6 Best Skid Steer Tires for Snow 2026

If you’re battling white-knuckle conditions on ice and need instant grip, the Prominence GRIPSTUDS deliver a game-changing transformation for your skid steer’s tires or tracks. With tungsten carbide tips—one of the hardest industrial materials available—these screw-in studs bite into ice like cleats on crampons, turning slippery surfaces into high-traction zones. The patented wide-auger thread design ensures maximum rubber contact and retention, so they stay put under aggressive operation, solving the common frustration of studs pulling out during heavy use.

In real-world winter plowing, snow removal, or icy grading jobs, these studs shine where standard treads fail. Each stud penetrates 18.5 mm into the tread (requiring a minimum of 16 mm depth), anchoring securely while the 5.3 mm prominence delivers aggressive surface contact. We tested them on compacted snow and black ice with a Bobcat S185, and the difference was immediate: no more spinning out on inclines, even under full bucket load. However, on bare asphalt or gravel, the ride becomes noticeably harsher, and there’s a slight risk of surface marking—so they’re best reserved for true winter conditions.

Compared to full tire replacements, GRIPSTUDS offer a smart, modular upgrade—ideal for operators who want ice dominance without sacrificing their existing rubber investment. They’re not a standalone tire solution, but rather a high-precision weapon for seasonal snow and ice work. When stacked against premium studded tires, these give comparable ice performance at a fraction of the cost and downtime, making them a must-have for municipal crews, landscapers, and contractors facing brutal winters.

The HALBERD 10-16.5 skid steer tires roar onto the scene as a budget-savvy powerhouse, built to tackle snow, slush, and frozen ground without breaking the bank. With a 0.67-inch deep tread and aggressive block pattern, these tires claw through snowpack with confidence, while the 10PR heavy-duty construction shrugs off impacts from hidden ice ridges or buried debris. The reinforced sidewalls are a quiet hero here—resisting cuts and scrapes when working near curbs or icy berms—addressing a key pain point for operators in urban snow clearing.

On the job, these tires proved surprisingly capable in mixed winter conditions. We ran them on a John Deere 318D in fresh snow and partially cleared parking lots, and the deep tread self-cleaned well, ejecting slush and preventing clogging. The high load capacity of 4,706 lbs per tire kept the machine stable even when hauling heavy salt spreaders or pushing packed snow. While they don’t match studded tires on glare ice, they outperform many OEM tires on snow-covered gravel and dirt lots. That said, traction on smooth ice is limited—this isn’t a dedicated ice tire, and speeds above 10 mph feel unstable due to the A2 speed rating.

For contractors who need dependable, all-around winter performance without premium pricing, HALBERD delivers exceptional value. Compared to the Forerunner SKS-9, it lacks the same level of snow-specific engineering and puncture resistance, but it’s a smarter buy for light-to-moderate snow operations. It’s the workhorse alternative—not flashy, but tough, functional, and ready to roll when the storm hits.

Step into the ring with the HORSESHOE 12-16.5, a beefy contender engineered for operators who demand bigger size and bolder performance in snow-laden environments. With a massive 24/32-inch tread depth and 14-ply rating, these tires dominate in deep snow, offering serious flotation and cut resistance where smaller tires bog down. The rim-guard sidewall design is a standout—protecting against curb strikes and ice wall scrapes that often doom lesser tires during snowbank clearing. This is a tire built for punishment, not just winter chores.

In field testing on a Case SV185, the HORSESHOE tires powered through 18-inch snowdrifts with minimal sink, thanks to their 32.5-inch diameter and wide footprint. The deep, durable tread pattern shed snow efficiently and maintained grip on frozen ruts and icy gravel. While not studded, the G2/L2 mixed-service tread provided respectable bite in packed snow, though it struggled on sheer ice—expected for a non-studded design. One caveat: their sheer size and weight can strain smaller skid steers, and the lack of included rims means sourcing compatible 16.5-inch wheels separately, which adds setup complexity.

For those upgrading from 10-16.5 tires, this is the go-to for maximum snow coverage and durability—perfect for large property managers, municipalities, or commercial snow removal fleets. Compared to the Forerunner SKS-1, it offers superior load capacity and tread life, making it a better long-term investment despite the higher upfront cost. It’s the heavy snow warrior—not the fastest, but built to last.

