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 2s, or you're simply after some of the best running shoes around, like these Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37s, 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
- Best all-round winter running shoes - Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield
- Best budget winter running shoes - Brooks Divide 2
- Best spiked winter running shoes - La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
- Best long-distance winter running shoes - Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270
- Best winter running shoes for ice - Saucony Peregrine 11 ST
Best all-round winter running shoes - Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield
The Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield strikes a nice balance between an all-out running trainer and winter footwear.
For example, you get a lightweight synthetic upper blended with the half-length weatherised toe box to keep your forefoot dry as you complete your run.
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Moreover, it comes with Nike's Storm-Tread outsole which is designed to provide immense traction in wet weather conditions.
It's also worth noting that the shoes include reflective elements for when it starts to get dark earlier, thus making it a well-rounded pick for cold and rainy weather.
Best budget winter running shoes - Brooks Divide 2
We've previously featured Brooks before in our list of the best running shoes under 100, so it may come as no surprise we're featuring its Divide 2 trainers in this list.
What we like about these shoes, in particular, is that it has been designed for those who split their runs between the road and trails thanks to their new lightweight mesh upper which should improve breathability.
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To tackle the winter weather, it comes with a TrailTack outsole, designed to deliver huge amounts of grip on wet and uneven surfaces.
All in all, we feel there's a lot to like about these trainers, which is why we've included them as a great budget option to consider.
Best spiked winter running shoes - La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
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.
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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.
Best long-distance winter running shoes - Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270
Like some of the best marathon shoes, 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.
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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.
Best winter running shoes for ice - Saucony Peregrine 11 ST
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.
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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 on if you're in need of something to help you maintain traction on the ice.
Frequently asked questions about winter running shoes
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.
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.
Do you need winter running shoes?
In our opinion, winter running shoes are a must as provide more grip over wet and icy surfaces.
More grip should mean you're less likely to fall and, in turn, help you avoid injury when you're looking to maintain your fitness over the holiday season.
Winter running shoes also tend to be packed with insulation to ensure your feet remain warm when running in the cold.
So, with that being said, if you plan on continuing to run through winter, we'd recommend picking up a top pair of winter running shoes to help keep you safe whilst exercising.
What should you look for from 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.
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.
How do you lace winter running shoes?
While there are a few different techniques you can use, one of the most common methods that should work for most winter running shoes is actually one we've covered before in our guide to lacing football boots.
To start the technique, simply thread your shoelace through the first two eyelets to create a straight bar across the tongue of your shoe.
Next, take each shoelace length, cross them over in the middle, and thread through the next eyelets up on the opposite sides.
Repeat this step until you reach the top, making sure to leave enough length left to tie the two ends together. Do the same with your second trainer and you should be ready to hit the winter running paths once again.
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.