Is the Hawaiian winter feeling a little too warm for your liking? Perhaps you’re looking to find refuge a little further up north, whether for a short vacation or a week-long getaway. In any case, there’s one thing that you’ll need to invest in, which is a good pair of winter-compatible sneakers. But why specifically sneakers and not, say, boots?
Modern sneakers that are geared for the colder season take the best qualities from all kinds of footwear, making them an ideal travel companion. They’re lightweight and breathable while still offering rugged, grippy outsoles and water-resistant uppers. Let’s not forget that they’re also comfortable, stylish, and versatile.
That said, not all winter kicks are created equal. To help you make the best choice, here are our top picks for snow-ready sneakers that will have you traveling in style.
Nike Free TR 3 x Matthew M. Williams
This collaborative effort takes Nike’s popular Free TR 3 silhouette and couples it with a detachable Vibram crampon, which elevates the shoe and protects it from the elements. The crampon also adds a fair bit of grip. Plus, you don’t have to keep it on the sneakers it comes with, as it can be attached to just about any pair you own.
With an all-over camo print and sock-like collar, the TR 3 looks the part and plays it too. A genuine leather upper adds an element of luxury to the shoe, further making it worth its asking price.
Givenchy Brown Jaw
If you’re looking to get some serious ground clearance, the Brown Jaw ought to do the trick. Sitting atop its exaggerated outsole design is a buttery-smooth suede upper that’s kept together by a set of woven yellow laces, giving the shoe a hiking aesthetic while still being on-trend. A Givenchy logo-embossed heel counter finishes the look.
If you’re looking to pick up the Brown Jaw, you can find them along with a range of Givenchy sneakers for men online at the SSENSE store. They also offer countless other designer brands and smaller boutique labels, not only in footwear but clothing and accessories as well, making it the ideal one-stop-shop for picking up all your travel attire.
Adidas Originals Stan Smith GORE-TEX
There’s something about taking a classic silhouette and adorning it in some GORE-TEX. While that might not make these Stan Smiths ideal for extreme conditions, the futuristic material goes a long way in keeping your feet warm and dry during your winter travels.
Since the look of the shoe remains largely unchanged, the unrivaled versatility of the Stan Smith is still intact, meaning you can wear them just about anywhere and with any outfit.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 5 360 GORE-TEX
Let’s say you want to retain the classic low-top look, but you need something that can keep you moving comfortably at a higher pace. The GORE-TEX version of the Gel-Kayano 5 360 is one solution. The stylish sneaker retains the ASICS Gel outsole that gives it such great performance, while the dry and breathable warmth of its upper keeps it ready for winter.
Nike Air Force 1 GORE-TEX
Another partnership between a major sneaker brand and GORE-TEX, Nike’s rendition doesn’t just replace the upper with the winterized material and throw two of them in a box. The Air Force 1 has been upgraded in a few ways, including a grippy Duck Boot outsole with a neat transparent blue colorway that perfectly complements the white upper.
The Swoosh is adorned in a similar hue, with the new layered material that it sits atop giving it a more three-dimensional look. Aside from some rubberized panels, another noteworthy addition is the customizable zippered bootie, which is crafted out of ballistic nylon. You can zip and resize it to your liking for added comfort.
Off-White Odsy-1000 Low Top Sneakers
The aptly-named Odsy-1000 are definitely lookers. But they’re also functional thanks to their unique cleated rubber outsoles and thick, ground-clearing midsole design. With technical mesh and suede leather trims, these Off-White kicks will have you turning heads throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Nike ACG Terra Zaherra
No list of winter sneakers would be complete without a mention of Nike’s All Conditions Garments (ACG) brand. With a soft and responsive React midsole, you can expect plenty of comforts. This is toughened up with a rubber outsole that features chevron-shaped studs. As if that wasn’t enough, they even have a Zoom Air beveled heel.
Moving on to the upper, the ACG Terra Zaherra is crafted out of breathable mesh with TPU-supported mudguards to keep your socks dry. Nike has also snuck a bootie into the top so that no debris can enter.
Conclusion
The emerging footwear category of winter-ready sneakers has already seen some great options. Be sure to add them to your travel itinerary if you’re heading somewhere a little less sunny than home.
