Any trail running shoe worth its lugs has enough traction to keep you upright in sloppy conditions. But a good pair of winter running shoes takes it up a notch.

　　While summer conditions call for lighter, airy kicks, winter shoes will sacrifice breathability for waterproof membranes, shells, higher collars, and gaiters that shed the icy snow and mud.

　　You pay a little more for the bells and whistles, but the goal is to keep feet warm, dry, and safe as you run through winter.

　　Steve Graepel, the primary author of this guide, has been running for 30 years. He worked with other GearJunkie staff writers, putting countless miles on just as many shoes to narrow in on the best of the best for those brisk winter romps. And because winter in Minnesota is heaps different than in Portland or Boston, we’ve identified a gamut of shoes that meet multiple definitions of winter.

　　For 2024, we brought in contributing writer (and fellow Midwesterner) Matthew Medendorp. He ran icy roads and whiteout conditions over Michigan’s long winters. To supplement these day-to-day tests, he brought a selection of finalists to a post-blizzard Mammoth Lakes, CA, to test the shoes in high-altitude snowpack.

　　Our editors and testers have clocked endless miles on each of these runners. These shoes have held up from icy Minnesota road running to wintry Colorado trail running. Here are our best picks as you run into winter this year.

　　Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for. Also, be sure to check out our handy comparison chart, buyers guide, or FAQ sections at the bottom of this article.

　　Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on May 6, 2024, adding additional details about our testing practices, and updating several models. We also made sure our product list is up-to-date with current models, color schemes, and designs.

　　The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2024 Best Overall Winter Running Shoe: Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX Best Winter Road Running Shoe: Nike Pegasus Shield 39 Best Winter Zero Drop Running Shoe: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 Most Supportive and Grippy Running Shoe: inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX Best Running Shoe for Road to Trail: ArcTeryx Norvan 3 GTX Best Running Shoe for Icy Conditions: La Sportiva Blizzard GTX Best Overall Winter Running Shoe Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX Specs Lugs 5 mm Drop 4 mm (28 mm heel/24 mm forefoot) Weight 10.6 oz. (301 g)

　　

　　Pros Plenty of toe volume Firm, supportive ride Cons Lacks full-tongue protection from moisture Steve Graepel Saucony’s Peregrine series has been a longstanding winner with trail runners and reviewers alike. The stack is low, the toe volume is ample, and the shoe wraps the foot without any awkward pinching or binding. And then there’s the traction. For serious runners who don’t want to slow down through winter, Saucony’s Peregrine 14 GTX ($150) is our best pick for winter running in 2024.

　　The ride is firm and supportive, providing a consistent feel without being too bouncy. Flip the shoe over, and you notice the aggressive, tacky rubber chevron lugs. The tightly spaced rubber cleats run heel-to-toe and inspire confidence in the sloppiest conditions. The grip on the Peregrine is all business, and this is the shoe we reach for in heinous terrain. If you need more protection, the Peregrine can take screws and marks where to put them.

　　The GORE-TEX inner sock keeps the foot dry, but it lacks full-tongue protection. It’s a low-riding shoe — Saucony sewed in a D-ring over the toe and an elastic loop in back to keep a gaiter.

　　From fit to trail feel, the Peregrine lives up to the hype. If you’re new to the shoe, grab a pair of their trail shoes and expect a lively ride. If you’re looking for a way to extend your running into winter, the Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX may make you a Saucony convert.

　　$140 at REI Mens$140 at REI Womens Best Winter Road Running Shoe Nike Pegasus Shield 39 Specs Fit True to size Weight (per shoe) 12 oz. Drop 10 mm (28-18 mm)

　　

　　Pros Stellar upper fit Smooth, cushioned ride Cons Minimal traction Sizing can be tricky Steve Graepel If your winter runs are primarily on road and you don’t need the aggressive traction of a winterized trail shoe, our best pick is Nike’s Pegasus 39 Shield ($135). The Pegasus is everything you’d expect from Nike — a sleek, stylish shoe that excels as a daily trainer. It’s a stalwart road shoe with ample Nike “air” pocket cushion underfoot that continues to feel wonderful mile after mile.

