Which running shoes to choose in winter?

A handful of useful tips

Good running shoes, regardless of the season, should provide sufficient traction. Their soles usually consist of a few layers, the thickness and shock protection of which depend on the type and purpose of the shoes, as well as on the runner's disposition and preferences.

If you are running on asphalt, urban streets, you can theoretically use the same shoes as in spring or summer. However, in practice the surface, even on a route you know well, can change unrecognisably in winter. Potholes, leaves or snow - the shoes you usually wear may not be able to cope with these conditions. Winter running shoes should have a sole with good traction, provided by a material such as high-quality rubber.

The issue is different in the case of out-of-town training. The sole of running shoes for hard surfaces will not hold up well on muddy or snowy trails. Therefore, if you often train in the woods or on dirt trails, opt for a model with a strong sole that can "bite" the ground. While for icy surfaces, e.g. in the mountains, running shoes with studs are essential, which help maintain traction even in difficult conditions.

Top part that will provide you with thermal comfort

At first glance, the upper of winter running shoes is not much different from models intended for the summer months. However, the former usually have a mesh with a slightly denser weave, thanks to which they retain heat better and also make the shoe more resistant to moisture. When buying running shoes for winter, also make sure they have enough room for a thicker sock.

Membrane in winter running shoes - yes or no?

An important feature of winter running shoes is the membrane. The most popular and most commonly used technology in footwear is the Gore-Tex membrane. It protects the feet well from both low temperatures and moisture, ensuring comfortable training in almost all conditions. At the same time, it allows the skin to breathe, so you don't have to worry about overheating.