20 Best Winter Running Shoes 2023 – Footwear News

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“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” may be the motto of the United States Postal Service but are we sure that’s not the Runner’s Creed as well? With the best winter running shoes, you can power through inclement conditions.

We’re a fanatic bunch, us runners, and very little will keep us from getting our daily mileage in, especially when we know that running outdoors in cold weather can actually improve our performance.

Recent studies at St. Mary’s University in London have shown that lower winter temperatures actually reduce the stress exerted on your body because running in colder temperatures wastes less energy through perspiration. You can run faster, harder, and longer in cooler temperatures, according to John Brewer, a professor of applied sports science at the university. “We can be very confident that in cooler conditions you can certainly slice a decent percentage of time off your personal best,” he explains.

So when the weather’s dreary, gear up to hit the road or trail instead of turning to the treadmill. Swap your singlets for base layers and your split shorts for tights, and definitely don’t forget to swap your footwear for the best men’s and women’s winter running shoes.

Do I Need Winter Running Shoes?

Yes. You definitely do: Even if you are running the same path you run every day of the year, running it in the winter presents more challenges and perils. The same surface you ran in July is going to be much more variable in the winter. Depending on where you live, surfaces can go from wet, to damp, to sheets of ice on a dime during the winter months. If you aren’t equipped with a shoe ready to handle that variability, you’re setting yourself up to being one step closer to an accident and injury.

“When you’re heading out for a run in the winter, you’ll often need to deal with snow, slush, ice, puddles and cold temperatures,” says Brian Metzler, running journalist and author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes.” He goes on to explain that “running in shoes that are stable and secure with some ability to keep your feet warm and dry will go a long way in helping to endure those wintry elements, thus making your run a much better experience.”

It’s a lesson this writer learned the hard way. Slip on black ice and land on your back with a concussion once, and that should be more than enough to convince you to invest in new winter running shoes every season going forward.

What to Look for in the Best Winter Running Shoes

• Size: No matter what season you are shopping for the best running shoe, you always need to make sure the sizing is correct. Take the time to have your foot measured (or re-measured) at the store and be aware that sizing can vary by brand and even model. Take time to make sure you are purchasing the right size to keep your foot secure once you’re in motion.
• Foot Type and Running Style: Any time you are buying a pair of running shoes, you need to listen to what your feet tell you and take your own personal running style into consideration. If you need a stability running shoe, or a shoe that specifically addresses a medical problem like plantar fasciitis or knee pain in the summer, you need it in the winter as well. And if you’re known for logging long miles regardless of the season, you’ll want to consider a long distance running shoe designed for cold conditions.
• Materials: Whether it’s rain, sleet, or snow, encountering moisture in the winter months is inevitable. Keeping your feet dry is key for comfort. Luckily, there are materials designed to keep moisture out. An important distinction is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant materials. Waterproof means that it’s 100% resistant to moisture and basically impermeable. Water-resistant means that the material is only partially waterproof.
• Breathability: For most of the year, you’ll want a shoe with an upper that’s designed for maximum breathability. Lightweight mesh materials are great when you want to allow heat to escape your feet, but not so stellar when your concern is retaining heat. Look for shoes that are made with thicker materials or have extra insulation designed to keep your feet warm.
• Grip: While it’s definitely important to keep your feet warm and dry, one of the top features to look for is the grip of the sole. Big, chunky lugs on the bottom of your shoes will give you better grip as you traverse across wild winter surfaces, making you less likely to fall. Road shoes are great for the summer months, but trail shoes tend to be a stronger, more reliable option when you’re contending regularly with mud, snow, and, especially, ice.
• Shoe Coverage: Low-cut shoes are great for the summer months. They weigh less, reduce drag, and allow us to move a bit lighter and faster. But in the winter months, protecting your feet from the elements should be your priority. Look for models that feature higher ankle coverage and heavier materials.
• Weight: Speaking of weight, prioritize this last when shopping for winter running shoes. All of the features that are going to help you stay warm and safe add weight to your shoe — a small price to pay for the necessary traction and support you need while running during wintertime.

