10 Best Winter Running Shoes In 2021

The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX feature a sophisticated minimal-bulk design that provides an excellent grip and complete water protection. This, in combination with the comfort and support they give you, makes the Speedcross 5 GTX the best snow running shoes that you can get.

Materials and Construction

Made from abrasion-resistant mesh, the upper of the Speedcross 5 winter athletic shoes is both strong and comfortable. On top of this, the inside of the shoe features the SensiFit lining that cradles your foot and feels fantastic. As for the outsole, it’s made from firm Contagrip TA rubber that has an aggressive lug design.

Winter and Trail Performance

Owing to the lugs and the tread pattern, the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX shoes have an excellent grip on snowy and slippery surfaces. Last but not least, the shoe has a snug fit around the foot and ankle which improves stability and reduces the chance of injuries.

Waterproof, comfortable, and sure-footed, the North Face Ultra 110 GTX are the best winter shoes for a female runner. Whether the trail is dry, muddy, or covered with snow, these shoes will do a fantastic job. As a bonus, they offer excellent support and cushioning so you can use them on long runs too.

Materials and Construction

To improve the durability and overall strength, the upper of these shoes is made from a combination of polyester mesh and leather. Under the upper, the Ultra 110 GTX features a Gore-Tex insert that prevents water leaks. As we’ve pointed out, the shoe provides good support thanks to the OrthoLite footbed and compression-molded midsoles.

Winter and Trail Performance

Since they’re designed specifically for winter conditions, the North Face Ultra 110 GTX comes with a high-quality outsole that provides multi-directional traction on soft and slippery terrain. Finally, these top rated snow running shoes feature ESS midfoot shanks and Snake Plates to protect your feet from stones while running.

Thanks to their gel cushioning system and the AHAR outsole, the Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 6 are the best outdoor running shoes for people who get sore feet easily. They absorb shock incredibly well and make the run smooth even if you’re on rough terrain.

Materials and Construction

In addition to the gel cushioning system, the Gel-Venture 6 shoe also comes with a soft SockLiner to improve comfort. As a bonus, you can even remove the liner and put a medical orthotic inside. The outsole is made from Asics’ special rubber blend AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) that is very strong and difficult to damage.

Winter and Trail Performance

Considering that the Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 6 shoes are the most affordable model in our reviews, the performance is top-notch. The reversed lugs provide great traction when going uphill and downhill, while the shank reinforcements make it ready for any type of rough terrain.

If you’re after a versatile shoe that works equally well for running and casual use, the New Balance 481 V3 running shoes for winter are the ones for you. They are made from rugged materials to provide you good protection on your runs, but still manage to keep the weight low so you’ll get top-level comfort.

Materials and Construction

For additional strength in winter conditions, the upper of these sneakers for snow combines textile patches with leather reinforcements. On the other hand, the inside of the shoe features the NB Ultra Soft insert for additional comfort, while the Cush+ midsole absorbs shock and makes your winter run smoother.

Winter and Trail Performance

When talking about winter performance, the AT Tread outsole of these sneakers for snow does a fantastic job. It features a well-designed tread that will provide good traction both on and off the road.

The Salomon Speedcross 4W is an excellent choice for female runners that predominantly run on softer surfaces. In addition, it offers a large number of sizes to choose from, including those for runners with very small feet.

Materials and Construction

As you would expect from a Salomon shoe, the upper is made from very strong synthetic materials. It even uses the Sensifit design that makes the shoe very snug and cozy on your foot. The midsole is made from supportive molded EVA foam and the shoe even features a SockLiner for additional comfort.

Winter and Trail Performance

Thanks to the great outsole design, these shoes do a great job for winter running, especially in melted snow and softer terrain. In addition, they are also a top-level choice for runners that train frequently (several times a week).

The things that separate the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX running shoes for winter weather from the rest are the stability and cushioning they provide. Because of this, they are excellent for running on uneven terrain. At the same time, they are incredibly lightweight and feel great on longer runs.

Materials and Construction

The outsole of this shoe is made from Contagrip rubber compound that provides good traction regardless if the surface is wet or dry. On the other hand, the upper uses strong synthetic materials and features the SensiFit design for a more precise fit.

Winter and Trail Performance

One of many great details about these shoes is that they come with a Gore-Tex upper membrane. It prevents water from leaking in the shoe, so your foot will remain warm and dry in all situations. Because of this, these winter shoes are exceptional for rain, mud, and snow.

If you mostly run on roads and light trails, the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 GTX cold weather running shoes are a great option. They are among the lightest shoes on our list and provide maximum cushioning and a very soft flex when running.

Materials and Construction

To keep the weight as low as possible, the upper of the Challenger ATR 5 GTX ice running shoes is made entirely from mesh. Don’t let this worry you though, because there is also a Gore-Tex insert under it that ensures that your foot stays dry even when running in melted snow.

Winter and Trail Performance

A feature that we really like is the textured TPU toe reinforcement that gives you additional protection when running on rough terrain. Furthermore, the shoe also comes with internal heel counters for extra support, as well as 4-millimeter lugs that guarantee a good grip wherever you go.

The La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX winter athletic shoes are interesting because they are designed for keeping a fast pace on wet and slippery terrain. They feature sticky rubber outsoles that grip well to the surface, as well as EVA midsoles with a LaSpEVA layer for additional shock absorption and cushioning.

Materials and Construction

In addition to tear-resistant nylon, the upper of these shoes are reinforced with polyurethane to prevent tears and damage on the trail. The outsole is even more durable and uses extra-tough rubber that can handle sharp rocks and all the other terrain challenges.

Winter and Trail Performance

To provide you with top-level performance, the Wildcat 2.0 GTX insulated running shoes for snow come with an abundance of great features. For example, they come with the Impact Brake System to reduce the impact when running, Gore-Tex XCR liners to keep you dry, and a special lug pattern for a reliable grip on every step.

One of the best things about the Altra Lone Peak 4 waterproof running shoes is the traction it gives you. It features the special MaxTrac rubber outsole that comes with TrailClaw traction pattern to prevent slipping whether you’re going uphill, downhill, or running on flat terrain.

Materials and Construction

With a weight of only 9 ounces, the Lone Peak 4 women’s winter shoes are among the best running shoes for winter in terms of low weight. Despite this, they are still made from strong materials that can handle the trail. The tear-resistant eVent fabric upper is completely waterproof and breathable, while the mentioned rubber outsole holds its own regardless of the terrain.

Winter and Trail Performance

When designing these shoes, Altra paid attention to all the challenges you might face on your winter runs. Because of this, it features the TrailClaw traction, a Zero Drop platform, and a 4-point snow gaiter trap.

To make off-road running safer and more comfortable, the Salomon Xa Pro 3D trail shoes feature a protective toe cap and a 3D advanced chassis that guarantees stability regardless of the terrain. As a bonus, the snow runner shoes come with a slightly wider footbed which makes them the best shoes for winter running for people with wider feet.

Materials and Construction

The body of the shoes is made from heavy-duty textile and reinforced with synthetic leather. It’s completely welded to keep water and melted snow out, and comes with welded seams that improve the overall durability.

Winter and Trail Performance

These cold-weather running shoes come with an aggressive lug pattern that latches onto all surfaces and terrain types. On top of this, the rubber outsole is very rugged and won’t wear quickly even in the harshest conditions.