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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor winter running, choose shoes for the surface you actually run: weatherized road shoes for pavement, lugged trail shoes for soft or uneven ground, and shoes with integrated spikes when ice is a regular part of the route. Waterproofing can help in rain, slush, and wet snow, but no shoe feature guarantees dry feet or prevents falls. The examples below illustrate different designs; they are not a universal ranking.
Start with your route, not the weather forecast
Keep your normal road-versus-trail preference in winter, then account for water and traction. A shoe built for pavement and a shoe built for muddy trails solve different problems, even if both are marketed for cold weather. Runner’s World likewise recommends retaining the usual road-or-trail distinction when choosing winter footwear (Runner’s World winter running shoes guide).
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| Route conditions | Design to consider | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Maintained roads and sidewalks | Road-running shoe, optionally with weatherized upper | Road-oriented cushioning and outsole, with added protection for wet or cold conditions. |
| Wet pavement, rain, slush, or puddles | Weather-resistant upper or waterproof membrane | Extra protection from water entering through the upper; it does not make every part of the shoe impervious in all conditions. |
| Mixed road and trail | Versatile road-to-trail shoe | A compromise for routes that shift between pavement and softer ground. Check whether its tread feels suitable for the pavement portion. |
| Snow-covered, muddy, or uneven trail | Trail shoe with pronounced lugs | Lugs are intended to engage softer ground, dirt, or mud. Aggressive tread may be uncomfortable or inefficient on extensive pavement. |
| Routes where ice is a recurring feature | Specialized shoe with integrated spikes | Spikes target icy conditions; they are not a default choice for ordinary pavement. |
When waterproofing is worth considering
A waterproof membrane is most relevant when your route regularly includes wet weather, snow, slush, or puddles. RunRepeat describes waterproof membranes as a wet-weather option, while adidas and ASICS list waterproof technologies in some of their running footwear (RunRepeat waterproof running shoes guide; adidas winter trail running shoes; ASICS FUJISETSU MAX GTX).
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Weather protection varies by model: some uppers are described as weather-resistant, while others use a waterproof membrane. Treat these as product features and intended protection, not a promise that feet will stay dry in every situation. If your winter routes are mostly dry pavement, waterproofing is not a universal requirement; weigh it against your usual fit and feel preferences.
#1 Best Overall
- Traction cleats designed by runners specifically to fit over running shoes allowing users to continue training in winter
- Made of combination of 3mm carbide-steel spikes and 1.4mm stainless-steel coils to provide unbeatable traction
- Provides 360 degrees of traction on cold surfaces for all-direction stability
- Rubber foot frame with formed-toe and over-foot straps secures the runner’s foot in the device; reflective heel and side straps for safety
- Tested safe from breakage in temperatures as low as -41 degrees F; available in S, M, L, and XL sizes to fit most shoes
Match traction to snow, mud, and ice
Road outsoles for pavement
For maintained roads and sidewalks, start with a road-running shoe that suits your preferred cushioning and fit. Weather protection can be an added feature, but it does not turn a road outsole into a trail or ice-specific design. Brooks Ghost 17 GTX is one road-oriented example: Runner’s World describes it as a weatherized road shoe with a GORE-TEX upper (Runner’s World winter running shoes guide).
Lugs for softer ground
Trail outsoles use lugs for dirt, mud, and soft ground. Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 is listed in Runner’s World’s 2025 guide with 5 mm lugs, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and gaiter attachment points. The guide also notes that its aggressive lugs may not suit road running, so it is better considered for trail-focused routes than as a universal winter shoe (Runner’s World winter running shoes guide).
Rank #2
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper
- 50% recycled removable EVA foam footbed
- FloatPro Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts
- Merrell Quantum Grip durable rubber outsole that enables confidence in the most extreme trail environments
Integrated spikes for icy routes
For regular ice, a specialized spiked shoe is a more targeted option than a conventional road or trail outsole. Salomon describes the WINTER CROSS SPIKE as a winter trail shoe and lists 5 mm lugs, a 4 mm drop, and a weight of 12 oz per unit on its US product page. The page says its carbide-tipped spikes are intended to provide grip on ice; these are manufacturer specifications and claims, not independent measurements or a guarantee against slipping (Salomon WINTER CROSS SPIKE).
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ASICS describes the FUJISETSU MAX GTX as designed for snowy winter trail runs, with outsole spikes and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit system intended to help keep rain and snow from entering (ASICS FUJISETSU MAX GTX). These designs are specific to snow and ice; spikes should not be treated as a general-purpose upgrade for everyday pavement.
Rank #3
- GRIPS ON SLIPPERY SURFACES: Walk confidently with these slip-on traction cleats designed to evenly distribute underfoot traction across ice- and snow-covered surfaces, as to provide stability on rocky terrain.
