Winter running shoes tested | RUNNER'S WORLD

Fresh snow crunching under your feet is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world of runners. When the winter sun shines and makes the snow-covered trees glitter, the runner's luck is perfect. But winter also means challenging running conditions. When it comes to ice and snow, it's worth grabbing special running shoes that are suitable for the winter weather conditions and running surfaces. "Why can't you use normal running shoes?" is a legitimate question. The answer: you can! But in this video we show why normal running shoes are not so well suited and what to look for in winter running shoes, and below we present other running shoes with special cold and weather protection and non-slip soles:

warm feet

Many normal running shoes today have a very functional upper material, i.e. it offers high temperature exchange and ensures that the feet do not get too hot even at high temperatures. Disadvantage: In cool temperatures you actually get cold feet when running. The toes in particular are affected: since running shoes are generally chosen to be slightly larger so that the toes have space to spread out at the front, there is some air in the front of the running shoe. And it doesn't warm up when it's freezing, because cold air flows in through the breathable upper material of the running shoes, which can't warm up as quickly due to the warmth of your feet. Insulating upper materials for winter running shoes are an advantage, especially since many models also offer upper materials with moisture protection. Waterproof outer materials are suitable for very adverse conditions, rain or snow.

Winter running shoes with a membrane in the upper

In many models, a membrane initially restricts the breathability of the upper material. But: Membranes work better when the temperature drops, i.e. when the outside air is colder. This means that when you run with the shoe in cool temperatures, the membrane works better than when it is warm and at the same time protects the feet from moisture coming from the outside.

Buying tip: Membrane shoes are often smaller

Make sure you choose the right size when choosing. In practice, it has been shown that many running shoe models are slightly smaller due to the upper material equipped with a membrane. So it's better to try it on beforehand.

Dampening properties in the cold

The midsoles of running shoes are made of synthetic foam. And they react to cold. This is why many runners notice that their running shoes offer less cushioning quality in winter. Some soles also feel stiffer. With special winter running shoes, the manufacturers pay attention to the appropriate components that also work in the cold. Especially modern damping materials made of PU material are much more resistant to cold and dampen just as well as when it is warm. This applies to the eTPU compounds (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane), such as the Boost cushioning from Adidas.

Non-slip with grip

Very important in winter: outsoles, whose rubber compound and profile ensure grip. Because then it's really fun to rummage through the snow. The profile shouldn't be too fine, because snow or dirt shouldn't get stuck in the sole, but should be thrown out with every step. If the profile is too narrow or there are holes in the outsole, ice lumps can even form in the sole.

The best current winter running shoes

Here we have put together some current shoe models that we particularly recommend for running in winter.

Adidas Solar Glide 4 GTX W

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Solar Glide is a reliable training shoe: comfortably cushioned with a Boost sole in the heel and midfoot area, but at the same time with a very stable construction. And the waterproof upper goes well with the very solid construction (weight: 318 grams) and makes the stable partner a good winter choice. Because the outsole comes from the meanwhile proven cooperation with rubber specialist Continental. The tight grip on dry asphalt is directly noticeable; But the rubber compound is also in its element when it is wet and offers very good traction. And it proved to be durable, with the shoe covering over 1000 kilometers.

Weight: 318 grams (size 42 2/3) Drop: 10 millimeters RRP: 150 euros

Altra Olympus 4

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Vibram outsole with the chunky profile leaves no doubt about the winter suitability of the shoe. Altra's Olympus has become a standout trail and winter shoe. The midsole with "EVA Inner Flex" offers a lot of cushioning comfort and a lot of resilience. The midsole is voluminous, under the heel it is 33 millimeters thick; the drop is Altra-typically zero, heel and ball are on the same level. "In contrast to the predecessor," writes a test runner, "my foot now sits very securely without slipping in the shoe." And one test runner describes his impression as follows: "I would describe the Olympus 4 as a sports car with the appearance of a monster truck .”

