Good Content from: Team Saucony

Love it or hate it, running in the rain is something you can’t always avoid, especially during the damp and cold months of fall. If you’re lucky, you’ll get caught in a light drizzle—just enough to cool you down without soaking you to the bone. Other times, you’ll face a full-on shower. That’s when having the right gear turns a meh run into a good run.

At Saucony, our aim is to get you out running no matter the weather conditions. We know that on rainy days, the key to staying comfortable is to stay as dry as possible. And while we can’t bring the sunshine out, we can promise that you’ll stay dry and warm during your wettest runs with our waterproof shoes and apparel. Here, we’re giving you our best tips for running safely in wet conditions, as well as our recommendations for rainy day gear.

How to run in the rain

There are a few things to keep in mind when heading out on a rainy run. Here are a few of the challenges you’ll face when it’s drizzling, and what you can do about them:

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Depending on how hard it’s raining, you might be able to see a mile ahead of you or just a few feet. In any case, you won’t be able to see or hear as well as you would on a clear day. And the reverse is also true: you won’t be as well seen or heard on a rainy day. That means that you’ll need to be extra cautious of cars and other people during a shower, especially on busy streets.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing and gear. The more visible you are, the safer you are!
• Consider a hat or visor. A brim that shields your face from the rain is a lifesaver. You’ll see and breathe better, and spend less time wiping water out of your eyes.
• Watch out for slick or muddy surfaces. If you’re running on the roads, be sure to slow your roll on downhills, as the wet surface can be slick. If you’re on trails, watch out for mud, which can be just as slippery. If you see a puddle or muddy spot ahead, aim to run on higher, drier ground if possible.
• Wear sweat-wicking gear. Water-absorbent materials such as cotton and wool will soak up rain like a sponge, leaving you heavy and water-logged. Opt for lightweight, sweat-wicking materials from head to toe and a waterproof jacket that diverts the rain away.
• Prevent chafing. Chafe happens. It’s especially likely to occur on rainy days, when the rain makes your clothes stick to your skin and cause friction in undesirable areas. Get ahead of it by slathering on Vaseline or another anti-chafe cream before you go.
• Be sure to dry your shoes afterward. No one likes soggy shoes the next day. One tried-and-true trick is to stuff your shoes with newspaper or paper towels, then place them in front of a box fan or in a well-ventilated room overnight.

Best waterproof running shoes for women:

• Peregrine 11 GTX
• Excursion TR14 GTX

Best waterproof running shoes for men:

• Peregrine 11 GTX
• Excursion TR14 GTX

Rainy day running essentials for women:

• Drizzle Jacket
• Packaway Jacket
• Outpace Hat

Rainy day running essentials for men:

• Drizzle Jacket
• Packaway Jacket
• Outpace Hat

Rain or shine, we’re still running.

With the right gear, you can run in just about everything (within reason, of course—always check your local radar and heed any weather advisories before going out). While we highlighted waterproof running shoes specifically here, any of our shoes can be worn in the rain. Just be sure to dry them afterward!