Winter might be the most comfortable season. Snuggling in your blankets and drinking hot chocolate. Plus, everyone’s in the holiday season and a little nicer and more cheery.
The holiday season also gives you a whole month of excuses to forgo your workout routine, especially when it comes to Running. Of course, the cold weather just lures you inside instead of in the harsh conditions.
You might find yourself thanking yourself when you keep that running habit up, though, especially since the gyms are going to be packed in January. You might also find that January weather is even colder than December, so maybe you’ll allow yourself to stay by the fireplace then.
Either way, winter shouldn’t get in the way of your fitness goals. You especially need the right gear for this. The slippery roads and the harder trails are only going to make it harder.
Fortunately for you, though, the right gear is just around the corner, and I’m here to help you find it. Here’s a list of the best winter running shoes on the market as rated by other runners.
Best Winter Running Shoes Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | VJ XTRM OCR Shoes - Trail Running Shoes | VJ XTRM | Check Price on Amazon |
| Icebug NewRun M BUGrip GTX Road Running Shoe | Icebug | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Salomon SENSE RIDE 3 GTX | Salomon | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Brooks Divide | Brooks | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Asics GT-1000 8 GTX | Asics | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - VJ XTRM OCR Shoes - Trail Running Shoes
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Topping the list is the VJ XTRM Shoes made for your most intense trails. Your intense terrains are breakfast to this pair as it has materials made to last you a lifetime.
Its material is made of 48-percent Kevlar and 52-percent polyester. We’ve talked a lot about polyester before, but if you’ve just encountered polyester, let’s have a recap. Polyester is made of synthetic fibers that have moisture-wicking abilities. This means that it won’t retain much moisture in your shoe. It is also known to be a durable material, so your feet will love you for this.
Kevlar, on the other hand, is another synthetic material that is an absolute monster when it comes to durability. So strong, in fact, that it can stop bullets and knives and is used in military endeavors.
If that’s not enough to convince you of its durability, especially in the harsh weather conditions, then let’s talk about how it can protect your feet from the trail.
Because of the rock plate in the sole, your feet are protected from sharp rocks and other objects that can puncture the shoe. Even the toe cap is rubber to fully protect you.
In icy weather, you want to be careful but according to users, these shoes are a great way to give you stability and confidence.
What have others said about the VJ XTRM?
“Love the stability and feels really durable. Nothing else to ask from a shoe, really. The grip is great.” – Terence T
PROS
- Made of durable material (Kevlar and polyester)
- Protection from sharp rocks
- Good grip
CONS
- Size might be too small (go ½ size larger)
#2 - Icebug NewRun M BUGrip GTX Road Running Shoe
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Designed especially for winter running, the Icebug NewRun M BUGrip Gtx Road Running Shoe is great for your runs despite the weather. Go running all year round with these, and do it confidently.
Icebug developed its own technology to promote traction called BUGrip. Its sole is designed with this technology, adding 14-19 steel studs.
These steel studs are made of carbide steel to keep you going on any terrain. This makes your shoe so much more durable and can absorb the impact of your feet hitting the ground.
Afraid of getting your feet wet? This pair has your back with its GORE-TEX waterproof material, especially on its upper part. It does not sacrifice comfort for function, though; your feet will love running in these, despite the chilly weather.
You might want to research around the fit, though, as some claim you need to go ½ size larger. Some even say that it’s best for wider feet.
Either way, you are going to get a durable shoe with extra comfort and cushioning for any kind of run.
PROS
- Grip includes steel studs
- Very durable
- Waterproof
CONS
- The fit might not be the best at your regular size
#3 - Salomon SENSE RIDE 3 GTX
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You’ll want to put on your running shoes with the Salomon Sense Ride 3 GTX. Not only will you feel comfortable with its extra cushioning, but you’ll also boost your performance in the cold with this pair.
Its rubber sole will make sure you have enough grip even with the slippery roads and trails of winter. Even as your trails get a lot muddier, the base of the foot is protected with mudguard.
Its anti-debris mesh is also great if you’re traveling on rockier roads, as it prevents that small debris from getting into your shoes. Don’t you just hate it when you can’t get those little rocks out of your shoe?
To add to the grip of the rubber sole is their Contagrip sole, which can help you confidently trek wet surfaces, dry surfaces, and everything in between. Even if you encounter the occasional sharp rock, the sole will help reduce that impact.
Even in the cold, your feet are protected by their Gore-Tex Invisible Fit Technology. This gives you full weather protection and provides a more snug fit. This technology is integrated into the shoe, so you won’t have to worry about the added bulk. It’s almost like mesh!
PROS
- Added grip for a more confident run
- Weather protection
- Anti-debris mesh
CONS
- Users have complained of size being too small
- Plain style
#4 - Brooks Divide
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Want a beginner-friendly shoe that will help you on your first trail run? The Brooks Divide shoe can help you confidently transition from the treadmill and flat surface runs to the more challenging treks.
The rubber sole can give you a little bit more of that sticky surface that you need especially on tricky and slippery trails. Its TrailTrack outsole can provide you with the extra support you need, especially when you’re feeling unsure about your trail.
You’ll also find your feet will love you with its spacious forefoot fit for additional comfort. No more aching toes! You won’t be kicking off your shoes though as it still stays snug near the midfoot.
If you need that extra protection from sharp surfaces and rocks, you might love that this shoe actually has a rock plate that protects your feet from the impact. Don’t worry, though, it’s not as hard as it seems; it’s a lightweight plate to balance that protection and comfort.
Because of the design of the heel, it can also adapt to whatever terrain or trail you’re running on. This is because it has a horseshoe-shaped groove. Its material will also help your foot stay protected from harsh terrains and weather conditions.
PROS
- Lightweight rock plate for added protection
- Beginner-friendly
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- Might not provide too much weather protection
#5 - Asics GT-1000 8 GTX
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One of the shoe giants is bound to have a shoe good for the winter, and Asics delivers with the Asics GT-1000 8 GTX Running Shoes, a great shoe for a great price.
It is synthetic and contains mesh material, giving you both the durability of synthetic fibers and the breathability of mesh fabric. It’s most probably going to be moisture-wicking, too, as synthetic fibers tend to bring the moisture out.
Its Trusstic System technology makes your sole lighter than the usual hardcore trekking shoes while still keeping its durability. You might want to be careful, though, especially if you trek on more intense trails.
You want a shoe that will protect you from sharp rocks and such. The Asics GT-1000 8 GTX might not give you that better than the other shoes will, but it will hold up in lighter conditions.
The shoe also has the technology to guide your gait with its Guidance Line Midsole Technology, which aims to help you keep your steps in line. This is especially important in icy conditions. The more support, the better.
This is also another shoe that has the GORE-TEX Upper, a material that helps keep your shoe waterproof and your feet dry. It also can protect your feet in harsher weather conditions.
PROS
- Guidance Line Midsole Technology helps keep your gait
- Weather protection through GORE-TEX upper material
- Lightweight sole good for sprinting
CONS
- Quite simple features
- Basic style
