The Best Running Shoes for Ice and Snow in 2023

Modeled after the popular Brooks Ghost 14, the GTX version is made for wet and sloppy conditions.

These shoes guarantee to keep your feet dry by using a Gore-Tex membrane that protects your feet from water without restricting air circulation; an important feature if you’re going to be running in wet, icy, and chilly conditions.

The foam material contours to the shape of your underfoot thanks to the integration of BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft foam. These types of foam in the midsole provide support and cushioning. DNA Loft foam is a more durable material that should last longer than earlier versions of the shoe.

Two rubber compounds comprise the outsole, both thick enough to protect the shoes from more aggressive wear and tear. This extends their use far longer than shoes of most other brands. The outsole provides added cushioning but also delivers a notable thickness for a movement-friendly experience.

The best part of these shoes is that you get the comfort and cushioning of the Brooks Ghost – one of their most popular shoes – with waterproofing and warmth needed for winter.

As the name indicates, this shoe is waterproof thanks to its unique ON Membrane. This is flexible material is rated at the highest grade of waterproofing while still allowing for airflow throughout the upper.

The toe box is spacious enough to handle toe-splaying during runs and is capped with a protective shield to prevent jammed toes if you accidentally kick something mid-run.

The ON Cloudventure is equipped with a grip-rubber technology that’s durable. Its traction patterns provide the runner with control on any surface.

The midsole is cushioned by a system of pods known as ‘Intelligent CloudTec’. They deliver responsive cushioning, help to carry the foot, and allow you to adapt quickly to the shoe without needing to break them in.

The Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX is another trail shoe that uses a protected toe box and a Gore-Tex barrier to keep out water and snow while you run.

This shoe provides some of the best stability in its line, with multi-directional claw-shaped cleats for excellent grip in slippery conditions. This shoe sits low, with only an 8mm heel-to-toe drop to provide a more natural running style.

If your gait feels more energized, it’s thanks to the midsole. PowerFlow foam redirects impact shock to propel you forward faster.

The Roclite 315 GTX also features Meta-Shock, a five-pronged unit that reduces fatigue by supporting the metatarsals.

The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is among Salomon’s top three ‘Best Running Shoes’. Its combination of Gore-Tex and unique design keep out all forms of weather and debris.

The Speedcross 5 GTX features a more generous fit than the Speedcross 4 which should make this a better fit for most people.

Your feet will feel like they’re walking on clouds with Salomon’s injected EVA compound in the midsole, which ensures that your run will be comfortable and responsive when you need it to be. Its underfoot cushioning gives reliable support and comfort.

Salomon’s installed Contragrip in its outsole. This provides a remarkable grip on wet, slippery surfaces.

The 5mm lugs on the outsole are evenly spaced, designed to take on damp and technical terrain efficiently. They work best in snow, mud, and other soft types of ground. They don’t do as well on ice, pavement, or other hard surfaces.

Altra brings in another great shoe that looks good and feels great! This waterproof version of their bestselling Lone Peak trail shoe features Altra’s foot-shaped toebox, zero-drop design, and traction in wet and nasty conditions.

Like the Speedcross above, this shoe employs an EVA compound in the midsole for cushioning. Altra added a Stone Guard for extra protection against rocks, roots, and ice chunks.

There’s a zero-drop between the heel and toe, which allows for a natural running stride. The insole shape supports the metatarsals in your feet, allowing them to spread out as if you weren’t wearing shoes.

This shoe’s TrailClaw outsole provides enhanced traction in a variety of conditions.

To add to the shoes’ resilience, Altra added an abrasion-resistant mesh that protects the shoe from snow and water but still allows for good ventilation.

If you’re seeking a shoe that works best in wet or snowy conditions then look no further than the Peregrine ICE+ 2.0. Saucony uses patented Vibram rubber in the outersole to provide excellent traction on ice and snow.

In the upper, Saucony’s signature FlexShell is used to provide water resistance. While its internal lining increases air circulation. Just be aware that this shoe is more water-resistant than waterproof. It does allow water in during extended runs or extremely wet and sloppy conditions.

The midsole consists of Saucony’s SuperLite Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (SSL EVA) foam. This provides firm cushioning while energizing each stride. Even though other brands use EVA technology in their midsoles, Saucony claims its SSL technology extends the life of the EVA material.

Saucony equipped this shoe’s outsole with Arctic Grip, an advanced gripping system for cold conditions, and IceTrek, which offers flexibility and enhanced traction in ice and snow. Combined, these enhancements help the outsole cling to icy surfaces (without using metal spikes), while keeping the shoe light enough for long-distance running.

When it comes to great running shoes, many would not be surprised that Adidas made the shortlist.

This shoe uses a Gore-Tex lining to protect your feet from cold and wet conditions. Furthermore, Adidas implemented abrasion-resistant overlays to give the upper shoe resistance to trail debris and other damage.

This shoe’s outsole is outfitted with a high-quality rubber. This gives it a protective layer against general trail debris. Combined with gripping lugs for stability and traction, you can remain confident even on softer ground and down hills.

The midsole is made with Adidas’ boost foam. This type of foam provides efficient energy return. And for the coldest days, the foam maintains its cushioning and energy return. Compare that to traditional EVA foam which gets hard and tough in cold conditions.

Swedish company Icebug is known for their high-traction running and walking shoes.

Its Rover BUGrip GTX works well on any terrain and in any weather conditions. These shoes have optional Icebug-branded insoles equipped with Arch Flex System technology for a great fit no matter your foot type.

The midsoles have EVA and ESS stabilizer foam that extends energy and comfort throughout your run, with minimal impact on your feet. Gore-Tex membrane in the upper provide weather protection, keeping your feet dry and ventilated.

BOA lacing means you can dial in a specific fit on the upper. It’s fast, easy, and secure.

Furthermore, the Rover comes with Icebug’s patented BUGrip. BUGrip combines a patented rubber, no-slip compound with steel spikes for added traction. Icebug claims that its grips are so efficient that runners won’t have to change stride or gait to compensate for changes in surface conditions.

In the Cascadia 16 GTX, a Gore-Tex upper is combined with a tight-knit mesh to keep water and debris at bay, while accommodating airflow for better ventilation.

This shoe provides a secure fit with the addition of a saddle to the mid-foot section, allowing for a better, more custom fit while lacing up the shoes.

The Brooks Cascadia uses three types of midsole foam, the main being the BioMoGo DNA, which adapts to the wearer’s foot to maximize comfort. On top of this core feature, Brooks added support with its Pivot Point System. The PPS consists of pillars that sit along the midsole perimeter to help balance and stabilize the foot when running on unsteady ground.

This shoe also delivers skid-resistance on dry and wet surfaces with gripping lugs for secure footing on more difficult terrain.

Based on the popular Sense Ride 4, the Gore-Tex version takes it a step further by adding waterproofing to keep your feet warm and dry.

Unique to Salomon is Gore-Tex with Invisible Fit. Simply, this means that the shoe remains breathable and waterproof with the flexibility and comfort found in the standard Ride 4 mesh.

While this Salomon shoe also uses Contragrip technology, it’s capable of withstanding unpredictable ground with low-lying, evenly spaced lugs that keep debris out of the sole as you run.

Salomon employed a light, yet comfortable, dual-density EVA foam for cushioning and comfort. The Sense Ride 4 GTX offers a stable platform for proper foot movement throughout the gait cycle.