Best Winter Running Shoes

When it comes to running in the winter you need the best winter running shoes to keep you upright as snow, slush and ice take over the roads and trails. Finding the best winter running shoes is an important investment so that you can enjoy your running especially if you are training for a spring goal race!

There are definitely some reasons why you need to carefully select your winter running shoes when you live in a climate where the winter weather is unpredictable causing for rough running terrain and wet conditions. In order to keep your feet happy you need to look for some key features when selecting your running shoes. You will want to pick a shoe with a rugged sole that has heavier duty lugs than a traditional road shoe. Traction during the winter months is so important so as to not have any mishaps on the ice or snow. This type of sole will also help you to gain traction as you push off as your foot-strikes. To combat the cold you need to look for a shoe that offers more warmth than a lightweight shoe with mesh and lightweight cloth uppers. Look for a shoe with heavy duty fabric that is water-resistant. If you know that you will be running in extremely wet conditions you may want to look for a Gore-Tex shoe to keep your feet dry. Some shoes even come with a built in gaiter to keep the snow out of your shoes.

Here are some winter running essentials in case your shoes are not enough:

• Half Inch Hex head screws and an old pair of shoes to make your own screw shoes
• YakTrax
• Kahtoola Microspikes
• Winter Running Gaiters
• Stabilicers
• Smart Wool Ski Socks

Women’s Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3 Review

Hoka One One has become one of my favorite running shoe brands over the past three years. At first I thought that the shoes were too maximal and I was stuck in my ways and afraid to change to a different brand and model of shoe. But peroneal tendonitis and led me on the quest for different shoes. Several of my trail running friends swore by their Hoka One Ones so I decided to give them a try. My first pair was strictly a trail shoe the Hoka One One Stinson. But since I was back in the marathon game I needed shoes that would be great for road running and I ended up trying Both the Clifton and the Clayton. Now that it is winter though and not a mild one with practically no snow on the roads I am happy to be doing my winter running in the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3. I’ve had earlier versions of this shoe but I have to say that this version is by far my favorite as it fits my narrow fit better than the previous models.

The Dirty Details 

The Hoka One One Challenger ATR is currently my favorite pair of winter running shoes. This shoe is versatile as it is an “All Terrain Shoe,” so it is perfect for the roads especially dirt roads,  and ice snow and slush covered roads. This shoe can also easily be worn on moderately challenging trails.

Here are some dirty details about the Hoka One One Chellenger ATR3

• 5 MM Heel Drop
• Midsole Rocker-If you have not run in Hoka One One before this does give this shoe a different feel.
• Fit is better around the midfoot.
• Added room in the toe-box
• Well padded tongue as compared to earlier models.
• New, thicker Ortholite Insole to give your foot a more cushioned ride.
• The sole is more substantial than previous models and appears wider.
• This shoe is listed as a neutral shoe but as someone who needs a stability shoe this works well!
• 4mm lugs on the sole provide excellent traction on tricky and slippery terrain.
• The sole is a blend of carbon rubber and EVA foam which should stand up better to wear.
• Shoe seems narrower than previous models.
• Retail Price: $130

This shoe will definitely carry you through the winter miles and on trails as the weather grows warmer. They stand up well to wet winter conditions keeping your feet comfortable for longer mileage runs. The tread on the soles helps with running on slippery winter road surfaces. The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3 is currently in heavy rotation for all of my winter running adventures.

What do you look for most in running shoes for winter running? Do you like to run outside in the winter or do you like to stay indoors on the treadmill?