When looking for the best winter running shoes, it can be difficult to know which shoes will withstand all the rain, wind, ice, and snow expected during the season.
Fortunately, our list of top picks is here to help. We've compiled a standout selection based on price, reviews, and, perhaps most importantly, any unique features that make these trainers suitable for winter.
An example of this would be these La Sportiva Blizzard GTXs, which, like some of the best sneakers for winter, are made from GORE-TEX to provide durable, waterproof protection against the elements whilst you exercise.
So if you're searching for a relatively inexpensive set of sneakers, like these Brooks Divide 3s, or you're simply after some of the best running shoes around, regardless of the weather, we've got you covered right here.
We've also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about running shoes and what makes them suitable for winter to help you work out which set is right for you. With that in mind, here's our list of the best winter running shoes available now...
Best winter running shoes
- Nike Pegasus 39 Shield - best all-rounder
- Brooks Divide 3 - a great budget choice
- La Sportiva Blizzard GTX - a top spiked pick
- Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270 - great for long distances
- Saucony Peregrine 11 ST - best choice for icy conditions
1. Nike Pegasus 39 Shield
Best winter running shoes overall
Closure: Lace-Up
We're kicking things off with perhaps the most well-rounded running shoe for winter there is right now - the Nike Pegasus 39 Shield. Take note of that "Shield" addition to the Pegasus name because this is no ordinary Nike running shoe.
Nike describes the interior of this trainer as a "warm jacket for your feet" thanks to built-in insulation on the back of the tongue and a Skins material placed around the toes to keep you dry in an area that's prone to letting in water.
However, the shoe as a whole features a water-repellent finish along with a gusseted tongue to keep dampness out, which is key as the shoe is primarily made from a lightweight and breathable knitted material.
Other notable details include its heathered lining in the collar to add warmth, its Storm-tread outsole inspired by winter tyres to provide grip, and Nike React technology in the midsole alongside two Zoom Air units to provide cushioning and better energy returns. And, realistically, that's only scratching the surface of why the Nike Pegasus Shield is so great, hence why it features highly here.
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2. Brooks Divide 3
Best budget winter running shoes
Closure: Lace-Up
We've previously featured Brooks in our list of the best running shoes under 100, so it may come as no surprise we're featuring its Divide 3 trainers in this list.
They're designed to primarily be trial running shoes, so feature extra traction underneath in the form of the TrailTack outsoles to keep you stable across rocky, uneven, and, of course, icy surfaces. However, they can be used on the road with their 8mm midsole drop and lightweight mesh upper to maintain a solid airflow as you run.
They also feature TPU mudguards for protection against the elements, DNA LOFT cushioning in the midsoles for smoother transitions and added comfort, and unique drainage slits just in case you're caught out in the rain.
Those are some pretty solid specs, which are all made even better by the Divide 3 trainer's inexpensive price tag. They truly are a top budget pick for the winter.
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3. La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
Best spiked winter running shoes
Closure: Single-Cord Lacing
This unique running shoe has been designed for the harshest of winter weather with its carbide spikes underfoot which are designed to improve grip.
Furthermore, the Blizzard GTX comes with a lightweight, but also waterproof, GORE-TEX upper to help keep your feet dry and comfortable in the rain or snow.
On top of that, it also features a four-way dynamic scree guard which, La Sportiva boasts, is water-repellent and wraps the foot completely to keep you protected against stones, mud, and snow.
Ultimately, these trainers are a serious bit of kit for challenging weather which is why, we think, they're definitely worth considering for winter runs.
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4. Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270
Best long-distance winter running shoes
Closure: Lace-Up
The zero-drop featured on the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270 helps make it a great running trainer for long-distance running.
Couple that with its Graphene-infused, water-dispersing 4mm lugs, and its ballistic nylon upper, and you've got a serious and durable bit of kit for tackling the Winter runs.
On top of that, Invo-8 boasts its shoes feature an increased stack size from 9 to 12mm for increased cushioning, along with a wide-fitting toe box to keep your feet comfortable throughout long-distance runs and hikes.
Ultimately, these trainers appear to combine a lot of hiking-style features with running shoe technology, thus making them a great option to consider for the Winter.
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5. Saucony Peregrine 11 ST
Best winter running shoes for ice
Closure: Single-Cord Lacing
The Saucony Peregrine 11 ST looks to be a great pick for tackling icy paths thanks to its wide platform and low drop which should deliver a stable feel as you run over slippery surfaces.
