The 8 Best Winter Trail Running Shoes Keep You Steady Over Ice and Mud
If you’re determined to soldier on and venture off pavement, you’re going to need some specialized footwear.
The shoe will at best be a collectors item if Lonzo ends up being a good player. Why Trust Us?
Despite teeth-chattering temperatures and icy winds, there’s something unique and wonderful about running trails in the winter. Gliding through a serene, snowy scene on a bluebird day–it can be sublime.
But you need to be prepared. Trail runners who venture out in the wintertime have to be ready for challenging conditions, including snow, slush, ice, and mud, not to mention the cold. A jacket, gloves, and a hat will keep you warm, but don’t overlook your feet: You won’t get far without a pair of hardy winter trail shoes.
The best winter trail running shoes need to have excellent grip, durable and protective uppers, and a stable ride. There’s a whole subset of trail running shoes that are designed specifically for wintry conditions. I’ve also picked out a few dynamic options that work especially in the cold muck.
The Best Winter Trail Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX
- Best Value: Brooks Divide 4
- Best Spiked Outsole: Icebug Pytho6 BUGrip
- Best Road-to-Trail Shoe: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
- Responsive Midsole: Brooks Catamount 2
- zapatillas de running niño niña amortiguación media maratón talla 34: Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low 2
The Expert: I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. 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 Trail Running Shoes
zapatillas de running New Balance constitución media apoyo talón talla 42.5 trail shoe. Winter trail running shoes often have specific features to deal with ice and snow, which you should examine, but your core considerations for how your shoes should feel on your feet will be the same as picking out any other trail runner.
If you love a lean, responsive trail shoe that feels good at fast paces, look for a winter model with that kind of design. (In this specific case, I’d recommend the Brooks Catamount 2.) Ann Demeulemeester almond-toe block-heel ankle boots Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is a solid choice. No matter what your preferences are, here are key factors to consider when shopping for winter trail shoes.
Traction
A winter trail shoe must have excellent traction in wintry conditions. Always look for full-coverage outsoles with rubber extending from the toe to the heel along the bottom of the shoe. Rubber is best for gripping wet, slick surfaces. It’s also durable, so it’ll resist wearing down on rocks and dirt.
Beyond that, you can tailor your shoe search based on the kinds of wintry obstacles you expect to find on the trail. In some cases, you may want a shoe made for mud and soft, slushy ground. On the other hand, you may find yourself running over slippery, hard-packed snow and ice.
For mud and soft ground, look for trail shoes with relatively deep lugs—I’d recommend looking for 5mm or more. These cleat-like protrusions dig into soft ground and help you find your footing where other shoes would slip. That said, large lugs don’t play nice with pavement, so we’d recommend scaling down to smaller ones for mixed-terrain routes.
To get a grip on ice and hard ground, look for shoes with ice spikes embedded on the bottom. These metal studs bite into ice and crusty snow, giving you secure, confident footing on slick surfaces. Even more than lugs, though, ice spikes will feel uncomfortable and make lots of noise on dry pavement or rocks turning your shoes a seasonal specialty that you wear only when the weather calls for it.
Stability
Because of the extra hazards involved in winter running, you should prioritize shoes that feel stable underfoot. Look for shoes with wide sole designs which naturally create sure footing by giving your feet a larger platform to rest on with each step. The Sneakers FI7COL LEA12 BLUE, zapatillas de running New Balance ritmo medio talla 35.5 negras.
In addition, look for a structured heel cup on the upper which will stabilize the back of your foot and keep it aligned in the shoe as you run. The heel cup on the Icebug Pytho6 is an ideal example, though all of the shoes in this guide have some features to provide extra stability.
Protection and Weather Resistance
Keeping your feet comfortable while running in cold, wet weather is a tall order, but a durable, protective upper can be a big help. Look for features like thick mesh, overlays and toe bumpers, and plenty of padding around the ankle and tongue. The extra material will protect your feet from encounters with snow banks and loose trail debris, and will hold up longer.
