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From freezing temps to reduced daylight hours, winter poses all kinds of challenges for runners. Many of us take the season’s first snowfall as a sign to hit the treadmill, but it doesn’t have to be. Winter running can be fun and rewarding, even if you only go out as an occasional break from gym workouts, so long as you have the right gear. You’ll want to bring a jacket, a pair of gloves, and a warm hat, of course. And you’ll want a pair of winter running shoes that are made to brave the elements. Non Slip Steel Studs
From snow-covered mountain trails to slushy city sidewalks, winter running shoes will protect your feet and keep you upright on challenging terrain. Running in the winter means dealing with cold temperatures, slippery or wet surfaces, and all kinds of precipitation—rain, snow, and everything in between. Made for road and trail, these shoes are designed to keep your feet dry and resist winter wear. They also offer reliable grip, which is a must no matter where you run in this winter.
Despite the frigid weather, your winter running shoes shouldn’t differ all that much from your standard go-to running shoes. If you run on sidewalks and roads, you’re still going to pick a road shoe, rather than a trail shoe. Likewise, your preferred shoe feel–firm or plush, low or high drop, support to counter overpronation–won’t change just because of the weather. No matter what kind of running shoe experience you like, look for winter running shoes that meet those needs.
Like every rule, though, there is an exception: Many racing-oriented max-cushion shoes, such as the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3, have narrow soles and high stack heights that lift your feet higher off the ground than other running shoes.
That combination can make you feel unstable under ideal circumstances, so pairing them with icy roads can be a recipe for slips and falls. If you prefer a plush, well-cushioned shoe, keep an eye on stack height, or look for a wider sole.
Keeping all of your core preferences in mind, let’s talk about what makes a running shoe especially well-suited to winter running.
Keeping your feet dry while running through rain and snow is very important. If your shoes get soaked, your feet will get cold, leaving you uncomfortable and potentially in danger of getting frostbite. To prevent this issue, many winter running shoes have uppers with an integrated water-resistant membrane.
Gore-Tex membranes are the most common, though other brands have their own versions, like Saucony’s Runshield. These materials block light rain, snow, and splashes, but make the upper less breathable. They also won’t stop water from soaking your feet at the ankles.
When running in more intense or steady rain, some runners forgo waterproof uppers altogether and simply accept that their feet will get wet. In that scenario, a pair of merino wool running socks, which keep your feet warm even when damp, are essential. Personally, I prefer a waterproof upper, but I’ve also taken comfortable (albeit short) winter runs with wet toes in merino socks. Go with what feels best to you.
Keeping your feet warm and comfortable hinges on having a good pair of running socks, but your shoes can help out, too. Avoid the thin, highly porous uppers of premium racing shoes like Saucony’s Endorphin Elite.
Instead, you want to look for uppers with thick mesh, overlays at the front of the toe box, and lots of padding around the ankle and the interior. A beefy upper will trap some heat and provide protection from ice and other debris you might encounter on snow-lined streets.
While running on wet paths, snow and ice, reliable traction is every bit as important as warmth. For winter road running, look for shoes with full-coverage rubber outsoles, rather than small patches on the bottom.
You’ll need plenty of rubber to generate grip on wet, slippery surfaces. It’s also very durable, and won’t wear down as quickly on dirty, gritty pavement. Trail shoes with small, cleat-like lugs can also work well on the pavement, and will provide plenty of grip for road runners. The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX, for example, is made for trails but plays nice with wintertime roads.
If you’re a trail runner facing snow-covered or mucky trails, it’s time to step up to larger lugs–5mm or more. They can dig deep into snow and soft, pliable dirt, creating solid footing where other shoes would slip.
Your requirements will change slightly when the temperature drops below freezing and you find yourself running on ice. Whether you’re on a road or a trail, you should grab a pair of shoes with ice spikes on the outsoles to maintain traction on slippery patches.
Shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Spike and La Sportiva Blizzard GTX are both equipped with metal nubs that bite into ice, preventing slips. Shoes with ice spikes are noisy and uncomfortable on hard surfaces without ice, so they are definitely a niche purchase, but absolutely essential if you plan to run over ice frequently.
Many of the shoes on this list have been vetted or tested by our editors here at Runner’s World or by members of our capable wear-test team. In addition to our own research, we’ve spoken with product engineers, consulted user feedback and reviews, and utilized our own extensive experience in the running shoe industry.
We also analyzed data from our RW Shoe Lab and mechanical tests, where we’ve checked and re-checked each shoe’s energy return, measured its midsole softness and flexibility, and assessed its stability features.
The Hoka Challenger is Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate’s go-to shoe for winter running thanks to its plush midsole, which keeps your feet warm as it serves up a well-cushioned ride. The newest iteration, the Challenger 7, has thicker cushioning than its predecessor, but weighs less. With its rocker-shaped sole, which curves up at the front and back of the shoe, generous compression-molded EVA cushioning and lugged rubber outsole, you move smooth and sure-footed over road and trail.
“I ran through puddles, mud, leaves, wet grass, rocks—you name it,” said one RW wear tester. “Not once did I feel unsteady, uncomfortable, or out of control.”
