If you're struggling to land on the right everyday footwear for tackling unpredictable autumn and winter weather, Gore-Tex sneakers might be the answer. In case you were unaware, this technical waterproof material has found its way into everything from court shoes to trail runners in recent years, meaning there’s no longer any need to sacrifice style just because the forecast looks grim.
This is particularly useful at this time of year, when suede, mesh and other sneaker-friendly materials suddenly become liabilities. A Gore-Tex membrane provides an extra line of defence against puddles and persistent drizzle, while the shoes themselves can look much the same as anything else in your rotation.
From technical trail shoes that have successfully infiltrated everyday wardrobes to waterproof versions of familiar running silhouettes, there are plenty to choose from. Here are some of the best Gore-Tex sneakers you can buy right now according to the OPUMO team.
Snow Peak x Merrell SpeedArc Matis Gore-Tex
Merrell’s footwear renaissance continues with a little help from Japanese outdoor specialist Snow Peak. This collaborative take on the SpeedArc Matis takes an already futuristic fast-hiking shoe and tones it down with the sort of muted, natural colour palette Snow Peak does so well. Underneath, it’s still properly capable, with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, FloatPro foam cushioning, a FlexPlate for stability and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole for traction.
Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex
The XT-6 hardly needs an introduction at this point. Originally created for long-distance trail running, it has spent the last few years becoming one of fashion’s favourite technical sneakers. The Gore-Tex version makes even more sense for everyday wear in Britain, taking that familiar panelled upper, Quicklace system and chunky trail sole and adding proper wet-weather protection. Yes, they’re everywhere, but there’s a reason for that. Few sneakers manage to combine genuine outdoor capability with jeans, cargos and technical trousers quite as convincingly.
Hoka Clifton 11 Gore-Tex
If your priorities lean more towards comfort than trail-inspired aesthetics, the Clifton 11 Gore-Tex is worth a look. It’s the wet-weather version of one of Hoka’s staple road-running shoes, retaining the generously cushioned, rocker-soled shape while adding the weather protection required to make it a much more practical proposition through autumn and winter. It’s a relatively clean silhouette by waterproof running-shoe standards too, particularly in black, which makes it easy to work into a casual wardrobe. Think of it as the sneaker for those days when you’re going to be doing 20,000 steps and the weather app is showing rain from start to finish.
Arc’teryx Konseal GTX
Approach shoes have quietly become some of the coolest footwear around, and the Konseal GTX is a good example of why. It’s designed for scrambling around rocky approaches rather than Soho coffee runs, but the low-profile shape, climbing-inspired detailing and characteristically minimal Arc’teryx aesthetic make it equally convincing away from the mountains. The Gore-Tex construction makes it an obvious option for wet conditions, while the relatively understated design separates it from some of the more aggressively technical trail shoes on the market.
Scarpa Mojito Gore-Tex
The Mojito sits somewhere between an approach shoe and an everyday sneaker, which is exactly why we love it. Scarpa’s climbing heritage is obvious in the lacing, which extends almost all the way to the toe, while the suede upper and relatively simple shape keep things from becoming overly technical. This Gore-Tex version adds waterproof protection beneath the water-resistant suede, along with an EVA midsole and Vibram rubber outsole. It’s a slightly left-field choice compared with the usual Salomons and Hokas, but that’s part of the charm. Particularly good with fatigues, wide chinos and heavyweight denim.
Puma Mostro LC GTX
The Mostro’s return has been one of Puma’s more interesting moves in recent years. Originally released around the turn of the millennium, its low-slung profile and distinctive spiked sole still look unusual today – perhaps even more so given how chunky sneakers have become. The LC GTX version pushes things into foul-weather territory, adding Gore-Tex protection without losing the strange, streamlined shape that makes the Mostro worth paying attention to in the first place. It’s easily the most fashion-forward option on this list and a good choice if you want waterproof footwear without looking as though you’ve wandered out of a trail-running expo.
Adidas Terrex Freehiker 3 Ultra GTX
Adidas’ Terrex line has become increasingly good at producing footwear that sits somewhere between serious hiking equipment and everyday sneaker. The Freehiker 3 Ultra GTX is firmly at the substantial end of that spectrum. It’s a proper hiking shoe, but the exaggerated sole, flowing upper and predominantly white colourway give it enough visual interest to work perfectly well on pavement too. Adidas currently sells the Gore-Tex model as part of its Terrex hiking range. If you like the look of oversized technical sneakers but want something capable of doing considerably more than completing the school run, this is the one.
Salomon XT-Whisper Gore-Tex
The XT-Whisper originally emerged from Salomon’s early-2000s archive, and its unusual proportions make it a more interesting alternative to the now-ubiquitous XT-6. There’s still plenty of recognisable Salomon DNA – technical panelling, Quicklace and a heavily engineered sole – but the silhouette is narrower and slightly stranger. The Gore-Tex version adds a waterproof membrane, ripstop upper, Agile Chassis system and Mud Contagrip outsole, turning an already technical sneaker into a genuinely useful wet-weather option. For anyone who is looking for one of the best XT-6 alternatives out there.