The Different Types of Winter Running Shoes

• Shoes for Cold and Wet Conditions: If you’re worried about your feet getting wet, make sure that you are on the lookout for shoes that feature waterproof and water-resistant materials. While Gore-Tex is the most common brand out there, it’s good to note that Gore-Tex is to waterproofing what Kleenex is to facial tissue. It’s one very prominent proprietary technology, however many brands develop their own technologies with similar features. So if it doesn’t say Gore-Tex, it doesn’t mean the shoe isn’t waterproof — or good.
• Shoes for Snowy Pavements or Roads: For snowy road surfaces, the best winter running shoes are ones that feature grippy soles and feature larger lugs. These are common features in the best trail running shoes.
• Shoes for Snowy Outdoor Trails: A snowy trail is not terribly different from except that the snow you encounter might be deeper. Trail running shoes remain a great option, but pay special attention to coverage. A higher ankle will help keep your foot dry and warm if (or when) you pass through a larger snow drift.
• Shoes for Icy Conditions: If you know you are going to encounter ice regularly on your runs, be sure to look for a shoe that features metal spikes as the lugs. They offer the best traction on snow and ice. If you don’t want to invest in a pair of shoes specifically designed for ice, you can also consider a number of spike accessories, like Yaktrax, to attach to a pair of good trail runners.

How We Chose the Best Winter Running Shoes

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. When it came to selecting the best winter running shoes for men and women, we took the job very seriously. We tapped Cory Smith, an expert running coach, tested most of the shoes ourselves, polled our running communities and scoured online reviews to compile real customer feedback. The result is a researched list of 20 of the best winter running shoes for men and women. Many of them are winterized versions of our fair weather favorites, but we closely vetted (and called out) the upgrades made to each model to ensure that they have the mettle to withstand even the toughest winter weather. And since no shoe is perfect, we were also transparent about some of the things that give us pause or specific conditions you should definitely not use each model in.

Here are our picks for the 20 best winter running shoes for both men and women:

The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2023

Nike Pegasus 39 Shield Weatherized Road Running Shoes

Best Winter Running Shoes for Road Running

• Type: Road
• Weight: 10.2 oz (Men’s) | 8.5 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Weatherized coated mesh upper and rubber outsole
• Stack Height: 33 millimeters/ 23 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: Winterized uppers provide great protection for cold-weather road running.
• Cons: The sole design is great for fairly predictable road conditions but not as strong on ice or heavy snow.

You’ll be ready to embrace cold, wet winter runs with open arms and a sense of confidence with the winterized version of Nike’s tried-and-true trainer, the Pegasus 39 Shield. The iconic brand went all-out to make sure the Pegasus 39 Shield performs even in the nastiest of winter conditions. They started with an altered outsole inspired by winter car tires to provide better grip on wet and snowy surfaces. To keep your feet warm, the upper is coated with water-resistant PFC-free treatments and insulated for extra warmth. Round that out with the fact that the Nike Pegasus is one of the best Nike running shoes and all-around running shoes on the market and you have a real winner.

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Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3 Shoes

Best Winter Running Shoes for Icy Runs

• Type: Road and trail
• Weight: 10.6 oz (Men’s) | 9.1 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Water-resistant upper, PWRRUN foam
• Stack Height: 25 millimeters/ 21 millimeters
• Drop: 4 millimeters
• Pros: The specially designed trail lugs take on ice with aplomb but the lightweight PWRRUN foam cushioning eliminates the heft of most trail shoes.
• Cons: Not fully waterproof.

No matter whether you’re running on roads or trails, you’ll be ready to take on icy conditions with this outstanding entry from Saucony. Ice is in the name and for good reason. The PWTRC ICE outsole features thick lugs that have been specifically designed for enhanced traction across ice. This shoe also features a rock plate that protects your foot and there’s plenty of cushioning thanks to lightweight PWRRUN foam and a PWRRUN+ sockliner that adds an extra layer of cushioning. This model is also water-resistant and can easily add on a gaiter for particularly sloppy conditions. You’ll stay upright and dry across even the slipperiest of surfaces with all of the benefits of a trail shoe, but none of the weight-related drawbacks commonly found in the category.

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Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Runshield Shoes

Best Winter Running Shoes for Speed 

• Type: Road
• Weight: 8.1 oz (Men’s) | 7.2 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: RUNSHIELD water-resistance
• Stack Height: 36 millimeters/ 28 millimeters
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Pros: The addition of a thermal layer and water-resistance in the upper make this an ideal winterized version of a favorite speedster.
• Cons: May not provide enough traction for very icy conditions.

