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So what’s the deal with GORE-TEX® XCR® trail shoes? I had never really thought much about the GORE-TEX® shoes until I was on a hike the other day. As I walked up the snowy, wet trail, I noticed a girl flailing down the hill at an alarming rate, her legs darting in all directions. As I stepped out of the way and she careened by me, I realized she had wrapped her feet in two plastic shopping bags to keep the snow from getting her shoes wet. Interesting idea, not so good for traction.

The GORE-TEX® XCR® membranes give your trail running and hiking shoes waterproof, breathable protection, so your feet stay dry when you backpack down wet spring trails and log miles on your mid-summer runs. And by waterproof, the people at Gore mean waterproof—they guarantee GORE-TEX® XCR® shoes will keep you dry for the life of the shoe. So you’re protected from the wet stuff, and you won’t have to pull off what looks like a bad break-dancing move to stay balanced on the trail.

GORE-TEX® XCR® shoes work similarly to other GORE-TEX® products—they use a proprietary membrane to block liquid water but allow sweat and water vapor to escape. The main thing to know about GORE-TEX® XCR® footwear, is that they breathe like mad. GORE-TEX® XCR® footwear is specifically designed for warm conditions and high levels of output. This means your feet won’t break into a massive sweat two minutes into your run or half-a-mile into your week-long backpacking expedition. Armed with GORE-TEX® XCR® footwear, you can hike through snow, rain, and slush, and run through mud-season madness or hot summer days without getting water-logged socks and blistered feet.

Many brands have recognized the power of using GORE-TEX® XCR® membranes in their shoes. With this many choices, you’re bound to find the right waterproof shoe for trail running, hiking, and backpacking.

The North Face

• Ultra XCR® Trail Running Shoe

  

  Trail Runner Editors’ Choice winner, burly soles, lots of support

• Endurus XCR® Boa

  

  Boa lace tightening system for quick adjustments on your trail runs.

• Ultra 103 XCR®

  

  Trail Running Shoe: Standard laces for rocky, uneven terrain

• Terrainius XCR® Low
  Hedgehog XCR® Low Shoe

  

  Vibram soles and low cuts for fast day hikes.

• Adrenaline XCR® Mid Hiking Shoe

  

  Ankle support for a long hike with a moderately heavy pack.

Salomon

• XA Pro 3D XCR® Running Shoe

  

  Contragrip sole and advanced chassis system combine for a stable ride
• Women’s GCS XCR® Trail Running Shoe

  

  Adapt to uneven ground using the unique Ground Control System
• Elios XCR® Hiking Shoe

  

  An antimicrobial insert fights back the funk.
  
• Extend Mid XCR® Hiking Shoe

  

  Mid ankle height provides support without feeling super-stiff

Vasque

• Blur XCR Trail Running Shoe

  

  Sturdy and lightweight for shorter distances and fast paces
• Velocity GTX XCR Trail Running Shoe

  

  Uses male- and female-specific flex patterns and heel profiles to create a customized fit.
• Kota GTX XCR Hiking Shoe

  

  Racer X sole keeps you from slip-sliding away on downhill stretches.
• Breeze XCR Hiking Boot

  

  Full ankle support for weeklong backpacking trips.
  

Montrail

• Hurricane Ridge XCR® Trail Running Shoe

  

  Light, sturdy support on rugged terrain.
• Sustina Women’s XCR® Trail Running Shoe

  

  Durable, all season waterproof protection.
• Mojave XCR® Hiking Shoe

  

  Killer traction on rocks and technical routes
• Stratos XCR® Hiking Shoe

  

  Inner bootie construction for fast and furious hikes

La Sportiva

• Neva XCR® Men’s Trail Running Shoe

  

  Airmesh and synthetic leather upper materials compliment the breathable GORE-TEX® XCR® insert
• Sandstone GTX-XCR®

  

  Hiking Shoes—Ensure a light, sturdy step on quick day hikes.
• Onix GTX XCR®

  

  Hiking Boots—A sturdy polypropylene shank and high ankle support for extended backpacking trips and heavy packs