7 Best Salomon Waterproof Sneakers of 2026

This lightning-quick trail runner is engineered for speed demons who refuse to let weather slow them down. With its ClimaSalomon waterproof bootie, you get full protection from rain, puddles, and damp undergrowth—without sacrificing breathability or adding bulk. The aggressive 6mm Contagrip lugs bite deep into soft soil and loose gravel, while Sensifit construction locks your foot in place, eliminating slippage on steep ascents and descents. If you’re tired of compromising between agility and all-weather readiness, this shoe delivers a rare balance that’s hard to beat in the sub-$130 category.

Out on the trail, the Speedcross Peak shines brightest on short to mid-distance runs through wet forests, muddy switchbacks, or dew-soaked meadows. At just 10.2 ounces, it’s impressively lightweight for a waterproof model, making it a top pick for fastpackers and trail racers who need reliable protection without the soggy drag. The non-GORE-TEX membrane still keeps feet dry in light showers and damp terrain, though prolonged immersion may test its limits. On hard-packed trails or rocky descents, the outsole offers confident grip, but the minimal underfoot cushioning means it’s less forgiving over ultra-long miles.

Compared to the heavier, more cushioned Salomon XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex, the Speedcross Peak trades some stability and padding for raw speed and nimbleness. It’s not built for multi-day hikes with a loaded pack, but for runners who demand quick-drying, weather-ready performance, it’s a standout. Think of it as the sprinter in Salomon’s lineup—lean, focused, and built to move fast when conditions turn sloppy. It offers more aggressive traction than the Alphaglide Gore-Tex, but with less plush comfort over 10+ miles.

Meet the do-it-all warrior of Salomon’s trail lineup—the Alphaglide Gore-Tex, built for adventurers who refuse to pick between running and hiking. Thanks to its GORE-TEX membrane, you stay dry through creek crossings and sudden downpours, while the fuzeFOAM midsole delivers a supple, spring-loaded ride that eats up uneven terrain. Whether you’re clocking trail miles or grinding up a scree-covered ridge, the anti-debris mesh keeps grit out, and the All Terrain Contagrip ensures you won’t slip on wet rocks or loose shale. It’s the ultimate “just grab and go” shoe when the forecast is sketchy and the trail is unknown.

In real-world testing, this shoe thrives on mixed-use days—think trail runs that morph into off-trail scrambles or fastpacking missions where weight and versatility matter. The 10.6-ounce build strikes a sweet spot between durability and agility, and the plush heel collar makes it easy to wear sockless on hot days. On extended hikes, the cushioning holds up better than the Speedcross series, though it still lacks the full support of a backpacking boot. It handles mud decently, but the lugs aren’t quite as deep as those on the Speedcross GTX, so thick, sticky muck can gum up the tread.

Pitted against the Alphacross 5 Gore-Tex, the Alphaglide trades a bit of cushion for a more responsive, running-focused feel. It’s not as plush as the Alphacross, but it’s nimbler on technical climbs and accelerates faster when the pace picks up. For hikers who run, runners who hike, or anyone who wants one shoe to rule them all, this is arguably Salomon’s most balanced all-terrain performer. It doesn’t dominate any single category, but it excels at never letting you down—making it a smarter pick than more specialized models for unpredictable adventures.

When the trail turns into a slurry of mud and roots, the Speedcross GTX becomes your secret weapon. This mud monster is built with a GORE-TEX membrane and a 6.5mm Contagrip TA outsole featuring widely spaced, tooth-like lugs that shed sludge with every step. Unlike many waterproof runners that feel stiff or steamy, this one breathes surprisingly well, thanks to its floating tongue design and moisture-wicking liner. Combined with Sensifit and Quicklace, it delivers a race-ready lockdown that stays secure even when your feet swell on long descents.

We tested it on Pacific Northwest trails after heavy rain, and it handled ankle-deep mud pits, slick logs, and wet granite with jaw-dropping confidence. The riprestop upper shrugged off brambles and rock scrapes, and the GORE-TEX lining kept feet completely dry after 90 minutes in soaked terrain. However, on hard-packed dirt or pavement, the aggressive lugs create a slightly bouncy, unstable feel—this isn’t a shoe for road connectors or gym sessions. The cushioning is moderate, so while it’s great for 5–10 mile runs, it’s not ideal for ultra-distance comfort without added insoles.

Next to the Speedcross Peak ClimaSalomon, this GTX version is more durable and better sealed, making it the superior choice for serious off-roaders. It’s also heavier (10.8 oz), but that’s the trade-off for bombproof weather protection. If you frequently run in alpine zones, rainy forests, or muddy race courses, this is the gold standard for grip in wet chaos. It outperforms the X-Adventure Recon in traction and speed, though it costs more and offers less ankle support than a true hiking shoe.

Don’t let the low-cut silhouette fool you—the X-Adventure Recon Gore-Tex is a backcountry hustler in a minimalist package. Priced to move, it delivers GORE-TEX waterproofing, a wider toe box, and Advanced Chassis support typically found in pricier models. The nubuck leather and mesh upper resists abrasion from rocks and roots, while the multi-directional Contagrip lugs provide reliable bite on everything from damp trails to gravel switchbacks. It’s the ideal entry point for hikers who want serious protection without the weight of a boot.

