Winter poses enough challenges for runners. Between the frigid temps, variable weather and short days, just mustering up the will to step foot outdoors can cause even the most motivated runner to think twice — or retreat to the hamster wheel known as the treadmill. At the same time there’s also a refreshing lively feeling one gets when forgoing climate control in favor of braving the elements. The sense of pride and knowing nod from each runner you pass solidifies the notion: I’m a real runner.
But while mental fortitude may get you out the door, it won’t keep you warm and dry. Only the right winter running gear can do that. We're talking jackets, hats, gloves, tights and, perhaps most important, shoes.
Two things make a shoe more suitable for winter verses summer running: grip and waterproofing. Most slips, trips and falls in the winter are due to poor grip. Most road running shoes have awful grip on snow, while winter-specific ones boast grippier soles. Trail running shoes also embrace traction, with strategically placed lugs digging into snow for better footing. Waterproofing, on the other hand, is less about safety and more about comfort. Consistently having to dodge slush and water puddles like landmines can get old fast.
To help make your winter runs safer and more comfortable, we’ve compiled a list of the best winter running shoes. So next time mother nature tries to derail your run, you can say, “not this time.”
— Online running coach Cory Smith contributed to this article.
With a springy Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, winter tire-inspired outsoles and a half-length waterproof shroud, this shoe presents an optimal combo of swiftness and weather-fighting prowess.
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Potent energy return
Half-length DWR shroud allows for for some breathability
Grippy outsole is great for slick streets but not going off-road
Cold feet? This shoe's adaptive insulation cranks up the heat when you need it. That tech plus HOVR foam, a grippy outsole and pairing with UA’s MapMyRun app play into the premium price.
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Smart insulation keeps feet from freezing or overheating
Altra pioneered wide toe-box, zero-drop shoes, and this "rain, snow and mud"-ready model is no different. A waterproof upper and beefy lugs highlight its all-conditions cred, and the sale price is a steal.
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Versatile tread can tackle both trails and roads
Handy tabs accommodate strapless gaiters
Forefoot not as wide as other Altra models
Better for “natural” runners than cushion fiends
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield
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Best Overall
Exhaustive testing of the Air Zoom Pegasus 37 earlier this year solidified its status as one of the best running shoes available. No surprise, then, that its winterized sibling leads this roundup. Like the base model, this one features a springy Air Zoom unit in the forefoot for a foot-propelling energy return. But the Shield version also prioritizes the two key winter running traits mentioned above. With textures inspired by winter tires, the outsoles grip the road while shedding water. Meanwhile, a half-length DWR-treated shroud covers most of the laces, keeping the forefoot dry without sacrificing breathability or becoming too bulky. The result is a shoe that's light enough to remain speedy but tough enough for rain and snow.
Type: Road Weight: 10oz Drop: 10mm Waterproof: Nike Shield Grip: Medium (best for partially snow covered and wet road/concrete)
Spun off one of Under Armour’s most comfortable road kicks, the HOVR Phantom 2, the ColdGear Reactor is a top-notch running shoe wrapped in a performance-oriented winter jacket. The water-repellant upper keeps your feet dry while adaptive insulation turns the heat up and down based on activity and a breathable sockliner provides an additional buffer against the cold. Underfoot, HOVR foam eases the impact of every footstrike while the outsole features a knobby texture for exceptional traction on wet and dry surfaces. And this shoe pairs with UA's MapMyRun app to track your metrics, too. Pro tip: all the insulation makes them run small so consider going up half a size.
Type: Road Weight: 11.54 oz Drop: 9mm Waterproof: UA Storm technology Grip: Medium (best for partially snow covered and wet road/concrete)
This shoe’s for all the zero-drop and wide toe-box fanatics who love rain, snow and mud: hence the name. Popular with the “natural” run mindset crowd, the Lone Peak 4 RSM features a waterproof eVent upper with hook-and-loop tabs for attaching strapless gaiters when you need added protection against deep snow. Despite the aggressive multi-directional outsole ride, quality on bare concrete remains rather smooth, making these a great winter mixed road conditions running shoe. Bonus: as the cushioning starts to break down, they make for fantastic summer hiking shoes. And the discounted price just can't be beat.
Type: Trail Weight: 10.9oz Drop: 0mm Waterproof: eVent Fabrics Grip: High (best for fully and partially snow and ice covered)
This waterproof version of one of Brooks's most popular running shoes is a classic everyday neutral trainer. (Hint: the GTX in the name indicates it’s lined with Gore-Tex, the industry-leading waterproof-breathable membrane.) Better suited for wet winter days over snow, the Ghost 13 GTX extends the brand's softest foam, DNA LOFT, through the midsole to ease the transfer of energy from heel to toe. Forefoot strikers might want to look elsewhere, as the steep 12mm drop works best with rear foot strikers.
