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Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Replaced by the Blizzak IcePeak Replaces the Blizzak WS80

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a studless Nordic winter tyre with strong snow and ice grip. Its compromises are vague steering, modest wet cornering grip and noticeable road noise, with some owners also finding the ride rough.

The quick answer

Owners say 79% from 6 owner reviews 100% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 2nd average finish across 3 independent tests · 2 wins Latest: P3 of 5 · Winter · 2026 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Dry, Snow Wet, Comfort Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated September 2026.

  • 6owner reviews
  • 62,500miles driven
  • 3professional tests

Tyre Reviews Score

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

8.5/10

Better than 80% of Nordic winter tyres

  • Limited Confidence
  • 1 test
  • 6 owner reviews
Scores of the 44 Nordic winter tyres we have tested

How this score is built

Source Better than Weight
Independent tests1 test · 1 publication · 2026 89% 87%
Owner reviews6 owner reviews · rated 79% 18% 13%
Combined 80% 8.5

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Held at 8.5: a tyre needs 3 independent tests to score higher.

Category by category

How it compares with other Nordic winter tyres in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 95% 33% 1
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice 88% 33% 1
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 58% 20% 1
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 99% 10% 1
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 22% 5% 1

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards. Faded bars rest on one or two tests.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tyre was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 98% 1
TractionEvery traction test, on any surface 87% 1
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 63% 1

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 69% of the test figure. The other 31% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2026 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test Tire Rack · 215/55 R17 · Winter P3 / 5
  2. 2020 2020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tyre Test Consumer Reports · 215/60 R16 P1 / 17 Placing only
  3. 2020 The Best Winter Tyres for 2020 Tyre Reviews · 205/55 R16 P1 / 19 Placing only

Tested 3 times by independent publications, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 has taken 2 test wins with an average finish of 2nd.

3 Tests
2 Test Wins
2nd Average
1st Best
3rd Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20202026

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre Test P3 of 5Winter

The Blizzak WS90 remains the winter benchmark of this group. Nothing else in the test matched it for ice traction or for snow handling, and it stays forgiving and controllable when its limits are finally passed. The cost is vague steering and modest wet grip, which is the familiar bargain a dedicated winter tyre asks you to make.

Strong: Dry Braking, Wet Braking, Snow Braking, Snow Handling, Subj. Snow Handling, Ice Braking, Ice Traction Weak: Subj. Road Score, Wet Circle, Subj. Comfort Winner: Continental VikingContact 8

Every independent test of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, newest first
YearTestResultAward
20262026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tyre TestTire Rack · 215/55 R17P3 / 5Winter
20202020 Consumer Reports North America Winter Tyre TestConsumer Reports · 215/60 R16P1 / 17
2020The Best Winter Tyres for 2020Tyre Reviews · 205/55 R16P1 / 19Tested by Tyre Reviews

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Videos

10 of the BEST Winter Tires for 2020

10 of the BEST Winter Tires for 2020

Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 in the wet?
Across the 1 wet-braking test it has featured in, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stops 5.8% longer than premium rivals and 11.8% longer than mid-range rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews wet score of 58/100, and owners rate it 8/10 in the wet from 6 reviews.
How good is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 in the dry?
Across the 1 dry-braking test it has featured in, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stops 0.2% longer than premium rivals and 1.3% shorter than mid-range rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews dry score of 100/100, and owners rate it 7/10 in the dry from 6 reviews.
How good is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 in the snow?
Across the 1 snow-braking test it has featured in, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stops 16% shorter than premium rivals and 12.8% shorter than mid-range rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews snow score of 95/100, and owners rate it 10/10 in the snow from 6 reviews.
How good is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 on ice?
Across the 1 ice-braking test it has featured in, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stops 23.2% shorter than premium rivals and 22.4% shorter than mid-range rivals. Across the 1 ice-traction test, it is 14.1% better than premium rivals and 13.1% better than mid-range rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews ice score of 88/100, and owners rate it 9.8/10 on ice from 6 reviews.
What do owners say about the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90?
Across 6 owner ratings the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 averages 79%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 10 out of 10 and Road Feedback lowest at 6.3. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 100% of owners score it 70% or better.
More questions about the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (5)
How comfortable and quiet are the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90?
Owners rate the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 6.4 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 6 reviews.
How well do the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 7.3 out of 10 for wear across 6 reviews. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 4,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 again?
100% of owners say they would buy the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 again, based on the 5 owner reviews that answered the question. 80% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What does the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 replace?
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is the successor to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 in Bridgestone's range.
Has the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 been replaced?
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 has been replaced by the Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak.
Owner Questions
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Questions and Answers for the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

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Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Owner Reviews

Review this tyre

What owners say summarised from 6 reviews

Snow traction is the clearest strength of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, praised by all six owners, with five also praising ice grip. Five of the six written reviews are positive, and two owners specifically commend its behaviour in slush and its snow handling. Noise is the main compromise, drawing complaints from half of the group, while two owners describe a rougher ride. Warmer-weather behaviour is also less convincing for two owners, although one is satisfied with it. Four reviews were written at the initial stage, so the picture is mainly of the tyre when new, with too little long-term feedback to establish a tread-life pattern.

What owners mention most counted across 6 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 6 ratings

  • Owner score 79%
  • Snow Grip 100%
  • Ice Grip 98%
  • Wet Grip 80%
  • Wear 73%
  • Dry Grip 70%
  • Handling 65%
  • Comfort 64%
  • Road Feedback 63%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 79%

“This morning I drove on mostly dry roads at 23f/5c going an average of (55mph/88.5kmh). It handled well during any lane changes, has good acceleration from a stop and has a pleasant feeling ride. On a separate road trip...”

