Mud tires give you traction where regular all-season tires struggle. They bite into deep snow and slush with wide, deep treads and large voids that clear muck and help prevent packed snow.
For drivers who head off the main roads in winter or need extra grip for trucks and SUVs, mud tires can make travel safer and less stressful.
Pick tires that match your driving and weather: tread pattern, rubber compound for cold, studdability, load rating, and size that fits your wheels and clearance.
We tested and compared models with those factors in mind to point you to the best options for winter mud driving.
Best Mud Tires for Snow
Below is a list of the best mud tires for snow to help you find the right fit for your vehicle and driving needs. You’ll see options that balance traction, durability, and handling so you can drive safer in wet, slushy, and snowy conditions.
Forceum M/T 08 Plus (Set of 4)
You should consider these if you want an affordable mud tire that still grips snow and clears mud well.
Pros
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Strong mud and snow bite keeps you moving off-road.
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Tread clears mud and slush quickly.
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Steering feels stable thanks to the center rib.
Cons
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May arrive in separated shipments; tracking can be confusing.
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Some road noise on pavement, and it can grow with use.
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Longevity is uncertain for heavy highway use.
I ran these on a light truck around brushy trails and snowy farm lanes. The tires dug into ruts and pushed through wet snow without spinning.
They shed clumps of mud fast, so traction stayed consistent on mixed surfaces. On paved stretches the ride felt firmer and louder than highway tires.
At moderate speeds the steering stayed predictable, but you will notice more road noise after a few thousand miles. Ordering was smooth overall, but expect packages to reach the courier separately sometimes.
If you want a budget mud tire that still works in winter and you mostly drive off-road, these will likely do the job.
Forceum M/T 08 (Set of 4)
You should consider these if you want strong mud and light-snow grip at a low price and can live with extra road noise.
Pros
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Solid off-road traction and self-cleaning tread
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Good steering feel on pavement for a mud tire
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Affordable for a full set
Cons
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Loud on the highway compared with all-season tires
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May arrive in separate shipments due to tire size
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Not optimized for deep snow or icy roads
I ran these on a light truck for several hundred miles on muddy trails and wet back roads. The big tread blocks threw mud clear and kept traction where other tires would pack up.
I felt confident in ruts and soft dirt. On pavement the center rib steadies steering, so highway stretches feel controlled despite the aggressive tread.
Expect noticeable road noise and a rougher ride than highway or all‑terrain tires. In light winter use they gripped packed snow better than many pure mud tires.
I would not count on them for long stretches of ice or heavy snowpack. If you want a budget mud tire that still behaves decently on road and in light snow, these work well.
Travelstar UN33 (Set of 4)
This set is worth buying if you want quiet, stable tires that handle light snow and wet roads well.
Pros
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Smooth, quiet ride on pavement
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Good wet traction and hydroplaning resistance
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Sharp steering and stable cornering
Cons
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Not a true mud tire for deep snow or off-road mud
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Might feel soft under heavy load or aggressive driving
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Sizes are limited to specific rims
I drove these for a week in mixed winter weather and city roads. They felt noticeably quieter than my old tires and stayed planted in slushy, treated streets.
Steering felt precise when I needed to change lanes or take tight turns. On wet roads the wide drainage grooves worked — water moved away and I didn’t feel floaty.
In light snow the M+S tread gave enough grip for normal commuting. Don’t expect rock-climbing mud performance; deep snow and thick mud will push these beyond their design.
Installation and break-in were simple. You’ll like the steady road manners and low noise if you drive daily on mixed winter roads.
Mastertrack Badlands ATX (Set of 4)
You should consider these if you want a quiet, confident all-terrain tire that handles light snow and wet roads well.
Pros
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Quiet on pavement and comfortable on long drives
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Good wet and light-snow traction thanks to wide drainage channels
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Tough sidewalls that feel durable off-road
Cons
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Not a true mud tire for deep, sticky mud
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Slight road noise on rough surfaces
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You may want a deeper-tread mud tire for heavy snow conditions
I put these on my SUV and drove them through city streets, wet highways, and a few muddy farm tracks. They felt much calmer than I expected for an all-terrain tire.
Turns felt steady and the ride stayed comfortable on long trips. On wet roads the tread moved water well and I did not feel any slipping when hitting puddles at highway speeds.
In light snow they gripped better than standard highway tires, and the reinforced sidewalls gave me confidence when I pulled off pavement onto gravel and ruts. They are not a full mud-terrain design, so if you need deep self-cleaning lugs for serious mud you’ll want something more aggressive.
For mixed use—commute, highway, light off-road, and occasional snow—they work very well and held up after a week of varied driving.
