We may earn a commission from links on this page.If you know a runner, I have the perfect gift recommendation for you. If you are a runner, I know what you should tell your mom you want for Christmas. And even if there isnt a gifting holiday in your immediate future, you should still know the Good News about water-resistant running shoes. Theyre out there, they might be on sale right now, and they will change your life. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-TEX Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes (FN7102-010, Black/Light Magenta/Pink Foam/Chlorophyll) Size 9 $184.99 at Amazon $193.94 Save $8.95 Shop Now Shop Now $184.99 at Amazon $193.94 Save $8.95 I speak from experience. Not long ago, my birthday was coming up and I had no idea what to tell my mom I wanted. (She kept asking.) I was giving the matter some thought while I was jogging at the local track, in a drizzling near-freezing rain, and my toes were going squish with every step. I suddenly remembered that Gore-Tex shoes exist. I had owned a pair years ago and loved them, but never replaced them when they wore out. They felt like too much of a luxury somehow. Most runners get through wet weather in regular shoes and wool socks, so why not make do?Ill tell you why not. Wool socks can keep your feet warm, but they dont keep them dry. If youve traveled to a park to get your run in, youre driving home with soaking wet feet. Youll come home, wring out your socks, and have to air out your shoes and hope theyre mostly dry by the time you go for your next run. Putting on wet shoes is about as much fun as putting on a wet bathing suit. Returning home from a drizzly run with dry feet is, by contrast, one of this cruel worlds great creature comforts.What weather are water-resistant shoes good for?Water-resistant shoes are great in drizzling rain, or in snowy conditions. In regular shoes, your body heat tends to melt any snow that contacts your shoes, making your feet wet even on a below-freezing day. Water-resistant shoes are great for when its snowing, when theres a small amount of snow on the ground, or when its raining. This covers pretty much all of the weather Im likely to consider running-friendly in a Pennsylvania winter.What dont water-resistant shoes do?Water-resistant is not waterproof, though. In Gore-Tex and similar materials, you cannot step into an ankle-deep puddle and expect to stay dry. A heavy enough downpour will probably eventually work its way through or around the material.Note that water-resistant shoe material doesnt stop snow or rain from getting into the top of the shoe. For trudging through deep snow, you probably want to attach a gaiter (or buy a shoe that comes with built-in gaiters).And if you run in a variety of wintry conditions, you may want more traction on the bottom of the shoe as well. You can buy shoes with spikes built in, or add your own.What are the best water-resistant running shoes?I know youre dying to see mine, so here they are: the Nike InfinityRN Gore-Tex. (Mine are white.) To be honest, I didnt do a lot of research and will not swear that these are the best. My requirements were (1) water-resistant, and (2) Nike, since Nikes always fit me well. These fit the bill, and Ive had many pleasant runs in them in the rain and snow. Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex Women's Waterproof Running Shoes $150.00 at Amazon $162.08 Save $12.08 Shop Now Shop Now $150.00 at Amazon $162.08 Save $12.08 Based on reviews, forum posts, and other things Ive heard runners say about their favorite weatherproof shoes, Ive collected some other excellent models to consider. For each, Im linking one model, but click around to see its other colors, sizes, and mens/womens versions.Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-TexSaucony Peregrine Ice+3Hoka Clifton 9 GTX TSPuma Deviate Nitro 3 WinterizedBrooks Ghost 16 GTX Brooks Women's Ghost 16 GTX Waterproof Neutral Running Shoe - Moroccan Blue/Pink/Yellow - 8.5 Medium $169.95 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $169.95 at Amazon Note that Gore-Tex is a name brand of breathable, water-resistant fabric, but other brands exist (for example, Saucony has their own, which they call Runshield). Gore-Tex is often abbreviated GTX in shoe model names, so consider looking for that when searching for shoes. And a bonus on many of these shoes is that they include high-traction outsoles to reduce the chances of slipping on wet surfaces.