Just because it’s cold, dark, and snowy doesn’t mean you need to skip your speed sessions. Nail your pace in confidence with dry, warm feet in this water-resistant version of Saucony’s top-of-the-line speedster. An extra thermal layer in the upper keeps your feet warm. Underfoot, the ride quality is fast, fun and nicely cushioned. A full-length nylon plate sandwiched between Saucony’s ultralight PWRRUN PB midsole is fine-tuned for speed workouts. This winterized version retains everything we love about the Saucony Endorphin Speed, but with a warmer water-resistant upper.

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Under Armour Hovr Sonic 5 Storm Shoes

Best High-Tech Winter Running Shoes 

• Type: Road
• Weight: 9.9 oz (Men’s) | 8.8 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Water-resistant upper; foam
• Stack Height: 31 millimeters/ 23 millimeters
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Pros: The Hovr midsole offers one of the best rides our there and the water-resistance of the Storm system finally let us enjoy it in foul weather.
• Cons: Not many enhancements to the traction, so these are great for wet and cold conditions but less so for snow or ice.

The Sonic was one of Under Armour’s first running shoes to feature the Hovr midsole, and we’ve been fans from the beginning. It’s undeniably one of the smoothest and most responsive midsoles on the market. With this winterized version, you can now enjoy the same smooth and responsive ride we love so much with the assurance that your feet will stay dry thanks to water-repellant uppers. These shoes are outfitted with a UA Storm technology-treated upper that repels water but still manages to maintain excellent breathability. For all the high-tech data nerds out there, there’s also a small Bluetooth chip embedded in the heel that keeps track of key run data and will automatically upload it to the MapMyRun app.

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Icebug NewRun BUGrip GTX

Best Winter Running Shoe for Snowy Roads

• Type: Road
• Weight: 11.3 oz (Men’s) | 9.7 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Carbide steel tip studs
• Drop: 7 millimeters
• Pros: Excellent traction thanks to BUGrip technology and 17 steel studs in the outsole.
• Cons: They are quite a bit heavier than most road shoes but the sacrifice is worth the additional traction.

The mission of Sweden’s up-and-coming shoe brand, Icebug, is to keep people outside as much of the year as possible. The brand’s first entry into the world of running is going to do just that for you. Designed with a waterproof upper and BOA fit system, this shoe locks out unwanted moisture entirely. The shoe features ample midsole cushioning and an intentionally wide toe box that provide extra comfort over long mileage runs. But the most impressive feature is the outsole design, which utilizes the company’s proprietary BUGrip and a whopping 17 carbide steel tip studs. These shoes will keep you stuck to slippery surfaces–even if your local roads aren’t quite as snowy as Sweden’s.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 Shoes

Best Winter Running Shoe for Stability and Comfort

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 11.4 oz (Men’s) | 9.1 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Synthetic uppers, Vibram outsole
• Stack Height: 33 millimeters/ 29 millimeters
• Drop: 4 millimeters
• Pros: Top of the line cushioning and support combine with durable uppers and a grippy Vibram outsole to make this a great option for winter surfaces.
• Cons: They aren’t constructed with water-resistant material but the synthetic uppers keep snow and moisture out nonetheless.

When seeking out a shoe that will provide you with maximum cushion and comfort without sacrificing a rugged outsole, look no further than the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2. High-stack trail runners have become more popular recently, but only New Balance running shoes can claim their proprietary Fresh Foam cushioning technology, which makes this one of the best max cushioned shoes out there. Add in excellent adaptations for the trail including durable, debris-resistant synthetic uppers and a super grippy Vibram outsole, and this shoe makes an excellent choice for slippery surfaces.

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Merrell Nova/Antora 3 Gore-Tex Shoes

Also Consider for Winter Running Shoe for Stability and Comfort:

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 10.93 oz (Men’s) | 9.7 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Recycled materials, Gore-Tex
• Stack Height: 29 millimeters/ 21 millimeters
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Pros: All the features of a best-selling trail shoe with the enhancement of Gore-Tex.
• Cons: No added insulation in the upper. Not anything that a good pair of merino wool socks can’t solve.

Though they gained fame in the hiking category, Merrell has made huge strides in the trail running category in recent years. The Nova (men’s) and Antora (women’s) 3 Gore-Tex is an excellent winterized version of the brand’s best-selling trail runner. It features a more durable, waterproof upper (thanks to the addition of Gore-Tex) while maintaining the comfort of the FloatPro Foam midsole and the grip of the excellent Vibram outsoles. And for extra cushion and comfort, the shoes feature forefront and heel cushioning pods and a Super Rebound Compound midsole that provides plenty of shock absorption to reduce torque and allow a smooth transition to the midfoot.