　　The shine of this shoe is the fantastic upper fit. It wraps the foot, allowing zero room to play. Every part of the foot is in contact with the shoe, truly connecting you with the shoe — and the ground.

　　The shoe rides over Nike’s React midsole foam, giving it a cushioned ride from heel to midfoot that bounces as you roll through the stride before toeing off the shoe. It’s a plush and responsive effect that makes the shoe a great daily trainer.

　　Flip this shoe over and you’ll notice the siping and traction are unique to the winterized Pegasus 39. The lugs are closer, and siping is ample. Modeled after winter tires, the pattern gives you more contact with the road and better drainage underfoot for supreme wet-weather traction.

　　Weather protection is provided by a half-length weatherized toe cap that wraps the front of the shoe. It keeps the weight down and breathability high with extra protection out front where runners tend to kick up moisture. This relegates the shoe to warmer winter climates where you might get wet but don’t need the barrier to trap heat.

　　A note here. Our tester found the insulation in Nike’s Pegasus 39 Shield to be very effective. If you run hot-footed, choose some light socks. It was adequate to keep feet warm even in the 0-15℉.

　　check mens price at Nikecheck womens price at Nike Best Winter Zero Drop Running Shoe Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 Specs Fit Runs wide; otherwise, true to size Weight (per shoe) 13.2 oz. Drop Zero (25mm stack height)

　　

　　Pros Spacious toe box Superior traction and protection Cons Can be an adjustment for those not used to zero drop Steve Graepel How do you make one of our favorite winter running shoes even better? Carefully!

　　When Altra released its fourth version of the ever-popular Lone Peak RSW, they kept the shoe relatively true to the original — minus one key component. Altra swapped out Polartec’s NeoShell outer for a welded eVent shell.

　　Last year, Altra released the 7.0 version of the Lone Peak. With its upgraded EGO midsole, the shoe provides just enough cushion to protect feet on rough, rocky terrain and a better sense of the ground. Traction is fabulous, the wide forefoot is Altra standard, and the tongue and upper are comfortable. We found it both protective and supportive.

　　The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2 ($160) takes the eVent shell from the 4 and brings it over onto the new and improved midsole of the 5. Together its a highly breathable winterized shoe.

　　Like a waterproof shell, the eVent material doesn’t wet out and is reputably more breathable than GORE-TEX. After logging 100 miles in wet, sloppy winter conditions, we’d have to agree. Our feet didn’t wet out from sweat, and our toes remained warm during an off-trail marathon slog across the snowy Owyhee Desert.

　　The ALL-WTHR 2 is a low-top. And because the Lone Peak’s low profile puts you closer to the snow, we recommend you batten down on powder days. Snow troopers will want to invest in a gaiter or consider some full-gaiter running shoes from Adidas or La Sportiva.

　　In short, zero drop can be rough on the calves, but for those that have worked up to it, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2 is one of the most comfortable shoes on the list. The addition of eVent makes the shoe the most storm-worthy and breathable shoe in the lineup.

　　$160 at REI Mens$160 at REI Womens$160 at Amazon Mens$160 at Amazon Womens Most Supportive and Grippy Running Shoe inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX Specs Fit Narrow Weight (per shoe) 12.6 oz. (on our scales) Drop 8 mm (16-8 mm)

　　

　　Pros Super supportive and comfortable Solid stability over rough terrain Cons On the heavy side Awkward lacing system Steve Graepel Running in high tops? We werent sure about it either. But we were pleasantly surprised with how comfortable and supportive inov-8s Roclite G 345s ($185) were.

