The Best Cold Weather Kicks You Can Buy for FW19
Our favorite sneakers with GORE-TEX linings, CORDURA overlays, Continental soles and more.
The cold-weather months are finally upon us Northern Hemisphere-ers, and with that our entire wardrobe transitions to fall/winter-appropriate garb: hoodies, jackets, denim, scarves and the like. Being the hypebeasts that we are, however, it’s footwear that takes precedence and sets the tone for any and every outfit.
Over the next five to six months, it’s important for sneakerheads in colder climates to step out in a pair that can handle the unpredictability of the inclement weather that lies ahead. That includes water-resistant uppers, abrasion-resilient fabrics, rugged rubber outsoles, insulated liners and reflective detailing, all while being comfortable and stylish.
Following our recent look at the best vis-tech sneakers, we decided to round up our favorite cold-weather kicks that are currently available, or soon to be, and at retail pricing. Our list includes everything from New Balance 997s with CORDURA tech for a very reasonable $89 USD, to a $815 USD Off-White™ sneaker that flips the traditional trail runner on its toebox; from low-tops with low prices, to high-tops with higher prices, we’ve got you covered. Check out our choices below, then sound off in our comments with your seasonal go-to.
Acne Studios Trekking
Specifications: Leather and suede layered upper, metal lace hooks, speckled heel counter, treaded outsole, and iridescent tongue patches.
Why You Should Cop: More boot than sneaker, these kicks come in a Jordan “Grape”-inspired colorway that will forever be popular among sneakerheads.
adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX
Specifications: Waterproof GORE-TEX lining, Continental rubber outsole, Primeknit 360 seamless upper, BOOST midsole, and knitted ankle gaiter.
Why You Should Cop: BOOST fans will enjoy these lightweight, trail-ready sneakerboots; a model that’ll do the job just about anywhere you go.
adidas Originals Stan Smith GORE-TEX
Specifications: GORE-TEX’s new InfiniumTM ThermiumTM technology that keeps feet warm and comfortable all day.
Why You Should Cop: A low-cut icon with added insulation where it counts — your toes.
AMBUSH x Converse Chuck 70 & Pro Leather
Specifications: Rubberized material, platform soles, matte overlays, gusseted tongues, and rope laces.
Why You Should Cop: AMBUSH has a distinct look, and for fans of the brand, they did not disappoint here.
and wander x Salomon OUTpath GORE-TEX
Specifications: GORE-TEX lining, high-abrasion-resistant mesh, Contragrip rubber outsole, bungee-style closure, and reflective detailing.
Why You Should Cop: and wander did a stellar job with this color scheme, turning this popular trail runner into an autumn staple.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 5 360 GORE-TEX
Specifications: GORE-TEX lining and underlays, and suede overlays.
Why You Should Cop: One of ASICS’ more popular models, the GEL-Kayano 5 360 looks and feels even better with dry, breathable and warmth of GORE-TEX.
Converse Chuck 70 High GORE-TEX
Specifications: Waterproof GORE-TEX upper, moisture-wicking laces, and OrthoLite insole.
Why You Should Cop: Like the Stan Smith above, there’s just something about a timeless classic with a GORE-TEX upgrade.
HELLY HANSEN x PUMA
Specifications: Uppers mixed with ripstop, leather and mesh, MEVA midsoles, rubber outsoles, reflective details,
Why You Should Cop: While this pack isn’t super reinforced for the seasonal switch-up, the HH co-sign should leave you at ease when the weather gets tough.
Matthew M. Williams x Nike Free TR 3
Specifications: A detachable Vibram® crampon, all-over camouflage print, sock-like collar, side zipper closure, rubber outsole, synthetic and genuine leather upper, and molded overlays.
Why You Should Cop: The best part about these is the crampon, which can attach to just about any sneaker you own, protecting them during your daily commutes.
New Balance 997H CORDURA
Specifications: CORDURA lining, and leather, suede and mesh upper.
Why You Should Cop: Coming in at $90 USD, these NBs won’t break the bank, but will still turn heads with their bold colorways.
New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4
Specifications: CORDURA Tracefiber upper, ENCAP Reveal and ABZORB midsole, a lugged Vibram outsole, and reflective rope laces.
Why You Should Cop: For New Balance fans who want something much different from the brand’s mainstay models, like the 997 above.
Nike Air Force 1 GORE-TEX
Specifications: GORE-TEX liner, AF1 Duck Boot tooling, a customizable zippered bootie, rubberized panels, rope laces, ballistic nylon, and full-grain leather.
Why You Should Cop: It’s been quite some time since we last saw an Air Force 1 with GORE-TEX fabric, and considering how well the AF1 Duckboot has performed over the years, these will be a favorite for many.
Nike ACG Terra Zaherra
Specifications: React midsole, tough rubber outsole with chevron-shaped studs, Zoom Air, bevelled heel, breathable mesh upper with mudguards supported by TPU yarns, reflective webbing and lacing, and a DWR-coated, debris-repelling bootie.
Why You Should Cop: If you’re looking for something a bit more technical, the Terra Zaherra comes with all the bells and whistles, all the while taking inspiration from football boots.
Off-White™ Odsy-1000 Low Top Sneakers
Specifications: Technical mesh with suede and leather trims, and cleated rubber outsoles.
Why You Should Cop: At $815 USD, this pair is the ultimate flex on our list.
Represent Terrier
Specifications: Chunky sock insert, breathable membrane with matte body cage, sloping Vibram sole unit, 3M reflective hits, matte black piping, and hiking laces threaded through a rubber dipped R bar.
Why You Should Cop: If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Represent’s Terrier is just as lovable as the breed of dog.
ROA Daiquiri Hi Sneakers
Specifications: Mesh construction, textured rubberized trim around toe, bungee-style fastening, rib knit collar, suede trim at heel counter, leather lining, and treaded Vibram® sole.
Why You Should Cop: Like the Terrier above, ROA comes through with a hybrid sneaker-boot that is nothing like anything you’ve seen from the industry titans that are on this list.
Salomon S/LAB XT-6 Softground LT ADV Sneakers
Specifications: High-abrasion-resistant perforated mesh upper, TPU overlays, bungee-style closure, foam rubber midsole with signature ACS Chassis technology, and treaded Contragrip Chevron rubber outsole.
Why You Should Cop: The colorways are just fantastic, and while it looks to be a bit more summer-appropriate, the Contragrip sole will surely help traverse through wet conditions.
Vans Sk8-Hi & Old Skool CORDURA
Specifications: CORDURA fabric upper mixed with suede finishes, re-enforced toecaps, padded collars, and rubber waffle outsoles.
Why You Should Cop: As long as the streets are clear and plowed, skaters are going to skate. So why not upgrade your summertime Vans to these CORDURA reinforced versions?
XTERRA x HOKA ONE ONE Torrent
Specifications: Open engineered mesh construction, protective overlays, PROFLY™ midsole, hi-abrasion rubber zones, multidirectional lugged outsole.
Why You Should Cop: These may be better suited for clearer days, but the camo colorway just speaks to us.
YEEZY DSRT Boots
Specifications: Nubuck and suede overlays with mesh underlays, reflective pull tabs, and serrated rubber soles.
Why You Should Cop: Say what you want, but Kanye’s DSRT Boots deliver top-notch comfortability, almost to an obsession.