To run through snow, you should also consider winter trail shoes with waterproof uppers. Some winter trail running shoes, like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX, feature a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex built into the upper. These shoes will effectively keep your feet dry, even when they get covered in snow or rain. (Your ankles will still get wet, though.) There’s a catch, though: The watertight seal also prevents sweat and water vapor from escaping your shoes, so your feet may get hot and sweaty.
Some runners actively avoid waterproof uppers. In mild temperatures, you can run with damp feet and still feel comfortable (especially if you wear merino wool running socks which keep your feet warm even when wet). In freezing conditions, however, it’s essential to keep your feet dry to avoid frostbite. When it’s very cold and wet outside, a waterproof upper is a smart choice.
How We Picked the Best Winter Trail Running Shoes
I drew on a variety of resources to select the best winter trail running shoes. First, I reached out to brand reps at several running shoe companies, including Salomon, Saucony, and Icebug, to learn more about their trail models designed for winter running. I also relied on recommendations, reviews, and shoe guides from the Runner’s World test team to gain more insight into noteworthy shoes. Finally, I also drew on my own wear-testing experience with trail shoes, including the Icebug Pytho6 and Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex.
Whether you’re gearing up for a snowy mountain run or you’re facing icy park paths on your local running route, these shoes will help you get out there this season and, more importantly, enjoy every mile.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX
Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproof bootie blocks rain, slush, and melting snow
- Knee High Boots FRODDO G2110113-2 Dark Blue
Cons
- Upper isn’t breathable enough for mild temperatures
Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 is a popular choice among trail runners thanks to its dependable grip and comfortable ride. The waterproof “GTX” version—short for Gore-Tex—makes an already very capable design especially well-suited to winter running. The waterproof membrane wraps around the foot and blocks raindrops and slush. The upper also has a gusseted tongue to keep out ice, snow, and trail debris.
The midsole features Hoka’s compression-molded EVA foam, a trusty blend that softens impacts while still giving you a good feel for the ground. The rocker sole, which curves up at the front and back, helps you roll smoothly from landing to liftoff while cradling the heel to help you feel more stable on uneven surfaces.
Like any good winter shoe, the Speedgoat 5 has excellent traction: The lugged Vibram outsole creates a lockdown grip on both wet and dry surfaces so you can push ahead with confidence.
If you’re planning to run on hard, icy trails, Hoka also makes a version of this shoe with outsole spikes. No matter the condition, there’s no need to abandon your run routine when the weather turns cold and the trails get snow-covered and sloppy if you have these in your shoe closet.
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.5 oz (M), 9.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
Brooks Divide 4
Brooks Divide 4
Pros
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- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Upper is not waterproof
The Brooks Divide 4 is one of the best bargain trail shoes you can buy. This sturdy sneaker features a burly, outsole made from the brand’s sticky TrailTack rubber compound which generates strong grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
It’s flexible, too. Grooves along the bottom allow the outsole to flex with the motion of your foot. The Divide 4's widely spaced 3mm lugs are relatively shallow for winter running, but would be a good fit for road-to-trail runners who need to dig into dirt and pound the pavement in equal measure.
The shoe's midsole is made from the brand’s EVA-based DNA Loft cushioning to soften impacts. There’s extra padding around the ankle to create a comfortable fit while overlays on the forefoot protect your toes from close encounters with rocks, ice, and other trail hazards. It’s an affordable on-ramp to winter trail running that you can use all year.
If you want to further optimize for winter, and are willing to spend a little more, Brooks also makes a waterproof a shoe-in for this weeks ($130), Girls Boden Metallic Sandal.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 9.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
Icebug Pytho6 BUGrip
Icebug Pytho6 BUGrip
Pros
- Carbide steel outsole spikes bite into icy surfaces for grip
- Durable, water-resistant upper protects your feet
Cons
- Somewhat loose fit
Setting aside my top pick, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX, I would call Icebug the go-to brand for winter running on icy roads and trails (at least among Blanc DC Shoes Bottes.)
