Improving Traction When Running in Snow
Traction can be difficult when snow and ice hits. Over the years I have used these three methods to help with traction when running and walking in winter.
Metal Screws
Recently, I put metal screws on a pair of Mizuno Precision road shoes. As the reader can see in the picture above, screws are situated in the outside heel and then, as the foot rolls toward the big toe, screws are placed there to help support the toe off.
The metal screws shown in this picture cost less than $4. I recommend size 10 X 3/8” metal screws which can be put on with a hexagonal head screwdriver (you will need a 5/16” hexagonal head screwdriver to be exact). As I have just started using this method this season, I will provide an update on how well this method does in snow and ice later. These screws are solidly attached into the shoe, so as these shoes are past their peak, I am keeping them in after winter is over.
Quick Update: Metal Screws seem to work well when running on snow- and ice-covered paths like shown in the picture below.
Studded Trail Shoes
Studded trail shoes, like the Saucony Peregrine pictured above, provide good traction when snowing or shortly after a snowfall. Yet, when conditions involve hard-packed ice or black ice, I find these studs cannot break into the ice and tend not to wear then in these conditions.
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| After a skiff of snow the night before, I wore trail running shoes for the November 30th Riverside Parkrun. Fortunately, the course was not icy, making for great traction in this type of shoe. |
Traction Aids
Running stores carry traction aids in a variety of styles and pricing options. Traction aids are placed over the shoe for added grip on snow and ice. I find the rubber in the aid helps grip snow and, the metal helps dig into ice for traction.
Summary
Depending on conditions, the three methods mentioned above can improve traction when running or walking in the snow and ice of winter. To match with conditions, I am currently using these traction methods as follows: metal screws in compact snow and ice conditions, studded trail shoes when snowing or recent snowfall, and traction aids when I am not certain what conditions will actually be (e.g., temperature fluctuating above and below freezing point).
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Thank you for reading! For more articles on winter cardio, check out the Training & Racing and Cross-training sections of EOOC TABLE OF CONTENTS.
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Experiment of One Coaching covers topics ranging from running, strength training, health & wellness, sports nutrition to travel. I usually post once or twice a month.
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