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Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoes

Best Winter Running Shoe for Muddy Conditions

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 10.5 oz (Men’s) | 9.2 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Ripstop uppers
• Stack Height: 32 millimeters/ 22 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: Super grippy, deep lugs, specifically designed for mud.
• Cons: They are heavy and not designed for roads.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2006, the Salomon Speedcross has become an icon of trail running from one of the first mainstream brands in the space. While the uppers are water-resistant, the real appeal of this shoe is the incredible traction of the 5-millimeter deep lugs. For tackling mud, there is no better shoe in our opinion (and those of many others). And what really sets these shoes apart is the lug pattern of the Mud Contragrip outsole, which provides a consistently even pull whether you are running the flats or practically on tip-toe going up a hill. That makes these shoes extremely well-suited for rugged terrain across miles of puddle, but their weight makes them a little less appealing for crossing the occasional puddle in your city park.

 

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Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX Shoes

Best Winter Trail Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 10.1 oz (Men’s) | 9.0 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex, vegan and recycled materials
• Stack Height: 28 millimeters/ 24 millimeters
• Drop: 4 millimeters
• Pros: Super toothy outsole delivers near snowmobile-like traction.
• Cons: This shoe is on the heavy side but that means excellent stability for heavier runners.

Grip and rip wintery trails in total confidence with these aggressively lugged snow monsters. This neutral trail shoe might take a few runs to break in, once it is, you’ll plow through snow and mode with the ease of a snowmobile. These shoes run on the firmer side thanks to the toothy outsole, PWRRUN midsole, and heavy weight, which makes them an excellent option for heavier runners who need a more stable shoe. And of course no winter running shoe would be complete without a waterproof upper–offered here in Gore-Tex’s lightweight, form-fitting Invisible Fit.

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Asics Kayano 28 AWL Running Shoes

Best Asics Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Road
• Weight: 11.9 oz (Men’s) | 10 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Water-resistant, reflective upper
• Stack Height: 33 millimeters/ 23 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: We love the addition of winterized water-resistant and reflective materials to one of our favorite shoes.
• Cons: There are no notable upgrades to traction so keep these on well cleared roads.

Since its inception, the Asics Gel-Kayano has long been thought of as the gold standard for stability and supportive shoes. We personally swear by them, buying a new pair when the mileage on our current model gets too high. This winterized version features a water-resistant upper and added reflectivity for better visibility in the dark. While this shoe used to have a reputation for being stiff, the latest model features the FF Blast midsole, which is a bit more forgiving and smoother. A TPU external heel counter cradles and stabilizes your heel, while the Dynamic DuoMax Support System controls inward rolling. With minimal changes to the sole to improve traction, we love this winterized version of one of our favorites but will likely keep usage to well cleared, albeit wet, winter roads.

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Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex Shoes

Best Nike Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 11.1 oz (Men’s) | 9.0 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex
• Stack Height: 24.5 millimeters/ 15 millimeters
• Drop: 9.5 millimeters
• Pros: Mid-depth lugs are suitable for both snowy roads and trails
• Cons: Despite the Gore-Tex uppers, perforations on the toe let a little moisture in for some runners.

It should come as no surprise that the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex gets high marks considering it’s the trail version of the previously mentioned Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Shield. It performs just as well as its sibling, but offers up deeper lugs which mean better traction across snowy road conditions and trails. The midsole features Nike React foam, which we’ve been fans of for its perplexing, soft-yet-responsive characteristics since it was introduced in 2017. The sharp-looking waterproof Gore-Tex upper is as attractive to the eyes as it is functional. If you’re looking to cover both snowy roads and trails this winter and want to consolidate your closet with one shoe, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is calling your name.

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Brooks Ghost 14 GTX Shoes

Best Brooks Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Road
• Weight: 10.7 oz (Men’s) | 9.3 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex
• Stack Height: 36 millimeters/ 24 millimeters
• Drop: 12 millimeters
• Pros: Excellent ride quality thanks to the DNA loft midsole and a Gore-Tex upper that will keep your feet dry.
• Cons: Lugs lack grip and better suited for cold and wet roads rather than icy or snowy ones.