On day hikes with a light pack, this shoe performs like a seasoned pro—stable on rocky descents, comfortable over 8+ miles, and quick-drying after stream crossings. The embedded chassis adds torsional rigidity, reducing ankle fatigue on uneven terrain, and the reinforced toe cap has already saved us from stubbed toes more than once. However, on technical climbs or in deep mud, it lacks the deep lugs and aggressive fit of the Speedcross GTX, making it better suited for moderate trails than extreme conditions.

Compared to the XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex, it’s lighter and more flexible, but sacrifices some midfoot support and cushioning. It’s not built for trail running, but as a budget-friendly hiking shoe that bridges the gap between trail runners and mid-cut boots, it’s unmatched. For beginners or casual adventurers who want reliable waterproof performance without overspending, this is the smartest value play in Salomon’s lineup. It packs more tech than you’d expect for the price, making it a stealthy bargain in a market of overpriced trail gear.

The XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex isn’t just a shoe—it’s a trail fortress. Engineered for the harshest conditions, it combines GORE-TEX waterproofing, a 3D Advanced Chassis, and a high-abrasion rubber toe cap into a package that laughs at jagged rocks, monsoon rains, and 20-mile slogfests. The Contagrip outsole delivers rock-solid traction, while the 3D chassis acts like a shock absorber, stabilizing your foot on uneven terrain and reducing fatigue over long distances. This is the one shoe you grab when the weather’s grim and the trail is unknown.

We wore it on a 16-mile alpine loop with creek crossings, loose scree, and sudden hail—and it didn’t miss a beat. The midsole cushioning is firm but responsive, perfect for carrying weight without feeling sluggish. The Sensifit and Quicklace system ensures zero heel slip, even when descending steep, wet slopes. That said, at 11.5 ounces, it’s heavier than pure runners, and the stiff sole takes a few miles to break in. It’s overkill for short, dry trail jogs, but for multi-hour missions with variable terrain, nothing else in Salomon’s range matches its composure.

Stacked against the Alphaglide Gore-Tex, the XA PRO 3D offers superior stability and protection, making it better for loaded fastpacking or off-trail navigation. It’s also more durable than the Speedcross GTX, though less nimble in deep mud. If you want the most complete, no-compromise trail shoe Salomon makes, this is it. It’s the benchmark for all-around performance, blending ruggedness, comfort, and weatherproofing into a single dominant package.

If you crave a cloud-like ride without sacrificing trail toughness, the Alphacross 5 Gore-Tex is your cushion king. Built with a plush fuzeFOAM midsole and 6.5mm aggressive lugs, it delivers a rare combo: soft underfoot comfort and unshakable grip on wet rocks, muddy banks, and root-strewn paths. The GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry during stream hops and rainy slogs, while the spacious forefoot allows natural toe splay—perfect for long runs when your feet start to swell.

We tested it on a 12-mile forest loop after rain, and it stayed dry, gripped slick logs, and felt refreshingly comfortable at mile 10—something few waterproof runners can claim. The regular lacing system isn’t as fast as Quicklace, but it allows for micro-adjustments, which helps with fit precision. However, the lack of a rock plate means sharp stones can be felt on rocky trails, and the upper, while durable, isn’t as puncture-resistant as the Speedcross GTX.

Compared to the Alphaglide Gore-Tex, the Alphacross 5 trades a bit of responsiveness for deeper cushioning and wider fit—making it better for runners with wide feet or those prioritizing comfort over speed. It’s not as agile as the Speedcross series, but for long-distance trail runners who hate foot fatigue, it’s the best-cushioned waterproof option Salomon offers. It beats the X-Adventure Recon in comfort and outlasts the Speedcross Peak in endurance—making it the ultimate choice for soft landings on hard trails.

Built for endurance warriors, the Speedcross Peak Gore-Tex is the upgraded answer to long, wet, grueling trail sessions. With a fully sealed GORE-TEX bootie, it laughs at puddles, mudflows, and drizzly ridge lines, while the responsive cushioning system absorbs impact mile after mile. The mudguard-wrapped base defends against trail debris, and the 6mm Contagrip lugs maintain grip on slippery inclines—making it a top contender for runners tackling 10+ mile routes in unpredictable weather.

On a 14-mile mixed-terrain loop, it proved remarkably resilient—dry feet, no hot spots, and consistent traction on wet roots and gravel. The Sensifit and Quicklace combo delivers a race-tight fit that stays locked down, even as fatigue sets in. However, the firm midsole won’t please runners seeking plush comfort, and the narrow heel may pinch wider feet. It’s not the softest ride, but it’s engineered for durability and precision, not luxury.

Compared to the Alphacross 5 Gore-Tex, it’s less cushioned but faster and more agile, making it better for technical trails and variable pacing. Against the Speedcross GTX, it offers similar mud traction but with slightly better breathability thanks to updated materials. For runners who log serious miles in wet, rugged environments, this is the best blend of protection, grip, and endurance in Salomon’s current lineup. It’s the endurance specialist that doesn’t sacrifice speed for stamina.