Best winter running shoes | Solereview

The Pegasus Shield is gone, and in its place is the Pegasus GTX, which has a grippy Stormtread outsole under a winter-ready upper.

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While not confirmed officially, it seems Nike has retired the ‘Shield’ collection. In its place is a collection of winterized running shoes with a waterproof Gore-Tex upper.

The GTX version of the Infinity 4 was released this year, followed by the Pegasus 41 GTX and Winflo 11 GTX.

Unlike other brands that merely add a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane to the upper (New Balance 880, Brooks Ghost, etc), the Pegasus 41 GTX gets the full winter-ready treatment. While this neutral everyday trainer shares the midsole with the road version, everything else is new.

The upper uses a wind-blocking ripstop mesh with a heather heel mesh to keep the feet warm and waterproof. The outer seams are sealed with fused layers, and there’s reflectivity available on the heel and front. The strap-based lacing is easy to cinch.

In the good old days, a Gore-Tex membrane meant reduced upper space, but that’s no longer true. The modern ‘Invisible Fit’ Gore-Tex doesn’t eat into interior space.

The winterized outsole puts the Pegasus 41 GTX at the top of this list. Based on our experience with prior Pegasus Shield models, the Storm Tread rubber has an excellent grip on wet sidewalks.

As with the standard Pegasus 41, the GTX version has a cushioned and supportive ride with rearfoot-focused comfort. For softer cushioning, consider either the Nike Infinity 4 GTX or Hoka Speedcross 6 Mid GTX.

Also consider: Nike Winflo 11 GTX.

The specialized rubber outsole and wind-blocking GTX upper make the InfinityRN 4 a capable winter running shoe.

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The Pegasus 41’s Zoom Air bags and low-profile forefoot give it a firm ride, so consider the InfinityRN 4 GTX for greater cushioning comfort.

There are no stiff Zoom Air bags inside the midsole. The entire stack is made of ReactX foam, so the landings and transitions are softer than the Pegasus. The cushioning softness is controlled though – the midsole isn’t mushy or unstable.

This is a cushioned trainer capable of everyday mileage as well as half marathons.

Its waterproof Gore-Tex avatar has many winter-focused features. The upper is waterproof, of course. Then there’s the closed mesh that is good at keeping the wind (and cold) out; some reflectivity is thrown in for good measure.

The Storm Tread outsole is the highlight of the InfinityRN 4 GTX. The outsole has an unusual full-coverage layout with no perforations or grooves, which results in great traction on damp surfaces.

The ankle-high upper, Gore-Tex membrane, and Vibram Megagrip outsole are ideal ingredients of a winter running shoe.

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Purely from a functional standpoint, the mid version of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is a better winter shoe than the low-cut version.

The Mid-cut upper bridges the gap between the hem of the pants and the shoe, so it’s better at preventing moisture, cold, and debris from entering. The technical mesh upper has a Gore-Tex membrane, so you’re covered (literally) during the wet and cold months.

We call the Speedgoat 6 a road-trail hybrid because it’s perfectly capable of dual use.

The outsole lugs aren’t very deep, and the exposed midsole makes the landings softer than a fully covered outsole would. The stack height matters too. The EVA foam midsole is 37 mm and 32 mm tall under the heel and forefoot, so there’s plenty of comfort – be it long trail runs or on hard concrete.

The Megagrip outsole offers all-weather traction – except for frozen surfaces, of course.

Nike’s popular road-off-road trainer is back with a new ReactX foam midsole.

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Despite the Pegasus Trail 5’s off-road positioning, this shoe is a versatile winter running shoe that works equally well on the road.

The React midsole makes running on paved surfaces comfortable, and the performance is decent on non-technical trails. The soft ride and toned-down outsole aren’t meant for hardcore trail runs. It’s best used on gravel paths, chip trails, and trails of mild grades.

Also, the React foam turns stiff in cold temperatures, so the midsole softness is weather-dependent.

The built-in heel gaiter is an effective middle-ground between the traditional low-cut and ankle-high silhouette, and it’s good at keeping the debris and cold out.

This is the Gore-Tex version of the standard Pegasus Trail 5, so the waterproof upper keeps the moisture out during rainy runs. Though the upper is not insulated, it’s decent at blocking the wind.

Important note: The gaiter and heel collar pushes the foot towards the toe box, so there’s less upper room in the GTX model than the standard Pegasus Trail. Go a half-size larger, meaning if you wear a US 10, get a US 10.5 for this shoe. If you’re trading up from the Pegasus Trail 4, then stick to the same size.

This non-waterproof trainer for overpronators has a reflective upper for low-visibility conditions.

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Over the last few years, Asics has separated its reflective assortment from its main line. The ‘Lite-Show’ name is unimaginative, yet effective – because it tells the buyers what the shoe is good for.

