Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Winter shoe ideas & a BIG THANK YOU to my 35,000+ readers

I have been fortunate to see a rapid rise in blog traffic these past few months.  I had a pretty low readership for a while there after Moira recovered and I stopped writing for a while, but once I decided to start talking about natural and minimalist running and the various shoes I have tried, everything really blew up.  So, first of all, thanks to all my readers, who have come to Average Guy Hits the Road from countries all over the world, literally in the thousands and thousands.  I have been getting a few emailed questions lately and I thought I would put up a pair of posts for two purposes...first, a quick Q and A I did with a reader about winter shoes, and then a summary/link list of my latest 6 in-hand product reviews.

First...what about those winter running recommendations?
Hi Zak,
Any recommendations for trail shoes for winter trail running in Michigan?  The lighter the better but I hate cold feet.
A Reader (name withheld)


From me:
Sure! For me the Saucony Peregrine is a great winter bet. Very aggressive outsole for snow, still comes in under 10 ounces. I wore a pair for a trail marathon and for a 50k this summer. Buy a half size up for warm socks and you'll be set. They are a 4mm drop shoe, but they have plenty of cushion for a heel strike, midfoot strike, or a forefoot strike gait. They are also somewhat water resistant. You could also look up the Saucony Outlaw, which is exactly the same, but is a high top for keeping debris put and protecting the ankles.

Also consider the Vivobarefoot Neo Trail if you want a minimalist shoe, very aggressive outsole.

Finally, if you want something with a traditional heel, look at Salomon. The Speedcross 3 has a very snow-friendly outsole
(edit: there is also a snow and ice version called the Spikecross 3 CS).

I hope this helps! I always "window shop" at Running Warehouse for ideas as well. They do great pictures and descriptions. www.runningwarehouse.com

Thanks!
Zak

The Peregrine is available at Elite Feet in Brighton.  By the way, if you enjoyed this review and analysis, please visit my homepage at www.averageblog.org and see what else we have online. Also, I am cultivating a new Facebook page, so you can get my reviews and posts as soon as they come out.  Please consider "liking" the Average Guy Hits the Road Facebook page and following me on Twitter today!




5 comments:

Paul said...

New this year we have ANIMA winter running shoes from Icebug of Sweden, with carbide "smart studs" that grip on ice, mud, stone and pavement. The last is somewhat conventional but better than most. They have an 8mm drop and weigh 7-9 oz. -Paul, Fourth Ave Birkenstock, Ann Arbor

Zak said...

Great call, Paul! I didn't even think of that one. The ANIMA is an awesome looking shoe as well. Check it out, SE Michigan/Ann Arbor readers! I think Paul and 4th Ave. Birkenstock are probably the only Icebug dealers anywhere nearby...they are a very underground (in the US, anyway) brand. Thanks, Paul!

Zak said...

...and honestly, folks... the Altra Lone Peak would be a good choice as well, but it is VERY breathable and deep snow will result in wet socks. Wear wool socks and they work well for an adapted zero-drop runner. Elite Feet has them, and I think Paul does as well, at 4th Ave, Birk.

Al said...

Plus one for Neo Trail. Very nice shoe. Decent grip on snow, if you like a shoe without steel plugs.

If it's cold enough I prefer a warm shoe, especially if I might get wet feet.

Zak said...

Al...I bought a pair if all-black Neo Trail for a work shoe (business setting, but casual) and they are great for winter months. Great shoe.