Winter weather doesn't have to stop outdoor running.
When the frost starts to bite, most runners choose to keep their tootsies warm by doing their running on a treadmill or indoor track. However, running outside in the winter can be fun, healthy and--best of all--free. If you're going to brave that fresh, blustery air this winter, certain running shoes will help you deal with the running conditions winter throws your way. The best running shoes for winter offer some water-proofing, such as trail running shoes. Look for shoes that have more traction than regular running shoes, or consider adding slip-on ice grippers, such as those made by YakTrax, for traction on snow and ice. Choose shoes with very little mesh area, as mesh will let snow and water into your shoe.
Montrail Mountain Masochist GTX
Essentially a foul-weather version of the Mountain Masochist running shoes, Montrail's Mountain Masochist GTX trail-running shoes feature a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, designed to keep snow and slush away from your feet. The shoes offer a high degree of support and protection, a "Gryptonite" sole designed for increased traction, and a gusseted tongue designed to keep moisture and dirt out.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX shoes feature knobs on the sole for increased grip, toe and heel caps, and Gore-Tex booties for waterproofing. The midsole of the shoe is designed to control pronation ("pronating" is a runner's tendency to rotate the foot from outside to in). The shoe's low profile allows freedom of movement, but will make it important to wear the waterproof booties so that deep snow and slush does not find its way in through the top of the shoe.
Adidas AdiSTAR Revolt
These trail running shoes feature an Extended Torsion System for stability in the middle and fore areas of the foot. They are available in both men's and women's models. The split heel design of the Adidas AdiSTAR Revolt is intended to provide stability and adaptation to uneven ground, which could help when dealing with winter weather, ice chunks and grit on the roads.
Tags: running shoes, Mountain Masochist, shoes feature, Adidas AdiSTAR, Adidas AdiSTAR Revolt