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The 10 Best Winter Running Shoes That'll Keep Your Feet Nice and Warm

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Winter weather can be unforgiving and unpredictable and it can completely derail your best laid running plans. Sure, you can try an indoor workout or get in a couple miles on the treadmill, but nothing beats the feeling that comes from running outside in fresh air. That’s why having the right gear is important. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best winter running shoes of 2022 that will protect your toes from frostbite and prevent any mishaps on those slick and icy roads.

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What to look for in a winter running shoe

Water-resistant vs. Waterproof: While these terms are often used interchangeably, when it comes to selecting winter running shoes, it’s important to know the difference so you don’t end up disappointed. As our friends at The North Face tell us, a water-resistant shoe will resist moisture, meaning the fabric is so tightly woven that water struggles to get through. Waterproof shoes, on the other hand, create a complete barrier against the elements. In other words, your feet might get slightly wet with a water-resistant shoe, but a waterproof trainer will leave your toes bone dry.

Thermal insulation: Of course, you can always wear your regular comfy sneakers with thicker socks during the colder months. However, one perk of getting a pair of winter running shoes is that they come equipped with insulation to keep your feet from freezing. Some shoes will have what’s known as a “Gore-Tex protective membrane” around the shoe, that keeps wind, rain, snow and sludge from penetrating.

Low light visibility: Winter months come with reduced visibility on the road. Depending on where you live and what time you like to run, you may want to invest in a pair of shoes that have reflective materials so drivers, bikers and motorcyclists can see you.

Traction: One of the top features people look for when purchasing winter running shoes is traction. Again, you want to consider your running route and find a shoe that has an outsole with grippy lugs that can keep you stable no matter how heinous the weather is. Remember, though, no matter how great the sneaker may be, always err on the side of caution and be careful when navigating icy roads or terrains.

The Best Winter Running Shoes for 2022

winter running shoes 1 salomon speedcross 5 gtx trail running shoes
Amazon

1. salomon Speedcross 5 Gtx Trail Running Shoes

Best overall

Whether you live in a mountainous city or you just love running up rocky terrains, you’ll want a shoe that keeps up with you when the weather gets frightful. Thank goodness for this super versatile pair from Salomon. Not only are they waterproof—which means no soggy socks for you—but they’re also made with Gore-Tex protection, which protects your feet from the elements, while also being breathable. The Speedcross 5 GTXs are made for the ultimate outdoor runner who traverses all terrains—from road running around the neighborhood to roughing it on a rugged trail.

winter running shoes nike air zoom pegasus 38 shield
Nike

2. nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield

Most stylish

When it comes to stylish winter shoes, you can always trust Nike to deliver. This sleek offering comes with a gusseted, insulated tongue and a warm upper (the part of the shoe that covers the toes, the top and sides of the foot and the back of the heel) that's finished with a weatherized coating to keep your feet nice and warm, come hell or high waters. With a tire-inspired grip, these sneaks ensure that you will catch your balance, even on the slickest streets.

winter running shoes brooks divide 2
Amazon

3. brooks Divide 2

Most bang for your buck

Running shoes can be pricey and while this pair is definitely still up there in cost, they're on the more affordable end (especially considering their features). Brooks Divide 2 offers the familiar comfort of a running shoe, with a tight traction and a lightweight protective insert that supports you against uneven terrain. “I am trying to get back into jogging and wanted a comfortable, supportive shoe as I have knee issues. They are very lightweight, and I was worried they weren’t robust enough, but I’m really pleased with them. No blisters or rubbing from outset, seem cushioned and comfortable,” says one reviewer. Comfort and function? Sign us up!

