If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe with some amazing shoes for the change in season, then our list of the best sneakers for winter is here to help.
We've rounded up our top picks from some of the best sneaker brands based on their price, designs, and any other features which we feel make these shoes suitable for the cold weather.
Some of these features include insulated, cushioned interiors to keep your feet warm, and materials like leather to avoid rain being absorbed in the same way it would with a pair of mesh or fabric sneakers.
In terms of design, we've picked out shoes which we feel suit winter's dark, frosty colour palette. Natural tones, as well as shades of blue, are what we've focused on; however, we've also included sneakers with a little more colour and warmth for variety.
So, if you're searching for a great pair of Air Force 1s, like these "University Blue" Highs, this winter, or for one of the best Air Max colourways around right now in the "Atlantic Blue and Voltage Yellow" 97s, then we've got you covered. Let's get into our top sneaker picks for winter...
Best sneakers for winter
- Pharrell x adidas Hu NMD S1 Ryat "Cardboard"
- Nike Air Force 1 High "University Blue"
- Air Jordan 3 Winterized "Archaeo Brown"
- New Balance 550 "White Nightwatch Green"
- Nike Air Max 97 "Atlantic Blue and Voltage Yellow"
Pharrell x adidas Hu NMD S1 Ryat "Cardboard"
We're kicking things off with these "Cardboard" NMD S1 Ryat shoes which, according to adidas, have been inspired by Pharrell Williams’ renewed love and appreciation for the outdoors.
As a result, the sneakers come packed with the necessary technology to keep your feet warm and dry in winter. For instance, you get rubberised TPU mudguards and toecaps to add a layer of protection from the elements.
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The sneakers also come equipped with BOOST foam above the rugged outsoles which should provide excellent cushioning and support throughout your day.
We're even a fan of the beige tones as a nod to fall before transitioning into the cooler winter colour scheme. Pops of fluorescent yellow and orange do make an appearance though to add a touch of colour and warmth to your outfit.
Nike Air Force 1 High "University Blue"
Speaking of colour palettes, these "University Blue" Air Force 1s come dressed in two tones which we associate with the freezing temperatures of winter.
Bright white leather combines with UNC-inspired light blue to give a frosty look to the shoes that, in our opinion, makes them perfect for the holiday season.
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Being made of leather, you should find these Air Force 1s to be fairly waterproof and warm compared to fabric or mesh, especially around your ankles given their high-top collars.
And while these shoes are said to be made for women, we feel their design could also suit a men's winter wardrobe if you're a fan of their design.
Air Jordan 3 Winterized "Archaeo Brown"
As their name suggests, these "Archaeo Brown" Jordan 3s have been built for the winter months.
Design-wise, they feature a nature-inspired colour palette featuring brown and stone grey tones. You also get the iconic elephant print pattern from one of the best Jordan 3 colourways of all time around the heels to celebrate a classic.
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What makes these shoes so great for winter though? Well, they come with a fleece collar lining to keep your feet, particularly your ankles, insulated from the harsh, cold weather.
They're also made primarily from leather to help keep your feet dry if you opt to wear these sneakers during a downpour. So, if you're in need of a pair of basketball shoes to keep you warm and dry, then these 3s could be for you.
New Balance 550 "White Nightwatch Green"
Having a reliable pair of sneakers for each season is essential as every collection needs its go-to's. With this in mind, we'd recommend checking out these "White Nightwatch Green" 550s for everyday use.
Their low-cut silhouette should make them less restrictive as an option to wear daily, plus their combination of mesh and leather means there's both an element of waterproofing as well as breathability for all kinds of weather conditions.
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Their colour scheme is fairly wintery too, featuring bright white with a natural grey tone alongside mustard yellow and dark green accents which, in our opinion, give connotations of evergreen forests.
Ultimately, we feel there's a lot to like about these sneakers for daily wear during winter, thus making them well worth considering in our books.
Nike Air Max 97 "Atlantic Blue and Voltage Yellow"
As a slightly cheaper option to consider, we feel these "Atlantic Blue and Voltage Yellow" Air Max 97s are definitely worth checking out this winter.
We're a fan of their darker colour scheme, combining silver and black with Atlantic Blue and Voltage Yellow, as we feel it reflects the transition from long summer days into colder winter nights.
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In fact, the design is inspired by two iconic Air Max colourways - the OG "Royal Neon" and "Black Volt" 97s - to celebrate the model's 35th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the beloved Air Max 97.
The result is a design which we feel suits almost any winter wardrobe that shouldn't break the bank with its price tag either.
Frequently asked questions about winter sneakers
With so many options to choose from, you may have a number of questions about what makes a good pair of sneakers for the winter months.
Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most common queries right here.
What should you look for in a good pair of sneakers for winter?
As mentioned in our introduction, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind when picking a good pair of sneakers for the winter months.
Firstly, we'd recommend opting for something waterproof or at least made from a material that won't absorb rainwater in case you're caught out in your new sneakers during a downpour.
Leather, rubber, or synthetic shoes are a good option to consider here as they don't absorb water in the same way fabric sneakers can. Anything complete with a layer of waterproofing like GORE-TEX can also massively help keep your feet dry.
We'd also recommend going for sneakers built to retain heat for warmth during cold spells. Again, leather sneakers work well because not as much air passes through the material. Also, sneakers that come with cushioned interiors should also help by providing an extra layer of insulation.
Of course, these are only our suggestions as what shoes you choose to wear will come down to your own personal preference.
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What colour sneakers are best for winter?
This is another element which boils down to personal preference and the kind of colours you wear during the winter months.
For instance, if you find yourself wearing darker clothing in winter, then opting for navy or black sneakers may be best if you're trying to match your footwear to your outfit.
However, we're also a fan of colours that correlate to the winter months. For example, white and light blue can link nicely with snow and frosty surroundings as part of a more tonal winter wardrobe.
You could even opt for sneakers dressed in colours relating to the holiday season if you're looking to get into the festive spirit.
Ultimately, there are no right or wrong answers to the question of what colour sneakers are best for winter. It's a personal choice to make that comes down to your own individual fashion sense.
Read More: Best shoes like Air Force 1s
Where can you buy the best sneakers for winter?
You can pick up most sneakers directly through the manufacturer in question's website or at in-person stores like Nike or outlets like Footlocker which offer a wider variety of brands to choose from.
However, if you arrive at the store and find out that the sneakers you're looking for are sold out, then we'd recommend checking out resale marketplaces like StockX or GOAT, both of which authenticate every purchase to ensure your second-hand pick-ups are real rather than fakes.
For more information on this, make sure you check out our list of the best places to buy sneakers right here.