The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2025-2026

The ASICS Trail Scout 3 ($65) is tough to beat for winter runners on a budget. While it’s not waterproof, spiked, or gaiter-compatible, this shoe nails the essentials for mild winter conditions without breaking the bank.

The outsole is built with thick, durable rubber and moderately aggressive lugs that grip well on hard-packed snow and frosty ground. It’s not an ice shoe, but for the everyday runner who just needs something stable underfoot on wintry paths, it delivers solid traction and reliability.

The upper uses abrasion-resistant mesh that sheds light moisture surprisingly well for a non-waterproof shoe. It won’t keep you dry in slush or deep snow, but it does fend off the kind of damp you encounter on frozen mornings or during snow-melt runs. The fit balances comfort and security, with a well-cushioned heel and a roomy toebox that leaves space for thicker winter socks without feeling sloppy.

ASICS uses a familiar, no-frills EVA midsole here; it stays decently soft in the cold and offers enough cushion for recovery runs or longer outings. The tongue isn’t gusseted, so you’ll want to make sure it’s centered before lacing up. But once locked in, the shoe feels stable and predictable, even on uneven terrain.

While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of pricier winter trail models, the Trail Scout 3 earns its place as the best budget winter trail shoe for runners who just want to get out there. On packed snow or mellow winter trails, it’s proof that you don’t need GORE-TEX or spikes — just a reliable sole, a warm pair of socks, and the motivation to move.

For runners who refuse to hang up their shoes when the trails turn slick, the Salomon Winter Cross Spike ($249) delivers the confidence to keep moving. Tested by GearJunkie staff writer Heather Balogh Rochfort on a 12-mile, late-season adventure up and down Mount Sopris (12,995 feet) in Colorado, the shoe proved its mettle on a mix of early-season snow, ice, and lots of mud.

The Winter Cross Spike’s embedded tungsten carbide spikes bite into hardpack and ice, but don’t feel awkward or clunky once you hit dirt. That versatility makes them a smart option for shoulder-season runs when trails transition between frozen and thawed. Underfoot, a tacky Contagrip outsole (Salomon’s proprietary rubber) and aggressive lugs provide quality grip without feeling stiff or unnecessary. Once Balogh Rochfort reached 11,000 feet, the terrain continually swapped from ice to early-season slush, and the Cross Spikes had no problem keeping up.

Where the Winter Cross Spike really stands out is with its integrated gaiter system. It seals out snow, mud, and trail debris while maintaining the feel of a true running shoe underneath. You’re not sloshing around like you would in a winter boot. Instead, the fit stays snug, secure, and surprisingly nimble, as Balogh Rochfort experienced while jogging down the mountain. The EnergyCell+ midsole contributes to that balance, providing a firm and responsive feel underfoot that keeps the shoe agile on slippery terrain.

For runners who usually pair separate traction and gaiters for cold-weather miles, this setup is a one-stop shop that simplifies the entire system without sacrificing performance.

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX ($210) is built for runners who drift toward the hiking end of the spectrum. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort first took them out on a solo six-mile adventure on Independence Pass outside Aspen, where patchy snow and shaded ice made for constantly changing footing. Since then, they’ve proven equally capable on a range of terrain.

A wider platform (90mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot) gives the Agility Peak 5 Zero a planted, stable feel, though that same base also contributes to its slightly clunky ride. The fit is roomy and accommodating, which is great for thicker socks or wider feet. But runners with narrower feet may find it a touch loose. It’s sturdy and surefooted, but not the lightest option. When combined with the wider platform, Balogh Rochfort found the Agility Peak 5 Zero better suited for hiking with a bit of running thrown in.

The Agility Peak 5 Zero includes a light built-in gaiter that wraps over the top of the shoe, sealing out snow and slush without adding bulk. Inside, it feels more like a sturdy trail hiker than a nimble running shoe, which makes sense given its broader shape and cushioned build. The GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps feet dry in wet snow and puddles, while the gaiter helps block out debris and cold air on sloppy winter days. And, they’re warm!

Compared with shoes like the Salomon Winter Cross Spike or Arc’teryx Norvan 4 Nivalis, the Agility Peak 5 Zero feels less technical and more approachable. They’re also a touch more affordable, with the kind of comfort that makes hikers want to throw down a few running miles — or for runners who simply want to enjoy the day.

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2 ($160) takes one of Altra’s most popular trail shoes and makes it winter-ready. By pairing the eVent waterproof shell from the earlier Lone Peak 4 RSW with the upgraded EGO midsole from the Lone Peak 5, Altra created a highly breathable, storm-worthy shoe that stays true to its roots.

