Winter Shoes: The 10 Best Sneakers to Beat Up This Winter

Image via Complex Original

Retail price: $210

After modifying the Air Jordan 12 in 2018 and Air Jordan 4 in 2019, the Air Jordan 14 is Jordan Brand’s latest addition to their “Winterized” series. This new interpretation of Michael Jordan’s final championship sneaker comes dressed in an archeo brown, red, and black color scheme. Off the strength of the colorway, it’s enough to convince one that this is a fitting hibernal sneaker. However, to step it up, Jordan Brand prepared this retro for winter conditions by making the entire nubuck upper and tongue water resistant. Expect these to be more capable of enduring the winter months than most of the nubuck or suede Jordans you have in your closet (maybe more versatile too). One of the best parts about the “Winterized” series is that Jordan Brand hasn’t alienated the original look that made these retros so great, unlike some previous attempts at revamping their classics. So not only do you not have to worry about this shoe looking cooked after a few winter wears, you also have the peace of mind of knowing it’s not significantly different from the original version. 

Retail price: $120

Buy it now: Reebok

Clogs and mules have been a staple choice of footwear in recent times à la Birkenstock Bostons, Merrell Hydro Mocs, and The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules. Adding to this footwear niche is the Reebok Beatnik. These shoes are built with a textile upper and have been recently updated with PrimaLoft down padding, making these almost like the equivalent of a puffer jacket for your feet. They swap out laces for two straps which are adjustable to lock in your foot, but the heel strap is also removable for those who want to go full mule. Rounding out its distinctive design, the Beatnik features a jagged, rubber shark tooth outsole built to take on the rough outdoor days just as well as a standard boot would. Coming in an array of colorways at a retail price of $120, expect this to be one of your by-the-door shoes for running everyday tasks if you decide to grab them. Just make sure the socks are cozy, too.

Retail price: $220

Years ago, a high-top variation of Ye’s Adidas Yeezy 500 was probably something that wasn’t on many fans’ radar. But in late 2019, the Yeezy brand did the unexpected once again and debuted the Adidas Yeezy 500 High. The high-top version of this Yeezy silhouette didn’t see many colorways early on, but Adidas has been adding to the mix by releasing new styles sporadically this year. This Mist Stone colorway is the latest pair to release from this year’s run of 500 Highs. The neutral tones of grey and charcoal seen on this pair are well-suited for the winter—you can wear these with anything. Although the model features suede on the toe box and overlays which can be a delicate material, the shoe’s build, akin to a hiking boot, is bulky enough to withstand winter wear. The Yeezy 500 High may be somewhat slept on, but rest assured that this sneaker will deliver in durability, quality, and versatility in the colder months ahead. 

Retail price: $96

Although black Air Force Ones have become infamous meme material, it’s hard to dismiss how much of a durable shoe they really are. These are quintessential tanks. Certified rugged boys. While white AF1s are the more popular of the two, it’s worth remembering that it usually only takes one or two wears to get them dirty, especially when you’re trouncing through winter elements. Unless you’re DJ Clark Kent or Chief Keef, swapping out a crisp pair of white AF1s after every other wear is not realistic. Luckily, there are other options. Particularly the Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 Low in the black colorway. The legendary streetwear brand keeps the shoe true to its roots while adding a subtle box logo twist on the heel. If you want to enliven the traditional look, you have the option to lace swap them with the all-over Supreme branded laces they come with. However you wear them, they’ll be ready to withstand tough weather conditions as the all-leather upper can be easily cleaned if they get scuffed. If you’re looking for an all-purpose Air Force 1 that could take a beating this season, while also being a subtle flex, these are an ideal choice. 

Retail price: $200

Jordan Brand has designed numerous new renditions of the Air Jordan 1, their most popular silhouette for years now. From updating it with encapsulated Nike Zoom technology in the midsole with the Air Jordan 1 High Zoom, to creating a convertible Air Jordan 1 High Switch, the Air Jordan 1 High Element is the latest makeup which is made to handle the harsh weather. Having worn a pair of Bred Toe 1s in the rain before, I have learned firsthand that regular Jordan 1s aren’t the most waterproof shoe out there, to say the least. Instead of the conventional leather or nubuck materials, for the first time ever these use Gore-Tex technology on the upper. This enhancement makes them much more water resistant than a standard pair, and a shoe you can wear in the rain or the snow without many issues. So if you ever get caught in a storm like I did, trust that these 1s got your back—and feet. 

