Discussion: Winter running shoes

I’m looking for a winter running shoe. I commute in all kinds of slush and ice.

I’ve worn out a pair of Salomon snowcross (great shoe but too narrow) and a pair of LaSportiva Crossover GTX with hobnails (hard to find, need to special order). Both had studs and integrated gaiter.

I can try and get another pair of LaSportivas, but the sizing was a bit dicey and they were expensive.

I have a pair of Saucony Razors. The fit and gaiter are fine, but the tread isn’t up to sloppy conditions and there are no studs. They’re great for roads, packed trails and snowshoes.

2 other thoughts-
- Altra makes a Lone Peak Neoshell Mid with a high top.
The width would be good for me, but high top may not be as good as an integrated gaiter. Zero rise may not be ideal for winter.

- Innov8 makes a Roclite 325 gtx high top. Again no gaiter.

Both have good deep lugs. I’d have to add studs, screws or hobnails to either of these shoes for ice.

Anybody try either of these, or have another suggestion?

I just bought the Innov-8 ArcticClaw 300 in preparation for winter. They come with studs integrated into the shoe so no need for a construction project. While they don't have gaiters attached, you can buy a gaiter from Innov-8 that's specially designed to clip onto attachment points on the Arctic Claw (and other Innov-8 shoes). See links below

I love the fit of Innov-8s (not as narrow as LaSportivas or Salomons) and ran through last winter with the X-Claw Chill and had very happy feet.

https://www.inov-8.com/us/trail-running/best-shoes...

https://www.inov-8.com/us/trail-running/accessorie...

Thanks, these look good.
I love the integrated gaiter/boot idea as you just put them on like ski boots and go, but it does limit the model you can use.

I've had many types of gaiters in the past that either balled up with snow underfoot, broke the strap, or slid up and let slush slosh in. These look like they might do the job.

Anyone try the Salomon Speedspike yet? I
It looks a bit wider than the old Snowcross. I know it'll need some sort of gaiter setup.

I ended up pulling the trigger on a pair of La Sportiva Uraganos in a half size larger than my Crossovers. I’ll install the spikes too. Will report back- hopefully I got the size right.

How abour Icebugs? They don't look as narrow as Salomons.

The Salomon SPEED SPIKE is a variant of the SPEEDTRAK. It has a low profile bottom unit with carbide-tipped spikes co-molded into the outsole. However, as you point out, they'd require a proper gaiter added for extra snow protection. They should ride better in the snow than its predecessor (the SPIKECROSS 3 CS)...at least that was the intent!

For snow and especially ice it's tough to beat Hoka's wide platform, just add screws.

Icebugs, at least my pair (Anima 2), have a very generous fit. Too sloppy for my skinny feet.

I got the Uraganos. Buying an 11 worked out- there’s room for a fairly thick sock. (I wear a 10 in a wider shoe). Great traction, upper neoprene collar should work well in slush and deep snow, will install hobnails. Closest I’ll get to a running “boot”.

I hadn’t thought of using Hokas. Do they make a waterproof one with a built-in gaiter?

I have worn out a few pairs of icebugs, but they don’t make the “boot” waterproof version any more.

Where’s the winter Speedspike, Salomon? Sounds like a good lower.

Where did you get your La Sportiva Uraganos from?

It will be interesting to hear how you like the Uraganos stretch scree guard gaiter compared to the more integrated ski boot style gaiter of your previous snowcross and crossover.

I got mine online from http://lecoureurnordique.ca
They have all kinds of cool stuff that’s hard to find in Ontario, like skijoring kits too.
Fast shipping.

Jack Cook out West actually had a better price but took too long to get back to me. If you want I can look up his store.

Not sure about the stretch gaiter yet as we only have a dusting of snow, but so far it seems fine.

Bent, I'm a big fan of the Saucony Xodus GTX version and ran last winter on snow trails with not problem.

Pair them with gortex gaiters and happy days!! :)
Dry, warm feet and calves.

I'd no experience on ice but would have fitted Yaktrax or similar if I needed to.

Comment from my log:
Ran to work and back today in the La Sportivas with the spikes installed. Snow over the ankles, slush and some ice with a bit of freezing rain. Lots of traction, and my socks were bone dry when I arrived. No fussing with gaiters and snow chains, just lace-up-and-go.

This is what I was after.

Sounds great.
I ran a snowy trail in La Sportiva Ultra Raptors with the addition of gaiters as well as with and without attaching those add-on traction devices. There is definitely more involved when using a non specific winter running shoe.