The Vibram outsole with the chunky profile contributes to the rough appearance - whereby the shoe is light, well cushioned and very flexible. Another alternative would be the Altra Lone Peak with its very grippy MaxTrac outsole - and it is also available as a Lone Peak All-Wthr Low version with a waterproof upper. However, the trimmings on the upper material of the Olympus are also very good protection against moisture in snow or damp ground. The Altra-typical "Footshape" design guarantees plenty of room for the toes at all times, an invaluable advantage, especially for long distances - and in winter your feet don't get cold so quickly.

Weight: 329 grams (men US 9), 272 grams (women) Drop: 0 millimeters (men), 0 millimeters (women) RRP: 170 euros

Asics Trabuco Max

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Trabuco Max comes with an elaborate Flytefoam midsole. It benefits from the reactive and soft cushioning sole technology that was developed for normal training shoes. The Trabuco Max offers a level of comfort not known from the earlier Gel-Trabuco or other (supposedly comfortable) trail shoes. The aggressive trail sole with its coarse outer profile is striking: it ensures good progress on mud and snow. But traction is also very good on asphalt, even on wet asphalt: the rubber compound forms a good connection (Asicsgrip technology).

The lightweight, reactive Flytefoam midsole and the rocker construction (Asics Guidesole technology) of the sole also invite you to go faster. In view of the cushioning comfort, the weight of the Trabuco Max is moderate, in men's size US 11 the Asics Trabuco Max weighs 295 grams. Incidentally, not only heel strikers (like most runners) but also midfoot runners feel very comfortable with the construction of the Trabuco Max. If you are looking for a lighter and faster variant, the revised Fuji Lite 2 is the best choice. It also has a midsole with Flytefoam cushioning and an outsole with Asics Grip technology, but is lighter and more flexible. The strength of the Trabuco Max is clearly the combination of high cushioning comfort and high winter suitability. For very harsh conditions, the Trabuco Max even offers attachment points for gaiters.

Drop: 5 mm Weight: 295 g (men's version) / 235 g (women's version) RRP: 160 euros

Joe Nimble Nimble Toes Trail Addict

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

In winter, the flat sole construction of the Trail Addict offers very safe rolling behavior, whether in snow, on trails or on solid ground. With the wide sole construction in combination with the Michelin outsole, the foot stands securely, even on uneven or slippery surfaces. The upper is water-repellent, and there is also a waterproof version (€199). And with the foot-friendly last shape, the toes always have enough space - anatomically important, but also important protection against the cold.

Weight: 290 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters RRP: 190 euros

On CloudventureWP

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Cloudventure runs very comfortably on firm forest or field paths. The upper of the shoe is completely waterproof and weatherproof. The outsole is equipped with special rubber and is non-slip, albeit a bit slippery on wet asphalt than comparable special soles. In the snow, the sole is very grippy as long as the snow is dry and doesn't get caught in the sole; sometimes lumps of ice form. If you are looking for a more roadworthy alternative, you are well advised to try the lighter Cloudflyer WP from On - also with a waterproof upper, but with a comfortable midsole and very dynamic running properties.

Weight: 325 grams (men) Drop: 6 millimeters RRP: 180 euros

True Motion Nevos Elements

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The "Elements" version is the True Motion Nevos in a winter coat. It is slightly heavier, but has a permanently water-repellent upper. Advantage: It is more breathable than a membrane, but splash water or raindrops roll off. The outsole (“green rubber”) is also suitable for winter and hardly costs any comfort points: runners who land heel first are enthusiastic about the cushioning comfort and stability of the horseshoe-shaped sole construction. In the reader test, the Nevos received the highest recognition. One test runner wrote, "I don't really know if I'm overpronating, underpronating, or normal. In any case, it fits here perfectly.”

