Each year, the onset of the cold provokes many questions about the choice of winter running shoes. I thought to myself that it would be appropriate to write an article on this subject and maybe try to guide you in your choice.
In this article, I'll take it for granted that you are running on snowy sidewalks or trails where the snow is relatively compressed. Before I describe the types of shoes, let me first walk you through the various winter-specific features that you should look for in your shoe.
Features of winter running shoes
The outer sole
The outer sole is the part of the shoe that is in direct contact with the ground.
The more the sole has relief (deep studs), the less likely it will be to slip in the snow.
The more spaced apart the studs, the easier it will be for snow to escape between your strides.
On the other hand, the deeper and more widely spaced the studs, the less comfortable they will be when you run directly on asphalt.
Some shoes have metal or carbon spikes. These spikes reduce the chances of slipping on a patch of ice, but, again, make running on asphalt less comfortable (and noisier).
Short and closely spaced crampons (more comfortable on asphalt but more slippery in snow):
Long and spaced crampons:
Midsole:
The midsole is the part of the winter running shoe that is made of foam and helps insulate your foot from the ground.
The higher the midsole and with a significant drop, the less information your foot will receive from the ground, but it will be more protected. To learn more about this aspect and to know the recommendations of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), click here.
The upper
The upper is the part of the shoe that is usually made of fabric that directly surrounds your foot.
The more waterproof the upper is, the less wind will pass inside and the less water will be able to enter or leave the shoe. How is it possible for water to penetrate if the winter running shoe is waterproof?
You should know that, even in cold weather, the feet give off sweat. So the more waterproof your winter running shoe, the less sweat will evaporate. Also, if you walk in a puddle or mud, the water can get over the ends and your shoe could fill with water.
If so and you have a waterproof winter running shoe, you will be stuck with water in your shoe for quite a while.
All uppers allow moisture to pass to varying degrees. Here are some types of uppers, from the most breathable to the most waterproof:
Vamp mesh ventilated:
Vamp mesh tightly woven (lets water and debris pass a little less easily):
Shoe with upper including "gore-tex" (registered trademark):
Winter running shoe with waterproof membrane and integrated gaiter:
To summarize, you have four options for running this winter: normal shoes (summer), trail running shoes (with or without a waterproof-breathable membrane), specialized shoes for winter or the addition of studs to your existing shoes.
First option: keep the same shoes as in the summer.
If you live in an area where the roads are relatively well cleared of snow and you mainly stay on open roads, your summer shoes may be used. Salt can damage the uppers of your shoes a bit more, but your sole should wear out less quickly, as there is less friction on snow than on asphalt.
Usually, these shoes have a fairly flat sole, which makes them slip more than snow cleats. And because these shoes are made to be worn on hot summer days, they are generally more airy than "winter" shoes. The advantage is that this type of upper drains water very quickly. On the other hand, if you tend to get cold feet, you will probably need to wear two pairs of socks!
Second option: trail shoes.
Trail shoes generally have a sole with more relief than road shoes. Some have waterproof uppers, but not always. Typically, pure trail shoes don't have steel or carbon studs.
Third option: running shoes for the winter
The winter shoe is a relatively new concept in the field of running. The precursor is the “Asics Gel Arctic”, which has existed for more than 10 years and which has remained the only one in its category for a few years.
All winter shoes have a leather upper. mesh tightly woven with often "gore-tex" in the upper. Some of them also have a built-in gaiter to prevent water from entering the shoe. This model is recommended for people who tend to get cold feet easily.
Fourth option: adding crampons to your existing shoes
If you run frequently on very icy trails or roads, wearing hyper-aggressive crampons is a good option. You have two choices: have small crampons installed on old running shoes (many stores specializing in running offer this service) or buy sole-type crampons that you put on your shoes before going out.
Now it's up to you to choose the option that best suits your needs and your “playground”. The idea is to have complete confidence in your shoe whatever the weather, but above all, to have fun!
Excellent article! To say that I have always run with my summer shoes during the winter and this since 1981 year of my first marathon. It is true that trail and winter shoes did not exist at that time.
For chilly feet, nothing better than merino wool socks. Even when wet with sweat or snow and water, you won't get cold feet even on long Sunday outings. Good race !
Trail shoes with a studded outsole added, especially when fresh snow has given way to very compact snow and patches of ice, are also a good option. Very good practical paper!
I prefer to add outsoles to summer shoes not trail shoes.
For
running in the city, in my case depending on the year, summer shoes 80-85% of the time, trail
10-15% (in deep snow) and summer shoes with outer soles (ice) 2 or 3 times max per year.
Thank you for the info! I am a beginner in winter and already the cooler wind makes me cough after my race, do you have any advice?
Thank you!
My advice would be to wear a "buff" style headband in front of your mouth to moisten the air. Alternatively, you could also start by walking and gradually increase the intensity.
Thanks for the advice! I'm going to try!
I am 71 years old, and walk an average of 15000 steps per day since June, I want to continue doing it outdoors except in storms, I will go to the gym to do the treadmill to cover approximately the same distance. Currently I have Skechers go wallk 3, total comfort for me, but for the winter I should take a shoe designed for winter, walking is different from running and we are less hot I am very small 100 lbs …… Thank you to advise me
Indeed, for the winter, I believe that more grippy shoes, with more crampons, would be more adequate.
please
I have been running in minimalist shoes since I started running a few years ago, but never outdoors during the winter. I'm afraid of falling. I would like to find a shoe for running outdoors that is quite minimalist in order to avoid hurting myself with a maxi shoe. Does that exist ? Is it safe for me to put crampons under my shoes?
There are indeed options in minimalism with crampons. Brands like Inov-8 and Vivo Barefoot come to mind, for among other things having used them. I suggest you use the tool at http://lacliniqueducoureur.com/chaussures/ (under trail shoes) to help you in your search. As for the addition of crampons under your shoes I have no experience in the matter, whatever it must be possible. The most common technique for adding crampons to road shoes in my experience is using products like yaktrax.
Hello I started running last summer. Indoor and outdoor running shoes can be worn the same.
I am 72 years old and a good walker but not a runner. In winter, ice scares me. What about broomball shoes to protect against patches of ice on the sidewalks?
My suggestion would be to go for crampons that you can add to your sole.