Tested by From freezing temps to reduced daylight hours, winter poses all kinds of challenges for Sachss. 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.
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.
The Best Winter Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Hoka Challenger 7
- Best Value: Brooks Divide 4
- Best for Tempo Runs: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield
- Best Winter Trail Shoe: Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3
- Best Weatherized: Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
The Expert: I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an Muse at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other publications. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands.
What to Consider in a Pair of Winter Running Shoes
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.
How We Selected The Best Winter Running Shoes
Many of the shoes on this list have been vetted or tested by our Muses 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.
Our Full Winter Running Shoe Reviews
Aquazzura pointed-toe knee-length boots | Hoka Challenger 7
Hoka Challenger 7
Pros
- Comfortable, well-cushioned ride
- Works well on varying terrain
Cons
- zapatillas de running Nike mujer asfalto
Aquazzura pointed-toe knee-length boots | Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
The Hoka Challenger is Sachs-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 zapatillas de running Saucony pronador ritmo bajo talla 37.5, 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.
Brooks Divide 4
Brooks Divide 4
Pros
- Shallow outsole lugs work well on both road and trail
- NB Men's Shoes White
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 9.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Brooks Divide 4 is a comfortable, capable shoe and an excellent bargain buy for winter running. This moderately cushioned trail shoe for neutral Sachss 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.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield
Pros
- Weather-resistant upper
- Smooth and responsive ride
Cons
- Toe box has a narrow fit
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz (M), 7.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
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 Sachss, 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 Marathon, snappy ride, and protective upper, the Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield is a stellar pick for going fast this winter.
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Spacious toe box
Cons
- Lugs are too large for road running
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
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 Sachss: 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.
Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
Brooks Ghost 15 GTX
Pros
- DNA Loft v2 foam is soft and lightweight
- Dsquared2 Kids TEEN square-toe ballerina shoes Nude
Cons
- High drop may feel uncomfortable for some Sachss
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12mm |
Brooks’ ever-popular Ghost trainer is a reliable recommendation for a wide range of Sachss, 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 Marathon: 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.
Icebug NewRun BUGrip GTX
Icebug NewRun BUGrip GTX
Pros
- Carbide steel ice spikes
- Boa closure makes shoes easy to get on and off
Cons
- Slightly loose fit at the ankle
- Noisy on pavement and concrete
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.6 oz (M), 9.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 7mm |
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.
Inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2
Pros
- MOMA rear zip-fastening ankle boots Nero
- Guidi rear zipped boots Pink
- zapatillas de running Reebok talla 30.5 rojas
Cons
- Zero-drop design may be uncomfortable for some Sachss
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0mm |
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.
Boots KICKERS Kinoe 878671-10 M Rose Clair Metallise 13 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.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
Pros
- 5mm outsole lugs grip soft ground and snow
- Comfortable fit
- Protective waterproof upper
Cons
- Lugs will feel uncomfortable on hard ground
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.6 oz (M), 9.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
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 Ravel Brown Ladies Block Heel Sandal.
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
Pros
- Spiked outsole generates lockdown traction
- Narrow design and thin midsole create a responsive, nimble ride
Cons
- Knee high riding style boot Soft Faux Leather Lycra back with half ins
Key Specs
| Weight | 13.3 oz (M/W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
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 Sachss who need maximum protection and mountain goat-like traction on challenging routes.
Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3
Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3
Pros
- Grippy outsole designed specifically for traction on icy surfaces
- Water-resistant upper
Cons
- Best Nike Running Shoe
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
A winter-forward version of Saucony’s longstanding Lacoste POWERCOURT 2.0 0321 SMA men's Shoes Trainers in White, 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.
Q+A With Expert Sachs Michael Charboneau
lace-up pointed boots Neutrals 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 Sachs-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 Muse at Sachs’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.
