10 Awesome Sneakers to Wear in Awful Weather

If you live anywhere other than a tropical island or in a desert — shout out to our readers in Arizona and New Mexico — then you're going to need durable footwear for days when the weather chooses not to cooperate with your plans. You could grab a sneakerboot, but you run the risk of wearing something bulky and awkward. And as a sneakerhead, it's a hard decision to trade in your kicks for more serious, weather-ready footwear.

That's where sneakers that can stand up to the elements come in handy. Whether done up in Gore-Tex, lined with water-resistant fabrics, or just an all-around shit-kicking sneaker, there are options that can be worn when it rains, is cold, or is, simply, winter. To find something that's ready for whatever you throw at it, check out 10 Awesome Sneakers to Wear in Awful Weather.

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The adidas ZX Flux quickly became a hit amongst everyone who loved adidas Originals' past designs, specifically the ZX 8000, and wanted a new, lightweight runner. 2014 was a big year for the silhouette, seeing it take on many different shapes and forms, including a program that allows users to create their own custom designs for the Flux. Now that it's winter and wet outside, the sneaker has released its Weave incarnation in a Gore-Tex version. So far, the versions to hit retail have been monochromatic, and what screams January in NYC more than all-black? Nothing. So that's that.

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More than a few Gel Lyte Vs have released over the past year. There have been collaborations, general releases, and everything in-between. In the past few months, though, ASICS has done-up this 1993 runner with a Gore-Tex upper. It’s the same sneaker, with its bootie-like tongue, but it keeps your feet dry. Add to the fact that it comes in fall-appropriate colors, and it will be in your rotation deep into winter (climate bearing).

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It's hard to complain about a Free-soled sneaker. Not only are they comfortable and lightweight, there are also options that come with Nike's Shield technology, known for repelling rain and light moisture. The great thing about Shield, especially on a Nike Free, is that it doesn't sacrifice weight or make the sneaker unnecessarily clunky or complicated.

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The Air Max 1 is not a winter-time sneaker. It’s an airy mesh runner that’s known for being the first Nike model with a visible Air unit. It's also one of those sneakers that looks good on anyone, no matter what they're wearing. There's debate on how the sneaker should look, or if it should be upgraded with the Lunar sole. Well, it's happened and it's pretty good. Nike took things even more progressively — or throwback, depending on how you look at it — by offering the Air Max Lunar1 with the Pendleton option on NIKEiD. The multi-colored wool isn't water proof, but it's warm and warm resistant, which is just what's needed on a cold and miserable day.

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It sucks to run when it's raining out even more than it sucks to run in general. If you're getting in your workout on some trails, however, you never know what's going to come your way. Which makes a runner that can dodge puddles, streams, and rivers all the more valuable. Nike's Air Zoom Wildhorse comes in a Gore-Tex addition, and, with almost all things Nike, it looks decent with a pair of slim sweats, track pants, or rolled denim.

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For those unaware, Sweden is a moody place when it comes to weather. Thankfully, Sneakersnstuff understands this. As unpredictable as the fall can be, the retailer hooked up with adidas for an exclusive on the Super Tech, featuring a Cordura upper and a Primaloft lining. If you're not ready for boots yet, Sneakersnstuff believes this is something that could be considered a "sturdy low-top sneaker boot." If you don't need all of those specs, grab these Tech Supers for its navy upper with leather accents.

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The Vans Sk8-Hi is an O.G. skate shoe which has conquered and slashed many an abandoned pool in its day. The high-cut vulcanized sneaker is also something that once someone starts wearing, they usually don't stop. We can't all live in sunny Southern California, where Vans is from, and that's why there's an MTE (Mountain Edition) version of the Sk8-Hi. Instead of turning it into a monstrosity of a boot, Vans added a more durable lug outsole (you might not want to skate these) and Scotchgard uppers making them water repellant. Now you won't have to jeopardize your skate cred just because it's raining out.

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The Air Stab was shelved by Nike for quite some time, largely due to the negative connotation it had with knife violence in the UK. Those times, thankfully, have passed and Nike has brought the sneaker back. One of the recently released versions is perfect for winter, too, and is another size? exclusive. It comes in an all-black colorway, but it also has winterized mesh and rubber overlays—perfect for those days where it's not so nice outside, but no one wants to wear boots.

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People treat any sneaker with a Foamposite upper like a boot. They're nearly indestructible and are like galoshes that don't look stupid — unless you're talking to sneaker moms. The Wheat Foamposite, which recently released and quickly sold out, was the Timberland version of the 1997 basketball sneaker. If you're not trying to track a pair down via eBay or a consignment store, there was a recently released version that came in all-Volt. They are a little bright for some tastes, but if paired with a toned-down outfit, they'll grab the right kind of attention.

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'The Air Force 1 Hi isn't a boot, it isn't winterized, and it isn't waterproof (although there are different options available). But it's big, clunky, and covers most of your foot to provide maximum coverage against the wind and cold. Sack-up, throw on a pair of wool socks, and grab your AF1s, they're a much better option to wear for inclement weather than your breezy, lightweight runners.