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Top Winter Sneakers for Men and Women 2026
For a set of winter sneakers to be truly great (and subsequently worth your money), it needs to mirror that famous mail-carrier motto — delivering results in the rain, snow, sleet, and gloom of night. Considering the rapid clip at which footwear innovation has progressed, the odds are good that there’s already a winter-ready version of your favorite shoe, just beckoning you to buy it for the next few months of winter. And if this isn’t the case, a myriad of top options from major brands like Nike, On, adidas, and Canada Goose are also here for the taking: amped up with technical materials without ever sacrificing streamlined looks and all-day wearability.
The bitter cold (akin to the freezing temperatures, alongside snow and ice, that are set to hit over 160 million people across the U.S. this weekend) can severely damage most pairs of running sneakers, leaving them stained, soggy, and completely ruined. 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 failing to see much improvement in the kicks’ condition.
This is where specialized cold-weather sneakers come in to save the (snow) day. Sparing you from moisture buildup and the blisters that follow, the best waterproof sneakers on the market today typically share a few common characteristics. Some major ones? The presence of Gore-Tex membranes, which dole out breathable water protection, as well as insulation to keep your toes warm and lugged soles for staying stable on slippery terrain.
In your quest for a winter sneaker style to call your own, whether a men’s or a women’s version, looks are obviously important to take note of. For instance, you likely don’t want something that’s overly bulky or else swathed in the kinds of primary colors that you’d never catch yourself wearing in context of your everyday steppers. But it’s just as vital to ponder when and under what conditions you see yourself wearing your future purchase. Live in a place that barely gets anything more than rain in February? On’s waterproof running shoes made for trails will be just the thing, equipped with a height-happy midsole that will keep water off its uppers. And if it’s feet of snow we’re talking about, Canada Goose has a set that features rubberized leather wrapping, not to mention a temperature-regulating midsole and extra coverage in high-wear areas.
Below, a dedicated guide to the winter sneakers that are worth shopping this year. Yes, you’ll have to stow most of them away come spring, but your feet will thank you every step of the way in the dead of winter.
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Sorel Callsign Horizon Low GTX Women’s Waterproof Sneaker
Keeping sleek appearances at its core, Sorel’s Callsign Horizon Low GTX shoe for women also wins big in the functionality department. You’ll find a Gore-Tex membrane here that’s waterproof, windproof, breathable, and thus high-performing — joined by suede and leather on the upper that work to keep the cold away from your feet, too, while helping the sneaker look nothing short of runway-ready. An Ortholite footbed will help you get those steps in sans fatigue, and the model also benefits from a Vibram outsole whose traction is one to trust, even if you find yourself surrounded by ice as you step out in the morning.
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
The North Face Clyffe Mid Insulated Waterproof Shoe
A shining example of a sneaker-boot hybrid that works, The North Face’s Clyffe is a unisex pick that’s almost completely sold out of sizes — yes, it’s that good. In case you get lucky and score a pair, you can expect perks like a fully waterproof upper and inner membrane, 100 whole grams of insulation, a rubber-wrapped toe for added protection, and a lugged sole fit for surfaces beyond the sidewalk. The skate-inspired shoe is constructed in such a way that it prevents cold air from seeping in and ruining your day. In other words, it checks all of our boxes for winter footwear that can stand up to the test of time (and Mother Nature).
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Oakley Meridian Low Ext Shoe
If you’re looking for pure innovation, you’ve come to the right place. Oakley’s freshly arrived Meridian Low Ext Shoe is made to handle the extremes, what with its abrasion-proof polyester underlay, military-quality Vibram outsole, and, the pièce de résistance, a waterproof gaiter that you can pop on and take off with ease — pending the weather that greets you outside. We’ve never seen something quite like this, meaning the instant bestseller won’t stay on e-shelves for too long. Unconvinced to score it just yet? Maybe the fact that the winter sneaker has a speed-maximized lacing system and comes in an attractive green shade (with an all-black option!) will help sway you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $270
Moon Boot Moon247 Xlace Sneaker
“Your next style hero has landed,” TikTok-viral brand Moon Boot says of its Moon247 Xlace offering, and we believe it. Relatively low profile, the sneaker’s design codes are versatile (no flashy logos or unnecessary parts here!) while those special features — from the chunky midsole to the thermoplastic rubber tread sole — ensure you can get from Point A to Point B this season without any unfortunate falls. All while turning heads on the street, of course, because style never sleeps.
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
On Cloudvista 2 Waterproof Women’s Sneaker
The standard Cloudvista 2 model from celeb-approved Swiss brand On is a safe bet for trail running in mild climates; this waterproof iteration, though, is an absolute must for any kind of outdoor activity come winter. The sleek trainers are reimagined with a waterproof membrane to keep water at bay and let your feet breathe, also flaunting perks like a higher stack height, better rocker motion, and more responsiveness. The water-averse Cloudvista 2’s ripstop vamp mesh also pays off in durability and weather resistance, treating those brave of us to run in snow or sleet to more speed, a smoother ride, and comfort during every last mile.
