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Winter running shoes: how to choose?
Text and tips by Kenny Beaudette
Winter in Quebec has its share of challenges for running outings, that’s well known! Rapid temperature changes and icy/snowy surfaces require us to have quality running gear
Shoes are, without a doubt, a very important element of our clothing for outings: poorly adapted shoes can cause injuries, discomfort, even seasonal demotivation... Choosing your shoes for the cold season is therefore a crucial stage!
In this article, we'll help you understand the things to consider when buying your shoes for winterTo make a good choice, you must first determine on which surface you will most often run
Snow cleared and maintained
If you only run on the road, several cycle paths or sidewalks are well laid out during the winter season, and even allow you to run with regular shoesIn Sherbrooke, we are lucky enough to be able to run on the Lac des Nations promenade or on the bike path along the Magog River.For this type of use, you can opt forwaterproof road running shoes
Waterproof Road Running Shoes
The advantage of these shoes is that you will find the same comfort and flexibility as your regular running shoes, but with a waterproof membrane resistant to water, snow and windThis membrane (often identified as Gore-tex or GTX) will at the same time offer you more warmth
Our favorite models:
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 G-TX
- New Balance 880v11 GTX
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield
- Saucony Endorphin Speed Runshield
Snowy and slippery surface
If you find the snowy surface too slippery and are tired of "spinning in butter", you can look for a shoe with a more grippy solewaterproof trail running shoes will meet this demand as well as being a more versatile option if you want to alternate between road and trailIf you want to use these shoes annually, you can opt for a trail running shoe without a waterproof membrane.This option will give you a more breathable upper, especially in the heat of summer.
Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
These shoes can be used in many situationsWhether running in the city when it's snowy or tackling the mountain trails on a run or hike, these more grippy soles will keep you safe
Our favorite models:
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Gore-Tex (women's model available end of February 2022 in stores)
- Salomon Supercross Winter CSWP
- Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX
Surface not maintained, sometimes icy
The biggest risk for winter is obviously running on a patch of ice and falling! To run safely, whether on the road or on the trail, you can opt forrunning shoes with studsThese shoes have tungsten studs built into the sole that, like a studded tire, will bite into the ice
Running shoes with studs
These shoes will provide stability and a confident stride on more uncertain surfaces
Our favorite models:
- La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
- Solomon Snowspike CSWP
- Salomon Spikecross 5 GTX (coming to stores end of February 2022)
Other options and winter accessories
If you are not ready to invest in a pair of winter-specific shoes, there are several options available to youThe waterproof socksDexshell, for example, are perfect for keeping your warm and dry feetYou can add these bottoms to any running shoe
As for grip, it is possible to add crampons over your shoesIf you run mostly on the road, theIcetrekkers Spikes are our go-to! You will hardly feel them under your shoes, they are very light and stay in place thanks to the strap that passes over the top of the foot
Another option is to have cleats screwed onto your current shoesThese studs can then be removed at the end of winterAt $2 per cleat, this is a more economical option that will help you face the winter!