Retail price: $150

Buy it now: Adidas

Built for hiking over any mountain terrain, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex is a multipurpose sneaker that can be worn for hiking as well as in the city. Like the name suggests, they feature a fully Gore-Tex textile upper for moisture protection when traveling in wet or snowy conditions. The Continental Rubber outsole adds strong traction, providing great mobility and grip wherever you may need it. As for comfort, they utilize a Lightstrike EVA midsole for extra cushioning when you’re walking. The lightweight waterproof upper, superb comfort, hefty traction and colorway will make this a good go-to sneaker for the colder months. With hiking shoes making a comeback as part of the recent outdoor trend in street fashion, wear these with confidence knowing they will hold up well throughout the bad weather days in style. 

Retail price: $120

Converse has rehashed its original Chuck 70 model to keep your feet dry in wet weather conditions. The Converse Cold Fusion Chuck 70 GTX comes in two colorways that are built with waterproof Gore-Tex technology. In winter-ready Cedar Bark or Black, the utilitarian rendition of this timeless sneaker features premium canvas, a subtle grid pattern on the upper and bold Gore-Tex branding found on the heel. It has also been upgraded with an OrthoLite insole for extra cushioning to get you through long days on your feet, a sturdy rubber sole, and moisture-wicking laces. From the materials used to the colorways Converse offers, this is a sneaker that you don’t have to worry about beating up in rigorous weather. They are as practical as they are stylish. For those who don’t want to give up their classic Chuck Taylors in the winter, these are a solid choice for you. 

Retail price: $180

The Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low is the successor to Nike’s ACG Mountain Fly Gore-Tex from 2020. Both shoes share the same rugged outsole that wraps around the toe box, but where they noticeably differ is the removal of the outer Gore-Tex layer seen on the Mountain Fly Highs. Although the Mountain Fly Low may not feature a Gore-Tex membrane, they make up for it with a ripstop upper and TPU overlays that’ll still keep your feet adequately protected in rain and snow. They also have the advantage of being able to slip on easier with a low-cut build. The lacing system encompasses reflective laces and webbing that wraps around the back of the shoe for an adjustable, secure fit. Then, the incorporation of React foam and carbon fiber plate derived from the Nike Vaporfly 4% inside the midsole make for substantial cushioning whether you’re on a long walk or running errands in light winter weather.

Retail price: $300

Buy it now: Kith

Even though this version came out last year, it’s still available in select stores and is one of the most versatile winter sneakers you will find thanks to its 3-in-1 construction. The Snow Peak x New Balance Niobium Concept 1, named after the 41st element on the periodic table (Nb), is a shoe made to be worn for trekking as well as for casual use. Its waterproof eVent bootie is interchangeable to be worn as a slipper, outdoor sandal, or waterproof boot. The sole unit is borrowed from the New Balance MT801 for durable and stable traction on all terrains. With a sage green colorway inspired by moss and rocks on mountain streams, they are also neutral enough to blend with different outfits. Whether you’re looking for good footwear to wear around the house, shovel snow, or handle blizzards in, these shoes are adaptable to keep your feet protected regardless of what the wintry months may bring.

Retail price: $70

Buy it now: Vans

Got my Vans on but they look like… slippers? Vans has repurposed their famous Slip-On model to conquer the winter climate. Although it is called the Vans Snow Lodge Vansguard Slipper, it can be argued that it is still more sneaker-like for what they provide. These shoes maintain the slip-on upper and vulcanized sole we’re accustomed to, but now feature 100-gram insulation packaging on the upper to keep your feet warm. Another pro about this reworked upper is that it will be much more water resistant than the canvas material used on a typical pair of Vans. The outsole calls back to the skate brand’s signature gum waffle sole, but is updated with a lugged traction pattern for better grip while treading in snow, slush, or other wet surfaces. This fresh take on the Vans Slip-On is a great alternative for those looking to wear a more functional pair of Vans while still being cozy in murky winter weather.