Best Gore-Tex running gear for fall and winter 2023-24
These waterproof pieces will keep you dry and comfortable in any weather
As the days get shorter, chillier, darker and wetter, staying true to your training plan requires gear, shoes and accessories that will keep you dry and warm. Check out these wind- and waterproof gear choices for late fall and winter running on the road, track and trail.
GT-1000 11 GTX
A fully waterproof cushioned daily trainer that’s ideal for winter running
The Asics GT-1000 11 GTX is an all-around daily trainer with stability and support for runners who tend to overpronate. Especially toward the end of a long run or race, when fatigue sets in and it becomes difficult to maintain good running form, this shoe can provide a little extra help. Further support is provided by the shoe’s external heel counter. The shoe has a fully waterproof yet breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and warm and protected from rain and snow. With an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop and 21 mm of Flytefoam cushioning, this shoe is perfect for the casual runner and fitness enthusiast who wants the option to run outside into the late fall and winter.
Ultimate Direction FK Gaiter
An all-season gaiter for trail running
Winter brings more than the usual hazards on the trail; besides debris from falling leaves, you’re dealing with snow and rain, and your longevity on the trail depends on keeping your feet dry and warm. This unisex gaiter from Ultimate Direction, made of strong, stretchy twill cordura slips easily over your trail shoes and fits comfortably without riding up. The adjustable, durable hypalon straps can be replaced when they wear out over time. The gaiter comes in three sizes, to accommodate all shoe sizes: small fits men’s 5-8 or women’s 4-9; medium fits men’s 8-11 or women’s 7-10; large fits men’s 10-13 or women’s 9-12.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 GTX
A waterproof daily trainer for fall, winter and spring running
The New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 GTX is an excellent choice for a daily trainer that’s always ready for whatever is on your training plan. It has New Balance’s incredibly light, plush and responsive Fresh Foam and Fresh Foam X in the dual-layer midsole, it offers excellent cushioning and responsiveness. That combined with its light, breathable but fully waterproof upper makes it a solid and dependable choice for easy runs, recovery runs, long runs and interval workouts in any kind of weather.
Craft Pro Trail Hydro Jacket
A lightweight wind- and waterproof jacket for fall and winter running
This lightweight, breathable wind- and waterproof running jacket is an elite-quality shell that’s made with 3-layer Ventair fabric and has fully taped seams in the body and hood. It has an adjustable drawcord elastic at the hem, waterproof zippered side pockets for carrying your essentials and a secure wrist gaiter with thumb holes, to keep you dry and warm even in the worst weather. And so that you don’t risk overheating, there are vents under the arms, similar to those found in some ski and snowboarding jackets–because even when the weather is raging, you still sweat. It also has an adjustable hood that can be rolled and stowed when it’s not needed. Made from 60 per cent recycled polyester (front), polyurethane (sides) and 100 per cent polysester (back).
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
A well-cushioned neutral trainer for all-weather running
The Brooks Ghost is one of the brand’s most popular running shoes, and with good reason: it’s well cushioned, comfortable for any type of running and performs well in all conditions. With the Gore-Tex fully waterproof, breathable membrane, it becomes a formidable companion for bad weather, and will keep your feet dry and warm in even the worst training conditions. The midsole is made of cushy DNA Loft foam, and the brand’s Segmented Crash Pad outsole gives great traction and enables smooth heel-to-toe transitions from fall through spring. The 11 mm heel-to-toe drop makes the shoe especially appropriate for newer runners, casual runners and heel strikers.
Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket
A light, zippered and fully waterproof hooded shell for fall and winter running
Fall and winter runners should look no further than this lightweight, conveniently packable and practical jacket from Brooks, which will keep you dry and comfortable on fall and winter runs. The jacket has sealed seams, with venting in both front and back for breathability. It has a hood with a visor to shield your face from the rain, and a zipper that comes up high at the front to keep out the elements. The jacket’s semi-fitted design allows for a full range of movement.
Products reviewed in this article:
GT-1000 11 GTX
Ultimate Direction FK Gaiter
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V12 GTX
Craft Pro Trail Hydro Jacket
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket
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