As you might already know, running on ice or snow is very different from running on concrete pavements. And as such, it requires unique pairs of footwear to help you stay on your feet. But for some people, it can be hard to know which shoes will be good for winter conditions. So, to help you out, we’ve listed below some of the best running shoes for ice and snow.
There are plenty of running shoes that can keep you running all year round. These shoes help you maintain your balance in wet conditions and also keep your feet dry and warm. The shoes below will provide just that, and most of them are also budget-friendly.
These shoes will certainly make running more comfortable for you, and you won’t have to skip your daily jog. If you also want to know more about what makes a running shoe suitable for ice and snow, be sure to check it out at the end.
Best Running Shoes for Ice and Snow:
- Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
- Brooks Ghost 12 GTX
- Altra ALW1855L Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Waterproof Shoe
- On Running Cloudventure Shield
- Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
The French company Salomon is perhaps one of the best-known sports equipment manufacturing companies in the world. They manufacture excellent hiking shoes that come at great value. Generally, people that don’t want to spend a lot on hiking shoes go for Solomon footwear.
Our list’s first product is the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX, one of Salomon’s best footwear. The shoe comes with an excellent outsole made of Contagrip. This rubber sole provides one of the best traction on ice and snow. Additionally, it comes with a high-quality waterproof mesh upper that can withstand any ground condition.
Many people consider the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is the ultimate running shoe for ice and snow. And by looking at the features, we cannot agree more. If you are a serious runner looking for an excellent running shoe for ice, the Speedcross 5 GTX should impress you.
Pros:
Suitable for all kinds of wet and muddy conditions
Waterproof upper
Reasonable price
Excellent fit
Durable soles
Cons:
Not the most flexible shoe
Brooks Ghost 12 GTX
The Brooks Ghost 12 GTX has one of the most loyal fan bases in the world of sneakers. If you’re wondering why it’s for some perfect reason. In the world of running shoes today, there is not a lot of footwear without any downsides. However, Brooks Ghost 12 GTX is one of them.
If you look at the design, it looks just like any other regular running shoe. But the Ghost 12 GTX comes with an extremely grippy outsole that does not slip even on ice. Besides being durable, the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX is also very comfortable. Guess what? The shoe is also completely waterproof, and this makes it more suitable to wear on the ice.
Overall the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX is one of the most versatile shoes in the market. The sleek design and excellent features make it one of the most sought-after shoes from Brooks. If you think you need a running shoe that works on all kinds of surfaces, you need to get the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX.
Pros:
Excellent comfort
Extremely durable
Grippy outsoles
Eye-catching design
Extremely versatile
Cons:
Price keeps increasing
Altra ALW1855L Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Waterproof Shoe
Altra is another American company that mostly manufactures shoes for athletes and trail running. They are among the world’s best brands, usually ranked under the top 5 for trail running shoes. The Lone Peak 4 Low RSM waterproof shoe is one that we found particularly good for running on ice.
What makes the Lone Peak 4 unique are its packed features. You can run just about anywhere with this shoe, be it rain, snow, or mud, hence the name RSM. The company made the shoe’s upper with a particular material known as eVent, which is 100% waterproof. It also comes with an added protection in the form of a reinforced toe cap, which will protect your feet at all times.
The Lone Peak 4 has excellent reviews everywhere, and it will not disappoint at all. The shoe’s breathability, comfort, traction, and protection make it one of the best running shoes in the market for trail running. If your budget is not an issue, there’s a reason why you shouldn’t get this shoe.
Pros:
Unmatched breathability
Excellent comfort
100% waterproof
Durable lugs for enhanced traction
Toe protection
Cons:
A bit expensive
On Running Cloudventure Shield
If you want a running shoe that has it all, you might like the next product on this list. The On Running Cloudventure Shield is a shoe that has been catching a lot of attention worldwide. And since On Running manufactures the shoe, you’re obviously going to fall in love with it.
The Cloudventure Shield from On Running has an excellent outsole that comes with four different levels of grip. This gives you the ability to run on all kinds of terrain, including snow and ice. Moreover, it also comes with the company’s special CloudTec cushioning, which provides decent comfort.
If you hate having wet and soggy feet when you run, this shoe will solve all your problems. The waterproof upper, combined with breathable materials, prevents your feet from ever feeling wet. Just put on this pair of shoes, and no weather will stop you from doing what you love most.
Pros:
Spacious toe box
Waterproof upper
Flexible soles
Extremely comfortable
Lightweight
Cons:
Not the most breathable running shoe
Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX
The Inov-8 Roclite 315 is another excellent shoe that you can wear while running on ice or snow. It is a comfortable and durable running shoe that will have you running in all kinds of terrain, such as ice and snow.
The shoe comes with a waterproof synthetic upper that helps keep your feet warm and dry despite snow and rain. Additionally, it comes with an excellent rubber outsole that prevents you from falling regardless of how slippery the ground is.
