But after trekking home in a snowstorm in the same airy walking shoes I wear in hot weather, I quickly learned that winter walking shoes are worth it. The best winter walking shoes have enough traction to help you grip icy and snowy sidewalks, along with weatherproofing to keep your feet from turning into icicles. Here’s what else to consider while shopping for a winter walking shoe, plus our favorite picks. To find the best winter walking shoes, I first considered feedback from podiatrists for what to look for in this footwear. I also relied on mine and the team's own hands-on experience with these winter walking shoes, taking careful note of the footwear that can hold up to the unique rugged conditions and challenges that come up in winter walks.