Top 15 best winter tires: price/quality ranking for 2021-2022 and how to choose studded/unleaded tires

In winter, when weather conditions worsen greatly, it is especially important to equip your car with quality tires so that you don't have to worry about your safety.

Let's find out how to buy winter tires, which manufacturer to trust and which models to buy without any doubts.

All the information in the rating of the best models of winter tires, taking into account the technical features, pros and cons.

Rating TOP 15 best winter tires 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
TOP 5 best winter tires for 2021-2022 by price/quality
1	MICHELIN X-Ice North 4	Check price
2	Pirelli Ice Zero	Ask the price
3	Yokohama Ice Guard IG65	Learn the price
4	GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV	Learn the price
5	Continental ContiVikingContact 7	Learn the price
Top 5 best winter studded tires
1	Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 8	Learn the price
2	Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer	Learn the price
3	Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S	Learn the price
4	Continental IceContact 2	Learn the price
5	Cordiant Snow Cross 2	Learn price
Top 5 best winter non-sticky tires (Velcro)
1	Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ	Ask price
2	Yokohama Ice Guard IG50+	Learn the price
3	GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice+	Learn the price
4	MICHELIN X-Ice Snow	Learn the price
5	Viatti Brina V-521	Learn the price

How to choose winter tires at a price/quality ratio?

When choosing winter shoes for your vehicle, you should pay attention to several main parameters:

1. Tire type. They come in "European" (or all-season), for a warm winter with minimal snow, "Scandinavian" (or Velcro), which are not afraid of hard frosts and will behave predictably in severe frost, or studded, for a snowy winter with a little minus, when the ice is not as thick and strong.
2. Size. Specified in the vehicle documents, it includes the seating diameter, width and profile height.
3. Load limits. Here look at how much speed you prefer, how aggressively you drive, and whether you often deal with transporting cargo.
4. Features of drainage grooves. For regions with heavy rainfall, especially those with a lot of rain, be sure to choose a model with a variety of drainage features so that your car doesn't suffer from aquaplaning in every downpour. Plus, deep grooves effectively rake up snow, thereby increasing traction on loose snow surfaces.

Top 5 best winter tires for 2021-2022 by price/quality

MICHELIN X-Ice North 4.

The previous, third version has been on the market for five years and has received high marks from experts.

The fourth series was developed from scratch, so it is very different from its predecessor and the developers managed to cope with the shortcomings of the old model. Here they managed to increase the number of spikes, now it depends on the size and the smallest is fixed at least 250 pieces.

They form 22 transverse and longitudinal lines, so the new rubber shows excellent control on ice, the ability to move unashamedly on slush or a layer of rolled snow.

The material composition of the studs has also been improved. The point of contact with the road surface is now made of iron, making it possible to equate the rate of wear of the inserts with the main part of the tread.

The running of the tread is V-shaped, with fewer blocks, which at the same time have become much larger in size..

There are more drainage grooves, and cross grooves were added to the longitudinal ones, which keep the snow on the tire surface and improve traction characteristics.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter is 15-22.
2. Width/height profile - 185-315/35-70.
3. Speed and load limits are 190-210 km/h/630-1250 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Pirelli Ice Zero

This model of winter rubber refers to the studded versions and was the latest innovation from this brand.

It is installed not only in passenger cars of different capacities, but also in SUVs or crossovers.

It uses a new technology called Pirelli Dual Stud, which consists in lengthening the core.

This solution allows a greater number of sharp edges, which improves traction in all weather conditions.

The core is made of tungsten carbide, very strong and able to withstand a long load, so the studs do not fly out in one season and the car's handling on ice or rolled snow does not change.

The central part of the tread is made of polygonal blocks, they are of different sizes, moderately stiff and guarantee high directional stability.

The drainage system is designed so that when it comes into contact with snow, the grooves hold it inside the tire and increases traction, allowing the car to accelerate dynamically and brake quickly.

The tyre's main features are:

1. Diameter is 14-22.
2. Width/height profile - 175-315/35-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190-210 km/h/475-1285 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG65

Another new development, which completely surpassed the older version. The central part of the tread is represented in this model by a continuous longitudinal rib with a wider area.

