By Noel Paine
Winter in many parts of the world can be cold, snowy and sometimes icy. In North America especially, winters can be tough for many runners. Growing up in Canada, I have run through many cold winters and got out for a run on some very brutal days; having the right type of shoe helped!
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What Do you Need for Winter Running?
You need a shoe that works in cold, snowy, and icy conditions to keep your feet on the ground and help you train.
COLD – you need a show with less open mesh to help keep your feet warm.
SNOWY – less open mesh and a snug fit around the ankle will keep snow out.
ICY – You need an outsole with grip and good rubber that is not sticky.
SLUSH – less open mesh and a waterproof shoe can keep your feet happy.
We will go through a bunch of running shoe options to keep you training in whatever kind of winter you get where you are, but you can also add things like Icespikes to help out as well! They are an example of products you can screw into or strap onto your shoes to help you when it's slippery.
Beware that there are often fewer choices for winter running shoes with more grip or uppers etc, to keep your feet warmer or drier.
Winter Running Shoes - My Top Picks
1. Saucony Triumph 22 GTX
If you already train in the Saucony Triumph, this is simply a waterproof version that uses a Gore-Tex upper to keep feet dry.
This is a well-cushioned training shoe for someone who does not have any foot issues and likes a well-cushioned shoe and does not mind a bit more weight. Make sure to try this version on as sometimes a Gore-Tex upper can make the shoe fit a bit small. Also, although the shoe is waterproof, the outsole is not overly aggressive and could be slippery on icy roads.
2. Saucony Kinvara 15 GTX
This is a waterproof version of a popular lightweight training shoe from Saucony. Almost the same as the regular version but keeps the water off and has a bit of added weight.
Also Available at
Road Runner
As a runner and racewalker, I really love the simple Kinvara. It's light, well-cushioned and good for training or even racing for some. If you want a lightweight trainer that will keep your feet dry (with Gore-Tex), this is a great option, the one downside is similar to the Triumph, the tread is not aggressive and may not be great on slippery terrain.
*Remember as well that sometimes the waterproof upper on running shoes can make them a bit warmer.
3. Saucony Endorphin Rift
This is not a super aggressive trail running shoe but it does have good traction for winter running where snow and bits of ice can make other shoes slip.
I would suggest this relatively light, soft cushioned trail shoe for the lighter runner who wants a shoe to throw on for shorter runs that are snowy or icy or even packed snow trails where some traction is needed. The shoe is not waterproof but does have a reinforced toe bumper and may be a bit warmer than some more open-meshed shoes.
My opinion is this is a very expensive shoe for what you get, would suggest you try and find this in store to try on!
4. Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
This is another Gore-Tex covered running shoe option that is meant to keep feet dry but can also work for winter running.
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks
The Ghosty has been in the Brooks lineup for a while and this is just the version for wet weather. It’s a little heavier but the same price and the tread is the same as the regular version. The outsole is not super smooth but neither is it rugged.
5. Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX
This is the first shoe suggestion that is both waterproof and has good tread to keep you on your feet and keep them dry. There are grey but the outsole is popping with colour!
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks
This shoe is stable, good cushion, has a rock plate in the midsole for trails (that also adds stability to the shoe) and would be a good option for a person looking to keep their feet dry and on the ground. The shoe is also $20 more than the non-Gore-Tex version.
6. HOKA Challenger 7 GTX
This shoe is described as a mix between trail and road, with HOKA’s signature light and thick EVA midsole combined with a rugged outsole for traction.
If you like the feel of HOKAs then this shoe might be for you. It has a thick midsole, lower drop, good traction and the signature heel pull tab. I was pleasantly surprised when HOKA shoes first came out and really like some of their models that work for my feet. I like the added protection without the weight.
7. HOKA Clifton 9 GTX
Like other brands, HOKA has a cushioned training shoe with Gore-Tex for wet (or slushy) conditions that will keep your feet dry. If you need stability, there may be room for an orthotic or supportive insole.
Also Available at
HOKA
So the Clifton GTX will keep you dry but lacks the extra tread for slippery conditions. It is a bit firmer than the Challenger and a bit heavier than the normal version. I have worn an older version of the Clifton and quite liked it. The shoe is well-cushioned, fairly responsive and decently roomy.
8. ASICS Gel Pulse 15 GTX
This is the first shoe that will keep your feet dry and cost you less than some other options. It has a Gore-Tex upper and although not huge treads, it has a decent amount of lugs on the outsole to give some traction.
I have worn many Asics shoe models but not this one, but have seen it. It’s a great training shoe, has a decent rocker to the shoe and is decently cushioned. This would be a good choice for someone who wants dry feet and some traction. Attention to anyone thinking of putting an orthotic or insole into this shoe – Asics shoes generally are shallower than some other brands.
9. ASICS Gel-Terrain GTX
This is a waterproof, trail shoe with good traction, but I cannot find the drop or weight information for this shoe. It looks relatively low drop and looks like a firmer cushion.
Comments seem to indicate the shoe may fit a bit narrow and perhaps a little short – not uncommon with shoe that use Gore-Tex. Asics supposedly based the shoe guts on the GT-2000 and the middle has flytefoam and gel – it should be decently cushioned. So this would make for a good waterproof shoe with traction and upper does not look too airy. I would advise trying this shoe and any waterproof shoe on in the store or making sure to check about return policies in case you need a bigger size.
Fitting Advise
Remember that some running shoes that use Gore-Tex or are winterized in some way – can fit a bit differently than a similar model if the material is firmer, more restrictive etc.; shoes can fit shorter or narrower. Always try them on.
Make sure there is enough toe room (thumbnail width) and the width is snug but not tight or sloppy. If at a running store, have someone measure your feet and check the fit.
Walk around the store if you have the opportunity, there should be no break-in period.
Stay Safe
Being tough is one thing, but it's also good to be smart. If the conditions are dangerous (too icy or cold) think about hitting the treadmill or doing some cross-training!
Other Winter Running Tips
If there is a risk of frostbite, try rubbing some petroleum jelly on exposed skin as an added layer of defence.
Forget fashion on super cold days and make sure your head and fingers are warm enough.
Socks like those from Smartwool for cold weather are breathable and warm – make sure you try on winter running shoes with the socks you think you will be wearing!
Dress in breathable layers. You do not want to be warm and sweat too much – remember you will warm up once you get going.
Make sure you are seen on dark winter days with reflective gear like Sugoi and brands like Proviz carry.
When you run in the winter you can get to and see and experience stuff you will not see any other time of year!
Pick the right type of winter running shoe for your feet and for the type of winter conditions you have.
*As a Canadian Noel has run when it has been -30C and colder and has been to the Arctic.
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