Comments on: Running in Winter: How to Keep Hands and Feet Warm When It’s Cold

By: David @ Cyclide

David @ Cyclide — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:07:02 +0000

That is a real interesting read. Thanks Peter!

I think more people should invest in a good pair of gloves and socks. Running in cold weather is really challenging but also really fun when you have the right gear. It is a lot easier to run long distance when you feel comfortable!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 14:48:54 +0000

In reply to Alexander Harrason. Thanks Alexander!

By: DS

DS — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:25:23 +0000

The thought of cold hands and feet kept me indoors for the first half of my first winter as a runner. 53 years of bad diet and bad habits, frostbitten toes as a child and something called Raynauds would make my feet and hands go numb at temperatures below fifty degrees. Now for the good news. Warm feet, simple. Merino wool, my favorite brand is Icebreaker. Never heard of this company until my wife came home with a pair in hopes of getting me out of the house and on the frosty streets. It worked! I have other Merino wool socks, but these never fail to keep the feet toasty where others do, even in wet conditions. Because of years of nursing numb fingers, it was obvious that mittens would be a necessity. The search for mittens that were warm, don’t cook your hands like ski gloves, would stand up to multiple washings and were cost effective (I mean cheap) took me to all corners of the brick and mortar retail world. I finally found a bin of $ 12 fleece mittens at an LL Bean Outlet store. Large didn’t seem large enough so I chose two pair of XL, which were actually too big, but I took them anyway. Although the giant gloves made me look like a child wearing dad’s gloves, I reveled in their soft warmth. As the temps plummeted, I soon discovered that the mittens would not do the job alone and fortunately found that I could wear full fledged running gloves inside. I now have warm hands at any temperature. Also, these mittens do not get very wet with the gloves worn inside and can be hung to dry, rather than be subjected to regular cleaning.

By: dagfinn

dagfinn — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:58:34 +0000

Down to -5 ºC, I normally wear the same kinda shoe I’d wear for any other temperature range (something minimal, grippy if necessary). If it gets real cold, I tend to dig out something with some kind of midsole (typically my trusty Inov-8 Trailroc 235s). If it gets extreme, I wear wool socks and duct tape over the toe box. Keep it simple.

By: Alexander Harrason

Alexander Harrason — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:58:28 +0000

Smartwool running socks and all Smartwool running products really are great for winter running in ICELAND! ;)

Loved your book btw Peter!

By: Gary Forrest

Gary Forrest — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 18:35:16 +0000

In reply to Mike Graber. I love my Smartwool socks, for me they help to keep my wet feet warm. A trick I learned from some runners is when it is wet outside the water flicks off of the tip of your shoe and then your foot is pulled into it. They taught me to put a strip of duct tape on the top of my shoe (by the toes), it does an okay job keeping most of the water out.

By: Mike Westermeier

Mike Westermeier — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 04:43:58 +0000

Mittens work but I found wearing cheap cotton gloves inside the mittens keep my hands warm down to -20F although occasionally my thumbs get cold. Never have had issues with my feet unless I am running in snow.

Keep the articles coming.

By: Yuri in a Hurry

Yuri in a Hurry — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 21:25:45 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson. My favourite socks came from Target as well, although they don't seem to carry them anymore :-( I'll have to try another style. The price point is definitely right!

By: Tad Kardis

Tad Kardis — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 19:49:21 +0000

Recently I found myself about to start a trail race in the 20s without anything to cover my right hand. I smeared Alba Un-Petroleum jelly all over it and it really did the trick! It’s also good for pre-coating your feet for 1) warmth in the cold, esp. if you’re going to get your feet wet, and 2) reduced friction in all conditions, but esp. when it’s hot and your feet are getting sweaty.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:52:37 +0000

I prefer mittens too and have some generic REI ones that are great for really cold. I need something thinner though for when its 20-ish degrees. I end up taking the mittens off…putting them on…taking them off. That’s annoying.

My favorite socks so far for the cold are the FITS brand ones. I have used my normal running socks too, but don’t have any tall enough to not have cold ankles.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 02:59:14 +0000

In reply to Zach. I'm not really ashamed, just joking really since I get all this gear to review and my favorite socks come from Target :) I actually buy most of my tech shirts from Target as well. Not as big a fan of their shorts though.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 02:49:34 +0000

In reply to Mike Graber. Could try a goretex shoe if just puddles that don't go above ankle height. But once you fill a GTX shoe tough to drain. Or get something that drains really well and doesn't retain cold water.