Winter running shoes. Choosing winter sneakers for frequent running. The standard winter running gear consists of

There is nothing special about winter running and this question is of interest only to people who are just starting to run.

The question “how to run in winter”, to be honest, is not entirely clear. You can ask about it in young children on any playground. True, they are unlikely to understand what you mean, but they run almost non-stop at any time of the year. And in any outfit provided by the sponsors of the parents. Accordingly, the answer suggests itself: in winter we run the same way as in summer.

Well, seriously, there are still subtleties. For example, when fresh snow falls on city streets, the risk of injury increases. For example, twist your ankle.

After all, pedestrians, due to their two-contact musculoskeletal system, trample the snow rather unevenly, resulting in bumps and pits on sidewalks and paths, and running becomes more like a forest trailrunning along tree roots.

But the main problem is, of course, ice and other slippery surfaces. This is how we smoothly approached the equipment for winter running.

Winter running shoes

Running shoes for winter are now on offer in a great variety. But I will not advise a specific model, if only because it is impossible to recommend any model of running shoes to everyone. After all, as we know, they are selected very individually.

If you have enough budget, you can look at the eternal leaders in the field of running equipment: Asics, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno. A chic trail shoe that is suitable for winter running is also made by Salomon. Firm Nike sometimes, too, there are good models.

The difference between winter running shoes and summer running shoes

Running shoes for winter differ from summer ones in that the outsole has a more pronounced tread pattern, but at the same time retains its softness and all kinds of support for the foot. And the top of the sneaker is made of a moisture-resistant, but certainly breathable membrane, under which a heater of all stripes can be located. Or maybe not located.

However, don't expect winter running shoes to feel like a fish in water on the ice. They are almost as slippery as regular trekking shoes. Well, maybe a little less. For such cases, you need to look for studded models.

Is it possible to run in winter in summer sneakers

Not all amateur runners buy specialized winter sneakers for themselves, but simply continue to train in summer, depending on weather conditions, changing socks for more or less warm ones.

Of course, it all depends on the sensitivity or habituation of the feet to the cold, but for most runners, running in -15 Celsius in summer sneakers with mesh, but warm socks, is absolutely no problem.

Yes, and ice becomes a trifle for them after purchase set of spikes or overhead spikes on rubber pads that simply stretch over any kind of shoe, turning it into an ice king.

There are several such options for sale, you can find those false spikes that are most suitable for running. If they are suddenly not in the equipment store, then the Internet will help to erase the boundaries and order them in China.

Perhaps the most important thing in sneakers for winter is the sole, which will not tan too much from low temperatures, and the tread pattern can be quickly cleared of clogging with snow, i.e. it should be fairly rare.

Winter running clothes

As for outerwear, it all depends on the pace of the run, its duration and your frost resistance. The only requirement for winter running gear is windproof jacket which at the same time must be breathable.

Membrane

It would seem that the first thing to consider membrane tissues created by technology Goretex and others like her, but this is not entirely true. Even the best membranes can not cope with medium loads, not to mention the maximum.

Special running jackets have heat dissipating areas, usually located on the back. When there is no wind and extreme cold, then a jacket is not needed at all, a sports jacket is enough for running.

There are no temperature recommendations. Again, if only because the pace is different for everyone, the duration of the run is also the same. A well-known rule is dress for training as if it were 10-15 degrees warmer outside. Just if there is a lack of insulation, a fleece or polartec is put on under the jacket, thermal underwear with any windproof pants, etc. is put on the legs.

When running in severe frost, to protect the respiratory tract and face, it is certainly used buff(tubular sports scarf) or balaclava hat .

For running in winter, a useful acquisition will be protective glasses, after all, a strong wind, combined with snow, hits the eyes quite hard. It is not always convenient and pleasant. Usually choose glasses with yellow glasses (more precisely, plastic), due to the fact that they increase the contrast of the "picture". Or just transparent. Plastic lenses in glasses are safer in case of a fall.

However, these are recommendations for cities such as St. Petersburg or London. If you see the Sun more often in your city, you can use the usual, anti-solar ones. The main thing before buying goggles for running is to try them on with a cap in which you are going to train, so that nothing presses anywhere.

Finally, a couple of important recommendations. Do not forget drink water, even if it seems to you that you are not sweating at all, because this may just be an indicator that you need to drink. Water plays an important role in heat transfer regardless of the season. But not with the amount of liquid.

