Buy Winter Running Shoes, Should or Shouldn’t?

March 9, 2021

If you were asked whether you should buy winter running shoes, what would be your answer? WellTraining’s answer is yes. Winter with extreme weather patterns can affect your running quality. Therefore, having unique running shoes is absolutely essential. The current winter running shoes are very diverse, suitable for many different types of terrain. Let’s take a look at them.

How to choose winter running shoes

First, before understanding the famous running shoe brands, we need to master the rules of choosing winter running shoes. Winter weather is different in every part of the world. Weather option which shape you live in, you can choose for yourself a suitable running shoe.

1. Waterproof

Regardless of whether you are running in winter without snow or a blizzard, you need a waterproof top layer. Waterproof shoes not only help protect your feet but also help them stay dry during running.
Usually, a waterproof running shoe will have the ability to keep warm. However, in addition to being waterproof, you should consider resisting other liquids. Because each type of terrain has different characteristics. It is impossible to be sure that the fluids you encounter on the road are not corrosive to shoes.

2. Insulation capacity

Keeping your feet warm is equally important. As noted above, most waterproof shoes meet the heat retention criteria when combined with a pair of winter socks. Tough winter running shoes will also be made with a durable and wind-resistant outer lining.

3. Low light visibility

People don’t get much sun in snowy winter. If that’s the case, you need to make yourself visible in low light. A reflective decoration at the top helps. Some models like the Salomon Speed Cross Nocturne have a 360-degree reflectivity.

4. Suitable for your foot shape

An ankle-height shoe is essential if you are running outdoors in winter. When worn with a waterproof bottom or bezel, the extra height will keep snow, debris, and water from accumulating.

5. Outsole adhesion

Dry, wet, snowy and icy conditions each require a different type of rubber compound and lug geometry. Anti-trick ice running shoes are even outfitted with Tungsten Carbide spikes. It is similar to the difference between winter and winter auto tires. This is especially true when running on ice, where even ‘sticky’ rubbers cannot cut.

Then there are popular requests like a padded ride and a comfortable upper with a secure fit.

Several of the best running shoes available today

To run in cold winters with little or no snow:

These shoes are intended for mild, snow-free winter conditions. But you can experience frequent winter rains and foggy conditions that will wet your summer running shoes. These running shoes have waterproof caps to keep feet dry.

1. Asics Gel-Cumulus 22 GTX

The Gore-Tex variant of Asics Cumulus 22 is an affordable winter running shoe choice. When combined with wool socks, these shoes are good enough for most winters when it doesn’t snow.

Cumulus 22 GTX is our top choice of long-distance running shoes for cold winter runs with no snow or ice. The Flytefoam midsole is very comfortable to run and has the right balance of cushioning softness and smoothness. The real-size fit has a quality that is right for everyone and uses luxurious materials to make the interior comfortable.

2. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield

Like the hands of the watch, the waterproof ‘Shield’ version of the Nike Pegasus will come out every winter.

There are some features exclusive to the Shield Pegasus, the kind that makes it winter-worthy. The outsole has an aggressive shape for a tighter bite, and it’s made with a firmer rubber for outstanding performance on damp surfaces.

The upper does a good job of keeping water. The Pegasus 37 Shield is NOT waterproof but merely waterproof. Making that happen are the side panels molded and a closed mesh forefoot covers the first two edging rows. The protective design is also able to resist wind and keep cold air well.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam 880V10 GTX

Just a small ‘Gore-Tex’ label stitched on the collar hints at the water-resistance of the New Balance 880V10. The knit upper is thicker and the water-repellent film makes the shoe warmer when it comes in.

Along with the blown rubber outsole, the newly introduced Fresh Foam midsole provides plenty of cushioning for all-weather runs. Please note that the outsole is not specifically designed for snow conditions, so wear shoes like 880 and Brooks Ghost should be limited on wet roads.

Outdoor snow running shoes:

Running outdoors – be it on hilly terrain or jungle – means deeper snow, icy snow, and more debris. Under such conditions, a shoe with a turtleneck prevents the outside from entering.

1. adidas Terrex Agravic TechPro Trail

adidas usually does not produce running shoes with a canvas high enough to cover an ankle. So a product like the Terrex Agravic TechPro Trail is always sought.