Weight: 290 grams (men), 250 grams (women) Drop: 10 millimeters RRP: 160 euros

Icebug NewRun BU Grip GTX

Manufacturer

Hardly any other manufacturer has dedicated itself to the topic of traction and winter running as much as the Icebug brand from Sweden. Their trademark is the winter outsole, which is even equipped with spikes in some models: This is also the case with the NewRun model - the first shoe from Icebug that was specifically designed for winter runs on the street. This applies above all to the comfort aspect. The midsole is well cushioned and very well suited for runs on hard ground (drop: 7 mm). Above all, the spacious fit offers comfort. There is also a waterproof outer material that is equipped with the famous Boa closure system. The shoe is closed with the rotary knob and opened again by pulling the button. Advantage: The system can also be operated with gloves, almost in no time at all. The shoe can be readjusted quickly. And the laces cannot ice up.

The NewRun is available with a normal outsole, which thanks to its rubber compound (RB9 rubber) already offers very good traction on snow and is fully suitable for asphalt: Even in the cold, it retains good walking properties. The highlight, however, is the BU Grip version (160 euros) with 17 hard metal spikes: the shoe is something like the perfect winter tire for runners on solid snow or when running over ice.

Weight: 320 grams (men) Drop: 7 millimeters RRP: 200 euros

La Sportiva Jackal GTX

Kroeger & Gross

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Jackal is a running shoe uncompromisingly designed for off-road use. However, it belongs to a new generation of trail shoes that don't buy their good off-road properties with excessive hardness. On the contrary - the Jackal offers cushioning comfort and can therefore also be worn on the street. The rather narrow-cut shoe sits extremely securely on the foot, also thanks to the very well constructed lacing. The fixed toe protection and the "Rockshield" plate in the midsole protect against sharp objects in the terrain. The membrane, which is invisibly laminated directly onto the upper material, fulfills its function perfectly: it is not only waterproof, but also ensures a better fit, is lighter and dries faster than conventional membrane technologies.

Weight: 330 g (men), 295 g (women) Drop: 7 mm RRP: 179 euros

Mizuno Wave Daichi 6 GTX

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Wave Daichi offers very good all-round properties due to the complex, voluminous midsole with new foam components. After all, the sole thickness under the heel is 28 millimeters, and it also has a large volume with a wide footprint plus Wave technology (now as dual-density foam): all this ensures a lot of comfort and high stability. The shoe has become significantly lighter than its predecessor (about 40 grams).

Outstanding is the grip of the Michelin outsole, which is one of the best that is offered for running shoes thanks to its studs and rubber compound - an advantage especially in winter! In the forefoot area, an EVA plate protects against stones pushing through, while at the same time increasing stability. The lacing system can be easily adjusted thanks to the elongated eyelets.

Weight: 300 grams (men US 9), 250 grams (women US 7) Drop: 8 millimeters (men), 8 millimeters (women) RRP: 160 euros

Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero GTX

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The construction with a sock-like, waterproof gaiter, a zipper under the lacing and a Vibram outsole with chunky tread reveals: This shoe is waiting for the winter and is prepared for deep fresh snow (but only as a men's version, but up to size 50). And then the shoe surprises with its very comfortable walking characteristics when the ground is dry or even: you don't have to walk around the streets with the Merrell, for which the model name "Agility" fits, it walks agile. Thanks to the shaft construction, the feet stay noticeably warmer for longer, and the upper material is waterproof; deep snow or mud and rain are no problem. The sole plays well at all times, offering good traction even in wet conditions.

Weight: 1300 grams (men) Drop: 6 millimeters RRP: 230 euros

Salomon Wild Cross 2 GTX

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Wildcross guarantees progress even in deep snow. Although the model offers little comfort on firm ground, the sole with the aggressive lugs signals the trail character - which also cuts a fine figure on trails in winter. Especially since the upper is equipped with a membrane and keeps your feet dry. The shoe is pleasantly light (weight: 305 grams) and offers enough space for the foot. The lacing takes a little getting used to, but is easy to use even with cold fingers and closes very securely.

Weight: 322 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters RRP: 160 euros

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