　　At the time of their debut, the G 345s were considered the lightest GORE-TEX boots on the market. Since then, inov-8 has launched a burlier, lighter version with the G 286 GTX. The 286 shaves 2 ounces, drops the chassis, is a tad wider, and brings a durable CORDURA outer. We found the 286s shell a little stiff and not worth the extra coin for trail running.

　　The G 345s, though, have a soft knit outer that feels more like your traditional running shoe. Its soft and quiet under step and has a more natural fold around the foot. The entire shoe is wrapped in GORE-TEX and has a gusseted tongue that folds under the collar. The added height keeps the elements and crud from siphoning into the shoe.

　　With a 16-8 mm heel-toe stack, these sit much lower than HOKAs 32-28 mm, so youll feel more stability as you you run through variable terrain. And the 8 mm drop is a more traditional running shoe drop.

　　The midsole allows moderate flexion and torsion in the toe but is pretty stiff in the midfoot, which helps prevent ankle rolls. This design brings that ankle support all the way to the midfoot, giving you a really supportive runner.

　　Inov-8 names its shoes after its weight in grams. The Roclite G 345s weighed a tad more on our scales: 360 g for our size 10 (or 12.7 ounces per shoe).

　　Regardless, youre getting the support of a hiker in a package thats competitive with any low-top runner on this list. What you lose, though, are extra bumpers and protection. Weight will always have its tradeoffs, and if you tend to bash your toes on roots and rocks, these probably wont be the right shoes for you.

　　The G stands for graphene, and thats this shoes secret sauce. Its Nobel Prize-winning science and is reputedly 200 times stronger than steel. The blocky, lugged outer soles are coated with a micro layer of graphene.

　　All you really need to know is the combination of lug and graphene awards the outer sole with the most durable and best traction shoe on the list. They inspire confidence on everything from loose trail to slick, mossy rocks.

　　Our biggest gripe with the shoe is the lacing system. The laces thread through a series of round cords that replace traditional eyelets. The eyelet cords follow the stripes that run down the shoes sidewall, adding a touch of support by helping wrap the foot snugly in the shoe.

　　But we found out of the box, they can be tough to cinch snug — especially with cold digits. They do loosen up, and it becomes easier to pull tight around the foot over time.

　　The shoes also lack a mechanism to hook a gaiter around the ankle. But inov-8 has a solution: its own proprietary, sock-like gaiter you can buy aftermarket for $25. It fits around the shoe and laces under the sole. Weve used it before, and it excels at keeping debris out, but the cord underfoot can (and will eventually) wear out.

　　In short, running through chunks of road crud and obscured trail can be tough on the ankles. These mid-ankle boots offer a touch of support and protection and are a good bet for technical terrain.

　　Check Mens Price at REICheck Womens Price at inov-8 Best Running Shoe for Road to Trail Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX Arcteryx Specs Fit On the narrow side Weight (per shoe) 10 oz. (size 10) Drop 6 mm Lugs 4 mm

　　

　　Pros Extremely comfortable fit Firm and protective Cons Not the best traction Not super cushioned Steve Graepel With its deep roots in climbing, it’s no surprise that Arc’teryx is our top choice for all-terrain running. The ArcTeryx Norvan LD 3 (for Long Distance) GTX ($200) is characteristically at home on the wet trails.

　　The LD 3 runs narrow and firm while reserving proper length for the toes. The shoe closes over the foot with flat laces that tighten over a padded tongue. The tongue stays centered over the foot with mesh wings. Overall, the LD3 is one of the most comfortable shoes on the list.

　　The vamp is sveltely wrapped with generous protective overlays that disappear into the upper, allowing you to push the technical limits of the shoe. Jamming, smearing, toeing cracks — the shoe gives confidence it won’t blow out when redlining the terrain.

　　The chassis rides over a fantastic outsole, which our testers gave the highest marks for wet and wild terrain. It’s firm and protective but not overly cushiony.

　　Though the ArcTeryx Norvan LD 3 GTX is billed LD 3 for long-distance, we prefer this shoe for shorter runs. There’s just not enough cushion for those 20-mile runs.

