7 Best Winter Running Shoes in 2024
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Running shoes for winter are protective, very grippy, and, in most cases, waterproof. Some running shoes are simply not breathable, so they are great for cold weather as long as it is dry.
It’s not easy to filter out the best of the best among winter shoes, which is where we did the work: we tested these running shoes on the trails, in cold and both wet and dry weather, and we inspected the upper in the lab. From observing it to see where it would let the smoke out that we pumped into the shoe to looking at it under a microscope to inspect the density of the threads, vent holes, and all the layers.
We're happy to share our favourite picks with you here. You can also read more about winter shoes, waterproof membranes, grip needed for winter, and much more below.
How we test winter running shoes
This is the process we stick to when reviewing winter running shoes and choosing the top picks:
- We buy all the winter running shoes with our own money. We write and publish exactly what we experience with the shoes. There's no brand or authority dictating us what to write and what to delete.
- We log a minimum of 30-50 miles in each pair of winter running shoes. Anything shorter than that would not allow us to fully understand the shoes' pros and cons.
- We take the shoes to our lab, where we subject them to our standardised tests. Toebox durability, lug depth, foam softness... yes, we measure it all and publish all the lab data in the reviews and in the comparison table where you can add shoes you want to compare.
- We cut the shoes in half to look at all the layers, especially waterproof ones, and to perform lab tests that can't be done on intact shoes.
Best winter running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is an agile performer that thrives in cold and wet settings, handling snowy paths to rainy pavements effortlessly. It’s our top winter running shoe because it carries us through slick surfaces with its reliable traction, homey feel, and snappy cushion.
Safety should always be a priority, especially in icy conditions. We felt secure in this pair since its All Terrain Compound outsole had sticky, rubbery 3.6-mm lugs. This Peg proves its adhesive power on our encounters with frozen surfaces.
With Gore-Tex and compact mesh in the upper, airflow is almost completely blocked, evidenced by our smoke test. With its 1/5 breathability score, it’s highly ideal for winter runs. Our feet remained dry and toasty, leaving us with no excuses to skip our training.
Its 17.5 HA cloud-like cushion feels protective underfoot as it absorbs the impact of repeated landings. It’s delightfully decadent even in sub-zero conditions. Even after our 20-minute freezer test, the cushion remains at a comfortable 23.8 HA. The ReactX foam is not only soft but also incredibly energetic as it keeps up with our faster pace.
We believe this shoe is more suitable for neutral runners as the narrow midsole will feel unsteady for overpronators.
Pros
- High-quality Gore-Tex membrane
- Lighter than the Pegasus Trail 5!
- Fantastic for midfoot strikers
- Doubles as a hiking and walking shoe
- Good ReactX midsole
- Amazing for winter
- Can handle all-day adventures
- Reasonable price hike
Cons
- Ankle instability for heel strikers
- Upper lacks padding
- Limited breathability
- Grip falls short on technical terrain
Best winter running shoes for road
What makes it the best?
In our test runs, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX shows consistent performance even as the weather transitions to sub-zero temperatures. It remains light and comfortable, protecting our feet all around. Our lab results prove it's the ideal winter running shoe for the road.
Even with its cushioning and extra waterproofing, it's a mere 9.6 oz (271g). Feeling natural on foot, it barely put up a fight with our movements. Our lab shows it’s as flexible as the average, needing 29.4N of force to bend to 90 degrees, making it versatile for walks and other activities.
The plush cushioning provides gentle impact for long runs, boasting a substantial stack height of 37.2/28.6 mm to minimise ground feel. Despite its generous padding, the Clifton 9 GTX stabilises landings effortlessly, thanks to its balanced cushioning and wide midsole. With a durometer reading of 23.9 HA, it aligns closely with the average. It even offers an extra 7.4/6.9 mm of space in the forefoot and heel for surefootedness.
This shoe remains reliable in winter conditions, with a modest 16.1% increase in foam firmness compared to the 25.5% average. Additionally, it maintains flexibility better than average in the cold, enhancing overall comfort.
However, while effective in waterproofing, ice-cold air still cuts through the surprisingly breathable upper. We recommend wearing thick socks to stay warm.
Pros
- Exceptionally cushioned
- Comfortable and long-lasting upper
- Ideal for winter conditions
- Only $15 more expensive than the non-waterproof Clifton
- Still remarkably lightweight even with Gore-Tex
- Excellent for easy and moderate-paced runs
- Incredibly stable for neutral runners
- Ultra-durable Durabrasion outsole
Cons
- May be too narrow for many
- Heel-to-toe drop significantly differs from Hoka's claims
- Not enough energy return
- It needs more grip in wet surface
Best road-to-trail running shoes for winter
What makes it the best?
