The colder months are upon us, and as we’re anticipating temperatures to drop and rainy and snowy conditions to become the norm, soon your summertime sneakers aren’t going to cut it when you go for a run. Here’s what to look out for.
Traction and Protection
Winter running often means running on slick or wet roads, so when looking for winter running shoes, you’re going to want a waterproof variety that will keep your feet warm and provide some traction. The ideal pair should have a lug sole with deep grooves to prevent slipping on icy roads and a waterproof lining that will keep your toes safe and dry when stepping in cold puddles. Water leaking into your shoes increases the risk of frostbite.
The Right Fit
It’s also important to choose a pair that’s similar to your summer running shoes in the sense that it’s the same fit for your pronation (the way your foot rolls inward when it hits the ground). It also needs to be as close of a heel to the toe drop as your summer shoes. This means the number of additional millimeters of cushioning in the heel versus the toes. If you overlook these seemingly small details and switch to a completely different shoe you can end up with an injury, according to running coaches. The easiest way to find the right winter shoes for you is to look for a trail running shoe made by the same brands as your warm-weather trainers.
