With temperatures low and precipitation on the way, weather-appropriate gear and essential layering pieces are definitely on the agenda. It’s easy to get caught up with focusing on appropriate sweaters, jackets, and cozy accessories but one of the more important winter-ready pieces are definitely sneakers.
Boots are always a great option but they don’t really cut every day. It helps to have a pair of sneakers that are made to tackle colder temperatures since basic canvas sneakers are far from what you need to get you through winter. GORE-TEX and weatherproof silhouettes should be at the top of your list, but settling for well-made, chunky sneakers work just as well.
In light of this, we’ve rounded up a selection of failsafe winter sneakers that are stylish enough to wear anytime this season. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply keep your soles warm, scroll to check out the best winter sneakers below.
Browse our favorite winter sneaker options below.
Norse Projects Lace Up Hiking Sneaker
Runner Sneakers
Norse Projects
A Vibram outsole and a 100% waterproof membrane sound good, right? Well, the Copenhagen-based brand knows how to make a trail-ready sneaker that can easily brave the elements and city streets without any snags.
Salomon XT-6
XT-6
Salomon
It might have been invented with trail running in mind, but the colorways are what makes us keep coming back to the Salomon XT-6. This chocolate brown variation is yet another lesson in color combinations by the French outdoor label.
Balenciaga Track Hike High-Top Sneakers
Track High-Top Sneakers
Balenciaga
Yes, they're Balenciaga, but the Track Sneakers are actually underrated for their functionality. The intricate, paneled upper gives off a hiking aesthetic and provides durability while the rugged sole unit promises support on tricky terrain.
ROA Double Neal Sneaker
Double Neal Sneaker
ROA
While the Vibram rubber sole on this sneaker provides it with superior traction on wet and uneven surfaces, it also acts as its standout stylistic feature thanks to it being translucent.
Off-White™ ODSY-1000 Sneakers
ODSY-1000 Sneakers
Off-White™
Luxury sneakers aren't out of the question when winter rolls around, by the way. While plush suedes and extravagant detailing might be less than ideal, pieces like the Off-White™ ODSY-1000 Sneakers prove that there are some formidable constructions in the higher echelons of luxury footwear, too.
On Cloudvista Waterproof
Cloudvista Waterproof
On
The lightest shoe in On's arsenal of trail running footwear, this shoe packs some serious tech. As well as being fully waterproof, this model's sole unit combines Helion™ superfoam with CloudTec® for superior comfort while Missiongrip™ keeps your feet firmly on the ground.
Y/Project x Diemme Grappa Sneakers
Y/ Project Grappa Trainers
Diemme
Y/Project's collab with Diemme is certainly made for cold temperatures. The Vibram sole is bound to make quick work of any unpleasant snow or mud you might find yourself trekking through, and the Sympatex waterproof Lining® will surely keep you dry.
Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 GTX
Wave Daichi 7 GTX
Mizuno
As you likely will have noticed by now, trail running sneakers double up as the perfect winter sneakers thanks to the practical details needed for them to perform well. This pair from Mizuno include a GORE-TEX membrane to ensure your feet remain dry on wet winter days as well as a sturdy Michelin rubber outsole with custom lugs to provide superior traction and grip on uneven terrain.
Salomon x COMME des GARÇONS SR90
COMME des GARÇONS SR90 Sneakers
Salomon
Salomon is a perennial feature in any bad-weather footwear roundup. The trail-ready silhouettes stand up to seriously adverse conditions while catering to style at the same time. With the backing of COMME des GARÇONS, this pair of SR90s is perfect proof of the style and substance balance.
adidas TERREX x and wander Free Hiker 2
TERREX Free Hiker 2
Adidas x And Wander
Two labels that specialize in creating outdoor gear, when adidas TERREX links up with and wander to create a sneaker, you know it can handle the worst of the winter weather. Plus, this pair includes adidas’ patented Boost tooling in the midsole to bring energy with each step.
ROA Minaar Boots
Minaar Boots
ROA
ROA's style-forward hiking boots changed the game, really. Now, hiking boots and trail runners are the bread and butter of the fashion world, but ROA definitely broke down barriers to make that the case. One of the most wearable styles from the label is the Minaar which offers boot-level protection in a sneaker-shaped package.
adidas x Humanrace NMD S1 RYAT
NMD S1 RYAT
adidas x Humanrace
When the NMD S1 first dropped folks were eager to get their hands on it. Well, it's finally returned with a much-needed winterized update. The upper comprises a mix of premium suede and leather overlays, which sit comfortably on adidas signature BOOST midsole.
New Balance M2002RXA
M2002RXB
New Balance
Both the 550 and 2002R are arguably New Balance's most popular sneakers, but this silhouette above gets the GORE-TEX treatment to ensure you're protected from the elements wherever you're at.
Trussardi Neo Sock Sneaker
Neo Sock Sneaker
Trussardi
This stealthy-looking, slip-on sneaker arrives with a Vibram sole unit, so you already know it's got you covered on slippy terrain.
Moncler Trailgrip GTX
Trailgrip GTX Sneakers
Moncler
If there's one sneaker that can do it all on this list, it's the Trailgrip GTX which comes in an array of colors as well. It comes complete with a weatherproof GORE-TEX upper, treaded Vibram sole, and a comfy EVA midsole. You can do everything from hitting the slopes to simply standing in the rain.
Want to keep browsing? Download the Highsnobiety app for all the hottest products and brands from the Highsnobiety Shop. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.