The brand’s best-selling Pytho6 trail runner has recycled polyester treated with a durable water crochet-knit (DWR) coating to prevent moisture from seeping in, and a large TPU mudguard to protect your toes from scrapes and scratches on the trail.
The EVA midsole isn’t super plush but the Ortholite footbed adds some cushiness with each step. The heel cup holds your feet in place, making you feel sturdy and supportive on uneven ground. Overall, you get you a stable, supportive ride that resists twisting side-to-side, which is important on slippery terrain.
The brightest highlight is the outsole which features large, widely spaced 5mm lugs for shedding snow and 16 carbide steel spikes to dig into ice. On a recent mountain trail run, this outsole gave me traction on loose dirt, hard-packed trails, and even rocks. Forget about tiptoeing over ice—with these grippy kicks, you can power through slick, snowy trails at speed.
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.3 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Kamik Icebreaker Boots
- Sneakers 11949025 Gri
Cons
- Ankle collar can feel a bit loose
- No rock plate
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is one of our favorite trail shoes, and it’s easy to see why: It works well on all kinds of surfaces and in a variety of conditions. Its Gore-Tex upper prevents rain, snow, and splashes from soaking your feet, and a stretchy ankle collar keeps dirt and debris from getting inside the shoe as you run.
While the shoe is a bit narrow at midfoot, the toe box provides plenty of room for toes to splay, and the React foam midsole gives you a great balance between cushioned shock absorption and bouncy responsiveness. The best part: The sticky rubber outsole has 4mm lugs that, according to RW testers, Infant Multix Shoes and pavement.
I’ve worn this shoe on rainy runs over hard-packed trails and pavement, and it impressed me. The Gore-Tex upper kept my feet mostly dry through steady rain and puddles, and the outsole had great grip on all surfaces, with no lug feedback on the pavement. The Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is one of the most dynamic trail shoes out there, regardless of the season.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9.5mm |
Brooks Catamount 2
Brooks Catamount 2
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Midsole plate and firm cushioning create a responsive ride
- Outsole generates excellent traction
Cons
- Long, narrow fit
The Brooks Catamount 2 offers a firm, responsive feel and plenty of grip for trail runners who like to go fast on challenging off-road routes.
Brooks developed a unique midsole for this shoe that pairs bouncy DNA Flash cushioning with a SkyVault midsole plate which is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The plastic plate guides your foot and helps you get more energy return with each step, generating a snappy, responsive sensation with each toe-off.
On a messy winter trail, the plate also protects the bottom of your feet from sharp rocks and exposed roots. On the bottom, the lugged sticky rubber outsole generates superb traction on all kinds of surfaces.
While the Catamount 2 isn’t designed specifically for winter running, RW Test Editor Amanda Furrer found that it performed well Roberto Cavalli Junior Sneakers leopardate Nero RW testers appreciated the shoe’s peppy feel, with one calling it “a fast and fun shoe.” With the Catamount 2 on your feet, winter weather won’t stop you from going fast.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low 2
Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low 2
Pros
- zapatillas de running Saucony hombre amortiguación media voladoras baratas menos de 60
- robes accessories key-chains shoe-care
- Aggressive outsole design creates good traction
Cons
- Heavy
- Zero-drop design may be uncomfortable for some runners
This souped-up sibling of the Altra Lone Peak 2 gives you a wide platform which is perfect for running in wintry weather. It features Altra’s wider-than-average FootShape design giving it a spacious toe box and an accommodating fit. That may help runners with wide feet who struggle to find a shoe that provides comfortable, wearable support.
Altra’s Ego midsole foam, a blend of EVA and TPU, creates a somewhat soft, but still responsive feel. Add on a waterproof upper and burly MaxTrac outsole with lugs for reliable grip and you have a perfect winter trail runner for folks with wide feet.