When it comes to ultra-plush cushioning, nobody does it better than Hoka, and no trail running shoe in Hoka’s lineup offers more cushioning than the best-selling Speedgoat. Named after the notorious ultra-runner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, these Gore-Tex-lined cushioned monsters offer superb traction and grip via the Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole with 5mm lugs, without feeling overbearing and rough on uncovered road and concrete.
Type: Trail Weight: 12.2oz Drop: 4mm Waterproof: GORE-TEX Grip: High (best for fully and partially snow and ice covered)
While not explicitly designed for winter, this zero-drop shoe from UK-based Inov-8 is equipped to tackle all sorts of conditions and trails thanks to its lugged-up, graphene-enhanced outsole. Rubber overlays on the upper help shed water, while PowerFlow Max foam provides a measure of comfort underfoot. A great option for those who value speed over warmth, it's the lightest one in this guide, but it's not particularly waterproof or insulated.
Type: Trail Weight: 9oz Drop: 0mm Waterproof: none Grip: High (best for fully and partially snow and ice covered)
Runners who need stability have very few options when it comes to waterproof shoes. In fact, the Asics GT-1000 9 G-TX is one of the only waterproof stability shoes on the market. Stomp in as many puddles as you want while the GORE-TEX upper keeps your feet nice and dry. As with most supportive shoes, they run a tad firm, so cushion addicts should look elsewhere.
The V10 used to be Dyson's top-tier stick vacuum, but it was eventually replaced by the slightly more powerful (and much more expensive) V11. This makes the V10 a great value, as it's usually $150 less than the V11. Thanks to this sale, it's even a better value than the V11 right now.
These cloth masks are more than meets the eye. United By Blue has made them with deadstock fabrics and included a filter slot that fits the brand's Activated Carbon Filters. Plus, for each pack purchased, one will be donated to a Philadelphia resident who is experiencing homelessness.
The CPO jacket is a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. Todd Snyder upgraded this one with premium a cotton-linen Herringbone that will break in and only get better over time.
Colorblocking is in and we love the color combo on this half-zip fleece. Plus you get pockets to keep your hands warm, which isn't a common feature on a fleece like this.
These are loaded with some of Nike's best features, including React outsoles for ultimate efficiency on the road and Flyknit uppers for a lightweight, sock-like feel.
Is anything left to be said about the Eames chair? This is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture to come out of the 20th century and is a must-have for any furniture aficionados (if you can afford it).
If you've been watching The Crown or have been following style moodboards lately, you've surely seen Barbour. The classic hunting brand makes some of the finest harsh-weather garments, bred to excel in the rain soaked British islands. A quilted jacket is an essential layering piece, whether topping off a sweater or under a waxed field jacket.
This matches the lowest price we've seen on Apple's premium AirPods. Competition is now fierce in this headphone category, but the quick pairing and native integration with Apple devices still makes the AirPods Pro tough to beat.
An upgrade to the Nano 9, a Gear Patrol favorite, the Nano X doubles down on everything that was good about the previous iteration and makes it even better. This is our pick for the best CrossFit and HIIT workout shoe you can buy.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket. At half off, this is a steal. READ OUR DOWN JACKETS GUIDE
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This collab between Outdoor Voices and Hoka One One pairs an award-winning running shoe with OV's sharp eye for design to make a shoe that looks as good as it feels.
Not only is this one of the most versatile packs around, it eschews some of the "ugly" features on a standard outdoor pack for a look that is actually super stylish. We welcome an outdoor pack that values both style and function.
Perfect for winter, these boots are made with fully waterproof leather and vulcanized rubber, keeping you dry whether you're sloshing through snow on the way to work, doing work in the yard, or going out for a hunt.
Everlane does basics extremely well — it's kind of Everlane's thing. The brand's 18-wale corduroy fabric shirt is a great option for the winter months and at half off you truly cannot beat it. READ OUR GUIDE TO CORDUROY SHIRTS
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 25 percent off, you do it.
The complete package, this sound bar connects via Bluetooth, has its own subwoofer and passive radiators, is wall-mountable, and can connect via HDMI, optical or AUX connections.
This chronograph re-issue of Timex's original military-style watch has an aluminum 40mm case that provides strength without the weight. If you're looking for a daily knock around with chronograph features, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
If you are working out a lot, you're going to need more than one mask. Under Armour has created one of the best sports-specific masks and right now if you buy two you get a great deal.
Todd Snyder's collaborations with Timex always hit. Paired with a vintage military-inspired band, this bullseye design is straight from the Timex archives.
Whether you want to move some of your most frequently used herbs indoors or don't have space outside for a garden, the AeroGarden Harvest is a perfect solution, with clearance for up to a foot of growth and room for 6 plants that grow five times faster than soil.
Adidas used sustainable Parley Primeblue material to make its Primeknit upper even better, then combined it with Boost midsoles to make the ultimate earth-conscious workout shoe.
