7 Best Snow Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Snow Running Shoes in 2023
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While other people stop and go home because the weather decides to snow, you continue to brave the elements and keep putting one foot in front of the other to reach your goals. For dedicated runners like you, the grind never stops.

That said, it is wise to exercise caution when running outside during the winter months. Having the proper snow running shoes that provide support and protection from the cold and slick surfaces is very important.

To help narrow down your best options, we’ve handpicked 30+ models of snow running shoes available in the market. To make our top recommendations, we’ve tested and analyzed each of them on the road, on the trails, and inside our shoe testing lab.

Best for trail
Altra Lone Peak 6 Altra Lone Peak 6
$140 $83 From Amazon
Best cushioning
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
$160 $89 From Amazon
Best for long distance
Saucony Peregrine 13 Saucony Peregrine 13
$140 $98 From Zappos
Best overall
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield
$130 $71 From Amazon
Best for flat feet
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX
$150 $110 From Amazon
Best value
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2 Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2
$145 $96 From Amazon
Most popular
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
$160 $152 From Amazon
See all 45 snow running shoes

    How we test running shoes

    Every model on this list has been tested and evaluated by our team of wear-testers and editors here at RunRepeat. Aside from our own research, we’ve also gathered more information from other experts in the running shoe industry, as well as feedback and reviews from regular users.

    To make the final cut, our entire approach includes:

    • Purchasing all the shoes we test with our own money to ensure a 100% honest review.
    • Performing a battery of mechanical tests inside our lab, which includes cutting the shoes into pieces and analyzing over 30 parameters, from midsole softness, durability, outsole traction, and many others.
    • Going for short and long runs in cold temperatures and snowy conditions, averaging 30-40 miles on each model. We record every bit of valuable information we get from our rigorous wear tests.
    • Gathering more additional data from other shoe experts and regular users who have tried the shoes.

    To conclude our process, we calculate the CoreScore of each model (a rating of 0-100) based on the aggregated data above. This gives us an idea of how each model stacks up against the other 30+ snow running shoes in the database.

    Best snow running shoes for trail

    Merrell Nova 2 %2025
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cut-2
    Merrell Nova 2 %2022
    Merrell Nova 2 %20921
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Run
    Merrell Nova 2 %2099
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cush
    Merrell Nova 2 %2091
    Merrell Nova 2 %20917
    Merrell Nova 2 %2095
    Merrell Nova 2 %20924
    Merrell Nova 2 %20919
    Merrell Nova 2 %2092
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-360
    Merrell Nova 2 %20913
    Merrell Nova 2 %20912
    Merrell Nova 2 %20918
    Altra Lone Peak 6
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

    Pros

    • Fits true to size
    • Excellent all-round grip
    • Highly durable
    • Great ground feel
    • Feels like it makes you run better
    • Great pull tab
    • Gaiter compatible
    • Brilliant lacing
    • Roomy toe box
    • Fully gusseted tongue

    Cons

    • Stain magnet
    • Not enough cushioning for some
    Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Maroon (AL0A547L666)
    Orange (AL0A547L880)
    Brown (AL0A547L990)
    Blue (AL0A547L305)
    Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
    Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
    Black (AL0A547L020)
    Black (AL0A7R6K020)
    $83
    See deal  
    $101
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $113
    See deal  

    Snow running shoes with best cushioning

    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX review
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-cutting
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX who should buy
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-waterproofing-breathability
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-traction
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX grip
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX in shoe feel
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX cushioning softness durometer
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX test in cold temperature
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX heel stack
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX forefoot stack
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-flex%20measure
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-flex
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-ride
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-cushioning
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-stability
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-landing
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX platform width
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX lightweight
    Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-GTX-heel
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX fit
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX upper forefoot width
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX tongue thickness
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX gusseted tongue
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX price
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX lab measurements
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
    87
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.

    Pros

    • Fantastic waterproofing
    • Grips on everything dry and wet
    • Great for road-to-trail transitions
    • Also for hiking
    • Responsive
    • Stable on rocky terrain
    • Supports moderately flat feet
    • Straight-out-the-box comfort
    • Lighter than other GTX shoes
    • Locked-in heel
    • Worth every penny

    Cons

    • Lacks durability
    • Not for summer runs
    Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black (DC8793001)
    300 celery/volt-black-dusty sage (DC8793300)
    Black/bright crimson (DC8793002)
    Rattan/Thunder Blue/Particle Grey (DC8793200)
    Brown (DO6728200)
    Brown (DR0137200)
    Blå (DC8793401)
    Oil Green/Iron Grey/Total Orange (DO6728300)
    $89
    See deal  
    $110
    See deal  
    No stock  
    No stock  