  • Subaru 2.0 Crosstrek
  • 5,000 miles
Read full review → 1,133 found this helpful
Longest term 80%

“These tires have been held up really well. I have just over 30,000 miles on them with maybe 15-20% life left. I have used these tires year round due to my seasonal lifestyle. Alaska for the summer and western ski areas...”

  • Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Sportwagen Alltrack 1.8TSI
  • 30,000 miles
Read full review → 1,019 found this helpful

All 6 Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 reviews

Score spread across 5 written reviews
74%
Member
I bought a used set of these tires already mounted on rims for my XDrive BMW Wagon. They already had about 2 seasons worth of wear on them but had plenty of life.
Snow and ice grip was unbelievable--driving up to Quebec from Massachusetts in a blizzard I was able to maintain speed and grip the entire time without so much as a wiggle on greasy, slushy, and snowy roads. Highway performance was fantastic, crossing lanes did not cause my car to dive to one side or the other while driving over the slush humps between lanes. These tires excel in the worst conditions and I felt a ton of confidence driving in the winter with these. Snow feels like it isn't even there, I cannot overstate how planted these tires are.
That's not to say there are no tradeoffs, however. These tires are LOUD. From about 10 mph on up there is an audible hum that got worse as the tires aged, not so loud as to be annoying but I had to turn my stereo up; my car was noticeably quieter when re-mounting my all seasons in the spring. The soft rubber in the compound leads to very vague steering, lots of sidewall flexing, and a very underwhelming handling in the dry. They also get softer in the warmer ends of the season which exacerbates these characteristics. The plush sidewalls do help make frost heaves much less violent so I see it as a plus in deep winter driving. They also never cold spotted on me.

Ultimately these are fantastic winter tires for extreme conditions. I replaced mine after 3 more seasons of use because they were beginning to dry rot (2019 mfd) and I was beginning to notice uneven wearing across the tread which I cannot fault the tires for necessarily. Living in New England as of late we don't get much in the way of blizzards and often get mid season rain/ice, and these tires felt like more extreme winters than I needed. I opted to purchase a set of Vredestein Wintrac Pros (no +) to replace them because I no longer drive in the worst of conditions. If I lived in a snowier climate or was obligated to travel no matter the weather I wouldn't hesitate to buy these again. These are some exceptional winter tires, but know that they are all about utility.
As I bought mine used I am generous with the wear rating.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 7
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 348
79%
Member
This morning I drove on mostly dry roads at 23f/5c going an average of (55mph/88.5kmh). It handled well during any lane changes, has good acceleration from a stop and has a pleasant feeling ride. On a separate road trip last week, also dry roads, but almost exclusively highway driving (65-80mph/100-130kmh) I had a similar experience albeit with a little more road noise than I cared for. In dry or wet I don't like the handling too much for roundabouts and in general turns at speed. The tires are excellent in snow, slush and ice.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 6
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 1,133
80%
Member
Incredible snow traction, almost impossible to get stuck with these on. Even in the worst wet and icy snow conditions, they simply dig in until they find grip and get you out again, and hold the road well in ice and freezing rain. A true winter specific choice that is worth the purchase if you live where there is snow on the ground up to five months out of the year.

On my car, a classic old fashioned RWD full size car with no traction controls and good ground clearance, it will easily climb through snow that comes to the very bottom of the undercarriage, even up a grade. With some skill and weight on the rear axle, you can escape about any snow condition as good as a 4x4. Even tonight I was driving in freezing rain, and it wanted to handle as if it were near dry pavement. Impressive.

My only complaint is ride quality, as it certainly rides much rougher than all season tires. I drive luxury cars that have extremely good ride quality, and the difference is easy to feel. Not sure if it is the tread pattern, as it almost seems to be riding on cogs rather than a smooth tire. No real road noise of vibration, but a very definite "firm" feel that translates back into the ride quality.

I use these tires exclusively in the long winters we have, so dry condition driving is limited in my case. They certainly don't feel as nice or seem to grip as well as all season tires I've had of similar size on this and similar cars of the same type on dry, warm conditions. I cannot comment on tire wear, as I drive several old automobiles, and have a limited mileage lifestyle.

All in all, they are exactly what a winter setup should be expected to be. Almost unbelievable high snow and cold performance, all at the sacrifice of warm weather comfort and control.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Comfort 4
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 1,077

Which tyres do you drive?

Researching the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90? Rate the tyres you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90?
84%
Member
WS90 work much better than Michelin CrossClimate2s in below -10°C weather and on hard ice. The CC2s are excellent on snow. WS90s allow decent acceleration on a front-two wheel drive camry. There is a small amount of slip on initial acceleration on ice. I found them better than my previous Michelin Xi2s for handling and braking dry and wet. They also cost less than Michelin X-ice tires. But, have not had them long enough (bought mid-Jan 2022) to know how well they will wear. Overall, a great tire for extreme cold -35°C and icy roads in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. P.S. check your report of Consumer Reports test. Their test says braking in wet conditions is fair not handling which is good in their test. You stated that Consumer Reports said that handling is below average. Not so.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 1,279
Member
They do not feel as good as my previous set of WS80s. They are louder than the WS80s were and a but harder or rougher feel in dry condition. In cold rain and in ice and snow, they are exactly what is needed. Just disappointed in dry conditions compared to the WS80's I used previously.
80%
Member
These tires have been held up really well. I have just over 30,000 miles on them with maybe 15-20% life left. I have used these tires year round due to my seasonal lifestyle. Alaska for the summer and western ski areas during the winter. They have great grip in all directions in snow and ice and when they do break free it's very smooth and controlled. They held up well in warmer conditions holding a surprising amount of grip when the temps got above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I can't speak to noise since I have a roof box and basket that create plenty of racket.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 1,019
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