- STAYS STRONG IN COLD WEATHER: Thermoplastic rubber sling won't degrade, crack, or fail in cold temperatures for durability that lasts through repeated uses; plus, the thermoplastic is completely recyclable for reduced waste
- 360-DEGREE UNDERFOOT TRACTION: Innovative coil technology provides 360-degree stability when walking forward, backward, or even laterally across snow-packed surfaces
- EASY ON, EASY OFF: Thermoplastic sling with heel tab for easy installation and removal combines the stretchability of rubber for a comfortable fit over a variety of footwear shapes and sizes with the durability of plastic that stays secure when in use
- COMFORTABLE, MULTI-SURFACE TRACTION: Coils are crafted of durable, corrosion- and abrasion-resistant steel that adapts to different terrains, with no sharp edges to damage surfaces, footwear, or equipment.
Examples by winter-running use
These products illustrate categories and features described by their manufacturers or by Runner’s World; they are not a ranking based on independent testing for this article. Regional product pages, availability, sizes, and specifications can change.
| Example | Best matched to | Evidence-backed details |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Ghost 17 GTX | Weatherized road running | Runner’s World describes it as a road shoe with a GORE-TEX upper. No ice-spike design is established by that description. |
| Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 | Trail running on softer or uneven ground | Runner’s World’s 2025 guide lists 5 mm lugs, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and gaiter attachment points; it cautions that the aggressive lugs may not suit road running. |
| Altra Timp 5 GTX | Cushioned, waterproof trail-shoe category | Altra includes it among winter-ready cushioned waterproof options. That category description does not establish it as best for every route. |
| Salomon WINTER CROSS SPIKE | Snowy trail routes where ice is a concern | Salomon’s US product page lists 5 mm lugs, 4 mm drop, 12 oz per unit, and carbide-tipped spikes intended for ice grip. |
| ASICS FUJISETSU MAX GTX | Snowy winter trail runs | ASICS describes outsole spikes and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit system intended to help keep rain and snow out. |
| adidas winter trail collection | Comparing weather-protection and winter-outsole options | The collection describes models with weather-resistant uppers, GORE-TEX or RAIN.RDY options, Continental WinterGrip outsole styles, and reflective details; features vary by model. |
| Nike cold-weather running shoes | Regional road and trail model listings | Nike’s Austria page lists waterproof road and trail models. Availability and displayed prices are regional, so consult a local listing. |
Check fit with your winter socks
Fit remains personal, including in winter. Altra notes that a roomier toe box can accommodate thicker or wool socks. Try shoes with the socks you expect to wear, and assess toe room and overall comfort rather than assuming that a waterproof or trail model will fit like your usual shoe (Altra winter running shoes).
Rank #4
- SIZE: M [5.7*8.5 inch (US WOMEN:7-10/ US MEN:5-8, UK Size 4-7, EUR Size 35-39)] **Fit for Men/Women , prevent slipping on snow and ice conditions, Anti Slip Crampons Slip-on Stretch Footwear
- High-elasticity TPE Material: Made of durable silicone rubber thermoplastic elastomer+ special non-slip steel studs, it is more durable and not easy to break than ordinary TPE material. The ice snow grips is suitable for most shoes or boots. Till strong perform under -45 degree C
- The special Ground-gripping steel studs offer excellent traction on ice and snow. Studs are the wear item, so every box includes 5 spare studs. Replacement studs built for this exact cleat are sold separately on this listing and fit Aliglow cleats only.
- Light weight constructions and folds up to fit in your pocket.
- Easy on/off to fit boots, sneakers, casual and dress shoes--Great for ice fishing, hunting, walking, jogging, climbing, hiking, running, snow shoveling, etc
Optional accessories
- Warm running socks: Wool or thermal socks may suit cold conditions. Check shoe fit with them before relying on extra thickness.
- Trail gaiters: Compatible gaiters can help keep slush and debris out. Attachment points are model-specific; for example, Runner’s World lists them on the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4.
Neither accessory is necessary for every runner. Confirm compatibility with the shoe and the conditions on your route.
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Best Value
- Shoes with full-length Adiwear outsole for extra durability on trail adventures.
- Wide fit
- Lace closure
- Textile and synthetic upper
- Textile sockliner
A practical selection checklist
- Identify the surface: Separate your usual pavement miles from soft trail, mud, snow, and recurring ice.
- Choose the shoe category: Road shoe for roads and sidewalks; lugged trail shoe for softer or uneven ground; integrated spikes when ice is a regular route condition.
- Decide how much water protection you need: Consider rain, wet snow, slush, and puddles rather than choosing waterproofing solely because it is winter.
- Preserve your preferred fit and feel: Compare width, toe room, cushioning, and drop with your normal running preferences and planned socks.
- Verify the local listing: Check current regional availability, sizing, and model specifications before buying because listings change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