　　The Achilles heel of this shoe is the traction. The relatively shallow 3mm lugs push these shoes out of range when hard and wet surfaces trend soft and muddy. Conversely, this means the Norvan crushes on the pavement as well as the trail, making it a perfect choice for any mixed terrain winter running where trail and tarmac meet. 

　　$200 at Amazon Mens$200 at Amazon Womens Best Running Shoe for Icy Conditions La Sportiva Blizzard GTX Specs Fit Narrow. Go up a half size from street shoes. Weight (per shoe) 13.3 oz. Drop 6 mm (18-12 mm) Lugs 7 mm

　　

　　Pros Lightweight for what it offers Carbide spikes for added traction Cons Expensive Somewhat difficult to put on Steve Graepel Winter, meet your match. The La Sportiva Blizzard ($245) is a reasonably lightweight GORE-TEX shoe wrapped in a full gaiter, running over aggressive 7 mm lugs pegged with nine carbide spikes.

　　The Blizzard is deceptively light, given its monster silhouette. Its fat-tire look is attributed to the sock-like gaiter that wraps the shoe, giving it a bootlike presence. It requires some footwork to finagle over the dogs. Fortunately, the Blizzard has huge pull tabs to make that job a little easier.

　　Once the shoe is laced up, the single-cord lace tucks out of the way of the snow and ice (and hobnob spikes) in a tidy pocket. A few ounces of prevention (and bulk) pay dividends on the trail — nobody likes to run with snowballs in their shoes.

　　Runners scratching tracks over icy trails will appreciate the carbide spikes. Our reviewers ran on pure ice and found that they grip like a charm. No more timid tip-toe stepping on ice with these bad boys. We found there were just enough spikes for traction, but it sort of leaves you wanting more, which you can buy for another $49 through La Sportiva (they come with a tool).

　　Do-it-yourself runners will probably find it easier to go to the hardware store and sink a handful of extra sheet metal screws into the lugs for a couple of bucks.

　　In short, at $235, the sticker price will likely put your credit card on ice. But if your winter training requires pushing out into the tundra, the Blizzard is a sure bet to stay on your training plan.

　　$245 at La Sportiva$300 at Amazon Best of the Rest HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX Specs Fit True to size Weight (per shoe) 12 oz. Drop 4 mm (32-28 mm) Lugs 5 mm

　　

　　Pros Max cushion and comfort Roomy toebox Cons Not super stable Not the most aggressive traction Steve Graepel If cushion and max wetness protection — with a sense of flair — are your key needs, HOKA’s Speedgoat 5 GTX ($170) offers it all in spades. These runners epitomize HOKA’s trademark cushion and plush feel. Built on the summerweight chassis, the Speedgoats have ample rebound and expanded the toebox for long training days.

　　The latest update adds support and overall better midfoot wrap/fit, giving it some chops and feel on technical terrain where more precise footwork is needed. And theres the plush cushioning underneath that attracts ultrarunners and weekend runners alike.

　　You’ll notice plenty of bounce in these, so theyre not for runners who want to feel the ground as they run. Those with wide feet or who experience cramped toes on longer runs will appreciate the room in the Speedgoat 5 GTX.

　　On the sole, 5 mm lugs make for decent traction on winter trails or light, untracked snow. The traction brings the right balance of all-terrain tread and gummy traction on all types of surfaces. If your winters are mild and summers trend wet, these can be a great general trail shoe option as well.

　　In short, with HOKA’s renewed GORE-TEX partnership, these are great trail shoes to get you through winter in most conditions. If you like running with maximum cushion, these are for you.

