If you’re the kind of person that just cant bring themselves to go running on a treadmill, but you also live somewhere that experiences more than a token amount of snow, then what you need is snowshoes for running. There are snowshoes designed with runners in mind, that are small and light enough that it wont feel like you’re wearing something big and bulky on your feet. And of course they will also do the job of keeping you floating on top of the snow.
Snowshoes for Running
Features you want to see on snowshoes for running.- Weight – When it comes to running in a pair of snowshoes the last thing you want is something big and bulky strapped to your feet. Heavy snowshoes will sap your energy, and bulky snowshoes will make it difficult to maintain a proper gait.
- Maximum Weight – Another important thing to look for when shopping for snowshoes for running is the maximum recommended weight of the snowshoes. Running snowshoes tend to be smaller, which means they also wont take as much weight. So make sure that you’re within the recommended maximum weight.
Best Snowshoes for Running
A few of the best snowshoes for running.- Atlas Race Snowshoes - If you're looking for the best, these are them. At just 2 pounds, or 907 grams, the lightest snowshoes on this list. They get there by using a superior aluminum for the frame, and a Nytex for the deck. They have just toe and heel crampons, and Atlas' spring loaded suspension system, which helps the snowshoes to not interfere with your natural gait when running. They will take a maximum load of 190 pounds. A really fantastic pair of snowshoes for running.
- Kahtoola Rnr 22 Snowshoes - Another pair of fairly simple running snowshoes, this time from Kahtoola. They're a combination of aluminum frame and nylon deck, and are small, with an elevated front to make sure you don't trip over your own feet while running. At 2 pounds 13 ounces, or 1.27 kilograms they're lighter than most other snowshoes, but still significantly heavier than the Atlas Races.
- Atlas Run Snowshoes - These are a heavier, but cheaper version of the Atlas Race snowshoes above. They have the same basic design, with toe and heel crampons, aluminum frame and nylon deck, but the aluminum is a lower quality, which saves money but adds weight. But at 2 pounds 11 ounces, or 1.21 kilograms they're still lighter than the Kahtoola snowshoes above, and have a few features, like Atlas' spring loaded suspension system, that runners will definitely appreciate. So a good choice of running snowshoe for the budget conscious.