If you plan to finish the route far from home, grab a backpack with dry and warm clothes so as not to return wet in the cold. Pay attention to the word "backpack". It really should be small and light, have transverse tightening straps on the chest, which will fix it tightly while running. There you can throw thermal bottle with water.

If you're running for the first time in the winter, chances are you'll come home more sweaty than you thought.

Running in winter can be fantastically beautiful and enjoyable. Do not deprive yourself of such pleasure. In addition, the snow provides great opportunities for unique training if you are preparing for a marathon or a summer trail. And cold air is more saturated with oxygen than in summer.

And, in the end, how cool it will be then to run along the first exposed asphalt in the first rays of the spring Sun, somewhere in April!

Winter makes its demands. We have compiled a comparison table of sneakers that are positioned by manufacturers as "for winter running" or, according to their technical characteristics, they are. The reason for this article was heated discussion in our group 42km.

When choosing models, we paid attention to such characteristics as the presence of an aggressive tread or a soft and elastic sole with corrugations for snow, metal spikes for better grip on ice, water-repellent material such as Gore-Tex, the presence of an additional warm layer, cushioning, lacing, which firmly holds sneakers and much more.

Which model to choose depends on biomechanics, anatomical features, running technique, as well as based on the tasks for these sneakers. What you should pay attention to when choosing sneakers, we wrote earlier in our articles.

Alexander Ivakin, Salomon brand ambassador: “Last winter I ran on summer tires. When I spent most of the winter in St. Petersburg, I ran in Speedcross 3 CS in winter. However, constantly faced with the problem of ice. I really liked them in the snow. In my opinion, Snowcross 1 are ideal for snowy and icy winters, but I don’t have them. On ice, spikes are definitely needed, otherwise any training becomes a torment. If it’s just snowy outside the city, then I would choose the Speedcross 4 CS. Now the non-studded Snowcross 2 has come out, I would also try it, but again without ice. For training in the snow, for sure, a good option, although they are heavier than many regular shoes. For any mountain training with snow, I would go back to the Snowcross 1. Still a good model.”

Ekaterina Mityaeva, Adidas brand ambassador : “I run in the winter in regular running shoes for the summer, as I am constantly in the southern region. These are the models from Adidas for winter - Adidas TERREX TRAILMAKER GTX. Weight 290 grams, lightweight and breathable mesh upper, high-strength insert in the toe area for added protection and durability. Quick lacing system for perfect lockdown and a comfortable fit. Waterproof lining with breathable GORE-TEX membrane. Lightweight EVA midsole for durability. Continental™ rubber outsole for optimal traction even in wet conditions.

Yuri Shtankov, Inov-8 brand ambassador: “In winter, I prefer to run in warm shoes with Gore-Tex. I take a half size larger, put on a woolen sock and go in search of adventure! Gore-Tex protects feet from getting wet, which is very nice, especially when I walk for a long time in the snowy taiga. And so that the grip on snow, slippery stones and firn is confident, I choose models with metal spikes. Now I have the Inov-8 Oroc 340 GTX model in my arsenal (metal spikes and Gore-Tex), but it is already pretty shabby and, as it turned out, is no longer produced, so I’m picking up something new for myself. This will be last winter's Inov-8 Arctic Talon 275 with metal studs but no Gore-Tex and most likely one of the Inov-8 ROCLITE models with Gore-Tex but no metal studs to choose from. in changing weather and endless trails."

Pavel Chernov, Asics brand ambassador : “To be honest, for me there is no fundamental difference in which shoes to run in different seasons. There are 2 points - the warmth of the legs and grip. Regarding heat, we can recommend choosing models with gore-tex, they are a little heavier, but they keep heat better. As for grip, there are models with metal spikes, but I would not recommend it, very rarely this is a problem, you can run on fresh snow in trails, but on clean asphalt it will be fine in ordinary ones. From Asics, I recommend the Fuji and Sonoma series."

The cold season and ice is not a reason to give up an active lifestyle, especially after a long break it is quite difficult to restore activities, for example, running. In order for running training not only to bring benefits and joy, but also not to harm the health of the runner, it is very important to choose the right equipment. For the cold season, this is especially important, because, in addition to the usual risks of injury, new ones are added that are characteristic of the cold months (the likelihood of falling by slipping).