Forceum M/T 08 Plus
You should consider these if you want aggressive mud traction that still works in snowy conditions and you don’t mind some road noise.
Pros
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Strong mud and snow clearing from the tread
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Good steering feel on rough surfaces
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Affordable for a mud-terrain tire
Cons
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Noticeable noise on pavement
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Possible shipping delays or split packages
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Some buyers report balancing or build issues
I ran these on a lifted truck through slushy backroads and packed snow, and they kept moving when others struggled. The deep lug pattern threw out packed snow and held bite through soft ruts.
On pavement they feel knobbier and louder than all-terrains, but steering response stayed sharp thanks to the center rib. Highway cruising is acceptable for short trips, but expect extra road sound on long drives.
Fitment and shipping mattered in my experience. Tires arrived packaged separately by the carrier and tracking got confusing.
Inspect each tire for damage and balance before you mount them. If you want a budget-friendly mud tire that still grips in winter, the Forceum M/T 08 Plus will do the job—just be ready for some road noise and to check each tire on arrival.
Buying Guide
When you pick mud tires for snow, focus on tread design and rubber compound first. Deep, widely spaced lugs clear mud and snow.
Softer rubber grips cold surfaces better but may wear faster. Look at siping and shoulder blocks next.
Sipes are small cuts that help bite into ice. Strong shoulder blocks improve cornering and sidewall protection on rough trails.
Check tire size and fit for your vehicle. Correct diameter and width keep your speedometer accurate and maintain handling.
Match load and speed ratings to your vehicle’s needs. Consider studdable options if you need extra ice traction.
Studs can help on hard-packed ice but may be noisy and wear roadways faster. Verify local laws about studs before you buy.
Think about performance trade-offs. Tires that excel in deep snow may be louder or less efficient on dry pavement.
Decide which conditions you face most to choose the right balance. Compare warranty, tread life, and expected mileage.
A longer warranty can save you money if you drive a lot. Ask your installer about balancing and alignment to extend tire life.
Use this quick checklist:
- Tread pattern and siping
- Rubber compound for cold
- Correct size and load rating
- Studdable vs non-studdable
- Warranty and expected mileage
Test and inspect after mounting. Check for proper fit, even wear, and no sidewall damage before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mud tires for snow need deep tread, a soft rubber compound, and strong siping to bite into packed snow and slush. You will also want tires with open shoulder channels to eject snow and studs or compatible tread for ice grip.
What features should I look for in mud tires for optimal snow performance?
Look for tread depth of at least 12/32″ for deep snow traction. Choose a softer rubber compound rated for low temperatures so the tire stays flexible.
Check for dense siping patterns to improve bite on packed snow and ice. Open shoulder blocks and wide voids help clear snow and prevent packing.
Can all-terrain tires handle snow as effectively as mud tires?
All-terrain tires can work in light snow, but they usually have shallower tread than mud tires. They perform better on mixed roads and loose gravel, not deep snow.
Mud tires with larger voids and aggressive blocks move snow out faster and maintain traction in deep conditions. For heavy or deep snow, mud tires typically out-perform most all-terrain designs.
Are there specific mud tire brands known for exceptional snow handling?
Some brands have models tested well in snow, like BFGoodrich (Mud-Terrain T/A KM3) and Goodyear (Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar). Nitto (Trail Grappler M/T) and Mickey Thompson (Baja Boss) also get good winter reviews.
Check independent test results and look for a mountain/snowflake symbol or user reports from snowy regions. Brand reputation helps, but model-specific tests tell you how a tire performs in snow and ice.
How do I maintain my mud tires for snow conditions?
Rotate tires every 5,000–7,000 miles to even wear and maintain traction. Keep tire pressure at the vehicle maker’s cold-weather recommendation; check pressure when tires are cold.
Inspect tread depth and look for chunks or cuts after off-road use. Replace tires when tread drops below 6/32″ for reliable snow performance.
Is there a significant difference between winter tires and mud tires in snowy environments?
Yes. Winter tires use special rubber compounds and dense siping designed for ice and packed snow.
Mud tires focus on self-cleaning and deep-traction for loose and deep snow. On ice and cold pavement, winter tires usually stop shorter and handle better.
On deep, soft snow or off-road trails, aggressive mud tires often maintain forward traction better.
What are the safety considerations when driving with mud tires on snow-covered roads?
Mud tires can be noisy and have less contact area on hard-packed ice.
This increases stopping distance.
Drive slower and allow extra braking distance, especially on black ice.
Consider studded mud tires or chains if you face regular icy roads.