We confirmed through lab tests and outdoor runs that Hoka’s Challenger 7 GTX is the best road-to-trail winter running shoe. With a winter-proof build and maximum cushion, our feet feel at home even during long runs and sub-zero temperatures.
We cut the shoe open and found the outsole is made of Durabrasion rubber. Our durometer shows an 81.0 HC reading, indicating it has a good balance of grip and durability. To enhance traction, it’s lined with 3.8 mm lugs that do the job when we run through icy paths and trails.
Under our microscope lens, we discovered Challenger’s robust upper composed of multiple layers and a Gore-Tex membrane. This explains why we remain warm and toasty. To further lock our body heat in, the tongue is fully gusseted.
Challenger 7 offers exceptional cushioning from landing impact. Our calliper shows a substantial 39.2/28.1 mm stack. The ride feels balanced and we like how it’s not mushy underfoot. What’s even better is it practically stays the same in the cold! While most foams harden by 28.3%, this one only toughens up by 9.7%. Its measurement in the cold is even 18.0% softer than the average at room temperature.
Unfortunately, this already rigid shoe becomes even stiffer in the cold. We recommend those who want more agility in the trails to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Fully waterproof and winter-ready
- Secure lockdown thanks to the gusseted tongue
- Amazing stability
- Provides a comfortable ride on roads and easy trails
- Ideal for long runs
- Generous CMEVA cushioning underfoot
- Surprisingly lightweight given its stack height
- Just $15 more than the regular version
Cons
- Lacks reflective elements
- Potentially too stiff for hiking for some users
- Higher heel-to-toe drop than anticipated
- Ultra-tapered toebox
Winter running shoes with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
We ran with our winter running shoes through the snowy season, cut them open in the lab, and discovered Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 GTX as the best cushioned shoe. We found it to be a balanced trail shoe that ensures no off-season as it delivers the protection, support, and grip we need for frosted paths.
Our runs feel well-protected and planted no matter where we strike our feet. Our calliper shows an above-average 32.9/27.9 mm stack, enabling us to go for longer runs with much comfort. It feels pleasantly firm underfoot, confirmed by our durometer with a 25.8 HA reading.
Our feet were warm and toasty throughout our runs thanks to the solid construction of its upper and the Gore-Tex membrane that blocks off cold air and water. Not a wisp of smoke escaped in our breathability test, earning the lowest 1/5 score, the number we want to see for snowy weather.
Speedgoat 6 GTX delivers a steady ride to confidently tackle icy roads. It features a wider-than-average 118.1/95.7 mm midsole, ensuring safe and sound landings. Meanwhile, underfoot, the Vibram Megagrip outsole lined with 3.9 mm lugs gives us the control we need on the most slippery surfaces and ensures our safety.
This already stiff shoe becomes even more rigid in sub-zero temperatures. Runners seeking a natural ride should find more flexible shoes.
Pros
- Built-to-last durability
- Reliable Vibram traction
- Winter-ready waterproof protection
- Lightweight Gore-Tex membrane
- Smooth rockered ride
- Cushioned for long runs
- Stability improvements
- Secure lockdown
- Fair price jump for waterproof upgrade
Cons
- Zero breathability
- Tapered toebox
- Probably too stiff
- Not ideal for heel strikers
Winter running shoes with the best grip
What makes it the best?
We tested the best winter running shoes through snowy runs and lab examinations and found that Speedcross 6 GTX offers the best grip. With robust lugs, a warm and protective upper, and a supportive platform, we felt agile and confident on icy paths.
Whether we speed through frozen or fresh snow, Speedcross displays excellent traction with robust 5.0 mm lugs. These are 1.5 mm deeper than average for extra grip on softer ground and are intentionally spaced to shed off snow easily. They’re chevron-shaped to enhance control on hilly terrains and sharp turns.
The full Gore-Tex upper keeps our feet warm and dry even in the coldest and wettest conditions. Under our microscope, we saw one of the most tightly-knit mesh uppers. It scored a low 1/5 on our breathability test — effectively keeping cold air out and blocking off water particles even more.
The midsole balances support and comfort through its stable platform and flexible build. The ride feels firm with the EnergyCell foam and our durometer confirms it’s 21.3% harder than average. Together with the rigid heel, these elements enhance our stability for fast-paced cornering. Balancing all the stiffness is an adaptive midsole that bends with a force that’s 20.5% lighter than average.
