7 Best Snow Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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.
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
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$81
Backcountry
Free shipping
$105
REI
Free shipping
$105
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$105
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$105
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$113
Snow running shoes with best cushioning
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$83
Stadium Goods
$100
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best snow running shoes for long distance
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$138
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$72
Stadium Goods
$79
Fleet Feet
$98
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$130
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$110
Backcountry
Free shipping
$112
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$160
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$99
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$105
Backcountry
Free shipping
$109
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$145
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$145
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$160
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$160
Comparison of the 7 best snow running shoes
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