Running in the winter requires proper footwear that protects and supports you while keeping your feet warm and boosting performance. So, What to Look for When Choosing Winter Running Shoes?
Training doesn’t stop just because the weather decides to rain (or snow) on your parade. While other people are cooped up indoors, you’ll cut through the wind and pound your feet into the snow to reach your goals.
That said, you need to exercise caution when running in the winter. Not only are you more likely to slip and fall on slick roads and trails, but cold weather also increases your risk for musculoskeletal injuries.
Proper footwear that protects and supports you is of the utmost importance in the winter. That’s why runners in cold weather climates should opt for a pair of winter running shoes.
What Are the Best Winter Running Shoes for You?
Choosing a winter running shoe can be a challenge. You’ll need to find a pair that keeps you warm and protects you from the elements, but it’s just as important to find a pair that fits comfortably and offers the right level of stability.
The best winter running shoe for you will depend on your climate, running surface, and foot anatomy. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best cold-weather running shoe for your needs. You can also shop NHS Discount Blue.
Must-Have Winter Shoe Features
Thermal insulation refers to a shoe’s ability to trap your body heat while providing wind protection. Most waterproof shoes, combined with a pair of winter running socks, provide enough insulation to keep your feet toasty in mild winters.
But if you’re going to be running in extremely cold temperatures, you may need a shoe with an upper designed to prevent wind from getting in.
Waterproofing
Whether you’re running in rain or snow, you’ll need a pair of shoes that can keep your feet dry. They should have a durable and water-repellent or waterproof upper.
For extremely cold weather conditions, you may want to choose a shoe with a GORE-TEX membrane, which has pores small enough that water cannot get in but large enough to be breathable and sweat-wicking.
Visibility
The winter months mean time in the sun is limited, and you’re more likely to run in low-light conditions.
And cars need more time to come to a stop in wet conditions, so it’s important that you can be seen from far away.
If you’re investing in a pair of winter-ready shoes, it’s best to opt for a pair with reflective design features that make you easy to spot. Buyers also purchase NHS Discounts UK.
Coverage
If you’re running in snow, especially on unpaved trails, a low-top shoe may not provide enough protection from the cold or prevent rain and snow from soaking your socks.
You may require a high-top silhouette that works in conjunction with your winter apparel to keep you warm and dry.
Traction
You should choose a shoe with an outsole made of a rubber compound designed to grip the road or trail more easily in wet or icy conditions.
Avoid foam outsoles if you plan to run in mud or slush. You’ll also want to look for small, deep lugs on the bottom of the shoe that provide good traction.
The Effect of Cold Weather on Running Shoe Properties
Most running shoes have midsoles and insoles made of EVA foam, which is a synthetic material that delivers both cushioning and bounce. This foam gets stiffer in the cold, which means the shoe has less give when your foot impacts the ground.
This increase in pressure is somewhat similar to running on a harder surface. It hasn’t been correlated with a higher rate of injury, but it’s something to be aware of when running in the cold, especially if you tend to need a shoe with a lot of cushioning.
Since EVA foam also gets stiffer with age, ensure that you are replacing your running shoes frequently enough.
The Effect of Cold Weather on Athletes
Cold conditions not only impact the properties of your footwear but also your muscle tissues. Exposure to the cold can diminish your proprioceptive capabilities, strength, and agility.
These decreased measures of performance can increase an athlete’s risk of musculoskeletal injury, so it follows that athletes are more likely to sustain an injury when running in the cold.
Since proper footwear has been shown to decrease your risk of injury, your best line of defense is to make sure you get a pair of shoes that fit comfortably and provide enough cushioning and support.
Matching Your Shoes to Weather Conditions
If your area only experiences mild winters with rain and temperatures above freezing, all you need is a pair of water-repellent running shoes that keep your feet warm enough when paired with waterproof winter running socks.
You may even be able to just add a winter running shoe cover or waterproof gaiter over your summer running shoes to keep moisture out and heat in.
If you’re running on trails that can get muddy in wet conditions, however, be sure to opt for a pair of trail running shoes. These are constructed with stickier rubber and deeper lugs on the outsole.
They’re going to be stiffer than everyday running shoes, but they’ll also provide better protection from the elements and rough terrain.
Waterproof trail shoes have the added traction you need to run in the snow on roads, sidewalks, or flat trails.
While these surfaces can wear away the rubber on a pair of trail running shoes in the summer, the addition of snow necessitates shoes with better traction, thermal insulation, and waterproofing.
Look for a durable shoe with varied tread patterns or sticky rubber outsoles that resemble winter tires. If you’re running along the road, you should also opt for a pair with plenty of reflective design features to keep you safe.
Snow removal services don’t typically make it onto off-road mountain trails, so you may be running in deeper snow or mud than if you run in an urban environment.
You’ll need a water-repellent, high-top upper capable of keeping snow and debris out of your shoes.
A GORE-TEX lining will be the most effective at keeping you dry. You should also pay attention to the shoe’s outsole and choose something that has great grip.