    Best snow running shoes for long distance

    saucony peregrine 13 onfeet
    saucony-peregrine-13-cutting
    saucony peregrine 13 hands
    saucony-peregrine-13-smoke
    saucony-peregrine-13-light
    saucony peregrine 13 dual
    saucony-peregrine-13-upper
    saucony peregrine 13 microscope close
    saucony peregrine 13 microscope
    saucony-peregrine-13-heel
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole durometer
    saucony-peregrine-13-midsole
    saucony peregrine 13 freezer
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-stability
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole heel
    saucony-peregrine-13-strike
    saucony-peregrine-13-flex
    saucony-peregrine-13-flex-hands
    kailas-fuga-yao-flexibility
    saucony peregrine 13 heel
    saucony peregrine 13 forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-running
    saucony peregrine 13 lugs
    saucony-peregrine-13-rocker
    saucony peregrine 13 logo
    saucony peregrine 13 outsole running
    saucony peregrine 13 outsole durometer
    saucony peregrine 13 insole
    saucony peregrine 13 laces
    saucony peregrine 13 gusset
    saucony peregrine 13 tongue
    saucony peregrine 13 table
    Saucony Peregrine 13
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    As one of the longest-running trail series, it’s safe to say the Peregrine is among the first shoes runners think about when going offroad. It can handle nearly anything you throw at it thanks to its tried-and-true comfort, agility, and traction. But what truly puts the v13 above its predecessors is its thicker slab of midsole foam—making it even more capable for easy days, long slow miles, and the occasional race through punishing terrains.

    Pros

    • Cushioned and protective midsole
    • Better for longer efforts than the v12
    • A good trail racing option
    • Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
    • Mud just falls off the outsole
    • Comfy and airy upper
    • Performance-oriented fit
    • No heel slippage
    • Smooth and natural-feeling ride

    Cons

    • Debris tends to get in
    • Not as fast as other speedwork trail shoes
    • Too-firm midsole
    Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Vapor/Poppy (S2083816)
    Agave/Basalt (S2083825)
    Wood/Fossil (S2083815)
    Fog/Clay (S2083885)
    Arroyo (S1083835)
    Finesse Black (S2083891)
    $98
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    $138
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best snow running shoes overall

    Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield
    87
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    If you want the perfect middle-ground between a waterproof shoe and a regular road running shoe, the Nike Pegasus 38 Shield can do the job. With its weatherized features, it's ideal for training runs during winter. For Nike fans, this is the closest that you could get to a waterproof version of the Pegasus 38. But if you want a dedicated GTX shoe for the road and trail that is also great for winters, take the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX.

    Pros

    • Weatherized upper
    • Fantastic grip
    • Rides like the OG Pegasus 38
    • Lockdown fit
    • Fantastic grip
    • Generous toe box
    • Gusseted tongue

    Cons

    • Hefty
    • Stiff upper
    Full review of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black Orange Total Orange Bronze Eclipse Indigo Burst Grey Fog (DC4073003)
    Black (DC4073001)
    Black Mtlc Dk Grey Med Ash Night Forest Dk Smoke Grey (DC4073002)
    $71
    See deal  
    $79
    See deal  
    $130
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best snow running shoes for flat feet

    Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX
    80
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    People are generally happy with the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX. This trail-optimized model is welcomed because it offers confident traction, a secure and waterproof wrap, and steady underfoot experience. On the other hand, the stiffness of the platform and the restrictive upper are criticized.

    Pros

    • Fit-adjusting lace system
    • Waterproof
    • Protective trail shoe
    • Grippy outsole
    • Supportive midsole

    Cons

    • A bit stiff
    • Restrictive forefoot
    Full review of Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black Green Gecko Green Milieu (L414473)
    grey (L409892)
    Black (L409889)
    Blue (L416292)
    $110
    See deal  
    $128
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best value snow running shoes

    Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2
    88
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    If there's one word to describe the MTN Racer 2 from Topo, it's versatile. So much so that if you're looking for a trail shoe that can handle any distance, any pace, and any terrain, this is the shoe for you. Running ultras is no exception either. However, if you think that this is a road-to-trail shoe, it's not, nor is it the best choice for buffed trails.

    Pros

    • Multisurface traction
    • Soft and flexible
    • Well-fitting
    • Ample protection
    • Lightweight
    • Comfortable upper
    • Great upper lockdown
    • Stylish

    Cons

    • Unstable on steep downhills
    • Lace bite issues
    • Poor drainage
    Full review of Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Mango/Black (M047MANBLK)
    Bone/Black (M047BONBLK)
    $96
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $109
    See deal  
    $145
    See deal  
    $145
    See deal  
    $145
    See deal  

    Most popular snow running shoes

    Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
    81
    Good!

    What makes it the most popular?

    The Ghost 14 GTX is the all-around workhorse for the grab-a-shoe-and-go type of runner. True to its Ghost lineage, it delivers exceptional comfort, solid traction, and a stable ride. If you’re all about hitting mileage goals come (light) rain or shine, this is a shoe that takes the “daily” in daily trainer seriously.

    Pros

    • Fantastic comfort
    • Not-scrunched-up fit
    • Provides stability even on uneven terrain
    • Good to go from day one
    • Smooth ride
    • Simple yet stylish design and colorways
    • Awesome grip, even on wet surfaces
    • Ample padding and cushioning

    Cons

    • Questionable durability and waterproofing
    • Annoyingly short laces that come undone easily
    • Not for narrow feet
    Full review of Brooks Ghost 14 GTX

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/Black/Ebony (020)
    Multicoloured (004)
    Black (015)
    $152
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best snow running shoes

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    # of colorways
    Author
    Jens Jakob Andersen
    Jens Jakob Andersen

    Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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