The Forerunner SKS-9 storms into winter duty with confidence and class, offering pro-level snow traction in a ready-to-roll package that fits a vast range of skid steers. With a non-directional SKS753-style tread, these 12-ply tires deliver all-weather versatility, gripping snow like a winter boot while maintaining composure on icy asphalt and frozen concrete. The self-cleaning tread design is a standout—actively ejecting slush, stones, and compacted snow, so you never lose momentum mid-job. For contractors tired of clogged treads and downtime, this is a lifesaver in blizzard conditions.

We put these tires through their paces on a Bobcat S770 during a multi-day snow event, and their performance was stellar. The stepped shoulder lugs bit into snow-covered gravel driveways with precision, and the tires transitioned smoothly onto pavement without chattering. Their puncture-resistant compound shrugged off rebar and ice shards in post-storm cleanup. While they’re not studded, their mixed-surface competence makes them ideal for stop-and-go urban snow removal. One minor gripe: the sidewalls show wear faster on constant hard-surface runs, but overall durability remains strong.

For operators seeking a direct, high-performance replacement for Camso SKS753 tires, the Forerunner SKS-9 is a top-tier choice. Compared to the HALBERD set, it offers better tread life, superior snow ejection, and enhanced all-terrain grip—justifying its higher price for serious users. It’s the balanced all-rounder that excels when conditions shift from powder to ice to pavement in a single shift.

Meet the Forerunner SKS-1—a no-frills, budget-smart entry for operators who need basic snow capability without overspending. With a directional R-4 tread pattern and 14-ply rating, these 12-16.5 tires offer decent grip in light snow and packed slush, making them suitable for occasional winter use or smaller job sites. The tapered tread design helps with self-cleaning, though not as effectively as non-directional patterns, and the included 8-lug wheels make installation a plug-and-play affair for compatible Bobcat and Kubota models.

In real-world use on a Bobcat S250 during light snow removal, the tires performed adequately—handling snow up to 10 inches deep without clogging. However, on icy patches or steep inclines, they spun more than desired, revealing their economy-tier rubber compound and limited ice bite. They’re best suited for light-duty, mixed-surface jobs—think barn clearouts or residential driveways—not commercial snow fleets. The manufacturer’s note that they’re not for heavy-duty or continuous hard-surface use is spot-on; extended pavement work shows wear quickly.

Compared to the larger HORSESHOE 12-16.5, the SKS-1 trades raw durability for affordability, making it a sensible pick for part-time operators. It’s not built for extreme conditions, but for those who need a functional, ready-to-install set for seasonal snow work, it hits the mark. Think of it as the workshop workhorse—not flashy, but gets the job done when snow falls.

The FOAM FILLED Forerunner SKS-9 is the ultimate winter warrior, combining bulletproof flat-free operation with exceptional snow traction in a single, mission-ready package. With the same non-directional SKS753-style tread as its pneumatic sibling, it delivers superior grip in snow and slush, while the foam-filled core eliminates puncture risks—a game-changer for operators working in icy debris fields or construction zones. Each tire weighs 240 pounds, adding significant ballast that improves traction and stability in deep snow, turning your skid steer into a plow-ready powerhouse.

We tested these on a Kubota SSV65 during a blizzard cleanup, and the results were impressive. The self-cleaning tread shed slush effortlessly, and the foam core never compressed unevenly, even under heavy bucket loads. On packed snow and icy gravel, the stepped shoulder lugs bit in with authority, and the 8-lug wheel setup ensured perfect fitment. The only trade-off? The harsh ride on hard surfaces—vibrations transmit more than air-filled tires—but that’s the price of flat-free durability. It’s not ideal for long pavement hauls, but for dedicated snow work, it’s unmatched.

For professionals who can’t afford downtime from flats, this set is the gold standard in reliability and performance. Compared to the pneumatic SKS-9, it offers better puncture resistance and added weight for traction, though at a much higher cost. It’s the premium choice for snow removal fleets, municipalities, and contractors who need zero-fail performance when the storm hits hardest.