Snowshoe Running / Running Snowshoes (Read 132 times)

Out here, most of people who know what they're doing  seem to wear Dion snowshoes. And yeah regular running shoes, no gaiters.

I use Dion's now, but started with Northern Lites. Dions are slightly more narrow making them better on single track on side slopes. (My old wooden modified bearpaws could never handle what the newer 'shoes can handle as far as sideslopes and traction since they didn't have cleats.)

I use regular running shoes, but will use neoprene overbooties when it's below 0F or if there's fresh, wet snow when it's warmer.

Running snowshoes are the most fun when there's a few inches of snow on top packed snow. Less than that, and it's easier to just run. The base is needed to dig cleats into for traction - or at least it's easier that way. I may use snowshoes to pack a base, then do regular runs without them. Also, each pass you make on a trail makes it firmer, so your run changes as you progress.

Have fun!

PS: something to consider is if you'll be in icy conditions, then get sturdy cleats. Some of the titanium ones on some snowshoes used to break during races where all we had was snow that was almost ice. (I think mine have had aluminum regular ones, then stainless steel for icier conditions.) And, yea, when it's gets icy, you may not need snowshoes.

BTW, Bob Dion is a runner himself and frequently has his 'shoes at races in Western Mass area, iirc. When Nationals were up here, he told me who to look for to see what his 'shoes looked like. The guys were really accommodating in showing me the various models they had.

Yea, if you've got trails nearby, they're great. Some of our mountain trails are heavily used single track, so don't usually use ss there. Some ski trails may be multi-use and can get on those, esp. right after a snow. (check local rules since sometimes ski trails are ski only, and skiers tend to be really protective) We don't have consistent enough snow where I am for races anymore, but Fairbanks still has some.

This is from US Nationals at Kincaid Park in Anchorage in 2005 - one of those embarrassing years with no snow - until just before nationals. None of our qualifying races were able to be held so they gave automatic qualification to all Alaskans (I did the citizen race, not the actual championship). Otherwise it would have been a pretty small race. (travel was expensive for many from outside) But that gives you an idea what snowshoe running can be like. Enjoy!

I ran snowshoe for the first time last winter and mangled a pair of Tubbs.  After that I narrowed it down to Dion or Atlas.  I liked the interchangeability of parts that Dion provides, but I didn't like any of the binding systems he offered.  I went with the Atlas, purchased on sale at the end of the season, because Backcountry.com could give me a satisfaction guarantee.  I have not tried them yet, still waiting for enough snow.

i'm a new england girl; and every winter (yes, i run year 'round outside), i get all panic-y trying to figure out how to run, what roads are safe AND plowed, etc etc.........  whenever i see these snowshoe posts, i think i should give it a go.  can you run on poorly plowed roads in snowshoes?  thanks!

I run on a seasonal road, which means it gets no maintenance from Dec to Apr.  People drive trucks or snowmobiles on it though, and that works for snow shoe running.

The other roads in my area are plowed, but not down to the surface.  The footing would be dicey for plain running shoes, but there is absolutely not enough cushion of snow for a snowshoe run.  You would break the teeth, in fact I am pretty sure that running without enough snow is what spanked my last pair.  You don't want the cleats on them to be scraping the ground if they go down through the snow all the way.

I find traction control devices like Stabilicers to be the best way to bridge the gap for conditions that are too slippery for plain shoes but not enough snow for snowshoes.  A cheap home brew alternative is to put hex head screws in your shoes, but it makes me cringe to think of putting holes in $100 shoes.

When running on roads, I usually just use my trail shoes or strap-on studs. I've got Stabilcers - both Lites and Sports - but don't use them much anymore. I tend to go from studs (pointy, most pounds/sq in) to Kahtoola microspikes (bit of paddle) then snowshoes when flotation is needed. Most of the ultra runners around here resist putting on the snowshoes unless really needed, just because by the time they have the winter ultras most trails have some base. When the base gets covered with the last snowstorm is when the snowshoes come out.

Snowshoe running can be fun, but it's also a really good workout.

Oh, and it's not cross training. It's the way you run when there's a bunch of snow.

I ended up ordering a pair of the Atlas Run ones I linked to in the OP.  I like the idea of Dions, but they'd be a bit more $$…and since I'm not really planning to race (mostly because we don't have a ton of snowshoe races nearby.  If I go 3 hours north there are bunch) and don't even know if I'll end up loving them, the Atlas ones seemed like the best choice.  Plus they get pretty universally glowing reviews and were 20% off in a lot of places…at least where they're not already sold-out for the season.

Now that I've ordered them the temps have been above freezing and the snow is nearly gone. Having surgery in a few days and will be benched for 2-3 weeks, at least, so I'm gonna shove 'em under the tree until the 25th.