Those seeking a more cushioned ride may feel Speedcross is too harsh underfoot. We recommend exploring other options for better comfort.
Pros
- Fully functional Gore-Tex membrane
- Ample cushioning for long adventures
- Excels in challenging, technical terrain
- Rapidly sheds mud
- Agile and tenacious grip on twisted trails
- Remarkable durability
- Ideal for heel strikers
Cons
- Completely lacks breathability
- Midsole could feel overly firm for some
- Exceptionally heavy
- Narrow, snug-fitting toebox
Winter running shoes with the best durability
What makes it the best?
With its airtight upper, firm midsole, and stiff 3D chassis, the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX feels like armour. This shoe proved its defence against unwanted elements in our runs and lab tests, making it hands-down the most durable winter running shoe.
In our permeability test, the Gore-Tex membrane effectively kept smoke and light out, earning the lowest 1/5 score. While this doesn’t sound ideal, it’s actually perfect for winter since it blocks snow and cold winds out and traps our body heat in.
Moving to the middle layer of defence, we have the firm midsole, which our durometer reveals is 23.6% denser than average. It doesn’t feel too harsh underfoot. Rather, it offered some rebound in our runs and remarkable stability. The 3D chassis also maintains our balance on uneven terrains by resisting any form of twists and ankle rolls. Our manual assessment also shows a high torsional rigidity of 5/5.
We find that the Contagrip outsole, with 2.8 mm lugs, is a healthy mix of grip and durability. This is confirmed by our steadiness on icy paths and the minimal amount of wear we observed after extensive testing.
The toebox tapers quite aggressively to the front, leaving little room for natural toe splay for those with wide feet or thick socks. For reference, it’s at 75.7 mm vs. the 78.1 mm average.
Pros
- Incredibly protective
- Extremely stable and supportive
- Great traction even on wet surfaces
- Watertight Gore-Tex upper
- Flexible and forgiving on the foot
- Makes a great hiking companion
- Effectively dampens landings
- Generously padded from heel to tongue
- No lace bite whatsoever
- Durable, high-quality construction
- Simple yet snazzy design
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Rather firm cushioning
- Upper needs breaking in
- Lacks the agility for technical trails
Best affordable winter running shoes
What makes it the best?
Winter running demands warmth, comfort, and strong traction—and that’s exactly what the Nike Winflo 11 GTX delivered in our runs for only £130, making it our best affordable pair for this category. For reference, the average Gore-Tex shoe costs £150. Our lab tests validate the protection and relief we experienced in this shoe.
Winflo 11 GTX offers cushioning beyond its value, rising to a colossal 39.0 mm in the heel, shielding us from harsh impact. Plus, the foam feels extra gentle to the touch, validated by our durometer with a low 15.4 HA reading. The midsole also includes a full-length Air unit that adds a nice touch of bounce to our runs.
We had no excuse to miss training because the Gore-Tex material in the upper completely shut off the cold air and kept our body heat trapped inside the shoe. The upper’s densely designed fabric sustained a low 1/5 breathability score in our smoke test and gave us high levels of comfort with its padding.
Whether we ran through fresh or melted snow, the Storm-Tread outsole’s traction is significantly felt. With V-shaped lugs, it performs best in wet conditions and can even channel water away.
However, the midsole stiffens by 54.4% to 23.8 HA, which is still on the softer side. However, those who prefer a consistent feel throughout the year should take note of this change.
Pros
- Plush midsole
- Massive heel stack
- Fantastic Gore-Tex upper
- Superb traction on wet roads
- A-tier upper durability
- Awesome value
- Full-length air unit
- Made for heel strikers
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not very stable
- Midsole firmens significantly in cold temperatures
- Bad performance on dry roads
- High drop may not suit all footstrikes
4 must-haves in winter running shoes
We recommend looking for these 3 features:
- Shoes that don’t become bricks in winter, meaning they don’t become insanely firm and stiff
- Warm shoes. Shoes that don’t breathe (well) trap the heat and are better for winter
- Waterproof membrane if you plan to run in wet weather as well (maybe snow)
- Grip that will keep you safe and upright wherever you run (road, trail)
Performance in cold weather: lab tests
There are 2 tests that we perform at room temperature and after freezing the shoes: measuring the softness of the midsole and the stiffness of the shoe.
We do this to simulate cold weather conditions and investigate what happens with the feel and performance of the shoe.