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 soak from sweat, and our toes stayed warm during an off-trail marathon slog across the snowy Owyhee Desert.

The Lone Peak lineage runs deep. The 7.0 version, released last year, introduced the responsive EGO midsole that delivers just enough cushion to protect feet on rocky terrain without dulling ground feel. Traction remains excellent, the wide forefoot is pure Altra, and the upper and tongue are soft yet supportive.

The ALL-WTHR 2 keeps that same comfort and protection but adds serious weather defense. It’s a low-top, and because the Lone Peak’s low profile puts you closer to the snow, it’s best to pair with a gaiter on powder days.

In short, zero drop can be rough on the calves, but for those who 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 it the most storm-worthy and breathable version yet — a winter classic that still feels like a Lone Peak.

The Arc’teryx Norvan 4 Nivalis ($250) is a fully waterproof, all-in-one winter running shoe that looks and feels every bit as sleek as you’d expect from the brand.

Instead of a separate shoe inside the gaiter as we found in the Salomon Winter Cross Spike and Merrell Agility 5 Peak Zero GTX, the Nivalis uses a single-piece construction with a cinch cord at the ankle. This design keeps out snow and slush but sacrifices some structure and lockdown. On a winter push up Mount Sopris, a Colorado-based tester wore them alongside GearJunkie’s Heather Balogh Rochfort and noted that while the shoes felt light and flexible, they also ran a little sloppy on steep downhills with some foot movement inside the upper.

That said, traction was excellent. There are no studs, but the Vibram Megagrip outsole provided plenty of grip on hard-packed switchbacks and mixed terrain. The dual-density midsole struck a nice balance between cushioning and control as well. The result is a shoe that’s smooth and supportive underfoot, even if the fit isn’t quite as precise as others in this category.

The Norvan 4 Nivalis may not have taken a top spot, but it remains a delightfully comfortable, waterproof option for runners who want plenty of protection in a sleek package.

The Speedland GL:SVT ($299) is a premium, limited-edition trail shoe that’s built to handle just about anything except standing water. It’s not waterproof, but with 6.5mm lugs and a built-in gaiter, it grips well in mud, snow patches, and loose terrain while keeping most debris out. The gaiter takes a bit of effort to wriggle into, but once you’re in, the fit feels secure and dialed.

Heather Balogh Rochfort tested the GL:SVT across roughly 30 miles of mixed terrain in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley and noted zero signs of wear. The dual BOA Fit System allows for quick, micro-adjustable tension across the foot, creating an even wrap without pressure points or hot spots.

Underfoot, the Michelin Fiber outsole and aggressive lug pattern provide excellent traction, while Speedland’s proprietary drop-in midsole gives a stable, responsive ride with just enough cushioning for long days on technical trails. Honestly, every component feels premium — as it should. This is the most expensive shoe Balogh Rochfort has tested this season, and the price tag is a tough pill to swallow.

Speedland operates on a small-batch model: once a shoe launches and sells out, it’s gone for good. The GL:SVT continues that tradition, which can be tough for runners who fall in love with the model. Still, there are few shoes out there that feel this sleek and refined underfoot. If you have the technical chops and cash to make this dream your reality, we recommend it.

The Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 GTX ($219) is built like a mountain tool: precise, powerful, and made to take a beating. It’s fully waterproof and grips confidently on packed snow, wet rock, and even the occasional patch of ice. This is the kind of shoe that comes alive on technical terrain where every foot placement matters, offering grippy traction and a secure feel underfoot.

That precision comes with stiffness. The Ribelle Run 2 GTX doesn’t flex much (if at all, honestly). While that makes it incredibly stable, it’s also not the most forgiving. GearJunkie staff writer Heather Balogh Rochfort found it perfectly fine for shorter efforts — around 5 miles — but on longer runs, the rigidity started to create some arch fatigue. Scarpa traditionally runs narrow, too, so you’ll find that in the toebox. This adds to the shoe’s precision, but the Ribelle Run may not be suitable for runners with wide feet.

Still, there’s no denying how capable this shoe is. It’s durable, confident on steep and uneven ground, and designed for runners who like to push into the rugged side of winter. The Ribelle Run 2 GTX may not be the softest ride, but it’s tough, dependable, and made for days when the mountain demands your full attention.

Winter, meet your match. The La Sportiva Blizzard ($245) is a reasonably lightweight GORE-TEX shoe wrapped in a full gaiter, running over aggressive 7mm 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.