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If you know a runner, I have the perfect gift for you. If you are runner, I know you have to tell your mom what you want for Christmas. And even if you don't have a gift-giving holiday in the near future, you should still know the good news about waterproof sneakers. They're already out there, they're probably on sale already, and they'll change your life if you run in the snow or if you would if only you had the right shoes.
As an experienced lifelong runner, I will say that running in the spring is much more fun if you don't have a long off-season each winter. So instead of starting from scratch every year, it's worth continuing to put in the miles, despite the cold, rain and snow. You may not be running as often or spending a little more time on the treadmill, but don't give up completely.
I have already written before about what to wear for running in the coldpaying particular attention to items such as jackets, gloves and layering items. But before, I always forgot about shoes. Whether it's snowing or just raining in your area, keeping your feet warm and dry is a game changer.
Around this time last year, my birthday was approaching and I had no idea what to tell my mom I wanted. (She kept asking.) I thought about it a little while I was jogging. on the local highwayin the drizzling almost freezing rain, and my toes were shaking squish with every step. I suddenly remembered that Gore-Tex shoes exist. I owned them a couple of years ago and liked them, but never replaced them when they wore out. Somehow they seemed too much of a luxury. Most runners endure wet weather in regular shoes and wool socks, so why not make do?
I'll tell you why not: wool socks may keep your feet warm, but they won't keep them warm. dry. If you go to the park to go for a run, you drive home with wet feet. You come home, wring out your socks, air out your shoes, and hope they're mostly dry by the time you go on your next run. Putting on wet shoes is as much fun as putting on a wet swimsuit. Returning home after running in the rain with dry feet, on the contrary, is one of the greatest consolations for creatures in this cruel world.
What kind of weather are waterproof shoes suitable for?
Waterproof shoes are great for drizzle or snowy conditions. With regular shoes, your body heat tends to melt the snow that lands on your shoes, leaving your feet wet even on a frosty day. Waterproof shoes are great for when it's snowing, when there's little snow on the ground, or when it's raining. This covers just about any weather I would probably consider conducive to running in the Pennsylvania winter.
What waterproof shoes don't do?
Waterproof no waterproofAlthough. With Gore-Tex and similar materials, you won't be able to step into ankle-deep puddles and stay dry. A heavy enough rainfall will likely end up passing through or around the material.
Please note that the shoe's water-resistant material does not prevent snow or rain from entering the upper of the shoe. To get around in deep snow, you'll probably want to attach gaiters (or buy shoes with built-in gaiters).
What are your thoughts so far?
And if you run in a variety of winter conditions, you may also need more traction on the bottom of your shoes. You can buy shoes with built-in spikes or add your own.
What are the best waterproof running shoes?
I know you're dying to see mine, so here they are: Nike InfinityRN Gore-Tex. (I have white ones.) I've only put about 200 miles on them since last year since I wear other shoes in dry weather. This means they are still in good condition and will last another year.
Based on reviews, forum posts, and other input from runners about their favorite waterproof running shoes, I've rounded up a few more great models worth checking out. I'm including one model for each, but click through to see other colors, sizes, and men's/women's versions.
Note that Gore-Tex is a proprietary brand of breathable, water-resistant fabric, but there are other brands (for example, Saucony has one they call Runshield). Gore-Tex is often abbreviated “GTX” in shoe model names, so think about this when searching for shoes. The benefit of many of these shoes is that they have high-traction soles that reduce the likelihood of slipping on wet surfaces.
