Gear

GEAR REVIEW: Wet-Weather Running Shoes

October 7, 2009
By Gus Alexandropolous

The arrival of the winter season means Canadian runners will have to endure at least a few months of wet and cold conditions. Suddenly the breezy and well-ventilated summer shoes that were so comfortable during the warmer months are looking a little less appealing. Rather than suffer another season running with cold, wet feet, consider using one of the new waterproof or weather-resistant shoes on the market. With warm, dry feet, training during the winter will no longer seem so intimidating.

Here are some tips to help you choose a waterproof or weather-resistant shoe:

Waterproof vs. Weather-Resistant

Initially, waterproof running shoes seem like a great idea. Who doesn’t want to keep their feet dry from outside moisture while allowing perspiration to escape? Unfortunately, during high-intensity training, fully waterproof shoes may not breathe enough, causing the feet to become damp from sweat. This might be a worthwhile trade-off for runners spending time in exceptionally wet or slushy conditions.

Weather-resistant shoes use densely knit or water-resistant fabrics to repel moisture, but do not offer the same level of protection as fully waterproof footwear. They do, however, provide greater breathability and are a good choice for less soggy situations.

Ultimately, runners must choose a shoe with a level of protection they feel is right for the majority of their running, while remembering that either option has advantages and limitations.

Outsoles

Many of the shoes in this review are equipped with aggressive outsoles for extra traction in wet, snowy or muddy conditions. While the added bite is useful for messy and slippery trails, they may be overkill on wet pavement. Choose an outsole that’s appropriate for the running surface.

Stability

Most of the waterproof or weather-resistant trail running shoes offer a small medial article for stability, as all runners tend to pronate more on uneven, off-road terrain. This feature can also be useful when running on uneven, snow-covered, paved surfaces, but if the road conditions are simply wet, there’s no need for extra medial support.