Even casual hikers today are taking the leap from mid- or high top hiking boots to low-cut and low-weight trail-running shoes. But once you’ve done it, it can be hard to imagine going back. It can be difficult in the winter months when the weather is unpredictable, low temperatures prevail, and snow may fall. If you’re determined to rock your trail runners year-round, it helps to buy them with that in mind.
We polled three of our favorite footwear gurus—Backpacker gear editor Ben Tepler, Trail Runner editor-in-chief Zoë Rom, and Outside senior running editor Jonathan Beverly—and asked them for their advice on the best-performing trail runners for shrugging off gnarly late-season conditions on overnight trips and day hikes in the backcountry. These five top picks include ultralight trail runners and tough, precip proof shoes.
You’re looking for more shoes. Find four of these and more on Outside’s list of The Best Trail Running Shoes of Winter 2024
Topo Terraventure WP: Best for Wet Hikes ($150).
Weight: 12 oz (men), 10.1 oz (women)
Stack Height 25–22mm
