The best winter trail running shoes reviewed (2023)

Think security, think grip, and think lug length and you’ll have the three pillars of confidence the best winter running shoes offer. But do not take them out on a road run. These trail running shoes are great off-road but don't like asphalt.

Adapting trail running shoes for winter conditions involves tweaking the sole and often the upper. You'd imagine the results would all be the same, but they vary considerably. Not only in form but function too. Some suit softer ground better, while others are angled towards the rocky terrain of mountain ridgelines.

We've been testing a range of winter running shoes to found out which current options are best.

The best winter running shoes

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

Inov-8 Oroc Ultra 290

Scott Supertrac Ultra RC

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G

Merrell Agility Peak 4 GTX

What to look for in a winter running shoe

Breathability: In the same way you’d look for fabrics that breathe in t-shirts, go for materials that allow air and water vapour to escape from inside the shoe, while also allowing cooler air from outside to enter.

Weight: As a general rule, summer shoes are lighter and swifter feeling, so you’ll be thinking of shoes that weigh less than 300g for that rip roaring 10km PB. But for long distance, think about additional cushioning. It might mean shoes in the mid-300s, but a worthwhile trade-off.

Toe box: The rocks will be there summer, or winter so look for protection in that department year-round.

Drop: The drop of a shoe is the difference in cushioning between the heel and the toe. For instance, a fairly cushioned shoe may have a thickness of 29mm at the heel and 24mm forefoot, which is a drop of 5mm. This should provide some structure and stability around the bridge of the shoe. Those who require a stability shoe should aim for a drop of 8mm or more. A smaller drop of 3mm or less provides less support to the arch of the foot, and would be more suited to those with lower arches and flatter feet. What drop is best for you will depend entirely on the geometry of your own feet.

Stack height: The stack of a shoe refers the the thickness of the shoe in between the foot and the ground. For instance, a high stack with plenty of midsole cushioning could refer to a height of around 32mm. A lower stack height will have less cushioning and feel closer to barefoot running, providing that closer to the ground feel.

Midsole: EVA, PU, TPU or Pebax are the foams of choice for most brands. All offer softness and flexibility to different degrees.

Lacing: There’s the traditional lacing system of course, but the Salomon Quicklace and BOA (used by a variety of brands including La Sportiva and Adidas) systems offer superb stability on rough and steep terrain. Consider the surfaces you’ll be running. Tough descents and contouring lend themselves to this new fit system.

Lug length: Winter trail running shoe lugs go all the way up to 6mm and even beyond on occasion. Rubber, of course, wears quicker so longer lug length shoes need to stay strictly off-road.

Waterproofing: This can be controversial for some runners because it used to come at a cost regarding breathability and weight. However, thanks to advances in technology that isn’t the case now. It’s definitely worth looking at the materials used as well as drainage options.

How to adapt your trail running shoes for winter

You may like running in winter but don’t necessarily want to go and buy a new pair of shoes. Fair enough. Here are some of our favourite accessories you can use to adapt your footwear.

Ice grippers and crampons

Gaiters

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