This shoe is based on the Terrex Aggravic platform, so you get the Boost + EVA midsole that’s been tested and tested on a sturdy Continental rubber outsole. In short, there is a spacious cushion that doesn’t harden in cold weather.

However, the upper part doesn’t look like anything in the current lineup of adidas. A waterproof shroud covers the inside of the shoe which, in turn, is fastened through the BOA-trim dial. In addition to being easy to operate, this is a godsend during colder months when you don’t want to take off your gloves.

2. La Sportiva Blizzard GTX (With spikes)

The waterproof La Sportiva Blizzard GTX is a shoe with a ‘gentle’ spike. Unlike Salomon Snowspike or IceBug NewRun, (with 12 and 17 spikes, respectively), Blizzard is only equipped with 9 spikes.

While the Tun spikes are seen Carbide provides grip on icy surfaces, rubber lugs are long (7 mm) and are certainly equally important on the trail. The lugs have a wide gap so that mud and mud don’t clog the outsole.

On the bright side, the top is very well insulated from the elements. This is a Gore-Tex insole so Blizzard is waterproof.

The lanyard is designed in a bungee cord pattern that loops over the attached center-foot hook for a great zipper. Once the lanyard is tied, you can stuff it in a small pocket on the instep.

3. Salomon S / Lab XA Alpine 2

Not every winter running shoe needs to be waterproof. Sometimes you like your upper to be somewhat breathable, and that’s where the Salomon S / Lab XA Alpine comes in.

The zipped over-bootie is treated with a water-repellent finish; the urethane-reinforced sides protect the foot and also keeps the moisture from entering.

The outsole uses Salomon’s wet traction Contragrip along with a forefoot lug geometry that’s designed for uphill runs. An articulated Carbon plate runs between the midsole and outsole for protection and snappy transitions.

Ice Running shoes

Ready to trade off the comfort of your treadmill for running in the icy outdoors? These shoes will serve you well.

1. IceBug NewRun BUGrip GTX

When running on icy roads and sidewalks, nothing is more reassuring than a thorny outsole. No matter how “sticky” rubber is, it will never be compared to cold steel.

IceBug is a Swedish brand, so they know a thing or two about winter. And that shows up on NewRun BUGrip. The Urethane upper coating acts as a protective layer while the Gore-Tex lining keeps water from escaping. Reflective strips on the reed and heel provide visibility in low light.

With the BOA dial system, you don’t have to fiddle with tying shoelaces with your gloved hand.

EVA foam midsole and Ortholite sole aren’t just about cushioning. The foam stack also gives 17 Carbide spikes that have a skidding effect – thus allowing the spikes to short during loading while biting on icy surfaces. So instead of slipping on the road, the spikes work together with a rubber outsole for optimal grip.

2. Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX

This extreme adaptation of Salomon Speedcross adds dozens of spikes to the Contagrip outsole that is already sticky for universal traction on loose/small ice. Please note, neither SpikeCross nor Snowcross may be used on the street, cleaned sidewalks or indoor floors.

The upper is protected from outside moisture with a full Gore-Tex bootie. Lacing is easy with the fast bungee lace system – which is only available for gloved hands during cold winters. Size matches with size.

3. Salomon Snow Spike CSWP Waterproof

A matching shoe with a bungee fast lacing system is covered with a waterproof shroud that extends over the ankle. Bootie zippers are also a wind obstruction to keep your feet warm when it’s cold outside.

Just like the SpikeCross GTX, the Snowspike outsole combines a traction-friendly rubber compound with dozens of Tungsten Carbide spikes. All-weather traction is what makes a running shoe truly winter-worthy, and this is the point where both the Salomon shoes offer. Deep lugs provide a reliable grip in soft snow while the spikes help to run on compact ice without worry.

Ortholite sole is structured on a foam midsole for added comfort – both at the step-in level and at longer distances.

You see, the winter running shoes market is also quite active. The selection of winter running shoes is becoming easier than ever. Instead of having to wander on shoe sites, try one of the winter running shoes we recommend here. Trust us, you will feel surprised about its effectiveness.

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