There are thousands of beautiful sneakers for athletes out there, and they all pretend to be THE perfect ones!
The truth is: The perfect athletic pair of shoes doesn’t exist, it all depends on this specific balance between the shoe and the athlete!
However, some brands have developed sneakers that are good enough to fit most athlete’s needs!
We’ve gathered some of the best waterproof athletic sneakers for you, have a look and see if one of them could help you reach your goals!
Athletic Sneakers - The Buying Guide
As mentioned earlier, wearing the wrong kind of shoes can be one of the worst things you could do to your feet. That’s why you have to invest a lot of time and money into getting the right waterproof athletic shoes. Continue reading this buying guide to find out how.
1- Know Your Feet First
Just like you have your preferences in what you wear and what looks good on you, so do your feet. Therefore, you have to get to know your feet first. What is your exact size, whether you have high or low arches, all this is crucial to know.
2- Matching Your Shoes to Your Workout
The wrong shoes aren’t just those which feel uncomfortable or are the wrong size. Even when they feel perfect, they can be the wrong shoes if they aren’t meant for that specific activity.
Therefore, and we can’t stress this enough, you have to match your shoes to your workout or training.
For running, you want shoes that have a little bit of space around the toes. They should have plenty of cushioning and a slightly raised heel.
For walking, you don’t need the cushioning or the raised heel.
Similarly, for hiking, you want shoes that are tough, have strong traction and offer plenty of ankle support. For weightlifting, you want as much support and stability as possible.
3- Durability
When you’ve determined the right kind of shoes, look at some other features. For instance, how durable the shoes are because you don’t want to be buying a pair every few months. Therefore, look for sneakers that have a tough exterior that can stand rough use.
4- Weight
The weight is, again, something that depends on the precise training you’re doing. If you’re going to be moving around a lot, you don’t want heavy shoes to weigh you down. That’s why you have to look for sneakers that are lightweight and comfortable on your feet.
5- Comfort
Of course, this goes without saying. Your shoes have to be comfortable. However, what we want to point out is that it should feel comfy from the very first time.
Even though some shoes do require a breaking-in period, ideally, they should feel perfect on your feet the minute you slid into them first. If not, you probably need to keep looking.
What Are the Best Athletic Sneakers?
How many times have you been out for a jog and accidentally stepped into a puddle? Not only is it annoying to have wet and drenched feet, but then you’re completely thrown off your tempo.
So, save yourself all that trouble and get one of these fantastic waterproof athletic sneakers:
1- Loom Waterproof Sneakers Men/Women
Have you heard about Loom waterproof sneakers? Created by a group of passionate workoutaholic entrepreneurs based in LA, these sneakers gather all the features most athletes require!
These guys have thought about everything! waterproof and breathable, Loom are super comfy and adapted to any kind of situation and weather! When you are a young athlete that travels a lot, you definitely need a pair of smart shoes that can make you run anywhere!
To make it even more comfortable, the shoes are incredibly lightweight. Then there’s a perfect cushioning system inside to absorb shocks and protect your heels during workouts.
Available in black and white, these sneakers are made with love! Hence, they are animal-cruelty free!
Pros
- Waterproof and moisture-wicking top layer
- Anti-bacterial and anti-odor
- Flexible and lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- Durable
- Easy to wash
Con
- Maybe not suitable for all kinds of workouts
2- Nike Metcon 5
Generally, when you’re looking for a pair of workout shoes, you can’t really go wrong with Nike. Their shoes are designed for the best performance and utmost comfort.
However, when you specifically need footwear for CrossFit training or something for the gym, the Nike Metcon 5 takes the prize.
Not only does the sleek design look fantastic on your feet, but it feels pretty amazing too. There’s a diverse cushioning system - a firmer foam under the heel - so you can do any high-impact training without worrying.
Moreover, at the other end, there’s a softer foam beneath the toes to give you extra flexibility. The shoes have a low and flat shape to give you maximum stability as well as removable HyperLift inserts for when you want to do some squats.
On top of these sneakers, you’ll find a textured surface. This ensures the sneakers last you a long time as well as stay light on your feet. Furthermore, the outsole has a secure grip so that you don’t go slipping or sliding on the gym floor.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Strong grip
- Diverse cushioning
Con
- Not good for jumps, plyometrics, etc.
3- Reebok Crossfit Nano 9
It’s always ideal to get waterproof athletic shoes that are made for the training or workout you do!
However, if you still want something that can work across a variety of different things, look no further than the Reebok Crossfit Nano 9. These versatile shoes will be your ultimate training partner.
The shoes feature the Flexweave Technology on the top, which results in a durable exterior. There’s also plenty of spaces between the weave on the top to keep the shoe breathable. Furthermore, they are also flexible enough to support all kinds of foot movement.
On the bottom of the shoe, you’ll notice two separate outsoles. One wraps all around your heel and goes till the midsole. This protects the shoes during rougher workouts, and more importantly, it offers you a much stronger grip. The other outsole along the front features special grooves to help with toe splay.
Moreover, the Nano 9 has additional cushioning inside, especially on the midsole, so you can even use these for short runs. The low-cut design allows more free movement while the bootie construction ensures the best performance.
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Strong grip
- Flexible
Con
- Doesn’t have a very snug fit
4- Nike Metcon 4
If you’re not particularly a fan of the Nike Metcon 5 but still love the Metcon series, the Nike Metcon 4 is your best option. It features a textured print from the toe to the heel. This provides the shoes with a strong layer of durability so you can continue using them for a long time.
Similar to Metcon 5, the Metcon 4 also has diverse cushioning. The midsole is harder near the heel so that you can get the perfect push-offs. Moreover, the toe area is slightly softer so that you can comfortably do some short runs as well.
There’s a 4mm heel drop, which makes the sneakers feel pretty flat for more stable and grounded footing. The tongue on the top is made of lightweight mesh that allows plenty of airflow for cool and dry feet.
Pros
- Durable
- Flexible
- Stable
- Strong traction
Con
- Too hard for cardio workouts
5- New Balance Women’s 365v1 Walking Shoe
If you’re not really into heavy workouts like lifting, CrossFit, hiking, etc., simply walking can be a great way to workout. However, even with walking, you need a brilliant pair of walking shoes, such as the New Balance Women’s 365v1 Walking Shoes.
These stylish-looking shoes are good enough for everyday, casual use as well as when you want to do a short walk workout.
The top is 100% synthetic material, which keeps the overall weight of the shoe light and makes them durable. Moreover, the shoes feature some mesh patches that allow airflow and keep your feet cool and dry.
There’s a rubber outsole that has an excellent grip, so you don’t slip or stumble on your walk. The slightly raised heel gives you that forward-moving push, which can be quite helpful during runs and walks.
Inside the shoes, there’s a soft foam insole to absorb any harsh impact and protect your feet as well as keep them comfortable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Firm grip
- Versatile
Con
- Requires a breaking-in period
Conclusion
Considering our feet literally bear our whole weight the whole day, we’d say they do deserve the right care and attention. What’s more, when it comes to footwear, a little time and money properly invested can go a long way in ensuring your feet’s health.
We’re already obsessed with all five of these brilliant sneakers. However, if we had to choose one, it’d be the Loom Waterproof Sneakers, for their quality and life-changing comfort!