10 Best Winter Running Shoes In 2021

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.