What Shoes to Wear for Snowshoe Running
One of the first things that people ask when they start snowshoe running: what kind of shoes should they wear with their snowshoes.
When it comes to snowshoeing, most people are familiar with hiking snowshoes and wearing hiking or winter boots with those snowshoes. Snowshoe running requires different footwear.
Since snowshoe running is often about speed, selecting a lightweight shoe to strap into your snowshoe binding is key. Which is why most snowshoe runners simply wear running shoes with their snowshoes. You can maximize your shoes choice based on the purpose of your snowshoe activity.
Racing
If you are racing you’ll want to select the lightest weight shoe possible. I’ll often wear a racing flat with my running snowshoes for my most competitive races. I know that there won’t be much in the way of protection from wet and cold, but with your focus on the race you’ll often forget how cold and wet your feet are until after you’ve crossed the finish line.
You can mitigate the discomfort by applying duct tape to the shoes, but that will also add a few ounces and if you’re focused on speed you probably don’t want that. Since most race distances are 10K or shorter the time you’re dealing with the discomfort of cold feet is minimal. Just be sure to pack a pair of dry socks and warm shoes to change into.
What I wear: the Saucony Type A Racing Flat paired with the Dion Snowshoe 120 Laser LT with standard cleat and quick fit binding.
>> Pro Tip: Leave your snowshoes outside prior to using them so that the metal frame and cleat can adjust to the outside temperature. This will prevent the snow from clumping. <<
Long efforts
If you’re planning a longer effort you’ll want to focus more on comfort. Opting for a waterproof trail shoe paired with a gaiter will help keep feet warm and dry. This set up ensures that you can go long on the trails in relative comfort.
I’ve competed in several snowshoe running half marathons and for those longer race efforts I’ve opted for a waterproof trail shoe and gaiter. Considering that those efforts required being in the cold and snow for 2 and 3 hours, it was advantageous to have somewhat warm and dry feet.
What I wear: Salomon Sense Ride GTX with the Kahtoola Gaiter and the Dion Snowshoe 121 with ice cleat and quick fit binding.
Side by side comparison of the training or long distance set-up (on left) and racing set-up (on right).
Training
Snowshoe training can range in distance from longer than the standard racing distance to shorter, depending on the purpose of your training run you’ll want to adjust your shoe choice. For shorter runs, plan to use the same setup as you would for a race, opting for a lightweight road shoe or racing flat.
When going longer than an hour I tend to opt for a more comfortable set up with the waterproof trail shoes, gaiter, and my most durable Dion option: the 121 Frame with ice cleat.
Quick Hack: Waterproof you shoes with duct tape
if getting a pair of waterproof shoes is out of your budget, consider grabbing a role of duct tape and covering the mesh portions of your shoe to seal out moisture and lock in heat.
Want more snowshoe running tips? Check out these posts:
