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Winter weather will be making its official return in a matter of weeks. In fact, the end of Daylight Saving Time is already bringing the dark, damp feel of the season to much of the US. However, there’s no need to drop everything and take cover inside. With the right gear and shoes, you’ll be able to keep up your running routine throughout the coming months. Whether you’re hitting the trails or looking to navigate through an urban winter wonderland, these are Fast, Warm and Tough: The 10 Best Winterized Shoes for Outdoor Running.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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No. 10 – Under Armour Spine Rebel Storm
Key winter feature: UA Storm DWR technology
The Under Armour Spine Rebel Storm might not look like a winterized shoe at first glance, but its ripstop upper treated with a UA Storm Durable Water Repellent finish makes it a smart choice for slush and puddles. The brand’s proprietary Micro G foam cushioning is used for impact protection and energy return, and a 4D Foam sockliner helps to eliminate heel slipping.
No. 9 – Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
Key winter feature: Water resistant upper
Although you may not immediately connote the barefoot feel of Vibram FiveFingers shoes with cold-weather running, the Lontra model is ready for the roughest of winter weather. For starters, its multi-layered upper makes use of fully taped seams for both insulation and water resistance. Inside, the Vibram FiveFingers Lontra is lined with soft, warm micro-pile fleece that also helps to wick away sweat. You also can’t forget about the rugged Vibram TC-1 Dura outsole which delivers high levels of traction on a multitude of surfaces and conditions.
$150
No. 8 – Salomon SnowCross CS
Key winter feature: Mud&Snow non-marking Contragrip outsole
Show winter who’s boss with the Salomon SnowCross CS. With aesthetics more akin to a technical boot, the SnowCross CS is a high performance winter runner, loaded with the brand’s proprietary technology. Its upper features a zip gaiter, Climashield tech, and anti-debris mesh to keep the foot warm and dry, while the heavy duty outsole uses a Mud&Snow non-marking Contragrip outsole and tipped metal spikes that will effortlessly dig into treacherous surfaces.
$200
No. 7 – New Balance Minimus 1010v2
Key winter feature: Vibram outsole
If you want to keep things minimal this winter, the New Balance Minimus 1010v2 is a suitable choice. It features a REVlite midsole for lightweight cushioning and a forefoot Rock Stop plate to keep your feet protected. Best of all, a Vibram outsole is added for superior tracton.
No. 6 – Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX
Key winter feature: Gore-Tex lining
You’ll be able to tear up the trails this winter with the Saucony Xodus 4.0 GTX. Nothing will stand in your way thanks to a durable upper with a gusseted tongue and waterproof Gore-Tex lining. The brand’s smooth and responsive PowerGrid cushioning is sandwiched by a Vibram XS-Trek compound outsole with multi-directional lugs.
No. 5 – Asics Gel-Arctic 4 WR
Key winter feature: Water resistant upper
Built for ice and snow, the Asics Gel-Actic 4 WR maintains a comfortable feel with the brand’s time tested Gel cushioning in both the forefoot and heel. Its upper is highly water resistant, yet also delivers breathability, and the Asics High Abrasion Rubber outsole features replaceable metal spike pins so you can really dig into the mess left by Old Man Winter.
No. 4 – Nike LunarGlide 5 Shield
Key winter feature: Nike Shield
Built with the same performance running tech that made the standard LunarGlide 5 a hit, such as supportive Flywire overlays and soft, springy Lunarlon cushioning, the LunarGlide 5 Shield is ready for winter’s dark nights. Nike Shield technology adds a water resistant upper, a warm fleece collar, and reflective accents so you’ll be seen during city excursions.
$125
No. 3 – Merrell Mix Master 2 Waterproof
Key winter feature: Aegis waterproof membrane
There’s water resistant, and then there’s full-on waterproof. The Merrell Mix Master 2 Waterproof feature more cushioning than the brand’s traditional barefoot shoes, which is delivered by a thin Merrell Float midsole and a heel Merrell air cushion. Durable traction comes in the form of a Merrell Mix Sole/Sticky Rubber outsole, and the upper features an Aegis waterproof membrane and bellows tongue to keep your feet dry and clean.
No. 2 – adidas Climawarm Ride
Key winter feature: Climawarm
When winter touches down, the adidas Climawarm Ride will keep you cozy and comfortable during runs. Climawarm technology helps to keep things toasty yet breathable, and air-pocket channels are inserted to heat incoming air. On the outsole, Traxion technology will help you grip slick, wet surfaces.
No. 1 – Brooks Adrenaline ASR 10 GTX
Key winter feature: Gore-tex membrane
As the winterized version of one of Brook’s most popular running shoes, the Brooks Adrenaline ASR 10 GTX doesn’t cut any corners with its all-weather protection. A waterproof yet breathable Gore-Tex membrane ensures that your feet stay dry, while the brand’s groundbreaking DNA cushioning provides a custom feel. Down low, its rugged outsole is equally efficient on the road and trail.
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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