　　$170 at REI Mens$170 at REI Womens Adidas Agravic Tech Pro Specs Fit Comfortably snug Weight (per shoe) 15 oz. Drop  Unavailable Lugs 4 mm

　　

　　Pros Stellar full-winter protection Super comfortable Pulls on and off easily Cons On the heavy side Expensive Steve Graepel While we love a beefy gaiter on our winter running shoes, one of our biggest gripes is lacing into the shoe under the gaiter. You usually need to tie into the shoe first, and then carefully close the gaiter up over the bulky lace system, trying not to blow the zipper. Adidas Agravic Tech Pro ($250) uses a BOA mechanism to dial in your fit after youve zipped into the shoes. Its one of the best tie-in mechanisms weve found for full-winter protection.

　　Two long loops allow you to pull the shoe over the foot. One pulls off the heel, the other off the tongue. Keeping the tongue centered are two mesh stabilizer wings. The inner shoe is light but robustly protected with overlying TPU layups. The entire shoe is seamless inside and incredibly comfortable.

　　The Agravic chassis rides over a plush Boost midsole. Its soft and remains pliable under extremely cold conditions. It provides plenty of cushion for long runs, and the 6-inch, full-zip gaiter will keep you dry during every minute of them.

　　The water-resistant gaiter closes over the shoe with a zipper that pulls towards the inside, which we like. We find centered zippers on these gaiters can irritate the shins over the miles. Thats not the case with the Tech Pro, which supports more forward flexion. The gaiter has generous room around the ankles, accommodating a variety of ankle diameters.

　　A padded strap wraps over the zipper top and closes to the lateral side, closing the top of the gaiter from snow. The lateral closure also ensures that youre not catching it on the opposite ankle. Rubberized strips are applied to the shoes upper, protecting the gaiter and adding extra waterproofness.

　　Most notable, though, is the external BOA closure system. Pull the shoes on, zip the shoe closed, and dial the tension over the top of the foot. Its quick and easy to get into and pulls off the feet just as easily.

　　At 15 ounces per shoe, the Tech Pro does feel a little heavier on the ground (and in the wallet), but youre buying into protection other shoes dont have.

　　If you find you need traction on underlying ice, wed recommend La Sportivas Blizzard GTX.

　　In short, this shoe offers foul-weather traction in a supremely comfortable package. This was one of our favorite low-volume cushion shoes. We recommend these for runners who want to storm the roads and trails when everyone else is taking a snow day.

　　$170 at Amazon Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX Specs Fit True to size with a wider toe box Weight (per shoe) 11.7 oz. Drop 8 mm

　　

　　Pros Durable Great on technical terrain Cons Stiff underfoot Not super fast Not great on hard surfaces (i.e roads) Steve Graepel Look at any list of the best running shoes, and you’ll find Brooks near the top. In fact, Brooks is the No. 1 seller of road shoes in America. The Cascadia 17 GTX ($160) has taken a lot of its success from the road and brought it over into a venerable trail runner.

　　A nice grab loop makes them easy to slip into. The loop ends with a Velcro tab on the heel, and it’s meant to keep an aftermarket gaiter over the heel. A small clip in the first toe eyelet keeps the gaiter over the laces. This is a nice touch, especially if you plan to occasionally run in snow but want to use the shoe in drier weather.

　　The lugs are aggressive but not overly tall. The Cascadia 17 also has a 25% recycled outsole, Brooks continues to integrate recycled materials into their line whenever possible. The waterproof mesh top is wrapped with a lightweight rubber rand that encloses the entire lower shoe. Running through winter crust can be abusive on shoes (and feet). We found the rubbery layups provide a lot of protection.

　　Ankle twists are a big concern when running in winter. Brooks has a pair of roll bars (which it calls “pivot posts” on the Cascadia) under the forefoot and heel. These help keep the foot riding neutral under stride and feel really stable on uneven terrain. This stability is also accomplished by how low the Cascadia rides. The 17 also adds Brooks’ new “Trail Adapt System” —  with an integrated midsole, rock plate, and outsole for added stability over varied terrain.

