Running Snowshoes
Many people enjoy running as a way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors, but when the snow starts falling, most people hang up their running shoes, or else head indoors, where it’s not quite as cold. But even when there’s snow on the ground running is still possible, provided you have a good pair of running snowshoes. Running snowshoes also make excellent hiking snowshoes, provided you’re not venturing off the trail too much.
Running Snowshoes
Features to look for when reviewing running snowshoes.
- Lightweight - Snowshoes are fairly heavy, and when you’re adding them to shoes that you’re already wearing, that can add up to quite a bit of weight on your feet, which can tire you out quickly when running. To help prevent you from getting too tired too fast, try to find running snowshoes that are as lightweight as possible.
- Spring Loaded - One feature that you will find on many running snowshoes is a spring loaded suspension system. This allows you to maintain a more natural stride, which can sometimes be difficult while wearing a pair of snowshoes on your feet.
Best Running Snowshoes
The best of the best when it comes to running snowshoes.
- Atlas Run Snowshoes – A great pair of running snowshoes from Atlas. They’re lightweight, at just 2.7 pounds, or 1.22 kilograms, so you wont feel like your’re plodding along. The Run snowshoes also have a spring loaded suspension system to help you keep a natural stride, and the one pull binding system is a nice touch. The recommended weight load is 75 to 190 pounds.
- Kahtoola Rnr 22 Snowshoes – These are fairly similar to the Atlas Runs, in terms of weight, at 2.8 pounds, or 1.27 kilograms. They also have adjustable width, so if you have big feet, or big boots that you like to run in, that’s a nice feature to have.
- Atlas Snow Race Snowshoes – The lightest snowshoes by far on this list, at 2.08 pounds, or 943 grams, the Atlas Snow Race snowshoes have a lot going for them. They have the same basic design as the Atlas Runs, but with a higher quality and lighter aluminum frame, and titanium instead of aluminum cleats. When it comes to running snowshoes you wont do better than these.
Snowshoes Accessories
You might be interested in a few accessories to go along with your running snowshoes. Snowshoe poles, for instance, can add a bit of stability when you’re running on uneven ground that you cant see, and if you want to travel with your snowshoes, but not have the cleats rip up your other gear, a bag for your snowshoes would be a smart addition.