Key Components of a Waterproof Running Shoe

When searching for a pair of waterproof running shoes you will notice that most are in the style of trail shoes. These shoes tend to have more of a rough look and feel in comparison to normal running shoes and are a little more durable. So lets take a closer view at these shoes and go over some of their features.

At first sight you can notice the difference between waterproof running shoes built for the trails and a normal runners. These shoes look very aggressive and ready to crush rocks, kick up dust, and hike through water. When looking at waterproof trail running shoes I tend to think of a off road truck or monster truck where normal runners are your plain everyday SUVs or sedans.

Waterproof running shoes designed for the trails are created with aggressive tread patterns that help to hold to the trail better than normal running shoes. The soles of these shoes are also thicker than non-trail shoes. This section of the shoe is also known as the outsole. The thicker sole makes the shoe not as flexible as a normal runner. So if you have never tried on trail shoes before this is something you may have to get use to. But like anything else you will adapt to it over time.

The midsole is the part of the shoe that concentrates on the comfortability of the shoe. This part is placed just above the outsole of the shoe, and covers the entire length. Stability, flexibility, and durability all play a major part in the construction of this part of the shoe.

The insole rest right above the midsole and underneath your foot. This is another section that helps to create the comfort of a shoe. The insole helps in helping to control foot motion and stability. In most cases these insoles can be removed and replaced. Other terms for insoles are called footbeds or innersoles.

The upper front part of this shoe is called the toe shoe area. This is the section of the shoe where your toes and ball of your foot are placed. The outside section of this shoe is covered with a dense piece of material to help protect the toe area. This is to help hinder objects from piercing through and damaging your toes while on the trails.

The main upper body of the shoe is constructed of a durable breathable mesh. And when talking about waterproof running shoes designed for the trails, this is the part that is conditioned so that it can prevent water from entering the shoe. And at the same time it is also designed to permit your foot to breath. This waterproof durable mesh is normally made of Gore-Tex® a waterproof/breathable fabric. The use of Gore-Tex® or other waterproofing materials is what distinguishes a waterproof running shoe made for the trails from a regular trail running shoe and traditional runners.

The heel counter is the end part of the shoe that helps to support your heel. This part of the shoe is especially good for those of us land on their heel when walking or running (which is most of us). The heel counter is built inside of the heel cup and is usually made with a hard plastic.

So to recap a lot of waterproof running shoes take the form of trail shoes. And the main features of trail shoes are the outsole, insole, midsole, toe box, upper body, and heel counter. Every manufacturer has its own name for each section of the shoe but the basic are all the same.