The greater number of blocks due to the polygonal shape gives the tire stiffness, so the contact patch now features extended edges, which prevents longitudinal sliding, which means that both acceleration and braking are more stable, with dynamic acceleration/deceleration.

Stepped sipes improve grip on icy surfaces and the car's handling is predictable on all surfaces, avoiding skidding when turning or manoeuvring.

Shoulder blocks with sharp side edges, they cut into ice and snow and provide stability at any speed.

The drainage grooves are wedge-shaped, so you don't have to worry about aquaplaning..

And the composition of the rubber compound is chosen so that the elasticity of the tire does not change over a wide temperature range, providing good traction in any weather.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 16-22.
2. Profile width/height - 205-315/35-65.
3. Speed and load limits are 190 km/h/670-1285 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV

A model of studded rubber from a North American brand that goes on sale in 2021-2022..

The tires were designed for SUVs and crossovers and especially appealed to car owners who live in harsh climates.

Even in severe frost, the rubber doesn't tear and retains a moderate softness that allows you to pass obstacles gently, without the risk of a crack or tear.

The spikes here are steel, with a wide carbide alloy, evenly distributed over the entire area.

The rear edge of the studs became wider, which had a favorable effect on braking.

The rubber performs well not only on ice. Snow slush, mud and slush do not affect traction characteristics, leaving the car stable, without permanent slipping or frequent maneuvering.

The tread is V-shaped, with a symmetrical pattern, with no longitudinal ribs.

In their place are groups of massive quadrangular blocks, which converge into a single whole in the center.

The main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 15-20.
2. Width/height profile - 205-285/40-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190 km/h/710-1400 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Continental ContiVikingContact 7.

Winter tire, which includes a number of dozens of sizes and suitable for almost all passenger cars.

Grip and directional stability on snowy and wet surfaces is much better than the previous samples, which is due to the introduction of new modern technologies.

The running of the tread is made of a rubber compound with high silica content, and silicon dioxide keeps elasticity even at very low or very high temperatures.

Rapeseed oil protects the tires from stretching and breaking, which comes in handy when driving at high speeds.

Tread pattern is brand new, symmetrical with diamond-shaped blocks in the center.

They create edges that provide both longitudinal and lateral traction, as well as minimal aquaplaning and slashplaning..

Narrow sipes allow you not to worry about traction on wet roads, while wall protrusions and wave-shaped sipes increase steering precision.

Key Features:

1. Diameter is 14-21.
2. Section width/height - 125-295/35-70.
3. Speed and load limits are 190 km/h/355-1250 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Top 5 best winter studded tires

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 8

This model was released on the basis of the previous version, which still enjoys popular to this day ..

It uses anchor-type studs, with cushioning underneath them. This has significantly reduced the noise effect when driving on asphalt, and is not as destructive to the road surface.

The rubber compound is soft, which affects the smooth running of the vehicle.

Spikes are placed throughout the tire, and they do not duplicate each other, increasing traction performance.

The tread is double-treaded, with the lower layer being stiffer, giving a more secure fit for the studs, and distributing pressure evenly across the contact patch.

This avoids uneven wear and tear, and ensures good contact with the dry road surface..

The tread pattern is V-shaped, directional and symmetrical. There are more traction edges than in the previous version, it was possible to reduce the size of blocks, but increase their number, receiving as a result the safety of driving on asphalt, ice and snow.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 13-21.
2. Width/height profile - 155-315/30-70.
3. Speed and load limits of 190-240 km/h/387-1250 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer

The tires were designed for small to medium-sized cars, there are several dozens of sizes, so pick up a set is not difficult..

They are characterized by good traction on ice and snow, the tread is symmetrical, the central part of which consists of arrow-shaped blocks connected to each other.

This gives the user better directional stability and excellent traction in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

The shoulder areas are made up of a large number of 3D lamellae. This improves traction when accelerating or braking on ice. Spikes have a larger flange size and a smaller casing size.

They are therefore more securely mounted in the tire body, and the carbide insert is shaped like a pentagon, which gives more edges to grip ice or snow crust.

