Rain. Snow. Slush. Sleet. While dry summer ground is conducive to keeping sneakers in optimum shape, winter invariably throws up more challenging conditions. 



The Basement x New Balance 2002R 'Moss Green'

<a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/upper-material/canvas">Canvas</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/upper-material/suede">suede</a> and <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/upper-material/knit">knit</a> are just a few commonplace materials that are susceptible to inclement weather—sometimes critically so—meaning utilitarian silhouettes that have been specifically engineered to ward off the elements are preferable when temperatures begin to drop.
Below, a guide to some of the best sneakers on the market this winter that place function on the same pedestal as form.
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<h2>Winter Sneaker Trends</h2>
Winterized footwear has made steady aesthetic progress in the last decade. Pragmatic design elements including mudguards, lace covers and rugged treads are no longer at odds with the world of luxury—a development that highlights how the outdoors and <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/gorpcore-fashion-trend">gorpcore-aligned trends</a> continue to exert an influence on the wider style sphere.&nbsp;
From <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/moncler">Moncler</a> to <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/air-jordan">Jordan Brand</a>, GORE-TEX waterproofing technology has further influenced the lifestyle category, while external accessories such as the Vibram Portable Performance Sole has become increasingly more common due to its traction, durability and avant-garde construction.

<h2>Brands for Winter Sneakers and Boots</h2>
 
<h3>Nike</h3>
From running sneakers to rugged boots, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/nike">Nike’s</a> material research extends to an expansive lineup of winter shoes specifically engineered for inclement conditions. Some of the Swoosh’s most pivotal outdoor designs fall under the <a href="https://www.goat.com/collections/acg">ACG</a> (All Conditions Gear) umbrella, seamlessly bridging form and function. Highlights from the subline include the Torre Mid Waterproof and adventure-ready Gaiadome. On the main line, all-new winter silhouettes have been birthed from icons, an approach best exemplified by the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-force-1">Air Force 1</a>-inspired <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/lunar-force-1">Lunar Force 1</a>, while use of weatherproofing technologies such as <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/technology/gore-tex">GORE-TEX</a> on shoes like the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-jordan-1">Air Jordan 1</a> and <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-zoom-pegasus">Pegasus</a> mean they can be worn without getting feet wet.
 
<h3>adidas</h3>
Where Nike has ACG, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/adidas">adidas’</a> outdoor arm is represented by the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/terrex">TERREX</a> division. With roots tracing back to the 1970s when the Three Stripes created a lightweight shoe for legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, the subline has innovated with trail-ready, puddle-defying runners ever since. These include <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/technology/gore-tex">GORE-TEX</a>-equipped silhouettes like the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/terrex-agravic-flow-20">Agravic Flow</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/terrex-free-hiker">Free Hiker</a> and <a href="https://www.goat.com/en-au/sneakers/silhouette/terrex-ax4">AX4</a>. For a more lifestyle-adjacent aesthetic, popular series like the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/ultraboost">Ultra Boost</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/nmd-runner">NMD</a> and Stan Smith have also been reinforced with GORE-TEX materials.
 
<h3>Salomon</h3>
Founded deep within the snowy French Alps by François <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/salomon">Salomon</a> in 1947, Salomon knows more than a thing or two about specialized winter footwear. Lifestyle crossover silhouettes like the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/xt-4">XT-4</a> and XT-6 ADV both come in GORE-TEX iterations, with the aggressive outsole lugs well-suited to those who continually battle with ice. For extreme winter adventures, Shelter, Toundra and Outblast boots provide comprehensive protection even in the harshest conditions.
 
<h3>Timberland</h3>
There are few silhouettes more iconic than <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/timberland">Timberland’s</a> big yellow boot. Debuted in 1973, the original 8-inch boot was intended for blue-collar workers but soon found favor among New York City’s nocturnal crowd who spent much of their time on cold streets. Eventually co-opted by hip-hop artists, the silhouette crossed over into the wider fashion sphere as an early symbol of the streetwear movement. Today, Timberland continues to excel in winter footwear, supplementing its heritage offerings with new designs and innovations.
 
<h3>UGG</h3>
In 1978, Australian surfer Brian Smith transplanted to California with the goal of building a footwear business using sheepskin, his favorite material. 10 years later, <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/ugg">UGG</a> boots were firmly established as a bonafide symbol of beach culture everywhere, championed because of how easy they were to slip on after a dip in cool waters. After undergoing a culture renaissance in the early 2000s, UGG dipped in relevance before returning to the forefront of style through high-profile collaborations with everyone from Telfar and <a href="https://www.goat.com/brand/bape">BAPE</a> to <a href="https://www.goat.com/brand/wales-bonner">Wales Bonner</a> and <a href="https://www.goat.com/apparel/brand/palace">Palace</a>. Although not waterproof, merino wool-insulated UGGs can cope with light snow and damp conditions, and are an ideal option for transitional seasons. In recent years, the brand has released several wet weather-specific options, while waterproofing protector sprays will also form an embryo over the sheepskin material to help ward off rain.
 

