20 Sneakers That'll Help You Brave the Elements This Winter

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Florals for spring? Not groundbreaking. But winter sneakers? Now that's legitimately groundbreaking. When the cold wind blows and the streets are coated in several inches of snow, sleet, or water, reaching for basic runners may not be the wisest decision. You need a shoe that is a little more durable than the everyday sneaker. But don't worry, sturdy boots are not your only option this season.

Opt for a winter sneaker, the bridge between the trusty resolute of boots and the look (and comfort) of sneakers. Some of our favorite brands are stepping up with sneakers meant for winter wear. Converse has equipped its iconic Chuck Taylors with rugged outsoles and insulating lining. Nike has upped the game with its Gore-Tex layer to keep your toes warm and dry on the go. Allbirds has switched mesh uppers for ones made of weather-treated merino wool. And some of the go-to outdoor labels have kicks that are built for the toughest terrains, but will work just as well—if not better—for city streets.

D0n't be fooled: hunting for the perfect winter sneaker is not an easy feat. You need to pay attention to materials, construction, the detail of waterproof vs. water-repellent, etc. We won't leave you out in the cold though; we are going to help you navigate this list and find the seasonal shoe that fits you. No need to sacrifice form or function this winter, because the options below incorporate both qualities smoothly. From sneakers with added traction to categorical sneaker-boot hybrids, these 20 will get you from one snow-filled destination to the next safely, warmly, and in style.

Wool Runner Mizzle Shoes

The Internet's favorite sneaker brand is back at it again, tweaking its hero product ever so slightly via a water-repellent upper made out of the company's now-signature merino wool. These are good when it's a little wet outside or there's just a few light showers scattering through the day.

React SFB Carbon Sneakers

Nike has covered the market with all kinds of sneakers for all kinds of activities. Case in point: These durable sneakers, which feature the outsoles of a tactical boot.

Vitesse Fasttrack Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Columbia is the name to know when it comes to gear for the great outdoors. So, it makes perfect sense that the brand would offer sneakers—complete with Omnigrip soles and water-repellent technology—that are primed for the most adverse environments.

Terrex Skychaser 2 Shoes

Hiking shoes meet trail runners in this perfect hybrid. With a reinforced midsole and a gripping outsole, there's no slipping and sliding when it comes to these guys.

Anacapa Low Gore-Tex Sneakers

Even with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, soy-based sockliner, waterproof upper, and rugged appearance, these Hoka sneakers are extremely lightweight, allowing you to trek through the snow with greater ease.

Chuck Taylor All Star All Terrain Sneakers

A few years ago, Converse started introducing weatherproof fabric to some of the its most iconic silhouettes, including the Chuck Taylor. The waterproof leather upper and warm fleece lining render an already durable shoe eminently winter-ready.

Vertex GTX Shoes

It's unsurprising that Arc'teryx—the brand that does gorp-core outerwear to a T, with warm, functional winter styles that never miss—has a plethora of damn good winter sneakers. Our favorite, though, is the warm and waterproof Vertex, with Gore-Tex fabric meant for running in wet, alpine conditions.

Glacier Trail Sneakers

And speaking of brands who know how to handle winter—Canada Goose has a chunky, chic sneaker that knows how to handle harsh weather. With a cool look, comfortable fit, and waterproof design, these sneakers are up for anything and everything.

TERREX Free Hiker 2 GORE-TEX Shoes

Adidas' Terrex line makes stylish gear specifically designed to stand up to the worst of the elements, and this hiking boot—featuring a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and the brand's signature Boost technology—is no exception.

510 V5 Trail Running Shoes

New Balance's updated take on a trail runner might not offer the same sort of winter-weather detailing as some of its counterparts below, but the style's beefed-up soles and added traction make it ideal if you're looking for an all-season shoe that can seamlessly transition to tackling trails, slick sidewalks, and everything else.

Vectiv Fastpack Mid Futurelight Shoes

If you can't trust The North Face to make a stellar sneaker-boot, who can you trust? With its engineered waterproof membrane and Vibram outsole, The North Face's excellent take on the style offers a seamless marriage of form and function in a silhouette that'll keep your feet toasty all winter long.

Wool Runner-Up Mizzle Plus Shoes

Yes, more Allbirds, but if you are really against any sort of moisture dampening your socks, then opt for these ones. The rubber toe gives extreme water protection—for more heavy duty water or snow situations—while the Merino wool lives up to its rep of supreme warmth.

React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Shoes

It wasn't that long ago that we hailed the trail version of the Pegasus as the ultimate travel shoe. And why wouldn't we? Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry, the ability to transition from uneven terrain to the road with ease, and low-key good looks make for a great "up for anything" sneaker. Turns out, those features also make it a superior winter sneaker.

Cloudventure Waterproof Shoes

Sleek but sturdy, On's Cloudventure is built for—you guessed it!—trail running, but looks just as good exploring the wilds of a city. It's completely waterproof and surprisingly breathable. And if you haven't ever tried the brand's proprietary CloudTec cushioning, let us assure you, it's mind-blowingly comfortable, too.

Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX Shoes

There are a lot of dark sneakers on this list. And that's great. But sometimes a winter fit needs a shot of color, and these neon green New Balance runners—complete with extra-grippy soles and Gore-Tex waterproofing—will liven things up quite nicely.

UltraRange EXO Hi MTE-1 Sneakers

When Vans began the process of revamping its legendary high-top silhouette for winter wear, it set out to make a sneaker that incorporates a HydroGuard to waterproof the shoe, thermal insulation for prime warmth, and a durable lug outsole for ultra traction and durability. Yeah, we'll take pair.

Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX Shoes

If you've got wider feet—or just like a little extra room—Altra is a game-changer. You'll find (very handy!) features like Gore-Tex waterproofing and grippy Vibram sole on a lot of the shoes on this list, but the Olympus 5 is the only one with Altra's signature FootShape Fit, which mirrors the actual shape of your foot so your toes never feel the squeeze.

Excursion TR16 GTX Shoes

These are your new winter outdoor excursion shoes. Saucony already makes some of the best sneakers around, and these sneakers have that extra traction-ready grip to keep you upright at all times. They may not be the option you want for trekking through snow, but they are the pair for when you want to go on a trail run and the ground's slick and sliding.

Oxeye Tech Shoes

As certified purveyors of all cold-weather gear, The North Face is an obvious choice for your winter sneaker. The Oxeye Tech Shoes are breathable yet durable, with a TPU overlay protection and a ripstop outer shell that packs in the warmth. Plus, with a thick rubber sole, you'll be ready for puddles and slush.

ACS + CSWP Sneakers

Salomon made this sneaker for winter specifically, so you know you're in good hands for the season with this pair. The sleek trail design features a stride-stabilizing Agile Chassis System, waterproof membrane, and 10 millimeter heel drop, so these have great arch support, too.

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