Winter Running shoes

I run all winter long here in VT. I usually just carry on with whatever I've been training in (currently the NB 890s). If the sidewalks haven't been cleared after a new snow, or if it's particularly icy, I have a pair of Screw Shoes on hand. The link will suggest using regular machine screws, but I've done that and they don't last as long as the screws I buy specifically for this purpose at EMS.

I've also got friends who run in Ice Bugs. They swear by them. The link will take you to one version, but they have other versions depending on your foot strike needs.

I think trail shoes would suffice through most winter conditions ... I don't even switch to those. I run a little slower and plant my foot with a bit more caution. I also notice that my lower leg muscles need a couple of weeks to work up to all the "micro-balancing" I do over ice and frozen snow. I usually take one or two really good spills before the winter is over.

Although ... today, December 22nd, I was in shorts with zero snow in sight.

I run in the NB Minimus trail during most of the year (even on the road).  Winter for us means rain...and lots of it.  And flooding.  And then more rain.  And mud. This year, I bought a pair of the NB Minimus Multi-trail and they are basically the exact same shoe I normally wear except that instead of being full of vents, they are waterproof.  THEY ROCK!  I love, love, love that my feet stay dry now for winter runs.

Last year, I just ran on the dreadmill when the weather was bad...which was pretty much all winter.  I'm so happy to have so many more outdoor runs this winter!

Depending on conditions I'll use trail shoes occasionally. That would be maybe 1-4 inches of wetter snow. On snowpacked roads with no ice I just wear my regular shoes. When the roads get icy I'll use screw shoes. In really deep snow I often use my spikeless XC racing shoes as they're easier to run in when forced to make a higher leg lift for long periods.

What sort of conditions are you considering for the trail shoes? If it's just for keeping your feet dry, there are several models of Goretex shoes that would work well. Various trail shoes use Goretex as well as some road shoes from a few brands.

For keeping warm, the right socks make all the difference. I happen to have lots of ski socks and they work very well, but there are certainly many other choices.

I prefer trail shoes when there's any accumulated snow because of the lugs.  The waterproofing helps too, along with wool socks.  I live in MN so I think our snow lasts longer here, but I would recommend them for those conditions.  If I can get down to pavement, I go with my regular running shoes only because I don't like the trail shoes as much.

As I see it, you're going to get a few new pairs of shoes each year anyway.  Why not have the trail shoes?  Then you're ready to go for a "real" trail run any time of the year, too.

And I think you just gave me a reason to use to convince the wife to let me get them. Score for Bikergirl

I have a gift for rationalizing purchases.  It also helps that they seem to be cheaper than regular shoes.

I stopped wearing Mizunos for this very reason. I even have corresponded with them over the issue. That heel cavity collects little snowballs and it feels like you're running on golf balls with each step. They pretty much told me they wouldn't be changing anything. Terrible design flaw, in my opinion.

Ah, very cool man!  I'm from VT also.  I could have used those tonight.  The rain in NH wetted the roads and they were quite slippery to run on when the sun went down!  Thanks for the link.

I run in snow, on trails, when I'm home in Utah during the winter... can't stand road running any time of the year.

Same shoes, doubled socks in winter. The key for me though is some mid calf gaiters which clip to my shoelace on the front, string under the heel, and velcro up the back. These do a good job of keeping my feet mostly dry even when running with very 'meshy' trail running shoes in the snow.

Nice to "meet" you ... glad I could provide the links. I run Reach the Beach each year ... love that race. Let me know if you plan on racing anything in VT this year. I always enjoy meeting up with new folks. I'll be racing my first tris this year ... the Lake Dunmore series and a June one up here near Burlington. I think I've listed them in my planned races.

thanks for the link on the screw shoes. I wish that I would have seen this last year before I sliped on the ice and broke both bones in my leg in two pices. I will put the screws in before I run next.

Don't let them give you an abundance of confidence. They've got nice bite, but you can still slip and fall. And they're annoying to use on dry pavement. I really only use them for really icy conditions.

x2 and also in MN.  I am on my third pair of Brooks Cascadia and use them for nasty outside runs in MN in the winter and trail running/hiking in the summer.  I also use Smartwool socks in the winter.