　　Unlike the massive 12 mm drop and stack on the Adrenaline or Ghost, the Cascadia sits lower to the ground and has a tamer 8 mm drop. This helps keep your center of gravity closer to the ground and makes you less likely to twist an ankle.

　　Brooks bills the Cascadia as a cushioned shoe, but it doesn’t run that way. If you’re crossing over from the Ghost or Adrenaline, this shoe will feel much firmer, stiffer, and lower. But this also makes the shoe great on technical terrain, where you want that nimbleness to roll with the punches as well as protection from underlying terrain. Our tester found this latest version too stiff for pavement and recommended lacing up at the trailhead.

　　In short, we’ve run in the Cascadia since its first model. The Cascadia 17 GTX is tamer (and heavier) than it used to be. The toebox is a little narrower and the traction is still aggressive, but it feels a little flat at speed on neutral ground. But this shoe really sings on the technical stuff, including crusty winter road runs.

　　$170 at REI Mens$170 at REI Womens$170 at Amazon Mens$170 at Amazon Womens Brooks Ghost 15 GTX Specs Fit Snug but true to size Weight (per shoe) 10.2 oz. Drop 12 mm

　　

　　Pros Grippy Pretty breathable for a waterproof shoe Cons Not super cushioned Somewhat constricting toebox Steve Graepel Snug, grippy, and surprisingly breathable for a waterproof shoe, the Brooks Ghost 15 GTX ($170) provides an excellent option for middle-of-the-road runners. You won’t find the cushion or splay-friendly toebox that other competitors offer. But in its place, you get a stable, reliable, waterproof running shoe with plenty of traction on the occasional ice patch.

　　This shoe isnt the lightest on this list, but it’s still acceptably svelte — our size 13 weighed 13.4 ounces each (11.4 ounces for size 9/9.5). The lugs aren’t too aggressive, which allows a predictable, even foot strike and solid grip. The updated Ghost 15 boasts a reswizzled midsole with softer and lighter-weight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning.

　　In short, Brooks’ 3D Fit Print upper with its invisible fit GORE-TEX membrane hugs the foot and provides terrific protection from snow and rain while still venting adequately.

　　$120 at Amazon Mens$120 at Amazon Womens SCARPA Ultra Spin GTX Specs Fit True to size Weight (per pair) 24 oz. (size 10) Drop 6 mm

　　

　　Pros Durable Roomy and comfortable Cons Can often feel stiff Steve Graepel Born out of mountaineering, it was a natural transition for Scarpa to enter the mountain running field. Scarpas Ultra Spin GTX ($200) hits all the marks on what we look for in an ultra mountain shoe.

　　The fit is generous but not sloppy. The outer is robustly protected with TPU overlays and a fat toe bumper. The sock-like fit keeps the tongue centered and prevents debris from spilling in. Riding over a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the traction is aggressive with broadly spaced lugs that quickly shed muck off the soles.

　　And under the protective GORE-TEX shell, theres plenty of room to wear a thicker sock and the midsole has ample cushion to suck up repeated pounding. The shoe feels stable, predictable, and overbuilt for inclement weather.

　　The summer version often gets dinged for sensitivity. Indeed, it doesnt have a rocker and feels stiff — it doesnt wrap around the underlying terrain and lands hard. But its a compromise we can trade for stability on rough, frozen terrain.

　　In the end, the overbuilt protection this shoe gives ultrarunners translates to a winning winter runner for the rest of us.

