A lot of people really enjoy running outside, but give it up once there is snow on the ground. But there’s no reason you have to give up running outside, just because there’s snow on the ground. Running snowshoes are the ideal solution. The best running snowshoes will make it seem like you’re not even wearing snowshoes, except for the part you glide over the surface of the snow, rather than sinking in to it and having to slog through it.
Best Running Snowshoes
What to look at when you're looking for the best running snowshoes.- Weight – You probably wouldn’t wear big, heavy boots to go running, and by the same logic, it would be a bad idea to wear big, heavy snowshoes to go running in. The best running snowshoes are, all other things being equal, the lightweight snowshoes.
- Natural Gait – Snowshoes are big and bulky. Even the small, lightweight ones are rather large. So it helps if the running snowshoes that you get have some sort of construction technique or technology that helps them not interfere with your natural gait, and keeps you running smoothly.
Best Running Snowshoes Reviews
Reviews of a few of the very best running snowshoes.- Atlas Run Snowshoes - First up, a very solid pair of running snowshoes from Atlas. They're not the lightest pair on the market, but they're close, and they don't even use the lighter, higher quality aluminum, which makes them a relatively cheap, lightweight pair of running snowshoes. Specifically, they weigh in at 2 pounds 11 ounces, which is 1.21 kilograms. They carry a maximum of 190 pounds, and more importantly, use Atlas' spring loaded suspension system, which helps you to maintain a good, flowing gait, which is no easy thing when running with snowshoes strapped to your feet.
- Kahtoola Rnr 22 Snowshoes - Another very solid pair of running snowshoes, this time from Kahtoola. They're a combination of aluminum frame and nylon deck, just like the Atlas Runs. What's different about these is they have an elevated front toe, instead of a fancy suspension system to make sure that you don't trip over your own feet. They weigh in at 2 pounds 13 ounces, or 1.27 kilograms, so fairly comparable to the Atlas Runs.
- Atlas Race Snowshoes - The Atlas Race snowshoes are basically the same snowshoe as the Atlas Run snowshoes above, but lighter. At an even 2 pounds, or 907 grams they're the kind of snowshoes that you wont even know you're wearing. They use the same spring loaded suspension system as the Atlas Runs, but use a higher quality aluminum and deck material, which is a big part of what helps to bring the weight down. The superior materials do cost a significant amount more, however. The best running snowshoes are never going to be the cheapest running snowshoes.