Running doesn’t stop when the temperatures drop. Runners are a different breed so it’s not surprising to see a jogger in shorts, gloves, and a hat trotting down an icy sidewalk in the middle of a blizzard. While we encourage runners to get out in the winter, whether it’s cold, snowy, or icy, there are ways to be prepared. 

Whether you’re training for a race, enjoying a casual jog, or keeping up your mileage through the colder months, the right shoes makes all the difference. Choosing the best winter running shoes can help you stay safe, comfortable, and motivated, no matter the conditions.<

From winter jogging shoes designed for wet city streets to men’s trail running shoes and women’s trail running shoes built for snow and icy paths, there are plenty of options. The key is knowing which features matter most for your environment and running style.

What to look for in the best winter running shoes

When you’re shopping for running shoes for the winter, a few features stand out as essential. They’ll help you keep traction, warmth, and dryness on every run.

Traction

To ensure you stay upright and don’t get injured during a snowy run, wear shoes with traction. You want to ensure your feet get a good grip on the ground, whether it’s covered in snow, ice, water, or slush.

Winter running shoes should be equipped with lugs, which are small points of raised rubber lining on the outsole of the shoe. You’ll find lugs on most trail shoes to ensure trail runners can maintain traction on slippery dirt or muddy trails. The bigger and more aggressive the lugs and lug pattern, the more traction and grip you’ll experience while running.

Alternatively, you can purchase your own lug kit and attach the lugs to your existing running shoes to convert them into ice running shoes. However, keep in mind that there’s usually no easy way to reverse this process.

Warmth

Most running shoes aren’t known for their warmth since runners are generally looking for fast, lightweight shoes. However, with winter running, you should consider the upper material of the shoe and ensure it’ll keep your feet relatively warm in a cold and windy environment. The water-resistant membrane material is also generally thicker than mesh, which is another consideration to factor in when buying winter running shoes.

Water resistance

Shoes that are waterproof keep your feet happier in the winter, especially if you’re moving through snow or slush. In freezing temperatures, keeping your feet dry is the key to warmth and safety. Shoes that are water-resistant and not waterproof are helpful for dry feet but if you encounter deep puddles or relentless slush, your feet may get a little damp throughout your run.

Keep in mind, the traction, warmth, and water resistance you need in your winter running shoes depends on your location’s climate.

Running shoes for cold and snowy conditions

For runners facing snow-covered sidewalks or frozen trails, traction comes first. Shoes with deep, multidirectional lugs give you the grip you need to stay upright.

• For snow and ice: Consider the best running shoes for the snow, designed with durable outsoles that dig into packed snow.
  
  
• Trail options: Many trail shoes work well as running shoes for winter running, especially those with Vibram® Megagrip soles for maximum traction.
  
  
• Gaiter compatibility: If you regularly run in deeper snow, look for models that allow gaiter attachments to keep snow out of your shoes.

Running shoes for slushy winters

Slushy conditions are tricky—they combine water, mud, and melting snow. In these cases, the ideal winter jogging shoes focus on:

• Waterproofing: Keeping feet dry is key, as wet socks quickly lead to discomfort in cold conditions.
  
  
• Reliable traction: Melting snow can be just as slick as ice, so grip remains a priority.
  
  
• Moderate warmth: Unlike freezing runs, you won’t need heavy insulation, but you still want protection from wind and moisture.

Running shoes for mild, rainy winters

Not all winters are snowy. In milder climates with more rain than snow, your focus should shift to staying dry and comfortable.

• Quick-dry materials: Even if you skip full waterproofing, choose shoes that dry fast to avoid soggy feet.
  
  
• Lightweight uppers: If temperatures aren’t extreme, lightweight water-resistant uppers may offer the perfect balance of breathability and protection.
  
  
• Road comfort: Here, running shoes for the winter don’t need aggressive lugs—opt for models designed to handle wet pavement with confidence.

Your running surface and foot shape determine your shoe needs

Running surface

Pavement, asphalt, dirt, or mud? Your running surface plays a big role in the amount of traction you need from your running shoes. When you run on a treadmill or dry sidewalk, you’re probably not too worried about how heavy duty your running shoes are or if they’re waterproof. Your focus may be on a breathable upper and a lightweight outsole that keeps you moving fast.

However, if you’re tackling a trail run on a wet or snowy trail, water resistance and lugs for traction will be top priority. If you’re an all-season runner, you may need to consider buying lightweight shoes suitable for the warmer months and more heavy-duty sneakers for your winter runs.

Foot shape

When you’re shopping for the right running shoes, your foot shape is an important factor to consider. Finding shoes that were made to fit your feet ensure you’ll have a comfortable and sustainable run. Altra shoes with FootShape™ comfort give you enough room in the toe box to allow your feet to move naturally, which is crucial whether you’re running on a snowy or sunny day.

Natural movement is also important for a comfortable stride, whether you’re setting out for an easy 5K or toeing the starting line of your first ultra-marathon. Altra shoes feature Balanced Cushioning™, which is sometimes referred to in the running shoe industry as “zero drop.” With an even platform, these shoes position your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground to encourage better alignment and better running form.

So, what are the best shoes for running in the winter?

While our road running shoes are shoes that are equipped for running in the winter, other styles might suit your needs even more. If you’re likely to run through a lot of puddles, heavy rain, or even some light snow, waterproof shoes can maximize comfort and dryness during your run. 

Look for models with GORE-TEX uppers; these provide waterproof protection from the outside while still allowing sweat and moisture to escape from the inside. If you’re running in snowy and icy conditions, make sure your running shoes have plenty of grip, too. Our Men’s Timp 5 GTX and Women’s Timp 5 GTX are the prime examples of grippy shoes that provide waterproof protection for running in the winter.

You might also be able to wear your trail running shoes during winter runs. Depending on the conditions and type of terrain, you may want to consider different trail shoes for running in the winter. As always, you want to be able to tackle the trail with confidence. Shoes with proper grip and support are key. 

In areas prone to snow, heavy rain, and mud, we recommend finding shoes with waterproof uppers. For excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces, look for models with Vibram® Megagrip. If you’re running on technical trails, make sure your trail running shoes are designed for that type of terrain. For similar features that’ll help you with running in the winter, try the Men’s Olympus 6 and Women’s Olympus 6 shoes now.

Tips for choosing the right pair

With so many winter running shoes on the market, narrowing down your choices can feel overwhelming. Here are a few questions to guide your decision:

• Do you mostly run on roads, trails, or mixed terrain?
  
  
• Is your winter dominated by snow, slush, or rain?
  
  
• Do you need maximum warmth, or do you tend to overheat while running?
  
  
• Have past shoes failed because they lacked grip, soaked through too fast, or felt too heavy?

Answering these will help you prioritize the right mix of traction, warmth, and water protection.

Gear up with the best winter running shoes

Cold weather doesn’t have to slow you down. Whether you’re lacing up ice running shoes for frozen trails or slipping into good winter running shoes for slushy city streets, the right footwear keeps you moving confidently all season.

Explore our collection of men’s and women’s winter jogging shoes and find the pair that matches your climate, your terrain, and your goals. From running shoes for snow to versatile running shoes for winter running, we’ve got you covered.

Stay warm, stay dry, and keep running strong - no matter what winter throws your way.