepest review base in this guide. The catch is price: Amazon.ca only shows it once you choose a size, so check the final cost before committing. The women’s listing we found didn’t mention Gore-Tex and was filed as a men’s hiking shoe, so we’ve left it out.
Pros
- Grip-focused design for mud and wet trails
- Gore-Tex construction with a floating tongue
- Deepest review base here: 4.5 stars from 1,673 ratings
Cons
- Price varies by size
- No reliable women’s listing on Amazon.ca
Merrell Moab Speed GTX (Women’s)
At $139.00, the women’s Moab Speed GTX is the least expensive shoe in this guide. Merrell describes it as a lightweight hybrid built on the Moab, its best-known hiker, with a Gore-Tex membrane. That heritage cuts both ways: it’s a practical choice for mixed outings—run-walks on wet gravel, dog walks, rainy commutes—but it sits closer to a hiker than the dedicated runners here. It holds a 4.4-star average from 61 ratings, the smallest pool in the lineup.
Pros
- Lowest price in the guide
- Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
- Versatile for run-walks and everyday wet-weather wear
Cons
- Hiking roots make it less of a pure running shoe
- Smallest review base in the lineup
The Cheaper Fix: Waterproof Socks for the Shoes You Already Own
Not ready to spend $140-plus? A waterproof sock can make your current runners work for wet fall runs. The SEALSKINZ Bircham Waterproof All Weather Ankle Sock layers an AQUASEALZ waterproof membrane between a stretchy outer shell and a merino-blend lining. It costs $45.31 and averages 4.6 stars from 234 ratings. It won’t add grip, and water can still pour in over the top in a deep puddle, but for rain, splashes and slushy sidewalks it’s a fraction of the price of new shoes. Make sure your runners have room for the extra thickness. For warmer options when running season gives way to shovelling season, our guide to socks for winter boots has more picks.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Running Shoes: Which Is Better for Wet Runs?
Waterproof running shoes use a membrane—Gore-Tex on every shoe in this guide—to block outside water, which makes them the better choice for steady rain, slush and puddled trails. Water-resistant uppers shed a light drizzle but soak through in persistent rain. The trade-off is breathability: waterproof shoes hold more heat, and water that gets in over the collar takes longer to dry out. Coastal storm season—like the windstorm that left 24,000 BC customers without power amid heavy rain—is exactly when a membrane earns its keep. For mostly dry pavement with the odd shower, a regular running shoe plus a waterproof sock can be enough.
What Does Spending More on Waterproof Running Shoes Actually Buy You?
The price spread among the fixed-price picks is narrow—$139 to $175—and since every shoe here uses Gore-Tex, spending more mostly buys a better match for your route, not better waterproofing. At $139, the Merrell Moab Speed GTX is the lowest entry price for women, with a more hiker-like build as the trade-off. Around $150 to $155 buys a dedicated trail shoe: the New Balance Nitrel V6 GTX for men or the Brooks Divide 5 GTX for women. At $168 to $175, you’re paying for established road-running models, with neutral cushioning in the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX or stability in the ASICS GT-2000 14 GTX. The Salomon Speedcross GTX prices by size, so check the final number—you’re paying for grip. If none of that fits the budget, the $45 SEALSKINZ sock is the cheapest route to dry feet. Warranty terms vary by brand and seller, so check before buying.
Water Protection, Grip and the Fit That Keeps You Running
Outsole Grip for Mud, Wet Leaves and Park Paths
Traction matters as much as dryness in fall, when wet leaves turn paths slicker than they look. The trail picks—Speedcross, Divide 5 and Nitrel V6—suit mud, roots and gravel; the road picks are better on pavement and packed paths. Painted crosswalks, wet boardwalks and early-season ice still call for a shorter stride, whatever the outsole.
Running Shape Beats Hiking-Boot Bulk
A waterproof runner should still flex like a running shoe. The Ghost, GT-2000, Divide and Speedcross are running shoes first; the Moab Speed and, to a lesser degree, the Nitrel V6 lean toward hiking. If most of your outings are actual runs, choose accordingly.
Breathability and the Drying Trade-Off
Membranes trap warmth—welcome at 3°C in November, less so on a mild, humid September run. After a soaked outing, pull the insoles, stuff the shoes loosely with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature, away from heaters and radiators.
Fit and Socks
Start with your usual running size, check the brand’s chart and leave roughly a thumb’s width ahead of your longest toe. Waterproof uppers have less give than mesh, so allow room for the thicker socks you’ll wear as the weather cools. A secure heel matters more on wet ground, where a sliding foot costs you footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which waterproof running shoe is best for Canadian fall and winter conditions?
For most runners, the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX: a proven neutral road shoe with a Gore-Tex membrane, rated 4.5 stars in both men’s and women’s versions. For muddy trails, the Salomon Speedcross GTX (men’s) and Brooks Divide 5 GTX (women’s) are stronger choices. For the lowest prices, look at the New Balance Nitrel V6 GTX (men’s, $149.99) and Merrell Moab Speed GTX (women’s, $139).
Are Gore-Tex running shoes worth the extra cost?
If you run through steady rain, slush or puddles more than occasionally, yes—a membrane keeps outside water out far longer than a water-resistant upper. If wet runs are rare, a regular running shoe plus a waterproof sock, such as the $45 SEALSKINZ Bircham, is a cheaper way to stay dry.
How should waterproof running shoes fit compared with regular running shoes?
Start with your normal running-shoe size, then check the brand’s chart and leave roughly a thumb’s width ahead of the longest toe. A waterproof upper has less give and vents less than mesh, so a cramped fit becomes annoying quickly. Choose a secure heel, a stable midfoot and enough toe room for thicker socks.
Do waterproof running shoes work in snow and slush?
For slush and shallow snow, yes—the membrane keeps meltwater out, which is where these shoes shine on November sidewalks. None of the listings here mention insulation, though, so pair them with warmer socks as temperatures drop, and remember that snow deeper than the collar will still get in.
How do I clean waterproof running shoes and know when to replace them?
After muddy runs, remove the insoles, rinse off surface mud with cool water and air-dry the shoes indoors, away from radiators or direct heat, which can weaken adhesives and damage waterproof layers. Replace a pair when the tread is visibly worn, the midsole feels compressed, or water starts getting in through damaged seams.
Choosing Waterproof Running Shoes for Canada’s Wet Season
For most runners, the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX (women’s / men’s) is the one to buy: a trusted everyday road shoe that happens to be waterproof, and the only pick here with strong listings in both genders.
If your routes head off-pavement, the Salomon Speedcross GTX (men’s) is the mud specialist and the Brooks Divide 5 GTX (women’s) is the trail pick. On a tighter budget, choose the New Balance Nitrel V6 GTX (men’s) or the Merrell Moab Speed GTX (women’s). Men who want more support should look at the ASICS GT-2000 14 GTX. And if you’d rather not replace shoes that still fit well, the SEALSKINZ waterproof sock is a $45 fix.
Pick the pair that matches your real routes, not just the forecast—then lace up, and let the weather lose its veto power.