Why you need running shoes for winter

Choosing the right running shoes for winter running can sometimes be tricky. This is because when buying such shoes, it is necessary to take into account several important parameters at once. And improperly selected shoes threaten with colds, excessive fatigue, all kinds of injuries. Inadequate training on the list seems to be the most innocuous consequence.

Do you really need special winter shoes? Maybe it's better not to splurge on an extra pair of shoes, but spend the money on something else? The answer to this question is simple: we do not walk in sandals or shoes in the snow in winter, because it is inconvenient, dangerous and stupid.

Summer sports shoes are not intended for classes in the cold season (unless, of course, these classes are held in the gym on a treadmill). Shoes are sensitive to cold and will wear out quickly after a few wears. This is at least. In summer "crosses" it is impossible to stand on slippery, uneven paths, which will inevitably lead to falls and, possibly, serious injuries. Such shoes pass moisture well, and in the cold, the wet feet of an athlete heated up by running will leave almost no chance of avoiding a cold and related problems. Summer studded shoes are also not suitable for jogging on slippery winter tracks.

Features of winter running shoes

You should not try to save money on winter running shoes by looking for cheap alternatives. This is the part of the equipment that cannot be skimped on. High-quality sneakers for winter and autumn should be protected from moisture, have good breathability, be waterproof, anti-slip, have insulation and a well-flexible sole. In some cases, it is desirable that women's and men's winter running shoes have rubber or removable studs. Sneakers for winter should fit well on the leg, without restricting the movement of the foot. The heel and toe should feel free to move confidently. If the model is chosen incorrectly, and the foot in the shoes is too tight, you can not only ruin the whole workout, but also get frostbite.

Choosing shoes for winter running

Not only the world's leading brands offer special shoes for sports activities in the cold. Analogues are also found in little-known firms. When buying winter running shoes, the brand is almost the last thing to focus on. Of course, it is better to refrain from buying suspiciously cheap winter running shoes in the markets. But the Adidas brand badge will not warm your feet and protect your joints if this label flaunts on shoes that do not suit you.

When choosing running shoes for winter running, it is important to consider the region where you live. The water-repellent membrane of the sneakers will be useful for those who live in regions with relatively warm winters, i.e. where the snow is mostly slush. For regions with severe snowy winters and extreme cold, absolutely waterproof sneakers should be selected.

When buying winter running shoes, you should also consider the gender of the athlete. Women's winter running shoes are different from those for men. Winter running shoes for men have a wide block. The cushioning of such shoes is stiffer than the cushioning of women's models. The heel of women's sneakers is slightly raised and looks like a platform.

The presence of reflective shoes on the shoes will help you out a lot if you have to run in the dark. And in our latitudes, the light hours of a winter day can be counted on the fingers. Safety is above all. And according to the law, people who go out into the street at night must have reflectors on their clothes.

Choose sneakers with spikes or without?

Running shoes for winter can have different types of soles. It can be a regular flexible (but dense) sole, or a studded one. Cross-country shoes with a flat sole are suitable for running on asphalt, and studded winter running shoes are better to buy if you plan to run on snow and ice. Spikes, by the way, can be integral with the sole of the shoe, and can be removable. Studded winter shoes improve traction on uncomfortable frozen ground, but they are strongly discouraged when running on asphalt. On sale there are also special overlays for sneakers for winter. They are a special design with spikes, which is worn on ordinary winter sneakers. This is a good solution for those who have not yet decided what terrain they will run on. When buying overlays, take with you the shoes you plan to wear them on, it is quite difficult to find overlays of the right size.

Browse by brand

Many brands of sports equipment offer their models of sneakers for running on snow and ice. Brands have their own distinctive features that will turn running on snowy terrain into an exciting journey.

For example, the Inov 8 Oroc 280 studded sneakers are fairly light at around 300 grams. Certain Nike models have reflective and increased water resistance. The Asics Gel-Arctic 4 has retractable studs and is perfect for running in extreme cold. And the New Balance 110 Boot has a high sock that protects the ankle.

Whatever shoe brand you choose: Adidas, Puma, Nike, etc., the main thing is to choose a comfortable model that meets your anatomical features. Winter running shoes should be slightly oversized. And don't forget the special winter sports socks!