Running in snow, Do you need waterproof footwear?

I use to run in snow (and much rain) and I always used my regular shoes.  With snow I usually wore my trail running shoes just for the extra grip.  IMO waterproof shoes just trap the sweat and make you wet regardless.  For a run the length you are talking about you'll be fine.

ETA: I bet you love running in the fresh snow.  I always loved it. 

I also run in regular running shoes.  Its good to have two pairs so one has a chance to dry out before the next day's run.

I'm about to head out in a storm (and yes I'm wearing more neon than I did in the 80s).  In the future, I might suggest Yak Trax if you are going out and there is any ice or you want extra grip. 

If your shoes are wet after your run, you can put several pieces of newspaper in them to dry them out and help hold their shape.  This will cut your drying time significantly. 

Enjoy the snow!!

Right here. Snow itself is not the problem, but the slush puddles can be. I've regularly run in the snow with the same shoes as warmer weather and been fine. Just needed better socks to keep feet warm. Some may try to look at traction issues, however. I've picked up a pair of trail shoes with some wider spaced lugs on the bottom.  Seem to work well so far.

And hazards hidden under the snow: holes, rocks, branches...

Thanks guys! 

I am off to run....I'll let you know how it goes. 

WOW running in the snow is fun.  I new it would be different and more changeling with traction.  I must admit it was a bit harder than I thought.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 14 did great.  I went with them because the tread was more aggressive.  Although my feet were wet at the end of the 10K (55min) I was comfortable.  I rinse the shoes well, hung to dry and went out to shovel snow.

Thanks again for all the advice!  No longer will I pass on snow. 

Glad you enjoyed your snowy run!

 I love to run in the snow and always wear my regular running shoes.  I wear Smartwool socks which I think does help keep your feet warmer.  One of my favorite runs last winter was on a forest trail, early morning, right before dawn, with 2/3 inches of new snow on the ground and a light snow coming down. Beautiful, peaceful...a wonderful way to start the day.

I run a lot in the snow, for winter running if the sidewalks are reletively clean I will use my regular runners, but if there is accumulation I wear a pair of my Gortex Trail runners, I have a couple of different pairs a Salomon & a NB Pair, besides keeping your feet nice and dry when coupled with some Gators, they provide a lot more traction & grip then you regular shoes, MY take is if you can afford some then get them you will be glad to have them around. The NB pair I have even has some antifreeze compound added to the cushioning foam to keep the cushion in colder temps.

All great advise! Ok my weird experience: I left the gym for a short 3mile run and just as I left there was a soft light cover of snow and it was still snowing but not to heavy, well 1 mile into the run it started snowing much heavier and blowing as well, ouch, totally hurt my eyes! I figured when I turned around it would be fine but naturally that wasn't to be and had to try to run with one eye shut and just peek out so the stuff wouldn't stab my eyes. That was a learning experience, now I will throw on some clear glasses if it's snowing just in case it starts blowing in my face. Otherwise it really would have been a fun run.

Patsy

I can't believe a BA like you has never run in the snow, James!

I always figured you were one of those guys who would still go for his run even if it was raining freezing locusts.  Sideways.

James glad you had fun in your snow run!

I would take pair of shoes that is about half way thru their life and put duct tape on them to cover up the mesh. It did help with getting wet and cold feet. I wear smart wool socks. My husband would call them my ghetto shoes. I redid them after a couple of runs.