　　$137 at Amazon MensCheck Womens Price at Amazon Womens Winter Running Shoes Comparison Chart

Winter Running Shoes	Price	Weight	Drop	Fit
Saucony Peregrine 14 GTX	$160	10.6 oz. (per shoe)	4 mm	True to size
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield	$135	12 oz. (per shoe)	10 mm	True to size
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2	$180	13.2 oz. (per shoe)	0 mm	True to size with wider toebox
inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX	$190	12.6 oz. (per shoe)	8 mm	Narrow
Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX	$170	11.7 oz. (per shoe)	8 mm	True to size with wider toebox
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX	$245	13.3 oz. (per shoe)	6 mm	Narrow
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 5 GTX	$170	12 oz. (per shoe)	4 mm	True to size
Adidas Agravic Tech Pro	$250	15 oz. (per shoe)	4 mm	Comfortably snug
Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX	$200	10 oz. (per shoe)	6 mm	N/A
Brooks Ghost 15 GTX	$160	10.7 oz. (per shoe)	12 mm	Snug but true to size
Scarpa Ultra Spin GTX	$200	24. oz (per pair)	6 mm	N/A

How We Tested Winter Running Shoes Steve Graepel, the author of this guide, has been running for 30 years. During his time on his feet, he’s clocked a sub-3-hour marathon, won the Superior Trail Ultra 50 miler, and made the first known rim-to-rim-to-rim of Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest canyon. Steve can be found lugging a backpack with a spare pair of shoes in and around the Boise foothills with his two dogs.

　　To complement Steve’s personal expertise, GearJunkie has a crew of four runners collecting miles and feedback throughout the year.

　　A fitness-focused runner who logs miles for both cardio and agility, Adam Ruggiero run-commutes on pavement daily, and adds box jumps and stairs to his regular routine. Ruggiero logs 20-25 miles a week, with mid-distance trail runs at elevation on the weekends.

　　Fast is slow, and slow is M.T. Elliot. A recreational runner — and our resident Clydesdale runner — Elliot prefers the crunch of dirt over asphalt but runs on both.

　　Sean McCoy is a middle-of-the-pack ultra runner who, when not leading the Denver-based GearJunkie team, gets lost running and racing in the Colorado high country.

　　Matthew Medendorp is a runner who hates treadmills with a fiery passion. As such, you’ll find him outside in all types of inclement weather. He tested 2024’ shoes in a combination of locales: day-to-day running in Michigans lake-effect snowstorms, running vacations in Flagstaff’s high-altitude trails, and on a dedicated testing trip in the Eastern Sierras where he pitted the finalists head-to-head in a post blizzard Mammoth Lakes, CA.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Winter Running Shoe Staring at a wall of shoes or endlessly browsing an online retailer can be overwhelming. We’ve broken down some helpful tips to find the right shoe.

　　

　　Winter running doesnt have to be dangerous or miserable; (photo/Steve Graepel) Consider Where You Run These days, manufacturers have dialed shoes for nearly every niche of running. This even applies to winter. A quick way to hone in on the right shoe is to identify where you run.

　　Winter road running shoestend to be built off of a brands stalwart training shoe. Brands want to invest in a winner, and a winter winner will be a shoe that is also a summer winner. The traction on these trainers will already be beefier than a racing flat and are suitable for running on wet roads.

　　But theyve added a waterproof breathable membrane to keep dedicated runners on the road through winter on a familiar last. If you already run in Brooks or New Balance, their winterized road shoes will be a good bet for cold, wet conditions.

　　

　　Choosing the best winter running shoe can be a daunting task, but is an important investment for safety and enjoyment on the trail; (photo/GearJunkie) Consider the Type of Tread Winter trail running shoeshave an aggressive lug pattern that bites into dirt, sand, and mud. But not all treads are the same. A blocky, cleat-like tread will shed mud in the Pacific Northwest but can feel clunky on hardpack found in the Southwest and can cause trips and falls.

　　Some brands, like Salomon and La Sportiva, offer shoes with integrated spikes. These are for runners who live in regions prone to ice, like the Northeast or the Columbia River Gorge.

　　Spikes can be wonderful on ice, but feel sketchy on rocky terrain and godawful on the pavement. Another option is to buy aftermarket crampons. Weve paired our running shoes Yaktrax and Black DiamondsDistance Spike.