Unlike the Nike Pegasus 41 GTX, the Kayano 31 Lite-Show doesn’t have a waterproof upper or a special rubber outsole. What has in spades is visibility during low-light conditions. Reflective trims on the top and sides make running safer during dawn and dusk.

The tighter-knit mesh is marginally better at blocking the wind than the regular Kayano 31. A fused toe bumper minimizes water ingress – this is a feature the standard model lacks.

Other than these differences, the Kayano 31 Lite-Show has the same gait-prescriptive midsole that overpronators will like.

The sloped channel under the heel and firmer inner midsole redirects the pronation towards the outer side. The Flytefoam Blast+ midsole delivers everyday comfort and versatility. For a lower level of pronation control, consider the new GT-2000 13 Lite-Show.

If you want a non-winterized running shoe for mild winters, it’s hard to go wrong with the Nimbus 26 TR.

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The Asics Nimbus 26 TR is neither waterproof nor reflective. So why is this shoe here?

If you live in a place with dry and mild winters, the Nimbus 26’s thick upper is ideal for the slightly colder months. Also, a pair of thin wool socks will improve thermal insulation.

The ‘TR’ version of the Nimbus 26 has the same cushy midsole as the regular Nimbus 26 (our review is here), but with an outsole designed for the trail.

Calling the Nimbus 26 TR a ‘trail’ shoe is a stretch; at best, this is a comfortable road-trail hybrid (mostly road). The TR outsole has a slightly more aggressive lug geometry than the regular Nimbus, but it’s far from a serious trail outsole.

The Flytefoam Blast midsole behaves the same as the standard Nimbus. It’s soft but not overly mushy. The midsole has decent levels of support, and a mild rocker keeps the transitions peppy.

In short, the Nimbus 26 TR is a versatile everyday trainer as well as the occasional long-distance trainer.

The protective waterproof upper and widely-spaced outsole lugs make the Speedcross 6 excellent for slushy surfaces.

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The Salomon Speedcross 6 isn’t a winter shoe per se, but it has many features that make it a decent cold-weather shoe.

Not only does the Gore-Tex membrane prevent water from entering, but it’s also effective at blocking the wind.

Also, only the top of the forefoot and tongue has soft mesh; the sides are layered with molded synthetic. These panels act as a barrier against the cold and are easy to wipe clean. For example, salted sidewalks tend to create quite a mess, and the smooth mudguard is easy to maintain.

The bungee ‘Quicklace’ makes lacing the Speedcross a breeze.

The snug upper provides decent insulation when worn with a pair of wool running socks. The bungee cord lacing is also quick to lace with gloved hands.

The Speedcross 6’s firm cushioning is very stable under less-than-ideal surface conditions, and the Contagrip outsole grips well on slush and damp roads.

The Spikecross 6 is like the Speedcross 6, but for ice.

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This extreme adaptation of the Salomon Speedcross 6 adds a dozen spikes to an already sticky Contagrip outsole.

The spiked outsole delivers universal traction on loose/compact snow and ice. Mind you, both the SpikeCross and the Snowcross are not meant for use on the roads, cleared sidewalks, or indoor floors.

Just like the Speedcross 6 GTX, the upper is protected from the outside by a full Gore-Tex bootie. Cinching the shoe is easy with the bungee quick-lace system – which is just the thing for gloved hands during the cold winters.

The upper has a snug fit that is true to size.

The water-resistant shroud and Carbide-tipped spikes make running safer under icy conditions.

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The Winter Cross Spike is the unofficial followup to the Snowspike CSWP, a shoe that we reviewed on this site a few years ago.

So what has changed? The Winter Cross Spike uses a regular running shoe midsole (with a 4 mm drop) instead of the double-lasted (same as Speedcross) midsole that the CSWP had. This makes the Winter Cross lighter as well as a softer shoe to run in. There is some trade-off in the stability department, so the Winter Cross is better suited for urban environments and non-technical trails.

A full shoe upper with a bungee quick lacing system is covered by an ankle-high water-resistant shroud. The zipped bootie is also a wind blocker so the feet stay warm when it’s freezing outdoors.

Just like the SpikeCross GTX, the Winter Cross spike’s outsole combines a traction-friendly rubber compound with a dozen Tungsten Carbide spikes.

All-weather traction is what makes a running shoe truly winter-worthy, and this is where both the Salomon shoes deliver. The 5 mm deep lugs offer a dependable grip in soft snow while the spikes make running on compact ice worry-free.

The molded footbed over the midsole adds comfort – both at a step-in level and over longer distances.

While the shoe is easy to wear and take off, the fit is snug when worn with a pair of thick woolen socks. Buying a half-size larger will solve that problem.

