If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.
Top Winter Sneakers for Men and Women of 2024
On Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers
adidas TERREX Free-Hiker 2.0 Low GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes
Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low Gore-Tex Sneakers
Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX Unisex Sneakers
Vans MTE Old Skool Waterproof Insulated Shoes
Nike Lunar Force 1 Winterized Duckboots
Hoka Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX Shoes
Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX Sneakers
Nike Zoom Vomero Roam Sneakers
Canada Goose Glacier Trail Sneaker
A great set of winter sneakers should mirror the mail-carrier motto — they deliver in the rain, snow, sleet, or shine. Sneaker innovation has progressed so far that, odds are, there’s already a winter-ready version of your favorite shoe. With a world of technical materials at their feet, major brands have adopted these elements to reimagine everything from timeless silhouettes to popular running shoes.
Frigid forecasts can severely damage most pairs of walking shoes, leaving them stained, soggy, and unwearable. While we love a good pair of beaters, there’s nothing fun about leaving them out to dry all night, only to wake up the next morning and realize you can barely even step in them to grab breakfast.
And, like your shoes, your feet are valuable, too. Weatherproof sneakers provide the security to spare you from blisters and moisture build-up, so they’ll even help you avoid any sudden doctor’s appointments. Before going all in on a pair based on looks alone, take a deeper look at comfortable shoes for men or women featuring GORE-TEX membranes for breathable water protection, some insulation to keep your feet warm, and lugged soles so you can stay stable on slippery floors. Once a shoe has one of these, they’ll likely have them all, but consider what you’ll use them for.
Whether you need shoes geared toward rainy-day runs or something casual made of revamped materials, functionality doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing style. Some of the shoe game’s biggest names have shown their all-condition prowess, including On, Nike, and even Vans. Most recently, adidas dropped CORDURA-crafted Samba OG sneakers that sold out in seconds, so rest assured knowing that the world’s most popular shoes can still be fail-safe options in your closet once temperatures drop.
So follow our dedicated guide and see if your everyday pair has a weatherproof counterpart, or discover a new set of winter sneakers for your seasonal wardrobe.
On Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers
The standard Cloud 5 is always a great choice for spring and summer strolls; this waterproof iteration is an even better choice for fall and winter walks. The sleek trainers are reimagined with a recycled waterproof membrane to keep water at bay and let your feet breathe. For a finishing touch, these top winter sneakers are accented with reflective details for high visibility at night, so you’ll stay safe once the sun sets.
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
adidas TERREX Free-Hiker 2.0 Low GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes
If you love wearing
Ultraboost sneakers to run errands, this is the next best choice for rainy days. This
waterproof shoe silhouette combines
trail-running and hiking components (as its name suggests) to bode well in outdoor escapades. Like most
adidas trainers, they’re placed atop grippy Continental rubber outsoles for tire-like traction. Plus, the brand uses at least 20 percent recycled materials to make every pair of these
adidas walking shoes, so you’ll be doing the planet a favor, too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $135
Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low Gore-Tex Sneakers
Suitable for virtually any environment you step in this season, the Mountain Fly 2’s distinct look and lightweight design are ideal for gorp-core fanatics who stick with
Nike sneakers all year long. The mountain bike-inspired outsole boasts deep lugs, keeping you steady and secure, while toggle laces let you adjust the fit once it’s time to kick your feet up. Most of all, the GORE-TEX-fitted upper keeps you dry on city streets and hiking trips.
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX Unisex Sneakers
Whether you haven’t bought a pair of Salomons yet or don’t want to ruin the ones in your closet, you’ve come to the right place. The popping brand’s XT-6 GORE-TEX shoes bear the cult classic’s same sporty look but up the ante with a PFC-free GORE-TEX membrane, ensuring waterproof assurance backed by a lower environmental impact. In other words, these
winter running shoes literally lower your carbon footprint. And while this shouldn’t be the only reason you buy a pair, countless celebrities have proven there’s no wrong way to style them — the shoe is simply that cool.
Price upon publish date of this article: $220
Vans MTE Old Skool Waterproof Insulated Shoes
You can never go wrong with Vans Old Skools — until it’s pouring outside. Luckily, the California-bred shoemaker’s weather-ready take on its timeless low-top offers trusty water protection and warmth courtesy of Primaloft insulation. And thanks to the lugged, lightweight footbed, there’s no safer pair of Vans to rock come winter. Don’t risk slipping in your Slip-Ons and opt for a pair that’ll stand out in the sea of standard skate shoes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.95
Nike Lunar Force 1 Winterized Duckboots
It’s not a sneaker in the conventional sense, but Nike’s spin on the
Air Force 1 is rugged and ready to combat the elements. The Lunar Force 1 Duckboot is protective from heel to toe, boasting a thorough water-repellent finish, an internal membrane, and a studded toe box that adds serious texture and toughness. As the ideal cross between
winter boots and a lifestyle staple, these hybrid kicks can be styled in either direction — workwear or streetwear — and look great worn with similar earthy tones.
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Hoka Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX Shoes
According to Hoka, those cozy shoes can withstand temperatures as low as -25 degrees, so they might just become your new best friend until spring rolls around. The French performance brand’s bootie-style sneakers are jam-packed with premier technology. It starts with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane upper lined with PrimaLoft Black insulation for uninterrupted warmth. Then, for walkability, a dual-density midsole ensures consistent cushioning. Pack them with you on an upcoming lodge trip for the perfect aprés-ski shoes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX Sneakers
The technical masters at Arc’Teryx are as adept at crafting footwear as they are outerwear; these waterproof wonders are a testament to that. Designed to minimize friction and ward off water damage, the Norvan LD 3 GTX’s single-layer GORE-TEX upper is Mother Nature’s worst nightmare. This breathable material is enhanced with an abrasion-resistant toe cap, then set atop a shock-absorbing midsole and Vibram Megagrip, which has 4mm lugs fit for the unpredictable.
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Nike Zoom Vomero Roam Sneakers
Nike’s recent expansion to the Vomero series cemented its status as a modern-day staple. As of this fall, you can rock the famous silhouette no matter the forecast. Though equipped with a rubber mudguard and revamped materials, the water-repellent Vomero Roam retains every bit of their predecessor’s integrity, so you can still wear them with regular-fit jeans, tight joggers, overly baggy cargos, or however you prefer to style the
Vomero 5 shoes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
Canada Goose Glacier Trail Sneaker
Canada Goose separates itself from the pack with this versatile, limited-edition silhouette, featuring a fully waterproof membrane and stretchy, leather-wrapped upper with extra durable overlays in the spots you need them most. There’s nothing better than a shoe that truly knows you. This classy Glacier Trail sneaker is available in all-black or a chic shade of beige, so step up your winter ensemble with the most lavish option possible.
Price upon publish date of this article: $450
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums.