　　These arent going to feel as stable as lugs embedded with carbide spikes, but they provide more flexibility in your winter quiver, pairing with a variety of shoes. Weve found these lightweight crampons capable of crossing over into fast and light mountaineering junkets, too.

　　

　　Winter shoes are generally more durable than their warm-weather cousins; (photo/JR Berry/ Mammoth Lakes Tourism) Consider the Durability of the Shoe Trail shoes also have a more durable upper, a robust toe bumper, and a firmer sole or even a rock plate — all to protect the feet from underlying roots and rocks. Trail shoes with lower lugs can be a little more runnable on roads, making them a suitable choice for snow-choked road runs.

　　All of the shoes on this list have a waterproof breathable membrane to keep melting snow and water from creeping in while keeping the toes warm.

　　Like spikes, integrated gaiters are a fantastic addition and worth the cost for those who frequently run in deep, snowy conditions. They shed snow weight quickly and keep feet warmer and drier. But because they trap heat, they can quickly become uncomfortable on milder days. Like crampons, gaiters can be purchased aftermarket for $25-50.

　　FAQ Which Winter Shoes Should I Buy? With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to choose the right trail shoes. Here are three things to consider as you shop:

　　Set realistic running goals.If you dream of running a 100-miler one day but realistically will use the shoes for 5-mile training loops around your local park, buy shoes for the latter use first. Consider shoe width.For folks with wide feet, or those running very long distances, a wide forefoot can be a bonus that lets toes splay. The downside is that wider shoes are less precise, can be a little more clumsy, and won’t fit well on people with narrow feet. Test out the tongue.Does it fit comfortably? Will it keep rocks out of your shoe? Shoes with gusseted tongues help keep snow and debris from creeping into the shoe. Go with what you know. If you run in the dead of winter, you’re probably more than an armchair enthusiast with a few pairs of running shoes in your closet. Check whether your go-to model also has a waterproof model, often signified by GTX (GORE-TEX) in the title. If you love the fit of the Brooks Ghost 15, chances are you’ll also like the Brooks Ghosts 15 GTX. How Should Trail Running Shoes Fit? Stack Drop Unless you’re running barefoot, every shoe has a stack. Measured in millimeters, the stack refers to how high the insole sits off the ground. Shoes with more cushion inherently have a higher stack. Furthermore, most shoes have a drop in stack height from the heel to the toe.

　　If you’re new to running, experts recommend a lower heel drop; it builds a wider range of motion and strength, which makes you a healthier runner. We also find a lower stack keeps your center of gravity closer to the ground. This becomes even more important on unstable terrain, with snow covering hidden obstacles.

　　Flexibility Flexibility is your friend on the trails. You need variability to match the variable terrain. Trail runners and those running in winter — where obstacles can be hidden under snow — will prefer a shoe with a firm outsole and less cushion but a firm toebox to push off of.

　　Flexibility and torsion can help the foot adapt to the trail and objects obscured by snow. But too much flexibility can feel unstable. Without stability, the ankle can be exposed to rolling.

　　How Long Do Running Shoes Last? The life of a shoe depends on a variety of factors, including running style, weight, and how often they’re used. But in general, 300 to 500 miles is a good rule of thumb.

　　So if you run 10 miles per week, your shoes could last 8 months to a year. If you’re logging 20 miles per week, plan on replacing your running shoes every 4 to 6 months.

　　And if you see excessive wear patterns, holes, or tears, or if you notice a decrease in footbed comfort, it’s probably time to grab a new pair of sneakers.

　　Durability aside, we typically dont wear our winter shoes daily. Winter-specific running shoes supplement our running quiver, rotating into the queue as the weather calls for it. This increases the shelf life of our winter shoes and stretches our dollars out over several years of use.

　　

　　The Best Trail Running Shoes for Women in 2024 From muddy local trails to epic mountain runs, weve found the best trail running shoes for women.

　　

　　The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024 We tested and ranked the best trail running shoes for every style and budget. And for more help choosing, check out our buyers guide.