Best winter running shoes reviewed in 2024
Need some new run shoes to see you through winter training and the increased mileage? We test some of the best run shoes for winter.

Now the colder temperatures have arrived it’s time to buy some running shoes that can chomp through the miles to see you through your off-season training runs.
Some brands recommend their trainers are replaced after as little as 300 miles, while most shoes with a more robust build and cushioning can last nearly double that as a conservative estimate.
Some runners are best off using the same shoe for training and racing, as the benefits of a lighter shoe are little use if they’re going to injure you on race day because you haven’t used them enough.
As 220 coach Spencer Smith says: “Training shoes are usually very light nowadays anyway, and you could cause yourself a lot of hassle by switching to racing flats for races when you’re not used to them. Although every runner is different, it’s often best to stick with what you know.
If you do want to use a lighter shoe for race day, make sure you’re at least doing some tempo or track sessions in them to get used to the different sensations.”
Most of the winter running shoes on test are made for high mileage and therefore offer plenty of cushioning and stability tech features. Different shoes are right for the needs of different runners, so our scores also factor in build quality, value and mass appeal.
As always, we’d suggest trying before you buy and getting a gait analysis at your local running shop.
- 11 of the best trail and off-road running shoes for men and women
- Triathlon race-day run shoes: 10 of the best for racing the final leg
- Women’s triathlon race day run shoes: 7 of the best reviewed
- Run shoes: 9 of the best reviewed for training and long distance races
- Can run shoes make you faster?
- Are heel-to-toe drop differences in run shoes overrated?
Best running shoes for winter
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX
Buy now from Salomon

220 Triathlon verdict
A solid favourite for adding stability and protection over those winter trails. Score : 80%
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Structured and supportive
- Great traction
Cons
- May be too rigid for some
- £160
One of our favourite waterproof running shoes, the Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX is a cult classic. It offers unrivalled structure and protection for wintery trail runs, their 5mm lugs providing powerful traction on slippery terrain.
Happily for triathletes, the quick-lace system makes them easy to pull on and adjust for a secure fit. Handy when your shoes are caked in mud! There’s also a mesh upper that does a good job of keeping out debris, while the GORE-TEX construction dispels puddles.
The heel to toe drop is 10mm, making the Speedcross 6 most suited for those who enjoy more structure and support around the arches.
Buy now from Salomon
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Buy now from Nike

220 Triathlon verdict
Super lightweight and speedy shoe, that holds up well in wet conditions are are tri-compatible. Score : 87%
Pros
- Light and snappy
- Good energy transfer
- Grippy even in the wet
Cons
- Laces a faff
- £144.99 / $128
A lightweight racing shoe that can also cope with wet, wintry conditions? Yes please. Weighing in at a miniscule 160g per shoe (UK7), the Streakfly is built with the silky-smooth Nike ZoomX midsole, which helps to provide a good pop of propulsion at toe-off.
The shoe is made for speed, with the front half of the rubber outsole giving us all the traction needed to up the pace even over wet surfaces. On the track, the Streakfly performs akin to a versatile track spike.
The thin, knitted upper offers good breathability, so if you’re running in super cold temperatures, then this may not be the right choice. But if you’re prone to overheating like us, we anjoyed the lightweight and mould-to-the-foot feel.
Our only niggle are the laces, which are fiddly to do up with numb fingers. Though, this is easy enough to swap to lock-laces more suited to tri. TW
Read our full Nike ZoomX Streakfly review here.
Inov-8 Trailtalon GTX
Buy now from Inov-8

220 Triathlon verdict
Winter-proof trail running shoes for ultimate grip, though a little weighty. Score : 81%
Pros
- Defy most winter days
- Great traction
- Choice of widths
Cons
- Dull colourways
- Quite heavy
- £140 / $160
A top contender as one of our favourite trail running shoes, the Inov-8 Trailtalon GTX sounds like it means business. Specifically for winter running over wet and mucky trails, their Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable.
Meanwhile, the graphene-infused sole provides incredible traction even on slippy uphill stretches.
The Trailtalons aren’t super cushioned, though. Instead providing that close to the ground feel that Inov-8 shoes lean more towards, allowing you to get a better feel for the trail, which may not be for maximalist shoe lovers.
Another bonus is the two width models, we found the wide fit (UK11, 102mm) still comfortable. JW
Hoka Mach 5
Buy now from Hoka

220 Triathlon verdict
Lightweight and responsive feel, with sold grip for stability in wet conditions. Score : 88%
Pros
- Versatile for training and racing
- Good traction
- Lightweight and snappy
Cons
- Not as cushioned as other Hokas
- £115 / $125
Though you may wonder why we’ve not included the newer Mach 6 in this round-up, just bear with us. Our tester found the Mach 5 to offer superb grip and a snappy ride, making it suitable a suitable competitor for winter training miles.
Comfort is high in the Mach 5, too. A touch of cushioning to the articulated heel collar and some midsole chunk for shock absorption will please those who like some firm cushioning. Fit is true-to-size, yet they’re easy to slide off during transition due to the extended heel counter.
The lightweight creel mesh upper offers breathability, without being too chilly for colder runs. A 5mm drop meant we still felt in touch with the ground and stable, while still providing a nice snap. Grip is also dependable. RS
Read our full review of the Hoka Mach 5 here.
On Cloudsurfer Next
Buy now from JD Sports