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
adidas Y-3 S-Gendo Trail Shoe
With its Y-3 S-Gendo Trail Shoe, adidas promises an outdoor-focused silhouette that prioritizes lightness, which makes it stand out from bulkier winter boot counterparts. While the upper’s ripstop textile denies entry to bitter winds, the rubber at the toe cap and heel counter rule out those dreaded sleet or salt stains you’re likely intimately familiar with. The stepper’s specialized cushioning will also keep things feeling cozy while that exaggerated midsole helps you rise above unexpected precipitation — looking all the more futuristic thanks to its hollowed-out nature.
Price upon publish date of this article: $500
Nike Zoom Vomero Roam Women’s Winterized Sneaker
Nike’s Vomero line was last December’s most-searched-for running franchise, and for good reason. Worn by everyone from Eve to Kendrick Lamar (who actually said “yes” to this exact women’s winterized sneaker), it gets high praise for both performance and aesthetics. As of this winter, you can rock a Vomero silhouette no matter the forecast, courtesy of the upgraded Zoom Vomero Roam that, besides being rapper-vetted, beats back wet weather through its rubber mudguard, multilayered upper, water-repellent finish, and abrasion-resistant sole. Despite being loaded with bells and whistles, the shoe retains inherent stylishness, so you can still wear it with ski pants, baggy jeans, joggers, corp-core pants, and everything in between.
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex Unisex Shoe
It just might be factually accurate to say that everyone and their mothers is sporting Salomons right about now, but there’s a good chance they’re overlooking the buzzy brand’s winter-specific shoe styles. The XT-6 Gore-Tex bestseller bears its predecessor’s sporty look but ups the ante with a Gore-Tex membrane, specially coated laces, and a seam-sealed construction that won’t have you running to change your socks. Bonus points: There’s no wrong way to style it (yes, the shoe is simply that cool).
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Hoka x Halfdays Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX Sneaker
It-girl-approved technical footwear? No, that’s not an oxymoron. This collaboration release from Hoka and Olympian-founded skiwear brand Halfdays is more than just its good looks, though. Crafted with a tight weave on the upper that kicks wear and tear to the curb, the Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX is also Gore-Tex–equipped, has best-in-class PrimaLoft insulation for uninterrupted warmth, and can be slipped on with ease whenever you feel like going on a lil’ adventure. Simply adjust the fit of that recycled bungee drawcord and go on with your day (that Oat Milk & Spiked Cocoa colorway will make it 10 times better, guaranteed).
Price upon publish date of this article: $210
Canada Goose Women’s Glacier Trail Sneaker
Canada Goose separates itself from the pack with this waterproof, durable shoe that “transitions effortlessly through rain, snow, and sun,” according to the luxury label. Cocooned in rubberized leather, the Glacier Trail Sneaker is also laminated internally, has a heel stabilizer for extra support, is temperature regulating, and takes special care of its high-wear areas by way of additional overlays. Our favorite part? The hot commodity comes with two lace options, including reflective cord laces and flat ones. Spoiler alert: Both are pampered with a unique hydro treatment that enhances their water resistance. There’s nothing better than a shoe that truly knows you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $525
Waterproof features: Whether you’re dealing with a light sprinkling of rain or a full-on blizzard, water is part of most winter weather conditions, and you need a sneaker that will effectively stop it from coming into contact with your foot. Staying dry is in your best interests, and you can do so by looking for features like Gore-Tex membranes, protective gaiters, or water-repellent linings-slash-finishes in whatever winter shoe model you have your sights set on. If it lacks “waterproof” somewhere in the product description, you’d be wise to save the purchase for spring.
Traction: Depending on the kind of outsole it has, a shoe is either optimized for traction and grip on multiple terrain types or it isn’t. Prioritize lugged soles or those specifically made by the Italian company Vibram, which were made for mountaineering and now lead the game with their shock absorption, flexibility, and, well, ability to help your feet grip the ground no matter how slippery it is.
Coverage: The goal is, of course, to snag a winterized shoe that’s as close of a visual match to your go-to sneaker as possible (if this wasn’t your goal, you’d be shopping our boots roundup instead). Ample coverage in winter footwear is essential, though, if you’re dealing with lots of snow buildup. That being said, go for a style that’s both streamlined and will make sure your entire foot is sealed in. Even better if it’s slightly raised at the ankle or, like Oakley’s Meridian Low Ext, comes with an optional layer you can attach at will.
Insulation: Being able to adequately warm up your toes even in subzero temperatures, the best winter sneakers benefit from mighty insulation that doesn’t add extra weight to your walk. If you spot the word PrimaLoft, it refers to a patented material initially made for the U.S. Army which not only has superior water resistance but effectively traps heat while moving moisture away from your body. Other types of insulation can do just as good a job of keeping you toasty; sometimes, too, you’ll be privy to just how much insulation a winter sneaker has (measured in grams). Typically, the heavier this weight, the warmer the shoe, but know that even 100 grams will be enough on colder-weather days during which you’re if continuously active, while saving you from overheating.
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Meet the Authors
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 of the best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers seasonal, must-shop footwear worth readers’ time and money.