Not all winters are the same. There are places where the ‘winter’ temperatures hover at a comfortable 18° C/65° F.

If that’s the case, you don’t even need to read this article. Just refer to any of our neutral or stability buyer’s guides to pick a shoe. And if waterproofing is all that you need, this article will help.

This curated list has shoe recommendations for both mild and freezing winters.

For light snow, even the Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex (now Trail 5) works just fine. You’ll just need a pair of warm socks, that’s all.

A mild winter never goes below freezing, so a running shoe that repels rain and blocks wind is all that one needs. On the other hand, freezing winters have temperatures of 0° C/32° F and colder. With severe winters also come snow and sidewalks with dangerous surface ice.

That brings us to another topic. Are you going to be running in an urban environment or outdoors? If winter running for you means doing so on snowy trails, then you’re going to need a lot more than mere waterproofing.

Running on ice requires a different set of footwear features – one that includes an outsole designed for ice.

Longer lugs made of soft rubber work well at times, but metal spikes are the only way of getting foolproof traction. On icy roads, even an otherwise ‘sticky’ rubber compound will fail to provide the necessary grip.

Given the context, it makes sense to recommend shoes based on the severity of winter.

Not all winter running shoes are the same.

We’ll kick off with shoes for mild winters. These all-purpose road running shoes are waterproof (or at least water-resistant) for protection from the winter rains. When worn with the right pair of socks, the upper provides sufficient insulation as well.

The next group has snow-worthy running shoes. A typical scenario would involve running on snowy and slushy sidewalks or flat park trails. Waterproof trail running shoes perform well under these conditions. An aggressively lugged outsole with special rubber will provide decent traction as long as it’s not icy. Here, gaiter attachment points are a bonus.

A different kind of snow running happens outdoors on flat, open trails or in the mountains. Unfortunately, these running paths usually fall outside the jurisdiction of snow-clearing machines. You’re pretty much on your own, so you need an ankle-high running shoe that grips well while keeping the feet dry and toasty.

The last kind of winter running is hardcore, as it involves running on ice-covered surfaces.

Unlike snow or wet roads, slippery ice-covered surfaces are the last place anybody would want to run on. But you know what? Some runners do run on ice, so the fourth category covers ice-friendly running shoes.

Based on our experience, here are the features a winter-running shoe should have. The weightage of each attribute will depend on the severity of winter, but most shoes on this guide have them in some form or the other.

A) Waterproofing: Regardless of whether you’re running in snow-free winters or a snowstorm, a water-repellant upper is a must-have. The use of a Gore-Tex membrane is a good marker of waterproofness but proprietary technologies from Salomon are equally effective.

B) Thermal insulation: Most waterproof shoes meet this criterion when combined with a pair of winter socks.

Some winterized running shoes – like the Pegasus Shield here – have insulated interiors.

Running shoes meant for extreme winter will also be made of a durable exterior that blocks the wind.

C) Low light visibility: One doesn’t get a lot of sun during snowy winters, so being seen in low-light conditions is extremely important. Here, a reflective upper is very helpful. For more options, read our buyer’s guide dedicated to reflective running shoes.

D) Choice of a low or high top silhouette: An ankle-high shoe is necessary for off-road winter runs. When worn with a waterproof bottom or gaiter, the extra height will keep the snow, debris, and water out.

E) Outsole traction: Dry, wet, snowy, and icy conditions each demand a different kind of rubber compound and lug geometry. Foolproof ice-running shoes even come equipped with Tungsten Carbide spikes. It is similar to the difference between all-season and winter car tires. This is particularly true of running on the ice where even ‘sticky’ rubbers won’t cut it.

The specially designed compound offers traction on wet roads.

Vibram launched its Arctic Ice outsole with a lot of hype, but Solereview’s experience with this outsole was underwhelming.

The Arctic Grip outsole grips phenomenally on wet surfaces, but it does not inspire confidence over icy surfaces.

While it is certainly better than regular outsoles, our experience demonstrated that it lacks the ice-gripping tenacity that Vibram so enthusiastically advertises.

Then there are other universal requirements. Like a cushioned and supportive ride under a comfortable and secure fit.

Until a couple of years ago, only Nike was consistent with a winter-friendly running shoe assortment. For example, here’s one of our reviews from exactly 10 years ago. In 2011, the Nike Lunarglide 3 Shield was the only purpose-built cold weather adaptation with water resistance and blinding levels of reflectivity.

Today, there’s so much to choose from. Saucony has their Runshield running shoes. Asics sells AWL (All Winter Long) versions of their popular models that complement the Gore-Tex variants.

These shoes are meant for mild winter conditions without snow. But you might encounter the occasional winter rain and misty conditions that will soak summer running shoes. Here, water-repellent and slush-resistant uppers keep the feet dry.