My biggest challenge with writing this blog post was to help my audience pick a winter running shoe, without buying and trying dozens of pairs myself. I went through four different lists of top winter running shoes, each one highlighting 15 to 20 brands and models. I then found that only five shoes appeared on at least three of the four lists. These were the five shoes that I featured.
Written by Wendell Quan Fun, originally featured on Taniajones.com
It is now the second week of April. We're seeing a string of double-digit temperatures in Toronto heading into the Easter weekend. Heck, we're starting to make predictions of when our cherry blossoms will bloom at High Park. Meanwhile, snow storms are brewing in the Prairies, bad enough to postpone a game for the Winnipeg Jets. Such is spring in Canada. It doesn't really start when it's supposed to.
As a runner, it can be hard to plan when and where to log your miles during the transition from winter to spring. Temperatures can swing very drastically from day to day. Snow and ice can melt, but it never completely goes away. Water on the ground is also a hazard. These are your main options when you're making snap decisions of when and where to run.
Brand | Shoe (GTX = Gore-Tex) | Price | Brief Description |
---|---|---|---|
Nike | Air Zoom Pegasus Shield | $170 | Its weatherized and insulated uppers keep your feet warm. Its outer soles combine the design of winter car tires with the trademark bounce of Air Zoom. Siping provides better drainage when running on wet roads. |
Salomon | Speedcross GTX | $130-150 | Its stitch-free upper construction makes the shoe fit precisely, while its chevron lugs provide better traction in mud and loose dirt. |
Brooks | Ghost GTX | $160-180 | It has a segmented sole for smooth transitions from heel strike to toe-off. Great for wet concrete, but not snow and ice. Surprisingly breathable for a waterproof shoe. |
Hoka One One | Speedgoat Trail GTX | $145-160 | VibramĀ® Megagrip rubber outsole provides grip in wet and dry conditions. 5 mm lugs let you run on light snow too. |
Nike | Pegasus Trail GTX | $160 | Designed for both winter and spring. Its modest lug depth lets you run on both dry and lightly snow covered roads. The stretch collar stops slush and debris from entering around the ankle. |
Interested in more content like this? Email me at wendell@wendellsweb.com.