Cold weather running isn’t just for the pros. With the right pair of shoes, anyone can get a grip on winter running (see what we did there?). That’s why we’ve rounded up the very best winter running shoes. Read on to discover our personal favourites and essential accessories alongside tips for choosing the perfect pair to suit your needs!
Our choice for the best overall winter running shoes this year goes to the S/Lab Cross 2 by Salomon. The streamlined upper is highly breathable, while the outsole features lugs that grip ice, snow and even mud when the weather starts to warm up.
1. Best Overall Winter Running Shoes
For those who don't let snow and ice slow down their outdoor adventures, Saucony's Peregrine Ice+ 3 powers you through a new level of workout. Designed for the coldest and toughest conditions, it truly offers the best performance on icy trails with its PWRTRAC ICE outsole. Lightweight, flexible and especially comfortable, it keeps you warm with its water and trail debris resistant upper. The 4mm slope makes it a good all-around shoe that's easy to adjust to.
It's also probably the best shoe for running on ice.
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2. BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR SNOW
The XA Pro 3D v8 GTX shoe is the perfect shoe for trail runners, and it performs just as well on the road. Just the thing after a snowfall, it features a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and a Premium Wet Traction Contagrip outsole, which performs on wet snow and prevents water from seeping into the shoe. Maximum grip and performance make this one of our best shoes for winter running.
Although this model is also available for women, our runners preferred the famous Salomon Speedcross 6 for women, which is even more comfortable and better suited to women's feet. With Quicklace lacing and a sole capable of tackling the most technical terrain, the Speedcross 6 is an excellent choice.
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3. BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR ICE
Lightweight and rugged, Salomon's Spikecross 5 GTX UNISEX shoes with their Quicklace lace-up system feature an aggressive lug pattern and rubber outsole that provide excellent traction on icy surfaces. Made with bluesign certified materials and GTX waterproof protection, this is truly the ultimate winter running shoe. And when it comes to durability, the price is well worth it - if you're a seasoned runner.
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5. BEST WINTER RUNNING SHOES FOR TRAILS
No matter the weather, the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX keeps you going on trails in challenging conditions, including snow. Lightweight and flexible, it sits higher on the ankle than traditional boots, so you can walk and run in snow or mud without a problem. The crampons work their way through all winter conditions, while the GORE-TEX inner liner protects the foot from snow and water. Wide enough in the forefoot, it finally allows you to wear a thick merino wool sock without any problem..
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6. Best Winter Running Shoes for Women
What does women-specific really mean? For us, it’s shoe that is fully adapted to the morphology of your feet: a softer cuff, a cradling anatomical design, and a lower density ADV-C chassis for greater stability. The Salomon X Ultra 4 runners are a perfect example—great traction, fit and feel, all hallmarks of the French brand. Surprisingly comfortable and with an excellent grip in the snow, you might just tear through all seasons in this one shoe.
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7. BEST WINTER RUNNING SHOES FOR MEN
In collaboration with GORE-TEX, ASICS has created the perfect shoe for all conditions. The GT-1000 11 GTX is waterproof and breathable, so you can run without accumulating too much heat inside your shoe. Very flexible and excellent in speed transitions, the GT-1000 is effective in preventing overpronation and absorbs shock effectively for a truly smooth run.
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BEST ADD-ONS
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For snowy days, and unstoppable winter runners, gaiters are a great low-budget addition to your running gear box. Keep snow out of your running shoes once and for all!
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Tungsten spikes that adjust to your size securely. These spikes are built for ice or snow - deep enough but not cumbersome. Try them on a run or even walking around in icy conditions.
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Muscle, joint and tendon support through any kind of weather. Built for up to three day protection. Latex-free, medical grade. Overall awesomeness.
Product Name
For snowy days, and unstoppable winter runners, gaiters are a great low-budget addition to your running gear box. Keep snow out of your running shoes once and for all!
Product Name
Tungsten spikes that adjust to your size securely. These spikes are built for ice or snow - deep enough but not cumbersome. Try them on a run or even walking around in icy conditions.
Product Name
Muscle, joint and tendon support through any kind of weather. Built for up to three day protection. Latex-free, medical grade. Overall awesomeness.
Buying Guide
How to Choose Your Running Shoes
Finding the right winter running shoes or winter trail running shoes is crucial. Adequate traction is necessary so you don’t end up slipping all over the place. Look for lug soles (soles with indentations) that dig into snow and offer a good grip in various conditions. Vibram soles also offer excellent traction on mixed surfaces.
A shoe with a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX (also indicated as GTX) will keep your feet dry if you’re running through slushy puddles or ankle-deep snow.
You can get the low-down on how to dress for winter running right here on the blog. We help you drill down into the details with our choice of the best running pants and tights for winter running and our favourite winter running jackets.
What to look for when buying winter running shoes
For optimal safety and comfort, pay attention to these key features when choosing a winter running shoe.
1. Consider the Terrain
Even in winter, there are some major differences between urban and trail running. Despite the slipperiness of both, trails have the added difficulty of being uneven. That’s why it’s crucial to determine the style of running you’ll be doing this winter before buying a shoe. Below, we talk about the main factors to consider when evaluating any model.
2. Waterproof Uppers
Whenever you say “I like the look of that shoe,” you’re talking about its upper. It’s the part of the shoe that encases your foot, but excludes the sole. In cold weather, a running shoe’s upper needs to be both breathable and waterproof. The former prevents the build up of condensation from within, while the latter prevents water penetration from without.
Many waterproof uppers are constructed using GORE-TEX (GTX) or something similar. GORE-TEX offers excellent waterproofing in addition to being breathable.
We really don’t recommend purchasing a winter running shoe that isn’t waterproof, no matter how much money you think you’ve saved. After a few runs, you’ll be ready to fork over another few bills for one that is. A non-waterproof shoe increases your risk of experiencing numb feet, blisters, and even frostbite. All that can certainly put a damper – and a cold one at that – on your winter running experience.
3. Proper Traction
Aggressive lugs are the rule, not the exception, when it comes to winter running shoes. Technologies like Contagrip and Vibram set the bar high among competitors. Here we take a closer look at both.
Contagrip
Salomon’s Contragrip technology has become an industry standard for high-traction, durable outsoles in any weather conditions. The company has applied a thorough understanding of density, materials, and geometry to engineer an unbeatable sole. You’ll find it on all their winter running shoe models, including our pick for best overall winter running shoe, the Speedcross 5 GTX.
Vibram
Since 1937, Vibram has been making high-quality soles that are renowned for both their comfort and durability. Many brands have incorporated Vibram soles into their products, including the likes of New Balance, La Sportiva, Timberland, and more. Vibram was also the first to bring the Five-Finger Shoe to market in 2005.
For winter running, companies like Saucony use Vibram’s Arctic Soles on their Peregrine Ice+, our personal favourite for best running shoes on icy surfaces. Arc’teryx also uses Vibram soles for their Norvan SL GTX, which we voted best minimalist winter running shoe in 2021.
4. Lacing
The two main lacing systems you’ll encounter are traditional laces and Salomon’s patented Quicklace. Quicklace is a system designed to never come undone. It’s made with thin elastic laces that have a high tensile strength. A small plastic tab near the tongue allows you to quickly tighten the shoe before a run and effortlessly loosen it after.
5. Gaiters & Ankle Protection
Gaiters can be purchased as after-market devices to optimize your winter running experience. They’re waterproof garments that protect your feet and legs from incoming water and debris. Simply hook the clip under the heel of your shoe and tighten the velcro along the leg.
Gaiters come in a variety of sizes, from ones that sit just above the heel to ones that rise to just below the knee. They’re an excellent investment for any sort of winter running terrain but are especially useful for trail running.
6. Other Features
If you can’t quite afford a pair of winter running shoes just yet, consider purchasing a pair of NANOspikes and hooking them on to your current runners. These spikes are made from tungsten carbide, which is both lightweight and durable. They perform best in mixed conditions of snow, ice, and pavement.
FAQs for winter running shoes
Q: Can you wear regular running shoes in winter?
A: Wearing regular running shoes in winter will not only slow you down, it will increase the risk of injury. The soles on standard running shoes are simply not made to handle slippery surfaces like ice and snow.
A proper winter running shoe has a studded sole. This helps keep each step stable and aligned below your hips. Without a gripping sole, you’ll be placing extra strain on your joints and ligaments, especially the lateral ankle ligaments.
If you haven’t already purchased a pair of winter running shoes, best advice is to wait until you do. Otherwise you risk ruining your entire running season with—quite literally—a single misstep.
Q: Are trail running shoes good for winter?
A: Trail running shoes are more rigid and feature more aggressive treading than regular running shoes. That said, they’re still a far cry from an ideal winter running shoe. For lightly snowed paths, a trail running shoe may suffice. But they’re made for soft and slippery surfaces (like mud), as opposed to dense, slippery surfaces (like ice).
Q: Are waterproof running shoes necessary?
A: Waterproof running shoes are an absolute must. They’ll protect your feet from freezing cold puddles and icy precipitation. Keeping your feet dry allows your socks to insulate as efficiently as possible. Like your fingers, ears, and nose, your toes are an extremity. This means they’re always at the frontlines of frostbite. Take all the precautions you can to ensure they stay dry and toasty or you can say au revoir to winter running.
FINAL WORDS
Remember to pair your winter running shoes with the right socks. A wool sock is a great choice, as it will continue to insulate when wet. If your feet tend to stay cold, try layering a sock liner under your wool sock for added warmth. Just make sure your feet aren’t too snug inside your shoe. If they are, you’ll actually decrease thermal capacity by restricting airflow.
We hope our guide has answered any questions you had about winter running shoes. Now the only thing left to do is pick up a pair of your own and hit the snow…running. See y’all on the trail!
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