I’ve tried a few different brands of winter-specific (i.e., waterprooof/breathable type) running shoes and am running in the Asics Gel-Eagle right now. We just got, like, four to six inches of snow and it is freezing here.
I’m very happy with these shoes, more so than other so-called “waterproof” shoes. These are warm, nice, aren’t bulky or clunky and still feel pretty light. Basically, like regular running shoes but better fabric protection.
I had another brand once with an integrated gaiter that were quite poor. These Asics are very nice though. Recommended.
And no, I don’t sell them…
Anybody else use winter-specific running shoes? Recommendations? Opinions?
I use a set of new balance trail shoes with scotch guard sprayed on them. Works pretty good. By the way on the subject of shoes, I talked to a Montrail rep at my race last Sat. they will be offering a trail running shoe in a wide width come spring. Another option for the paddle footed like myself.
Glad you are back, Do you need to wear extra socks when running in these shoes? We are in Cleveland visiting our family it’s about 10F outside in Cleveland today, and they have like 20 inches of snow on the ground. The treadmill is looking good I think.
I forgot- I’ll have to check. They are some grey thingies with orange writing on them. Very nice. They have wool in them but are relatively thin and quite stretchy.
-I can’t conjure up the name right now, I’m drawing a blank… Sorry.
Oh, oh… DeFeet Blaze. Looked 'em up on the web. They are nice and warm and fine to run in. Check it out:
I have 2 pairs of Nikes, Air Storm Shear and Air Storm Pegasus. Both of them very nice, waterproof, great tread, lots of Scotchlite. I even ran in the Stom Shear’s this summer on some of my trail runs, they are superb.
I’ve been thinking about this subject for the last month. I recently bought a new pair from a local running store. when I asked why they don’t carry that type of shoe, the owner said it was all marketing hype and in his opinion, those type of shoes didn’t have enough cushioning. I went to another running store and asked and they basically gave me the same answer. they told me to use my old shoes.
Back when I lived in a state with a real winter, I found that trail runners sized about one size larger than usual with winter running socks (usually SmartWool) worked best for me. I had a few different pairs: Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Vasque, and they all worked fine. What mattered the most was the socks. I always wanted to try a pair of those adventure racing socks that looked like gloves for yur feet with separate ‘fingers’ for each toe. I ran in this set-up down to the teens with little problem.
**** It’s good to see you back, you go away for a few days and the site really suffers. Happy Christmas! Hope the season was good at your store.
I thought about that too. I have some weird little XC skis in my basement and I thought about pulling them out last night but there isn;t enough snow consistently on the ground to do a good ski workout. It’s like ski…walk…ski…walk. It’s just enough snow to be a bother, but not enough to enjoy.
But I use nerutral heavily cushioned Asics training shoes with one amazing winter modification: about twenty 6 X 3/8 sheet metal screws in the perifery of the midsole of each shoe (so you end up running with the hex-head of the screws toward the ground). The resultant traction is truly amazing: one can run over a completely iced-over parking lot with complete confidence, as one gets about 95% of the traction one would get in the summer running on dry pavement. You won’t believe it until you try it. Total price for the screws: under $2.
(However, this mod may not be so good for certain of Nike’s ‘Air’ shoes, as the pointy screws may give one a permanent flat tire… )
I have used them for a couple of years and they work great on the snow and ice.
And, its great to see you back. I was off the site for a week or so b/c I was ill - - - and when I came back and saw the shit about you I was pissed. You tha’ man. Merry X-Mas.
I usually keep a pair of trail shoes around for really slippery days. I’ve never had any problem with cold feet so I don’t bother with any water-repellent type of material or sprays. As long as you’re running, there shouldn’t be any problem with cold feet (even yesterday when I was running through ice cold slush and water that was flowing everywhere thanks to the crazy weather we’re getting in southern Ontario).
I used to run all winter in Chicago, and never used any “special” shoes. There’s just nothing like running while the snow is falling!! If it’s below freezing, you really don’t need waterproof. Perhaps an aggressive tread pattern (trail shoe?) with an open enough tread that the snow won’t pack in.
Tougher situation is running in cold rain (like we get here in northern California). That integrated gaiter thing sounds good, because the real hassle is that even if the shoe is waterproof, the rain wicks in through your socks. I hate running with squishy feet…
If you sell something like that, with a straight last (I’m an Asics guy) feel free to post advertising for it, 'cuz I’ll buy at least one pair to try them out. I’ve taken to running on the treadmill when it rains, but that’s excrutiating for anything longer than an hour.
I find that using my asics 2040 -2050 shoes with duct tape over the front vent and wool thorlo socks does the trick. Remember that most heat is lost from the head. Then when our core temp. drops, the extremities (hands and feet) get cold. Hey you probably already knew this.
Another thing that I have done in the past is to screw 6-8 small self tapping screws (1/4" long) into the back and outside edges of the shoes so that the heads are slightly protruding. This helps for traction on the trails when you hit some ice.
“you run for an hour on a treadmill? geez, I’d think I’d fall off the back from boredom.”
I’ve come close…
Two options, unfortunately not available simultaneously at my club:
1- Several of our TMs face windows that overlook the pool area. Some days we get good scenery, and once in a blue moon we get Natalie Coughlin. Now THAT will hold your attention. She’s like a Ferrari blowing AMC Pacers off the Autobahn! Watching her do a backstroke flip turn and dolphin 15 meters under water in a 25-yard pool is pretty amazing.
2- TV. My personal TM racord for a single run was 3:20 watching a Raiders game. I’ve done longer using a combination of TM, LifeCycle and elliptical while watching an NBA triple header during the playoffs. It helps if it’s raining because you don’t feel like you’re completely wasting the day (even though you are). Wanted to quit, but you can’t just sit there in the middle of the exercise floor and watch the TV or you look like a complete dork with no life. I’m a complete dork with no life, but I like to keep the folks at my club from finding that out…