Whether you love tackling trails or prefer to run on the road, you already know that outdoor running has many mental and physical health benefits. While motivation may be high during the warmer months, running in the winter often comes with its own mental and logistical challenges.

Don’t let cold, wet, or unpredictable weather put you off. With the right footwear, running in the winter can be just as enjoyable and rewarding as any other time of year. With that in mind, let’s explore how choosing the right shoes can help you stay confident and comfortable throughout your winter runs.

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 maximise comfort and dryness during your run.

Look for models with waterproof uppers; these provide 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. The Men’s Timp 6 and Women’s Timp 6 are 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.

Benefits of running in cold weather

As bizarre as it may sound, running in cold weather can actually be good for your body. Colder weather puts less heat stress on your body and is therefore less taxing on your body’s resources. Additionally, because your body has to work harder to keep you warm, you are likely to burn more calories when running in the cold.

We all know that the winter months bring out Seasonal Affect Disorder - SAD - which can bring down your mood. Getting outside and running is a great way to help fight off the winter blues and keep your mental health in check.

Warm up your muscles

Just like you do in the summer, it is important to ensure your body is warmed up before beginning a workout. Before you step outside to brave the cold weather, it is important to do a few simple stretches or warm-up workouts to prepare your muscles for your upcoming run. It can be as simple as doing a few squats or jumping jacks, or a calming morning stretch. But it is always important to get your muscles warm before you hit the ground running.

Top tips for winter running motivation

Even with all the right shoes, clothing, and gear, it can be hard to drag yourself out for a run in colder weather. If you find yourself struggling to get excited about running in the winter, try some of the following top tips. If you struggle with early mornings, schedule your runs for lunchtime or the afternoon if possible. Find some running buddies that’ll motivate you during those tough winter runs. Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve certain distances. Just focus on leaving the house, period. Reward yourself with a nutritious, delicious, and warm recovery meal.

Gear up for winter runs in style

Don’t let winter weather stop you from smashing your running goals. Explore our range of shoes for men and shoes for women. You can also shop by activity to find the right shoes for how and where you run. Whether you’re heading out on the road, tackling winter trails, or mixing running with hiking, we’ve got shoes designed to help you stay active, comfortable, and motivated all winter long.