The drainage grooves are deeper and wider than in previous versions, so aquaplaning is virtually non-existent.

The main features are:

1. Diameter is 14-22.
2. Profile width/height - 175-315/35-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 160-240 km/h/475-1285 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S

A great option for any passenger car. Spikes are made of aluminum, Therefore, the weight of these tires is slightly less than their counterparts, due to which fuel consumption is optimized.

The body of the spike is polygonal to create additional traction zones.

The upper part is cone-shaped to increase pressure on snow or ice, and the anchor part is placed in the inner layer of rubber, stiffer than the tread layer.

Note the reinforced sidewall design, which allows these tires to be used on vehicles that frequently find themselves in off-road conditions.

Each sidewall is reinforced with an additional high-tensile composite cord that protects the tire from shocks, cuts or punctures..

The tread is V-shaped, with a longitudinal rib in the center.

This element protects the tire from deformation and allows you to not worry about traction even at high speeds.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 13-17.
2. Width/height profile - 175-235/50-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190 km/h/475-1000 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Continental IceContact 2.

Ecological version of the previous model from this German brand, where the aggressive impact of the studs has been reduced, but there are more of them..

Thus, the road surface suffers much less, but it does not affect the performance of traction.

Due to the 190 studs, placed in longitudinal rows, the length of the braking distance was reduced by 10 percent on ice and by twenty - on dry asphalt.

The modern composition of the rubber compound allows preserving its elasticity regardless of the air temperature..

It won't swim during emergency braking. Therefore, one need not worry about the integrity of wheels in the period of thaw or severe frosts.

The tread pattern is equipped with special "ice pockets".

They are located next to the spikes and are used to crush and divert ice crumbs, leaving the contact patch clean.

Key Features:

1. Diameter is 13-21.
2. Profile width/height - 155-285/35-75.
3. Speed and load limits - 190 km/h/387-1250 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Cordiant Snow Cross 2

Winter studded tire for passenger cars, which from the first model of the first generation differs completely new tread pattern..

It is taken from the Finnish manufacturers, but due to the increased width of the shoulder blocks is more suitable for Russian roads.

They perform the role of grousers, making it easier to get out of ruts and enter snow-covered curbs.

The high silica content ensures that the rubber compound does not change its elasticity during thawing or hard frosts.

Rapeseed oil protects the tires from deformation, including at high speed, which in turn reduces the risk of mechanical damage (e.g. tearing) and makes the degree of wear even on all parts of the tread.

The studding here is designed so that at least ten studs are in the contact patch at the same time.

This is why users praise braking and handling on ice and snow.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter is 13-17.
2. Width/height profile - 175-255/50-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190 km/h/475-800 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Top 5 best winter non-sticky tires (Velcro)

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ.

Reliable Velcro that has a strict tread design with an asymmetric pattern. Good speed balance, predictable road behavior and quick response to steering.

The tire adjusts itself to the type of driving, helps avoid slipping or skidding, and features good braking on dry asphalt with minimal sliding.

Deep drainage system eliminates aquaplaning, so the tires are often used in regions where winter rain and wet snow are more common than ice.

Due to the absence of spikes, these tires are much quieter, do not require rolling so there is no hum. It just does not exist initially.

The center blocks are covered with 3D blades, thanks to which there are a huge number of cutting edges, which improve the rubber's grip on snow and ice.

The contact patch stays clean and is large enough to keep the vehicle stable.

Main Features:

1. Diameter - 13-19.
2. Profile width/height - 175-275/35-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 160-180 km/h/475-1030 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG50+

This model can not be called a novelty, although it appeared on the domestic market relatively recently.

In fact, it is an improved version of the model of the same name released a few years earlier, except that the traction on ice has become better, and the fuel consumption has been significantly saved.

The main feature of this tread is its ability to absorb the moisture that is produced when the tire rubs against the ice..

Numerous pores on the surface of the tire work like a pump. This approach resulted in a 7 percent reduction in braking distance on ice.

The tread here is double-layered, with the inner part made of a stiffer rubber compound, this gives the tire stability and allows pressure distribution so that the wear percentage of the model is the same everywhere it is used..