If you plan to run through snow, we recommend upgrading to the slightly more expensive Challenger 7 GTX, which features a water-resistant Gore-Tex upper. That said, the standard model is a more dynamic winter-ready option, with a snug, comfortable fit and a breathable upper to keep your feet from overheating.
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The Brooks Divide 4 is a comfortable, capable shoe and an excellent bargain buy for winter running. This moderately cushioned trail shoe for neutral runners features Brooks’ DNA Loft cushioning foam, an EVA-based material that generates reliable shock absorption, so you get a smooth, comfortable feel on city sidewalks or forest trails. The mesh upper vents sweat vapor to keep your feet comfy, with overlays to protect them from debris, scrapes, and mud—always important when running in winter weather.
As you’d expect with an all-terrain shoe, the outsole is a highlight on the Divide 4. The full-coverage rubber outsole features widely spaced 3mm lugs that dig into soft ground for sure footing and shed mud with each step, but are shallow enough for road running. The outsoles are also scored with grooves for a little flex in your step. They offer the same level of performance you’d get from a more expensive pair of fairweather trainers.
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Marrying a water-resistant upper with a nylon-plated midsole, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield delivers a mix of all-weather protection, cushioning, and propulsion.
Though not pillowy soft, the midsole feels forgiving thanks to an ample application of Saucony’s PwrrunPB cushioning foam, a light and bouncy material used in the brand’s premium racers. The midsole also features a nylon plate inside, which stabilizes the foot and helps you get more energy return at toe-off. Together, they create a propulsive, peppy sensation as you step through your stride.
More importantly for winter runners, the durable XT-900 rubber on the outsole creates great grip on snowy road shoulders and a reshaped midsole plate better supports the foot through the toe.
“The Endorphin Speed 3’s ride is up there with the best tempo shoes I’ve worn—you get a quick turnover and springy liftoff that still feels stable,” said one tester.
With its low weight, snappy ride, and protective upper, the Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield is a stellar pick for going fast this winter.
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Topo Athletic designed the MTN Racer with a toothy outsole that creates lockdown grip off the pavement, earning a place among our favorite trail shoes of 2023. Its Vibram megagrip outsole and large 6mm lugs hold firm on dirt, mud, and soft ground, so you can confidently propel yourself forward even when the trail turns soggy. It’s a nimble, grippy shoe that excels in difficult conditions.
Like other Topo Athletic shoes, the MTN Racer features a spacious toe box, which gives your toes plenty of room to spread out and makes the shoe feel stable on uneven ground. The latest iteration also includes a beefed up midsole with more cushioning, so you’ll get a comfortable ride with good shock absorption and more protection for your feet.
Last, but certainly not least for winter runners: The upper includes attachment points for a gaiter, so you can keep muck, slush, and other debris out of your shoes. If your route has patches of mud or saturated ground, you’ll be glad to have these shoes on your feet.
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Brooks’ ever-popular Ghost trainer is a reliable recommendation for a wide range of runners, from beginners to experienced marathoners. The weatherproofed “GTX” version–short for Gore-Tex–combines the soft, comfortable midsole of the regular Ghost with a water-resistant upper to keep your feet dry in wet weather. The Gore-Tex layer is bonded directly to the upper, which keeps the upper flexible and reduces weight: The Ghost GTX weighs just a tenth of an ounce more than the normal Ghost.
Beyond that, it features everything we love about the Ghost 15.
The midsole features Brooks’s DNA Loft v2 compound, a lightweight, durable foam that damps impact forces and creates a supportive, if somewhat firm, sensation underfoot. On the bottom, the outsole has plenty of rubber for good durability and grip on the ground. With these shoes in your closet, you can stick to your run routine even when the forecast looks soggy.
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Swedish shoemaker Icebug specializes in sneakers for cold-weather running. The NewRun is a high-performance pick with exceptional grip on icy, snow-covered roads and paths. The secret is its BUGrip outsole, which utilizes a rubber tread embedded with 17 carbide steel studs for superb traction over ice. In addition, the shoe is relatively wide at the midfoot and has a spacious toe box, giving your feet plenty of room and making the shoe feel more stable.
Although the EVA midsole isn’t especially plush, it’s flexible at the forefoot and generates a responsive, comfortable ride. I tried a test pair on a mountain trail run, and the NewRun impressed me with its lively feel and excellent grip, including on rocky surfaces and steep inclines and declines.
Up top, a Gore-Tex upper blocks snow and splashes, and the Boa closure system saves you from fumbling over knots with cold, numb fingers—just turn the dial to your desired tightness. Even turned tight, it may leave a small gap around the ankle, though.
While great for icy sidewalks and trails, the NewRun’s ice studs make awful noise on dry pavement, so I’d save these for cold, snowy days with temps below freezing.
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The TrailFly G 270 (previously known as the TerraUltra G 270) is one of Inov-8’s flagship shoes, and the updated “V2” design features some key updates to make it even more capable and comfortable. Its new and improved upper is made from a more durable mesh that simultaneously greater stretch and breathability, which is especially helpful on longer runs where your feet swell and get hot.
