Unearth The Voyage
Winter weather throws everything at your feet: icy sidewalks, slushy crosswalks, and cold rain that soaks through regular sneakers in seconds. The right walking shoes can transform your winter outings from miserable slogs into confident, comfortable strolls. Whether you’re commuting downtown or hiking snowy trails, these 15 picks deliver waterproof protection, serious traction, and warmth when you need it most.
1. Hoka Transport GTX (low)
Commuters rejoice: waterproof sneakers that actually look good exist. This low-cut design wraps your feet in Gore-Tex protection while a sticky Vibram outsole grips wet pavement like glue.
Reflective details help drivers spot you on dark winter mornings. Built specifically for everyday city miles, it handles rain-soaked bus stops and puddle-filled crosswalks without breaking a sweat.
The sneaker silhouette means you won’t look like you’re dressed for an expedition when you’re just grabbing coffee.
2. Hoka Transport Chukka GTX (mid)
Want more ankle coverage without the bulk of a boot? Same reliable platform as the low-cut Transport, now in a chukka silhouette that shields your ankles from slush splatter.
Waterproof nubuck leather teams up with an engineered knit collar that flexes as you walk. The stretchy collar means you can slip these on and off quickly, no wrestling with laces required.
Perfect for those in-between winter days when sneakers feel too low but full boots seem excessive.
3. On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Hiking shoes don’t have to feel clunky on city streets. On borrowed trail-tested tech and created something surprisingly light that transitions effortlessly from park paths to pavement.
The waterproof membrane keeps puddles out while Missiongrip outsole lugs bite into wet surfaces with confidence. Cloudrock 2 proves you can have serious traction without the weight penalty of traditional winter boots.
Your morning walk through the neighborhood suddenly feels more adventurous, even if you’re just circling the block.
4. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (low)
Agility meets stability in Salomon’s winter workhorse. The Advanced Chassis system cradles your foot on slick descents and icy patches, giving you confidence when the sidewalk turns treacherous.
Gore-Tex keeps moisture out while the Contagrip outsole handles mixed winter terrain like a champ. These shoes were born for unpredictable conditions, whether that’s half-melted snow or freezing rain.
Trail runners love them, but city walkers quickly discover they’re equally brilliant for navigating winter’s urban obstacle course.
5. Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX (low)
The legendary Moab got a modern makeover without losing its soul. Gore-Tex protection now comes standard, and the updated ride feels livelier underfoot than older versions.
Solid traction handles wet conditions and packed snow beautifully, all without the ankle-dragging weight of traditional winter boots. Merrell engineered these for people who refuse to slow down when temperatures drop.
Long-time Moab fans will recognize the comfort, while newcomers will wonder why they waited so long to try them.
6. KEEN Revel IV Polar (mid/insulated)
When the thermometer plummets, most shoes wave the white flag. Not these. KEEN stuffed 200 grams of recycled insulation into the Revel IV and rated it to handle minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
KEEN.Polar Traction outsoles grip snow and ice like they’re personally offended by slipping. The mid-height design keeps cold air from sneaking around your ankles during frigid morning walks.
Dog walkers in Minnesota and mail carriers in Montana already know: these are the real deal for serious cold.
7. Icebug Metro2 BUGrip (low/mid options, studded)
Carbide steel studs sound extreme until you hit your first sheet of sidewalk ice. Then they suddenly seem like the most reasonable thing in the world.
Icebug’s BUGrip technology plants 18 tiny metal studs underfoot that bite into ice with authority, turning skating rinks back into walkable surfaces. Available in both low and mid heights, depending on how much coverage you want.
These are the shoes you recommend to friends after they’ve taken one too many tumbles on icy mornings.
8. Brooks Ghost 17 GTX (road-walk/rain)
Brooks took their beloved Ghost trainer and wrapped it in Gore-Tex Invisible Fit, creating a waterproof walker that still feels light and responsive.
The cushioning that road runners adore translates beautifully to long urban walks in wet conditions. Your feet stay dry through puddles and rain without feeling trapped in a plastic bag.
Commuters who rack up serious sidewalk miles appreciate how these handle extended wear without hotspots or fatigue, even when the weather refuses to cooperate.
9. Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
Nike blurred the line between road and trail with this versatile hybrid. The tread pattern grips sloppy park loops and slushy paths while still feeling smooth enough for sidewalk stretches.
Gore-Tex keeps winter moisture at bay during shoulder-season walks when conditions shift from wet leaves to light snow. The balanced design means you’re never compromising too much, whether you’re on asphalt or dirt.
Perfect for people whose walking routes include a little bit of everything winter throws around.
10. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 / 2.0 GTX
BOOST cushioning feels like walking on clouds, even when those clouds are dumping rain and sleet. Adidas wrapped that legendary comfort in Gore-Tex and added an outsole that means business.
The plush, weatherproof design handles everything from grocery runs to nature center visits without missing a beat. Grip stays reliable on wet surfaces, and your feet stay happy mile after mile.
Hikers and casual walkers alike find common ground in appreciating how well these perform across different winter scenarios.
11. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2
Zero-drop fans don’t have to sacrifice waterproofing. Altra’s signature roomy toe box and natural foot positioning now come wrapped in weather-resistant armor.
Surprisingly light considering the waterproof build, these handle wet winter trails and paths without weighing you down. The spacious toe box means your toes can spread naturally, even when wearing thicker winter socks.
Minimalist runners transitioning to winter walking find these strike the perfect balance between protection and ground feel they crave.
12. The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT (low)
FUTURELIGHT technology delivers something rare: truly breathable waterproofing that doesn’t turn your feet into swamp creatures. The rockered VECTIV midsole propels you forward with each step, making brisk winter walks feel effortless.
Built for people who maintain their pace regardless of weather, these shoes keep up with fast walkers who refuse to slow down. Moisture stays out while heat and sweat escape, maintaining that goldilocks zone of comfort.
Speed walkers and power hikers consistently praise how these enhance their natural stride.
13. Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat (mid/insulated)
Snow boots often feel like wearing cinder blocks. Columbia engineered the Fairbanks to be warm and waterproof without the bulk that makes you waddle.
Omni-Heat reflective lining bounces body heat back to your feet, keeping them cozy during winter errands and dog walks. The mid-height design provides coverage without restricting ankle movement or adding unnecessary weight.
Practical people appreciate how these transition seamlessly from shoveling the driveway to running into the store without feeling overdressed or underprepared.
14. L.L.Bean Storm Chaser 5 Slip-On (low/insulated)
Sometimes you just need to dash outside quickly without the lacing ceremony. L.L.Bean designed these insulated slip-ons for exactly those moments when slush awaits and patience doesn’t.
Waterproof construction keeps feet dry while insulation maintains warmth during brief outdoor excursions. The easy on-and-off design means you’re not fumbling with frozen fingers trying to tie knots.
Keep these by the back door for taking out trash, grabbing the mail, or any quick trip where full boots feel like overkill but regular shoes won’t cut it.
15. Vessi Courtside Classic (low)
Who says waterproof shoes can’t look street-ready? Vessi’s Dyma-tex technology creates a completely waterproof sneaker that actually passes for normal footwear.
The Courtside Classic looks like a regular low-top sneaker, which makes it perfect for wet commutes when you want protection without broadcasting that you’re wearing technical gear. Good Housekeeping’s 2025 tests gave these a thumbs up for exactly this reason.
Style-conscious commuters love having waterproof coverage that doesn’t scream outdoor gear or make them look overprepared for a coffee run.
