5 Best Winter Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
As opposed to regular running shoes, running shoes for winter are more protective and warm. And to combat slick surfaces, they are also much grippier.
It’s not easy to filter out the best of the best among winter shoes, which is where we come in. We test various running shoes for the cold, snowy, and icy season, and select the most suitable pairs from different categories.
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46 winter running shoes
How we test running shoes
We do not just cherry-pick the shoes we choose to put on this list. Each model goes through a myriad of tests in our own shoe testing lab to determine their quality as winter running shoes.
To examine every model, we carefully go through these:
- Log a minimum of 30-50 miles before giving our feedback
- Cut open each shoe to examine its parts
- Measure every part in various parameters like ventilation, lightness, stiffness, etc.
To give you an idea of how they stack up against other running shoes on the market, we also calculate their CoreScore (a rating of 0-100) from thousands of expert and user reviews.
Best winter running shoes overall
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Fresh Foam X More v4 from New Balance is a maxed-out daily trainer that's best suited for recovery days and anything easy. Whether it's a short walk or a long-distance run, this mammoth of a shoe will keep your feet comfy and well-protected at all times. And what's more awesome is it costs less than its precursor!
Pros
- An armor from fatigue
- REALLY cushy for long days
- Puts life in your run
- A stable ride
- True to size
- Superb heel clutch
- Markdown price
- Built to last
- Reflective
Cons
- Easily feels hot
- Chunky and clunky
- Low energy return
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$105
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$150
Backcountry
Free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$150
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$150
Best winter running shoes for trail
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
$89
Stadium Goods
$110
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best winter 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
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$98
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$138
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Best daily trainer
Hoka Kawana
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
An attempt to merge the world of road running shoes with fitness sneakers, the Hoka Kawana is versatile enough for gym workouts, crossfit sessions and daily short runs. It provides a lot of comfort, durability and a stable ride to both experienced and beginner runners alike.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Secure fit
- Smooth and stable ride
- Protection hits the sweet spot
- Above average durability
- Versatile: running and gym
- Best-looking Hoka so far
Cons
- Not particularly lively
- Firmer than other Hokas
- Needs some breaking in
- Average-at-best grip
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$140
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Amazon
Free shipping
$188
Best winter running shoes for flat feet
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe for those looking to go for a hike, head into the woods for a weekend backpacking trip as well as for an adventurous runner who needs heavy-duty footwear to tackle the more arduous challenges.
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofing
- Highly durable
- Stable platform
- Solid grip
- Also great for hiking
- Roomy toebox
- Convenient lacing
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff sole
- Narrow midfoot
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$170
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 5 best winter running shoes
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