7 Best Winter Running Shoes For Women, 40+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Running outside during the winter is like navigating an obstacle course full of slush puddles, snowdrifts, and frozen sidewalks. If you want to protect your feet from freezing conditions, you need to have the right pair of winter running shoes.
When shopping for the best winter running shoes for women, consider the ones that come with Gore-Tex, insulation technology, or spikes. It is also important to check out the shoe’s outsole to see if there's some solid traction that will keep you upright on snowy paths.
To help you narrow down your best options, we’ve rounded up 30 winter running shoes for women and selected our top picks in different categories such as best overall performance, budget, road or trail, and the most popular options.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest stabilityBest mediumBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test running shoes
Our staff at RunRepeat does not just cherry-pick certain models or brands to add to this list. Each pair of winter running shoes goes through a battery of tests on and off the road and in our independent shoe testing lab to closely examine the quality (or lack of quality).
To determine the strengths and weaknesses of every model, we carefully follow the following process:
- Buy all the shoes on this list with our own money
- Cut each shoe into its essential parts for measurement and weighing
- Measure over 30 parameters of the shoe like heat technology, durability, water resistance, et cetera
- Log at least 30 to 50 miles on average before giving our feedback
- Gather more information from shoe experts and regular users
To conclude the whole process, we calculate the CoreScore (a rating of 0-100) of each model based on the comparative data we have gathered above. The final ratings give you the idea of how each pair of shoes stacks up against other women’s winter running shoes on the market.
Best women's winter running shoes overall
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$85
Nike
$105
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$120
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 17% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Nike running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
Best trail winter running shoes for women
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 30% in Gore-Tex running shoes
- Top 26% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Superb protection
- All-day comfort
- Smooth, pleasant ride
- Waterproof, yet breathable
- Roomy toe-box
- Secure fit
- Grippy even on wet rocks
- Extremely stable
- Sturdy and durable
- No breaking-in needed
- Doubles as a hiker
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Too firm underfoot for some
- Not particularly responsive
Verdict
Many runners know the Cascadia. It was one of the most popular trail running shoes back in the day, and with the 16th version, it has received a solid update. It’s nearly an all-new shoe and one that excels at protecting and keeping the feet stable on a variety of terrains, whether you are out for an ultramarathon or a short hike. This GTX version is also effective against bad weather, and overall a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best neutral winter running shoes for women
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 RunShield
REI
Free shipping
$170
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$170
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$180
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$180
CoreScore
- Top 19% in road running shoes
- Top 12% in waterproof running shoes
Pros
- Great water resistance
- Keeps feet warm & toasty
- Good breathability for a weatherized shoe
- Stiff upper provides good lockdown
- Wide base and sidewalls keep you feeling centered
- Orthotics-friendly
- Wide toebox
- Works for all types of runs
- Can double as a race-day shoe
- Lightweight
Cons
- Questionable traction on slick conditions
- Heel counter can cause blisters
- Pricey
Verdict
Not a lot of shoes can brag about getting as much fanfare as the Endorphin Speed 3. With the release of its warmer and water-resistant RunShield version, fans can enjoy this daily speedster's awesome ride no matter the weather. It's a do-it-all shoe that does even more!
Best stability winter running shoes for women
Diadora Mythos Blushield 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$70
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$145
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
Pros
- Soft and bouncy ride
- Cozy upper
- Plenty of support
- Roomy toe box
- Extremely durable outsole
- Secure lockdown
- Surprisingly flexible
Cons
- Heavy
- Not for summer days
Verdict
Probably best known for tennis and football products, the Italian brand Diadora has in recent years started offering some compelling running shoes. The Mythos Blueshield 6 is a stability model that reviewers found to be supremely cushioned, delivers a fun ride, and at the same time a high degree of support for overpronators. It excels on daily, easy, and recovery runs, but the amount of protection underfoot makes it a perfect choice for long efforts too.
Best winter medium toebox running shoes for women
Brooks Ghost 14 GTX
Amazon
Free shipping
$153
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 19% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
Best value winter running shoes for women
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$96
Nike
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 18% in trail running shoes
- Top 18% in Nike running shoes
- Top 21% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Superb gaiter-like upper
- Comfy and peppy ride
- Versatile door-to-trail
- Grippier than the standard version
- Light for a GTX shoe
- Very stable
- No breaking-in needed
- Welcomes wide feet
- Appealing design
Cons
- Lack of reflective details
- Not for technical terrain
Verdict
The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX isn't just a waterproof version of the regular Pegasus Trail. By adding an excellent outsole and a very protective new upper, it’s become a much better shoe overall. Fun, surprisingly light, and extremely comfortable for short and medium distances, it’s a superb all-around performer that testers just loved.
Most popular winter running shoes for women
CoreScore
- Top 18% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Bad-weather-resistant
- Super grippy even on wet
- Comfy
- Above average durability
- Plenty stable
- Bargain price
- Outstanding look
- Doubles as a gym/casual shoe
Cons
- Firmer than before
- Unexciting ride
- Too warm for summer
Verdict
The Nike Winflo 8 Shield is the miserable-weather version of the standard Winflo. The addition of a water-resistant membrane brings needed value to this beginner-friendly, gym-ready daily trainer and makes it a worthier choice. Add to the table a confidence-inspiring outsole, surprising durability, and a stylish design, and you have it.