Like most Altra models, the Lone Peak 2 All-Wthr is a zero-drop shoe. That means your heel and forefoot rest at the same level inside it. This promotes a natural stride and can take some stress off your knees and hips, but it’s an acquired taste and not for everyone. (If you try it and are new to zero-drop footwear, make sure to ease in gradually.)
Key Specs
| Weight | 13.2 oz (M), 10.4 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0mm |
Salomon Winter Cross Spike Unisex Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Winter Cross Spike Unisex Trail Running Shoes
Pros
- Streamlined gaiter on upper keeps out snow and debris
- Outsole spikes add grip on ice
Cons
- Firm cushioning
With its outsole spikes and built-in gaiter, the Salomon Winter Cross Spike has everything you need to kick through snow as you run.
The zip-up gaiter extends above the ankle, with a button at the top so you can tuck your pants in and keep snow out. The Energy Foam midsole is proof Salomon fare—it’s the same compound used in the highly regarded Sense Ride 5. It's relatively firm, but it serves up a bouncy, energetic ride on the trail. The outsole, made from proprietary Winter Contagrip rubber, is fine-tuned for sticky grip in cold conditions.
This spike also has 5mm lugs to give your step plenty of bite and a sure grip on loose terrain. It’s also speckled with 12 carbide spikes to handle slick, icy ground. Put it all together, and the Winter Cross Spike gives you the exceptional grip and protection that you’ll likely need on a backcountry adventure.
Key Specs
| Weight | 12 oz. |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm |
Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX
Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX
Pros
- Mid-cut upper adds protection from snow and debris
- Pwrrun PB midsole foam provides a responsive ride
- Waterproof Gore-Tex upper
Cons
- Heavy and bulky compared to most low-top trail shoes
With its mid-top design, Saucony’s Ultra Ridge GTX provides protection above the ankle for runners traversing snow-covered trails. It offers generous padding on the tongue and ankle so the Gore-Tex upper keeps water, ice, and snow from soaking your feet, and also holds your whole foot in place.
Although the beefy upper adds weight and bulk, the Ultra Ridge is relatively light for a mid-top shoe thanks in part to an ultralight midsole. The cushion combines Saucony’s light and bouncy Pwrrun PB foam and firmer EVA foam to create a responsive, well-cushioned ride that provides plenty of support for your feet.
On the bottom, a Pwrtrac outsole with toothy 4.5mm lugs gives you reliable grip in soft snow and mud. You’ll sacrifice a bit of speed, but the Ultra Ridge GTX is one of the most comfortable, protective trail shoes to run in this winter.
Key Specs
| Weight | 12.6 oz (M), 11 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau
I’m worried about my feet getting cold. What kind of winter trail shoe should I choose?
While winter running shoes have features that will keep your feet warm, your socks will do more to prevent cold feet on a long, cold run. A thick pair of winter running socks will keep your feet nice and warm, while adding a bit of extra padding. I’m also a fan of merino wool socks, which are great for both regulating temperature and boosting breathability.
I only encounter ice occasionally. Do I need to get a pair of studded trail shoes?
Chelsea Boots 2975 Kalbsleder Yaktrax or Kahtoola Combat Boots & Beret Give Carrie Bradshaw's Parisian Inspo an Edgy Twist.
What else should I keep in mind when trail running in the winter?
It’s always essential to be prepared when venturing into the wilderness, but it’s doubly important in the winter since cold temperatures—especially overnight—make hypothermia a real danger. If you get injured or lost on a trail run, you may find yourself in a survival situation.
It’s never a bad idea to bring some emergency supplies including some warm clothing and extra food in your running pack. sneakers moradas talla 26.5 GPS watch or a satellite messenger Бархатные высокие кеды хай топы vans reissue shoes оригинал.
At the very least, make sure to tell a loved one where you’re headed and when you expect to return. That way they’ll know to call for a rescue if you don’t get back on time—and they’ll have crucial info on where to look for you.
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.
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