The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2024

If your winter runs are primarily on the 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 range of 0-15 degree F.

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, it’s 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 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 the shoe the most storm-worthy and breathable shoe in the lineup.

Running in high tops? We weren’t sure about it either. But we were pleasantly surprised with how comfortable and supportive inov-8’s 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 286’s 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. It’s 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 HOKA’s 32-28 mm, so you’ll feel more stability as 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 their 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, you’re getting the support of a hiker in a package that’s 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 won’t be the right shoes for you.

The “G” stands for graphene, and that’s this shoe’s secret sauce. It’s 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 shoe’s 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. We’ve 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 trails 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.

With its deep roots in climbing, it’s no surprise that Arc’teryx is our top choice for all-terrain running. The Arc’teryx 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 Arc’teryx 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. 

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.

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 there’s the plush cushioning underneath that attracts ultrarunners and weekend runners alike.

You’ll notice plenty of bounce in these, so they’re 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, 5mm 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.

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 you’ve zipped into the shoes. It’s one of the best tie-in mechanisms we’ve 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. It’s 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. That’s 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 you’re not catching it on the opposite ankle. Rubberized strips are applied to the shoe’s 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. It’s 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 you’re buying into protection other shoes don’t have.

If you find you need traction on underlying ice, we’d recommend La Sportiva’s 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.

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 12mm drop and stack on the Adrenaline or Ghost, the Cascadia sits lower to the ground and has a tamer 8mm 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.

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 isn’t 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.

Born out of mountaineering, it was a natural transition for Scarpa to enter the mountain running field. Scarpa’s 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, there’s 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 doesn’t have a rocker and feels stiff — it doesn’t wrap around the underlying terrain and lands hard. But it’s 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.