Footwear for Winter Mountain Running

In winter knowing what to wear on your feet for mountain runs is tricky.

^{Out on the Cuillin with snow running shoes, thin merino sock & KTS hiking crampons.}

There are a few questions to consider:

How cold is it?
What’s the freeze level?
How much snow is about?
What’s the terrain going to be like?
How long are you planning on being out?
Are you likely to have to cross a river?
Do you suffer from cold toes easily?
Do you go out in the cold regularly?
What can you afford?
What kind of extra grip are you planning on?

The answers to these questions will change the optimum sock and shoe choice. However here are a few of the systems I use:

Snow running shoe (built in super gaiter) and thin merino sock
Waterproof trail shoe with mountaineering merino sock
Fell shoe with a thin merino sock and neoprene sock
Fell shoe with a mountaineering merino sock.
Mountain boot

For winter running shoes I usually go half a size up to accommodate thicker socks.

My favourite combo is a fell shoe with a mountaineering merino sock. It’s the cheapest combination and breathes the best, meaning my feet don’t stick for days after a run, it’s also the most comfortable and closest to a normal summer run. However this combo is the least forgiving, route and conditions need to be optimal. Think dry snow on a sunny day.

^{Out playing on Little Wyvis wearing some fell shoes & a mountaineering merino sock. Dreamy}.

I find neoprene socks really effective, my feet stay warm and I don’t worry about getting my feet wet.

I find waterproof socks less comfortable, don’t last as long as keep sweat in.

In terms of shoes, obviously deeper lugs are going to work better in mud and snow.

Running shoes with built in gaiters are starting to become more common. The gaiter will stop snow entering the shoe from the top, help keep your feet dry and reduce heat loss.

There are now a fair few options to choose from, here are a few of the popular ones to aid your search:

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G
QUECHUA SH900 PRO MOUNTAIN
Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE
Terrex Agravic Tech Pro
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero

But if you get your sock combination right it’s totally possible to use a fell or hill running shoe with a good tread for winter running. (Trail shoes might be pushing it though).