If you want a simple, no-nonsense running shoe for ice and snow, this can be a fantastic pick. It has all the features that you’ll need even though it looks quite simple.
Pros:
One of the most durable running shoes
Surprisingly holds well on both icy and rocky terrain thanks to the amazing traction
Great cushioning
Decent heel support
Cons:
The toe box can be a bit narrow for some runners.
Saucony Peregrine 8 Ice
If you want a shoe for running on ice and snow, the Saucony Peregrine will bring a smile to your face. It may be a simple-looking shoe, but it has all the features you’ll need for running on ice. It is particularly good for running on snowy mountains.
The shoe comes with a Vibram sole that provides one of the most durable traction. You can run it on all kinds of terrain, and it will remain completely intact. Additionally, it comes with a PWRFOAM midsole to provide superior comfort and a synthetic upper for water resistance.
Pros:
Comfortable shoes for running on ice
Lightweight
Water-resistant
Durable traction
Cons:
Expensive
Icebug DTS4 BUGrip with Studded Traction Sole
Icebug is an excellent shoe manufacturer that makes all kinds of hiking shoes and boots. But the one area where they really shine is in their running shoes designed for wet and icy surfaces. When your jogging trail becomes too slippery, the Icebug DTS4 is the shoe that will make sure you stay on your feet at all times.
The shoe comes with one of the best water-resistant uppers in the game. Besides keeping your feet dry, it also ensures maximum comfort and support through its cushioned midsoles.
With all the features that come with the shoe, you will truly enjoy running on ice. If you think it’s the shoe for you, don’t wait. Just bring it home, and you won’t regret it.
Pros:
Great Traction
Water-resistance upper
Comfortable midsoles
Cons:
Expensive
Salomon Snowspike CSWP
The last and final product that we have on this list is another shoe from Salomon, which is the Snowspike CSWP. The Salomon Snowspike CSWP has been a popular option for running on snow since it comes with a superior grip. Besides the grip, this shoe comes with just about everything you need in a running shoe for snow.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the shoe is its design. It is a high-top shoe with water resistance, which does a great job of preventing your feet from getting wet. The high top also means that you’ll get added support and stability, which is very important while running on ice. Furthermore, the shoe also comes with rubber lugs on the outsole along with 12 spikes to give you the best traction.
When you combine all these features, it’s hard to deny this shoe a spot on this list. The Salomon Snowspike CSWP will always keep you on your feet whether you’re running on ice or snow.
Pros:
Suitable for both ice and snow
Prevents cold feet
Superior traction
Great comfort
Provides good feet protection
Cons
Feels a bit bulky
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I look for in a good ice running shoe?
Answer: For a shoe to be suitable for running on ice and snow, it should have many crucial features. Some of those features include:
Good Traction: Running with confidence without the fear of slipping and falling on ice is extremely important. It is not ideal for running with the fear that you might fall and injure yourself. To have that confidence, you need to have a shoe with excellent traction.
Shoes with rugged outsoles with spikes are the safest option for you if you’re planning to run on ice. They will make running much more comfortable and safer.
Water Resistance: Wearing a shoe without water-resistance while running in snow or ice can be a nightmare for you. They will always make your feet wet and soggy, which can ruin your exercise. So, it is important to purchase a shoe with a water-resistant upper, which will help you overcome any weather.
Warmth: When running in cold weather conditions, you will need a shoe that can help keep your feet warm. It is not ideal for running when your feet are too cold because it can lead to frostbite. So, look for shoes made with special materials that can keep your feet warm and, at the same time, maintain breathability.
Proper Fit and Comfort: Whether you’re running on a dry surface or ice, comfort and proper fit are necessary. However, since running on ice is more complicated, your shoes’ fit and comfort become even more important. Look for appropriate cushioning and feet support so that you can keep running on ice without any issue.
Weight: Shoes don’t need to be heavier if they are more durable. However, if you require a shoe for running on ice, you might want a heavier shoe. This is because heavier shoes higher level of water resistance and also feel more rugged.
Is it safe to run on ice and snow?
Answer: Running on ice or snow is much more slippery, and as such, it can be quite dangerous. It can greatly affect your balance and the way you run. However, with the proper running shoe, you can lower the risk significantly. It can also improve your stride and give you a better running experience on the ice.
Should I avoid running during the winter?
Answer: If you have certain weight goals in mind or you’re determined to stay healthy, you should not stop running during the winter. According to various experts, running or jogging even when the temperature is below zero is actually quite safe. In fact, it is quite okay to jog even when the temperature goes as low as -10 degrees C.
Wrapping Up
We finally come to the end of this article. We hope that you’ll be able to choose a good pair of shoes from our list. With these running shoes listed above, nothing can stop you from running on ice and snow. These shoes designed for extreme traction will have you feeling like you’re running on regular pavement.
Running on ice can be a bit riskier, so make sure you’re getting the best shoe you can afford. Consider all the features and make sure that you’re getting something that will let you run all year round.