This inner layer also avoids unnecessary heat, and consequently, the rolling resistance is reduced and the car becomes more predictable when driving and maneuvering.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter is 12-19.
2. Width/height profile - 135-265/35-80.
3. Speed and load limits are 160 km/h/315-900 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - none.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice+

Inexpensive Velcro winter tires available in a large number of sizes. Designed for the harsh climate of Scandinavian countries and very well suited to the weather and road conditions of Russia.

They can be fitted to small and medium sized cars, withstand speed and load, and are resistant to wear and temperature fluctuations..

Two different types of sipes are used for these tires. The lower tread layer features prismatic sipes, while the upper layer features zig-zag sipes.

This technology allows the construction to be stiffer and better fixed at the moment of contact with the road surface.

The sharp edges of the tread blocks easily penetrate the water film on the icy surface and are able to grasp even very small irregularities..

Thus, the manufacturer obtained a good grip on snow and ice without the use of spikes.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 13-18.
2. Profile width/height - 175-255/45-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190-210 km/h/475-1060 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

MICHELIN X-Ice Snow

Reliable, robust winter Velcro with a huge number of sizes, installed on cars, crossovers and SUVs..

It still has the same V-shaped tread, but the elements are smaller in size but larger in number. Due to this, users have noticed an improvement in directional stability and traction, braking properties on snowy surfaces.

During acceleration, the speed increases dynamically, without jerks, so the acceleration is even.

Drainage grooves have also become more numerous, their capacity and location at an acute angle allow water to drain away instantly.

And the three-dimensionality of the lamellae affects the overall stiffness of the construction, the tires can easily withstand high speed and load without suffering from stretching or tearing.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 14-20.
2. Profile width/height - 155-265/40-70.
3. Speed and load limits - 190-210 km/h/387-1120 kg.
4. RunFlat technology is optional.

Viatti Brina V-521.

Winter velcro that is equally good on snow, and on bare, dry asphalt.. German and Italian experts worked on the development, so the brand managed to get a product that combines high quality and safety.

The tires do not wear out in one season, the contact patch due to the uniform pressure over the entire area is always of optimal size.

Snow slush is taken up by the special recesses and the vehicle does not slip on the pavement, but easily picks up speed..

Robust construction with a reinforced sidewall by additional cords lets you rest easy with no side shocks, stresses, punctures or cuts.

Thus the tire elasticity also is not affected by temperature influence as a large quantity of silica protects it from softening at heating and superfluous hardening at strong frosts.

Main characteristics:

1. Diameter - 13-18.
2. Profile width/height - 175-255/40-80.
3. Speed and load limits - 160-190 km/h/475-1030 kg.
4. RunFlat technology - no.

Which company should I choose?

Most of the tires in the world are produced by large concerns - Goodyear, Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, Brigdestone, Dunlop, Yokohama.

Nokian, which belongs to the Finns, is not such a big company, but it is traditionally strong in the production of winter tires, especially studded and "Scandinavian.

Moreover, the products produced by such famous brands, most often include all the latest developments and technologies, and therefore, the quality of the ride and the level of safety is higher.

When it is better to buy winter tires?

Experts recommend buying winter shoes for your car before the season starts, namely from August to September.

Then it is possible to easily pick up the entire set with the right size and you do not have to wait for the long delivery.

In October, when the winter season starts, you run the risk of getting a small selection, and if it coincides with adverse weather conditions, then the high cost of the set.

Which is better - Velcro or studded tires?

Studded tires are a radical type of tires, they allow the car to drive safely on ice, if there is a slight minus outside.

However, it is believed that as the temperature drops, studs don't dig into the ice as much.

In addition, the rest of the tread on these tires has to do tougher than that of Velcro, and because of this the car's performance in loose snow suffers.

Yes, and the pavement from this suffers quite significantly. Therefore, at the moment more and more people prefer to use Velcro, which is uniquely suited to the manner of driving, climatic conditions and type of road surface.

Customer reviews

Helpful video

The video gives you an overview of the best winter tires: