Quick answer

Buy waterproof when you run in cold rain, wet grass, or shallow puddles and value dry feet for the first hour. Buy breathable when you run in heat, cross streams, or sweat heavily, because a waterproof membrane can't release moisture fast enough. If you split conditions, choose the shoe that matches your worst day, not your average one.

How the membrane changes the ride

A waterproof membrane such as GORE-TEX Invisible Fit blocks liquid water from entering while allowing some vapor to escape. That works well in cold rain, but during hard efforts your foot produces more sweat than the membrane can vent. Breathable mesh uppers do the opposite: they dump heat and moisture quickly but let water in the moment you hit a puddle or wet grass. Neither design is better in every condition; they solve different problems.

When waterproof wins on the trail

Waterproof trail shoes shine in sustained wet weather, cold mornings, and terrain that stays soggy. The Men's Torin 8 GTX adds a waterproof GORE-TEX upper to a top-selling road shoe, keeping the classic Altra feel with a soft midsole and a heel collar that molds to your foot. Zero drop and room for toes to move freely stay intact, so you get the same fit philosophy in a drier package. The trade-off is warmth and slower drying if water tops the collar.

When breathable wins on the trail

Breathable shoes are the better call for hot climates, high-output runs, and routes with stream crossings or deep mud. The Men's Timp 6 uses a soft rolled mesh upper with a redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction on mixed terrain. The mesh moves air and sweat, so your feet stay cooler and the shoe dries faster after a soaking. You give up rain protection, but you gain comfort when the forecast is warm and wet rather than cold and wet.

Fit and adjustment matter as much as the membrane

Whichever upper you choose, fit decides whether the shoe works. Waterproof models can feel warmer and slightly less flexible, so size for the socks you actually wear in wet conditions. The Men's Timp 5 BOA uses a BOA PerformFit Wrap Configuration system so you can dial the fit on the go, which helps when cold, wet feet swell or when you want to loosen the upper on a long climb. A cushioned midsole adds bounce and a plush feel, and zero drop keeps the geometry consistent with other Altra trail shoes.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Waterproof protection: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit blocks rain and shallow water but traps heat and sweat, and it dries slowly once water enters from the top. Choose waterproof for cold, wet days; skip it for hot, humid runs.
  • Breathable comfort: Mesh uppers vent heat and moisture quickly and dry fast after a soaking, but they offer no barrier against rain or puddles. Choose breathable for warm weather, stream crossings, and sweaty feet.
  • Fit and adjustability: Waterproof models can feel less flexible and warmer, so fit matters more; BOA lacing lets you adjust on the move as feet swell or shrink. Try both uppers with your real running socks before deciding.

Product facts

  • Men's Torin 8 GTX: Waterproof GORE-TEX upper on a top-selling road shoe with a soft midsole, heel collar that molds to the foot, zero drop, and room for toes to move freely. Best for cold rain and wet pavement or groomed trails where staying dry matters more than maximum breathability.
  • Men's Timp 6: Soft rolled mesh upper with a redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction on any terrain and a premium upper for step-in feel and durability. Best for warm, sweaty runs and mixed terrain where breathability and fast drying beat waterproofing.
  • Men's Timp 5 BOA: BOA PerformFit Wrap Configuration system with a cushioned midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole, zero drop. Best when you want on-the-go fit adjustment and a plush ride on breathable trail runs.

Which should you buy?

Best for

  • Runners facing cold rain, wet grass, or shallow puddles who prioritize dry feet
  • Trail runners who want a waterproof GORE-TEX upper with zero drop and toe room

Not for

  • Hot-weather runners or anyone who sweats heavily and needs maximum breathability
  • Routes with deep water crossings where waterproofing will eventually fail