While regular shoes can be used all year round, there are many benefits to having a winterised pair in your running shoe armoury, particularly in severe conditions. Several models in our running shoe range are designed to deliver superior weather protection and grip for the colder, wetter months.
If you’re struggling to hit target pace during your training sessions due to slippery pavements, or suffering from cold feet during your longer runs, the shoes recommended below may be just what you need to stay ahead of the weather and on track with your training.
Road shoes for winter miles
1. Saucony RunShield Collection
Saucony has launched a range of models called 'RunShield' that deliver superior performance in winter conditions. These winter-ready versions of existing road icons offer all the same benefits with the addition of:
- water-resistant RunShield upper
- enhanced traction on cold surfaces with a COLDTRAC outsole
- webbing detail on tongue and heel tab for low-light reflectivity
Take a look at the Endorphin Speed 2 RunShield for fast-paced training in harsh conditions.
Take a look at the Ride 14 RunShield if you’re looking for one shoe to use for a wide variety of paces (tempo, long runs, recovery runs etc.) in harsh conditions.
Consider the Guide 14 RunShield if you need additional support for steadier-paced runs in harsh conditions.
2. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield
The standard version of the Pegasus is a perfect training shoe for running at a mixture of intensities. With the Shield version, you’ll be able to do the same, with the advantage of keeping your feet dry and comfortable (and your mind on the run) when it’s wet and cold outside.
The upper on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is coated with a durable water repellent treatment, keeping your feet dryer in wet weather.
The texture of the tread in the Shield edition is inspired by all-winter tyres. Named Storm-Tread, it features micro grooves to stick to road surfaces and multidirectional shapes to shed water, so the tread stays in contact with the ground. This will deliver incredible grip on slick streets.
3. Brooks Ghost 14 GORE-TEX
Featuring soft, plush DNA Loft cushioning, the Ghost is one of Brooks’ most popular neutral shoes. A perfect option for pretty much any runner who is running at steady paces. It delivers a secure fit and a soft and smooth underfoot feel. The fully waterproof Brooks Ghost 14 GTX features a lightweight GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane upper. It's bonded directly to the upper so it provides great functionality without affecting the fit.
It will be the perfect companion for those short or long wet winter runs.
Trail shoes for winter miles
4. Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX
Taking inspiration from the popular road model, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is a grippy door-to-trail shoe that’s suitable for a mixture of road and trail running. The fully waterproof Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX has the exact same features as the standard version, with the addition of a GORE-TEX membrane to keep feet completely dry. An additional gaiter at the collar keeps extra debris and water from getting in the shoe.
The rubber outsole has a shockwave-like pattern that mimics mountain bike tyres. The nub traction design is optimised to provide smooth grip as a runner moves from roads to trails. The heel area has increased traction to help runners while going downhill.
The React foam offers a high level of cushioning and will deliver great protection on trails. It runs from heel-to-toe so provides ample comfort for decent sections of road running.
5. Saucony Peregrine 11 GORE-TEX
The Peregrine 11 GTX has the same technical features as the standard Peregrine with the addition of full waterproof protection. The upper is made with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology. This is the most premium form of waterproofing a shoe as it doesn’t affect the fit.
The Peregrine is the perfect all-round trail shoe. It's great for a mixture of door-to trail runs, longer off-road runs and even some more technical hill running.
Warm running socks
Merino running socks made from a merino blend will keep your feet cosy, while waterproof running socks will keep the wet out. I personally use trail socks (such as the Hilly Off Road Anklet) as they are great in winter conditions: they wick the moisture away very well and dry fairly quickly. I forget my feet are wet after a few minutes on the move.