 
<h2>Top Sneakers for Winter</h2>

1. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/the-basement-x-2002r-moss-green-m2002rbb">The Basement x New Balance 2002R 'Moss Green'&nbsp;</a> &nbsp;
British streetwear enthusiasts The Basement teamed up with <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/new-balance">New Balance</a> in 2022, reimagining the brand’s <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/2002r">2002R silhouette</a> in a restrained ‘Moss Green’ colorway. The shoe is armored with water-resistant suede and textured rubber, while a reinforced toe wrap and mudguard helps repel debris.

Air Jordan 1 High Element GORE-TEX 'Light Curry'

2. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-1-high-element-gore-tex-light-curry-db2889-700">Air Jordan 1 High Element GORE-TEX 'Light Curry'</a>
<a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/air-jordan">Jordan Brand’s</a> rusty orange <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-jordan-1">Air Jordan 1</a> ‘Light Curry’ colorway sings in harmony with the falling of the leaves. The silhouette’s GORE-TEX laminate guarantees a dry ride, supplemented with tonal nubuck overlays and reflective hits for increased visibility.

Salomon XT-6 Clear 'Safari'

3. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/xt-6-clear-safari-l41641000">Salomon XT-6 Clear 'Safari'&nbsp;</a> &nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/xt-6">XT-6 silhouette</a> by French outdoors specialists <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/salomon">Salomon</a> is designed to withstand the unrelenting conditions encountered on mountain running trails. A durable but lightweight mesh upper is attached to a dual-density midsole replete with <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/technology/eva">EVA cushioning</a>; its weather-resistant makeup is further enforced with <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/technology/TPU">TPU film</a>.

size? x New Balance 550 'Cordura Pack - Grey Cream'

4. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/size-x-550-cordura-pack-grey-cream-bb550ss1">size? x New Balance 550 'Cordura Pack - Grey Cream'</a>
British footwear purveyor size? recasts the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/550">New Balance 550</a> in hairy suede. Although the material isn’t typically considered winter-appropriate, this particular pair is, thanks to reinforced waterproof Cordura textiles on the upper.

Air Jordan 4 Retro Winter 'Loyal Blue'

5. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-4-winter-loyal-blue-cq9597-401">Air Jordan 4 Winter 'Loyal Blue'&nbsp;</a> &nbsp;
Jordan Brand refurbished the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-jordan-4">Air Jordan 4</a> with winterized properties in 2019. The shoe trades perforated side panels for laser-cut insets, while the tongue has been fully rubberized. Internally, the shoe is lined with wool for added warmth.

Nike ACG Air Nasu Gore-Tex 'Laser Orange'

6. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/acg-air-nasu-gore-tex-laser-orange-cw6020-001">Nike ACG Air Nasu GORE-TEX 'Laser Orange'</a>
<a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/brand/nike">Nike’s</a> outdoor-focused ACG range presented a rugged update of the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/acg-air-nasu">Air Nasu</a> in 2021. The hiking sneaker is outfitted with a synthetic ripstop upper that has been fortified by a GORE-TEX membrane. Fused seams offer additional weather-proofing, while a sticky rubber outsole with lugs helps combat slippage.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged Winter 2.0 'Cold Fusion - Egret Light Twine'

7. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/chuck-taylor-all-star-lugged-winter-2-0-cold-fusion-egret-light-twine-171425c">Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged Winter 2.0 'Cold Fusion - Egret Light Twine'</a>
Swapping canvas for leather, this transformative <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/chuck-taylor-all-star">Chuck Taylor All Star</a> is defined by a hefty lugged midsole. Inside, a warm lining and EVA sockliner helps realize all-day comfort.

Nike Air Force 1 Low GORE-TEX 'Navy'

8. <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/gore-tex-x-air-force-1-low-navy-ck2630-400">GORE-TEX x Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Navy'</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;
In 2019, Nike equipped its <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-force-1">Air Force 1</a> with GORE-TEX technology—a first for the hallowed silhouette. Fully waterproof, the unassuming sneaker connects leather and ballistic nylon on the upper panels, incorporating the GORE-TEX logo at the counter as an aesthetic flourish.

Related Articles: <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/best-winter-coats">Best Coats for Winter</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/best-accessories-for-winter">Best Accessories for Winter</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/best-hats-for-winter">Best Hats for Winter</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/bape-size-and-fit-guide">BAPE Size and Fit Guide</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/fear-of-god-essentials-size-and-fit-guide">FOG Essentials Size and Fit Guide</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/outerwear-holiday-gift-guide">Holiday Gift Guide: Outerwear</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/kidswear-holiday-gift-guide">Holiday Gift Guide: Kids</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/jewelry-holiday-gift-guide">Holiday Gift Guide: Jewelry</a>, <a href="https://www.goat.com/editorial/sneaker-holiday-gift-guide">Holiday Gift Guide: Sneakers</a>.&nbsp;

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Best Sneakers for Winter