winter running shoes new balance fresh foam
New Balance

4. new Balance Fresh Foam More Trail V1

Best for long runs

We all know the toll running can take on your joints. That’s why New Balance’s Fresh Foam More is a fan favorite among marathon runners. With their Fresh Foam More technology, these sneakers offer plush underfoot cushioning, so you don’t have to worry about those gnawing shin splints afterwards. “From the moment you lace these up and stride across your floor, you will know you have arrived at heaven’s gate,” raved one reviewer. “These babies are soft, and your body will thank you for the smooth ride. Oh, and if you decide to run in them, no aches or pains in the joints after.”

winter running shoes asics
Asics

5. asics Gel-kayano Running Shoes

Best for low visibility

On dark and foggy days, it can be hard for bikers and drivers to see you on the road, and that’s why the reflective elements on these shoes are so important. The Gel Kayano running shoes also feature a lower-profile external heel counter, which cradles your foot and offers better rearfoot support (again, we’re against post-run sore joints around here). To improve stability and responsiveness, the shoe has Asic’s proprietary FF Blast cushioning in the midsole giving your entire foot more support throughout.

winter running shoes hoka one one
Hoka

6. hoka One One Women’s Challenger Atr 6

Most breathable

Even the most brutal and harshest winters have some relatively warm days. And for such occasions you don’t want to be caught in a shoe that feels like a sweaty trap. Enter these ultra-breathable kicks that will give your feet plenty of ventilation, thanks to their mesh uppers. They also come with a removable, foam padded insole for extra cushioning and support, as well as a durable full-length EVA midsole to absorb shock and offer stability while walking or running.

winter running shoes altra
Amazon

7. altra Women's Lone Peak All-wthr Low Trail Running Shoe

Best for low impact exercise

Rainy days often call for chilling on the couch, enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and bingeing Sweet Magnolias. But, if you want to go for a light jog in the drizzle, these low-trail running shoes are a must. This weather-resistant eVent bootie comes equipped with Altra’s MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern to ensure grippy traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on those muddy roads.

winter running shoes saucony
Saucony

8. saucony Peregrine Ice+ 2.0

Best for snowy weather

While there are some mixed reviews regarding the comfort level and traction of these shoes on icy roads, most wearers of the Peregrine Ice+ 2.0 agree that it outperforms its competitors on fresh snow. Thanks to the Vibram Arctic Grip Technology, the soles on these shoes provide enough traction for your usual run around the neighborhood. “The aggressive tread on them is intended more as a trail shoe with crunchy snow than clearer ice ridden trails. If you run snow covered trails these are probably ideal,” noted one reviewer.

winter running shoes topo

9. topo Athletic Women's Mtn Racer 2

Most lightweight

“I Love these shoes! My heel feels locked in and there is plenty of room for my toes to grab the ground/rocks. I feel super connected and I have plenty of arch support,” raved one reviewer. And for good reason. The MTN Racer 2 is equipped with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper that provides a comfortable fit, plus a TPU heel counter to give the foot more stability overall. The shoe also has a roomy toe box, which allows your toes to sit more naturally, and in turn, makes running longer distances less painful. Oh, and did we mention it also has a drainage port for faster drying in case you run into inclement weather (or a puddle)?

winter running shoes on cloudflyer waterproof
On

10. on Cloudflyer Waterproof

Best waterproof shoe

Tired of wet socks ruining your run? It’s time for a dashing pair that’s entirely waterproof. These chic sneakers from On will keep your feet dry and warm—no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. The fully waterproof, yet breathable mesh upper keeps wind and water out, so you can run for as long as you want without being slowed down. The shoe also comes with a midfoot stability tube for additional support and a foot-hugging feel. Bonus: It has reflective details along the heel and forefoot, plus the laces light up at night so you’ll be visible to passersby.



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Resident Hufflepuff, Beyonce historian, self-proclaimed tea sommelier

Steph is a native of Zimbabwe who is both enamored and genuinely baffled by the concept of silent letters. From 2020 to 2022, she served as Associate Editor at PureWow covering SEO content. That includes anything from finding the best lightweight foundations and compiling an expansive list of the best dog costumes to giving you a thorough breakdown on how to clean your sponge.