Hello! I like to backpack a lot and am getting into some adventure / expedition racing now that my college days are coming to a close and I see myself having a bunch of extra energy now that I am not running 80mpw. I am looking for a pair of running shoes that are waterproof. I am not talking about those "trail-runners" that are actually hiking boots, I am just looking for a pair of running shoes that has a waterproof (like gore-tex) upper. Nothing too fancy or heavy. What do you guys think?
trash bag and rubber band
Pegasus and Structure Triax come in GoreTex versions... also, companies like Inov8 make trail runners that are the opposite of what you decsribe. They are more minimal than standard running shoes, but still give you some extra grip for the trail. Also, some come with GTX uppers.
You are much better off with shoes that drain well. No socks, or if cold wool socks.
Junk Master wrote:
You are much better off with shoes that drain well. No socks, or if cold wool socks.
Yes, drainage is necessary. Maybe in theory, a waterproof shoe would keep your feet dry, but if water goes over the top even once, it will get inside and STAY there because, the shoe is waterproof. So instead of just running in slightly damp shoes, there will be water in every space between your feet and shoe. Slosh, slosh, slosh, blister, blister, blister.
If you're serious about being prepared for fast back packing or adventure trail racing, you'll 1) use a shoe that drains well, and 2) run through every creek and puddle you see in training to build up the calluses needed to not blister in damp shoes.
That makes sense. My feet don't blister any more though. I was thinking more for rain and snow and morning dew. I don't run through very much water here in Wyoming...
The thing about waterproof ones is that you can still strap some crampons on for summit day and not be miserable in the slush.
Does a goretex membrane really make shoes not be able to drain? Isn't it breathable?
For straight up trail racing the breathable/draining shoe makes sense, but for fast and light backpacking, I could see a waterproof shoe being handy...
I don't know...
Any more advice?
An expert votes for breathable/draining.
http://www.andrewskurka.com/advice/recommendations/footwear.php
Yes,
Gore tex is not breathable enough to keep your feet dry from perspiration. And any water that enters the shoe will never leave. So if you are adventure racing go the drainage route.
Skurka is a beast!