It features the same sole as the original, which RW testers loved for its springy, moderately cushioned feel. The Powerflow Max foam, a blend of EVA and bouncy thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), softens impacts while creating a responsive feel, and the Boomerang footbed—made from TPU foam—adds even more springiness underfoot.
Finally, it has great traction: A thin layer of Inov-8’s ultra-durable graphene-infused outsole rubber and water-dispersing 4mm lugs let the TrailFly tackle the frozen slop you’ll hit on the streets post-snowstorm. Perfect for athletes who like a close-to-the-ground feel in their running shoes, the TrailFly G 270 V2 delivers minimalist cushioning with the sticky grip you need for winter running.
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The Salomon Speedcross 6 was born to slog through the mud. You’ll want to save this shoe for off-road treks where you’ll hit deep snow or soft ground rather than sheets of ice on the sidewalk. Its toothy 5mm lugs ensure a strong hold on gloppy paths, but they’ll poke upwards into your feet on hard terrain.
The upper features a Gore-Tex membrane, so you can plow through melting snow, slush, and mud with dry feet, and the durable ripstop mesh can stand up to scrapes, ice, and debris. It’s also outfitted with Salomon’s Quicklace system, which allows you to secure each shoe by cinching a looped cord, rather than tying laces–that way there’s no fiddling with frozen knots. Quicklace produces a snug but not restrictive fit, and when our testers tried it on the original Speedcross 6, the fine-tuned fit gave them confidence on soupy trails post-snowmelt.
“I’ve been running in versions of the Speedcross forever—I love the fact they brought back a wider forefoot in this model,” said one tester. “It improves the fit and also makes the shoe feel more stable.”
For runs that take you through snow drifts, deep slush, mud, or some combination of all three, this is the shoe to reach for. If you prefer a boost in breathability over waterproofing, the standard Speedcross 6 is a stellar choice, too.
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When the trail gets tough, try on the Blizzard GTX. To create this high-performance trail shoe, La Sportiva threw in everything but the kitchen sink. This upper is built to protect you from anything: Its Gore-Tex membrane keeps water from soaking your feet. TPU toe cap guards against scrapes. There’s also a built-in gaiter that keeps debris, dirt, snow, and slush from slipping inside.
It provides incredible traction: Massive 7mm lugs spread across the full rubber outsole generate reliable traction on soft ground, and nine tungsten alloy spikes give you sure footing on icy paths.
The midsole features a relatively thin layer of EVA foam, so don’t expect much cushioning, but that’s a benefit on gnarly trails, where you’ll need a good feel for the ground. Bottom line: The Blizzard is a top choice for runners who need maximum protection and mountain goat-like traction on challenging routes.
A winter-forward version of Saucony’s longstanding Peregrine trail shoe, the Peregrine Ice+ 3 provides impressive traction in wintry conditions. While it can’t compete with the traction you’ll get from our picks with metal studs for ice, the Peregrine Ice+ 3 has a specialized outsole that generates good traction on snowy, slushy ground.
Like the standard Peregrine, the Ice+ features EVA-based Pwrrun midsole foam paired with a bouncy TPU-based Pwrrun+ sockliner for responsive cushioning, and the wide sole design gives it a stable ride—especially important on slick sidewalks and trails. It also features a water-resistant upper and an embedded rock plate for extra protection from exposed roots or rocks on your path. Underfoot, the outsole is made from Pwrtrac Ice, a special rubber that incorporates bits of glass for extra grip on frozen pavement. The unique outsole worked well in RW testing.
“This Saucony was exceptional across the board,” said one tester, “wonderfully responsive and capable across slippery bridges and loose gravel to snow, with an amazing fit that needed none of my usual lacing tricks.”
With the Peregrine Ice+ 3 on your feet, slush and snowy ground won’t derail your run.
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My running shoes feel firmer than usual in cold temperatures. What’s up with that?
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), one of the most common materials for making midsole cushioning, tends to harden when the temperature drops to around freezing. As a result, many runners complain about their shoes hardening in the cold.
Ideally, I’d recommend looking for winter running shoes with TPU or other, non-EVA cushioning, which won’t freeze up as much. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield, which utilizes a polyether block amide (PEBA) foam, is one good choice.
Do I really need a shoe with ice spikes if I only run outside every once in awhile?
For dealing with occasional ice, you can buy a set of detachable spikes, like Yaktrax or Kahtoola Nanospikes. You can slip these over your running shoes for improved traction on slippery surfaces. I’ve used detachable ice spikes on wintry trail runs and hikes, and they worked very well.
Alternatively, you can go the DIY route and make your own pair of ice-friendly kicks by inserting screws into the bottom of your running shoes. Don’t worry: We’ll walk you through the process.
How do I keep ice, snow, and slush from getting into my shoes around my ankles and soaking my feet?
Running gaiters, which attach to your shoes and cover the area around your ankles, are made specifically to block debris and snow that might otherwise sneak into your shoes. Most gaiters work with any shoe, but some trail shoes have dedicated attachment points that make it to get a perfect fit.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
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