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When it comes to interpreting the results, the bigger the difference in the results (room temperature vs post-freezer), the bigger the change in the shoe's performance. However, some shoes are very flexible (or soft) to start with, so even with the big change, they remain averagely flexible (or soft) looking at the big picture (all running shoes we have tested). That means you will notice the change, but it does not mean that it’s impossible to run in such a shoe in cold weather. |
When looking at the durometer results, it’s important to note that softer foams are rated with lower numbers on the durometer, and higher numbers indicate a firmer midsole.
Measuring the stiffness of the shoe in RunRepeat lab: 15.6N was needed to bend the shoe at room temperature (the average is 28.7N). After the freezer, we needed 52.1% more force, which means the shoe got 52.1% stiffer
When we look at the stiffness results, higher numbers on our digital force gauge mean that we had to use more force to bend the shoe. Therefore, such shoes are stiffer. Lower numbers describe more flexible shoes as they were easier to bend so we used less force.
When you read reviews on our website, you can always see how the shoe compares to the overall average if you need a broader context.
Road winter shoes with the smallest stiffness and softness changes in cold weather
Trail winter shoes with the smallest stiffness and softness changes in cold weather
Warmth needed: finding the best upper for winter
Warm shoes are shoes that trap the heat which means they do not breathe. Fortunately, we have data on this!
Testing the breathability of the shoes in RunRepeat lab
When we pump the smoke into the shoe, we wait to see the smoke come out. We pay attention to the location—where it comes out—and the amount—how much comes out and at what pace. Based on this, we rate the shoe's breathability on a 1-5 scale. Winter shoes are rated 1/5, meaning they do not breathe at all.
To investigate this further, we put the upper under the microscope.
Breathable uppers have a loose structure and maybe even large ventilation holes, while non-breathable uppers have a very tight structure or noticeable layers that are too thick for the air to get out.
And here, you should make a decision. Do you need a regular warm winter running shoe or a waterproof one? Waterproof ones are more expensive but definitely needed if you plan to run while it’s raining or snowing! Or if there are puddles or mud on our way.
Waterproof running shoes feature a waterproof membrane, the most popular being GTX or Gore-Tex. We wrote a lot about waterproof running shoes, how to recognise them and what to look out for in our Guide on waterproof running shoes.
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Keep in mind that waterproof running shoes are not a good idea when the water levels are too high, meaning the water will get inside your shoes. Then, that water is staying in. Regardless of what the producers of waterproof membranes are saying, those uppers are not breathable enough for the shoe to dry out on its own as you continue running. Plus, in winter, it’s too cold for that to happen. |
Road: grip in winter running shoes
Here again, we have to know: do you plan to run in cold but dry weather or in cold wet weather? Because the outsoles that work well on dry surfaces look significantly different from outsoles that grip wet surfaces.
Here are our general recommendations:
- Look for maximal rubber coverage. The exposed midsole simply slides on wet flat surfaces.
- Look for a lot of grooves and channels. Channels work the same as in car tyres.
To paint the picture, look at the examples below.
Trails: best grip for winter runs
If you plan to run on trails in winter, there are again 3 options: running in dry weather, wet weather, or a mix of both. Here’s what we recommend:
- Lugs that are 2mm or less thick: for road-to-trail adventures where you’re doing a bit of everything.
- Lugs that are 2-4mm thick: for moderate terrain.
- Lugs that are thicker than 4mm: for technical terrain. This is especially important for mud and snow.
Of course, lugs don’t tell the whole story. We should also look at the construction of the shoe, whether the fit is aggressive, whether it’s bulky, and what’s the tread pattern like.
Based on our experience, we recommend looking for patterns like these:
- Aggressive wide and thick lugs that are placed further apart: they are great for gripping and shedding mud
- More lugs that are multidirectional work great on varying terrain (downhills and uphills)
- Varied angles and shapes of lugs are great for lose ground like sand or soft-ground trails covered in debris
Outsole durability in winter running shoes
We’ve put so much focus on the outsoles because they are in charge of the grip but, what if they just wear out too soon? What if there’s no more rubber left to protect you and offer grip? Well, then we suggest getting new shoes.
Testing the durability of the outsole in road winter shoes
Fortunately, we test the durability of the outsole in our lab to get an idea of whether there will be premature wear. We use a dremel for this test, and we press it against the outsole (both in road and trail shoes, except in trail, we press it against the lugs) always at the same time duration, RPMs, and force.
Testing the durability of the outsole in trail winter shoes
Once the damage is done, we use a tyre tread gauge to precisely measure how deep the dent is. The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole. So, we want the numbers to be as small as possible.
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