220 Triathlon verdict
Lightweight shoe that offers grip for tempo winter runs, but there’s more comfortable options for easy miles. Score : 77%
Pros
- Good all-weather grip
- Explosive for higher paces
Cons
- A little heavy
- Not loads of cushioning
- £140 / $170
Made for speed and comfort, the Cloudsurfer Next is a relatively new release from on. It’s got a more modest 6mm drop than others in the On range, which allows for greater ground feel while running.
There’s good stability thanks to the locked-down feel from the laces, with enough room for toes to splay while running. We had to go up half a size to our typical shoe though, as is usually the case with On.
There’s a medium amount of cushioning, which could feel too firm for some underfoot. Over slower paces, the Cloudsufer felt a little uninspiring, but ramping up the pace is where the Helion superfoam midsole starts coming into its own.
In terms of traction for those winter runs, the outsole provides great grip over wet pavement and soggy leaves. Plus, after several weeks of testing, there’s no sign of wear. RS
Check out our round-up of the best On running shoes to buy in 2024.
Read our full review of the On Cloudsurfer Next here.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Buy now from Saucony

220 Triathlon verdict
Superb all-rounder for speedy and easy runs. Score : 95%
Pros
- Snappy ride
- Great traction and support
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- £180 / $170
If you’re after a winter run shoe and prefer a more cushioned, super-shoe style, look no further. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a road shoe designed for propulsion and comfort.
We found that the winged nylon plate within the midsole offers both additional stability and snap to our stride. The rocker sole encourages greater roll and energy retention to your stride, too. Providing a similar effect to some of the best carbon plate running shoes.
It may look chunky, but in reality, the Speed 4 is comparably light equalling less fatigued legs as the miles tick over. We also liked the locked-in feel from the heel collar and lush padding giving a snug and comfortable run feel. The outsole provides good grip, too. JP
Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 here.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080
Buy from New Balance

220 Triathlon verdict
Brilliant trail runner for ticking away those easy, long miles in comfort. Score : 92%
Pros
- Comfortable and reliable
- Great daily training shoe
Cons
- Not for speedsters
- £160 / $164.99
Claimed by New Balance to be their most versatile running shoe, and we must admit that they’re not far wrong. This shoe has carried us over hundreds of miles of pavement pounding in comfort.
Underfoot and ankle cushioning hits the spot perfectly, while run feel is smooth and even some slight rebound. Of course, it’s not as responsive as other picks on test.
As expected for a training shoe, the Fresh Foam 1080 comes in at a middling weight. While the 6mm drop gives a neutral run feel. For winter runs, the 1080’s stable upper and grippy outsole work well over both wet cobbles and non-technical trails. RS
Read our full review of the New Balance FreshFoam 1080 here.
What should you look for when buying winter running shoes?

A good pair of winter running shoes should feel supportive and stable while running. Traction is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing your shoes for winter, as you’re likely to be running in wet and slippery conditions.
There’s lots that go into building a well-performing running shoe. But first, you should consider what kind of terrain and distance you need them for. Trail and road shoes have quite different features, while kicks for longers distances will likely be heavier to allow for more cushioning.
If you’re not sure where to start, be sure to keep the below features in mind when it comes to picking your next run shoes for winter training.
Grip and stability
The most important aspect of a running shoe for winter conditions is the grip. The last thing you want to do is become injured in off-season due to unsuitable shoes. Look for running shoes with a grippy or sticky outsole and either some ridging or lugs depending on your terrain. Brands like Inov-8 use graphene in their soles to optimise grip.
Comfort and support
Cushioing is often personal preference, but we always recommend a little to make the pavement pounding more comfortable for your feet and joints. In wet conditions, you’ll also want a shoe with some internal structure to protect any twisted ankles.
Waterproofing or evacuation
Some runners prefer to embrace the sog, but if that’s not you and you prefer to keep your toes dry then a GORE-TEX (GTX) membrane is a good option for your winter running shoes. Some trail running shoes in particular will offer GTX versions.
Otherwise, look for a shoe with mesh uppers and drainage points to more easily evacuate any water that does enter the shoe.
Durability
Winter running will likely take a higher toll on your chosen shoes than running in milder conditions. As such, look for shoes that have durability added into their build such as toe bumpers, an extra lining, or several midsole layers.
Consider in particular the upper construction, many brands opt for a abrasion-resistant mesh upper to enhance durability.
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