This waterproof, Gore-Tex version of Brook’s best-selling everyday neutral trainer is perfect for ticking off mile after mile in cold, wintery conditions. Rest assured your feet will stay dry with the help of Gore-Tex’s Invisible Fit membrane that’s seamlessly incorporated into the upper as one piece to avoid compromising fit. Underfoot, the ride quality is phenomenal, thanks to the cushioned feeling of Brooks’ DNA Loft midsole. A segmented sole allows the shoe to flex naturally with each runner’s unique strike for silky smooth touchdowns and toe-offs. It doesn’t have particularly grippy lugs for snow and ice, but if most of your winter running is on wet concrete, this should be your go-to.

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Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 Gore-Tex Running Shoe

Best Adidas Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 11.2 oz (Men’s) | 9.1 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex
• Drop: 8 millimeters
• Pros: Gore-Tex uppers and lightweight cushioning make these a grippy, comfy option for winter.
• Cons: Since it’s a trail shoe they feel a bit heavy on the road. Great for adverse winter road conditions though.

While wet roads might be par for the course during the winter months, wet feet certainly don’t have to be. And thanks to the addition of Gore-Tex uppers, the excellent Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow trail runners are here to solve that problem for you. Featuring a ruggedly lugged Continental outsole and Lightstrike cushioning, these shoes are nimble across any terrain and will keep you upright when conditions get particularly slippery. Top it off with the fact that they are made in part with recycled materials, and your feet aren’t going to be the only thing feeling good all winter long.

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Adidas Ultraboost 21 Gore-Tex Running Shoes

Also Consider for Adidas Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Road
• Weight: 10.8 oz (Men’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex
• Stack Height: 30.5 millimeters/ 20.5 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: The same comfortable fit as the original with the added benefit of waterproofing.
• Cons: No changes to the outsole mean that these are a bit lower traction than other winterized runners.

For fans of Adidas’ running shoes, this winterized version of Ultraboosts featuring Gore-Tex uppers delivers all of the performance of the original with the added benefit of waterproofing. Since it launched in 2015, the Ultraboost has developed quite the fan base as one of the most comfortable runners out there. This version features the same sock-like upper and dense TPU cushioning that the original is beloved for.

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Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Shoes

Best Hoka Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 11.5 oz (Men’s) | 9.6 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex, Vibram
• Stack Height: 39.5 millimeters/ 35.5 millimeters
• Drop: 4 millimeters
• Pros: Incredible cushioning, super grippy sole and waterproof Gore-Tex upper.
• Cons: The cushioning makes the shoe a bit heavy and sluggish.

For a soft, cushioned landing provided by thick slabs of foam between your feet and the ground, seek out the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX. This maximally cushioned trail shoe has a whopping 39.5 millimeter of Hoka’s Injected EVA midsole under the heel. It might not be a fast shoe, but it sure is a comfortable one. Possibly one of the most comfortable we have ever tested. This winterized version features a grippy outsole made with Vibram Megagrip Hi-Traction with huge five-millimeter lugs that perform beautifully on snow. And, new to this model, the upper is now offered with a Gore-Tex membrane ensuring that your feet will stay dry every time you head out this winter.

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Inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2 Shoes

Best Minimalist Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 9.5 oz
• Materials: Graphene rubber lugs
• Stack Height: 12 millimeters
• Drop: Zero millimeters
• Pros: This zero drop option still manages to provide excellent traction across terrain.
• Cons: Not water-resistant or waterproof.

If you’re looking for a minimalist zero-drop shoe, the Inov-8 TrailFly shoes are an excellent option when it comes to wintery surfaces. With a modest low-to-the-ground 12-millimeter stack, it has outstanding ground sensitivity with one heck of a grippy outsole. That’s largely thanks to the 4millimeter-deep graphene rubber lugs. All in all, these shoes provide a responsive, springy ride that will have your feet powering across any terrain.

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Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Low Shoes

Best Zero-Drop Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 13.2 oz (Men’s) | 10.4 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: MaxTrac outsole, weather-resistant upper
• Stack Height: 25 millimeters
• Drop: Zero millimeters
• Pros: Excellent traction and water-resistance make this a great option for a winter zero-drop running shoe.
• Cons: Zero-drop is not for everyone.