The shoes also come with Pwrrun+ top soles for cushioning. and a forefoot rock plate that has been designed to shield you from protruding roots and stones.
One of their defining features though is their extremely aggressive outsole. In fact, the toothy lugs are 1.5mm longer than the standard shoe, with added spacing between each to ensure your foot remains glued to the surface.
On the whole, these trainers seem too good to pass up if you need something to help you maintain traction on the ice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With so many different kinds of Winter running shoes available, you probably have a number of questions about them, but we're here to clear up some of the most common queries.
Do you need winter running shoes?
Whether or not you need winter running shoes depends on the weather and conditions in which you plan to run. In general, if you live in an area with cold, wet, or snowy winters, it's a good idea to invest in a pair of winter running shoes.
These shoes are specifically designed to provide more insulation, traction, and protection against the elements than regular running shoes. They often feature water-resistant or waterproof uppers as well along with thicker soles for better traction on snow and ice, and insulation to keep your feet warm in colder temperatures.
However, if you live in an area with mild winters, or if you plan to run indoors during the winter months, you may not need winter running shoes. In such cases, regular running shoes may suffice.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a pair of winter running shoes depends on your personal preferences and the conditions in which you plan to run.
What should you look for in winter running shoes?
Some of the key factors to look for in winter running shoes include:
- Grippy Outsoles - This is arguably the most important factor to consider as having protruding lugs on the bottom of your shoes will give you better grip and stability over snow, ice, or simply wet terrain.
- Waterproof Upper - Running in winter will mean it's highly likely you'll encounter rain at some point. Therefore, having a waterproof upper can help to ensure your feet remain dry throughout your run.
- Insulation - Winter and cold weather go hand in hand, so, in order to keep your feet warm, it's important to look for shoes with some elements of insulation, but not too much that your feet can't breathe, thus causing them to overheat.
Are trail running shoes good for ice?
Trail shoes should do a good job of keeping you gripped to the ground whilst running thanks to their more aggressively lugged outsoles which usually provide traction for uneven and muddy terrain.
On top of that, trail shoes are normally waterproof, so should therefore keep your feet dry and, in turn, more comfortable during your workouts.
You can, of course, take things a step further though, and pick up trainers designed specifically for tackling the ice, like the Saucony Peregrine 11 STs featured in this list.
Are winter running shoes warmer than regular running shoes?
Yes, winter running shoes are typically designed to provide additional warmth compared to regular running shoes. They often feature insulation materials and linings that help retain heat and keep your feet warm in colder temperatures.
These shoes may also have a higher ankle collar or added insulation around the ankle area to provide extra protection from the cold. Additionally, some winter running shoes have weather-resistant or waterproof uppers to keep your feet dry in wet or snowy conditions, which can contribute to maintaining warmth.
However, it's important to note that the level of warmth can vary depending on the specific brand and model of winter running shoes, so make sure you read product descriptions and customer reviews to work out whether the shoes in question include any of the aforementioned features to keep your feet warm in winter.
How much should you spend on winter running shoes?
There's not really a definitive answer to this question as it all depends on your budget and how much you're willing to invest to get the best, most advanced technology out there.
That said, if you're a keen runner looking to keep fit all year round, then it may be worth spending a little extra to ensure you pick up a top-quality pair that should be made to last.
However, there are still some great yet relatively inexpensive picks to consider if you're just starting your fitness journey or simply don't want to spend loads to pick up a pair of trainers.
Ultimately, the decision on how much to spend is yours. The only thing we would say is there's likely to be a set of trainers suitable for you out there regardless of your budget.
Should you clean winter running shoes?
It's important to clean your winter shoes to help them maintain their grip on the ground, something that's especially important in wet and icy conditions. It's also important for hygienic reasons given their primary use is for exercise, so are bound to get pretty sweaty after a while.
Therefore, we'd recommend regularly cleaning your trainers to maximise your performance and maintain their cleanliness.
The simplest way to do this, in our opinion, is to use warm water, a little bit of shoe cleaner or a neutral detergent, and a soft-bristled brush.
Use the dry brush to remove the dirt across the uppers and soles. To tackle some of the harder-to-reach areas, we'd recommend an old toothbrush and a small amount of cleaning solution to scrub the difficult areas.
Once clean, leave your shoes to dry naturally and away from direct sunlight to avoid damaging them. For more information and top tips, check out our guide to cleaning running shoes right here.