If you’re looking for a zero-drop shoe for the winter time, the Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Shoes are the way to go. A weather-resistant eVent bootie sits on top of a thick, 25-millimeter midsole that maintains the same height from heel to toe, encouraging enhanced alignment and form. The MaxTrac outsole provides great traction across all terrains and the Trailclaw canted lugs placed directly beneath the metatarsals provide even more added traction underfoot. If you’re looking to keep your foot on level ground over slippery surfaces throughout your run this should be your go-to.

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Salomon Spikecross 5 GTX Shoes

Best Salomon Winter Running Shoe

• Type: Trail, ice, and snow
• Weight: 12.8 oz (Unisex)
• Materials: Gore-Tex upper
• Stack Height: 37 millimeters/ 27 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: Tungsten spikes for grip and Gore-Tex upper for protection and warmth
• Cons: Weight

No need to be timid on treacherous snow-covered trails in Salomon’s winter version of iconic Speedcross. The Spikecross 5 features five-millimeter lugs with a winter-tuned Contagrip compound outsole and 12 tungsten spikes for the absolute best grip over ice and snow. The tacky outsole will keep you glued to whatever surface you are on and the fully wrapped Gore-Tex upper will make sure that your feet stay warm and dry. For the true trail winter warrior, this is the shoe that will give you sure-footedness that’s second to none.

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La Sportiva Men’s Cyklon Cross GTX Shoes

Best Men’s Winter Running Shoe for Full Coverage

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 12.5 oz (Men’s)
• Materials: Gore-Tex
• Stack Height: 33 millimeters/ 23 millimeters
• Drop: 10 millimeters
• Pros: Not just water-resistant, or water-proof, these guys are fully water-repellant.
• Cons: These are extremely heavy and their boot/sock like appearance probably limit the appeal of these to runners facing particularly extreme conditions.

If keeping your feet dry in even the most extreme conditions is your priority, these La Sportiva sneakers are the shoe for you. While most of the shoes on this list are water-resistant or water-proof, these bad boys are fully water-repellant. Made of a flexible Gore-Tex membrane, when we ran in these during a full downpour, the water literally just beaded off. With a sock-like upper fastened by a zipper, your foot is locked in thanks to the aid of the BOA Fit system, which kept our foot completely secure despite the lack of laces. The Frixion FX 2.0 outsole is specifically designed to handle mud and provides excellent grippy traction across all terrains. If you’re looking to keep warmth in and moisture firmly out — and can tolerate the more boot-like ankle height fit — this is a shoe for you.

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North Face Women’s Flight Vectiv Guard FutureLight Shoes

Best Women’s Winter Running Shoe for Full Coverage

• Type: Trail
• Weight: 10.8 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: Waterproof FutureLight material, high-rebound foam
• Stack Height: 27 millimeters/ 21 millimeters
• Drop: 6 millimeters
• Pros: Excellent totally water-proof protection up to your ankles.
• Cons: A shoe that looks more like a sock, this may only appeal to runners facing more extreme conditions.

Stomp through the deepest of puddles with the utmost confidence your feet will stay dry in these fully sealed and waterproof trail shoes. The Flight Vectiv Guard FutureLight Shoes feature an ankle-high zippered gaiter made with The North Face’s proprietary breathable-waterproof FutureLight membrane that keeps your feet protected from snow and water. The midsole does run on the firmer side of the cushioning spectrum with a composition of dual-density high-rebound foam. The addition of a 3D carbon fiber plate not only keeps your foot protected from jagged rocks on trails, but also features a rocker profile that gently propels you forward with each footstrike. For damp and wet conditions, when you want to ensure that you have maximal coverage on your foot, these are handsdown the best waterproof shoes out there.

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Meet the Experts

Cory Smith has been a runner and running coach for over 25 years. He holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification, three former Maryland State records, and is a two-time NCAA Division National championships qualifier. Smith wrote the original version of our winter running shoe story in 2021.

Brian Metzler is a running journalist and author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes.”

Meet the Author

Peter Tittiger is a freelance journalist and content consultant. He is also an avid runner and a slave to his feet. A firm believer in “No Days Off,” he regularly logs at least five runs a week and cross-trains in the pool or on a bike. He has trained for and run in nearly a hundred races, including the New York City Marathon, and near annual completion of the full, 5-borough, NYRR half-marathon circuit. Tittiger wrote the latest updated version of this winter running shoes story for 2023.