I'm in the Chicago area, and I prefer winter running to summer running. I have a "winterized" running shoe that I wear when there are snow/ice remnants on the ground. I don't remember off the top of my head which brand it is, but there are a good number of running shoes available that are designed with more traction for winter running. I have Yak Trax too, but really don't like running in them, so I adjust by shortening my stride and trying to run on the snow itself when I know there are patches of ice around. I agree with what others said about wearing layers and dressing for warmer temps so that you don't overheat.

I hate running in the cold. I’m the one you see who is overdressed or who wimps out and doesn’t go at all.

Sometimes you can't avoid icy patches - I just take smaller, lighter steps when it's icy or snowy and have never slipped wearing regular running shoes.

I wear regular shoes and socks, lined running tights (Athleta Rainier), a tank top, and a running jacket (Lululemon Another Mile), a baseball hat, fleece headband, light gloves. The headband and gloves come off pretty quickly.

Anonymous wrote:To all the runners - How do you recommend dressing for cold weather running in a place like Rochester, NY? Asking for a “friend”

Also are special sneakers needed given snow/ice that is bound to be present even on cleared sidewalks?

Thanks.

Layers! I trained for a half marathon during the winter of snowmaggedon. Freezing and snowy. I work fleece leggings, base layer, gloves, hat that covered my ears and/or one of those full head things that you can pull up and over or leave around the neck, and a running vest. After a few miles, I was peeling stuff off. This only holds, however, if there is no big, cold winds blowing. It's a bit harder to keep cold in those conditions.

I only ever wore running shoes but a friend wears something called Yax tracks or something like that. . . . they fit on the shoes and help with ice/snow. GL.

Nothing special about Rochester vs DC. It’s maybe 5-10 degrees cooler on average. Tights, long sleeve tech shirt, maybe a running windbreaker. Hat and gloves if needed. Re snow, it’ll be tough right after a storm, but fine after it’s cleared. Stay on residential streets. Maybe best advise is wear bright colors, reflective vest, and use a head and taillight even if it’s a little dark. Of course, same goes around here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:40 degrees= shorts, mittens, tshirt, long sleeve tshirt and/or arm warmers
30 degrees= swap shorts for leggings, add ear warmers
20 degrees= add gator and additional top layer
10 degrees= add additional bottom layer

If it’s icy out, I wear crampons on the bottom of my sneakers

You are crazy

Please do not run on ice. Not worth the risk.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dress for 15 degrees warmer than actual temp.

This. You will overheat. I run with leggings, long sleeve shirt, vest, headband, running gloves. I’m cold for the first few minutes, then fine. No special shoes, just choose a good route.

This is what I do. I run when it's in the 20s, but rarely if it's in the teens. I do belong to a gym, and I'll go there if it's in the teens, or very windy or icy.

I have a pair of Yak Trax, but I don't really like them. I'm a big chicken with ice ... I've been injured too many times. So, cold, I can do, but ice, I avoid.

Anonymous wrote:PP here that went for a run in 15 degrees. A couple things I thought about: if it’s really icy, don’t run, but if there are just small patches it’s fine. Just shorten your stride when you get to an area with patches. Its fun to run in snow, but you also need to shorten your stride as thin layers of snow can be slick. If it’s dark, wear a headlamp so you can see icy patches. And have fun! I love running in the cold- I think it’s invigorating.

I like running in the cold too but 25 degrees is my minimum. Below that the enjoyment is minimal for me and not worth the hassle of having to put on multiple layers, hand warmers, etc. I'd rather just do something else that day.

PP here that went for a run in 15 degrees. A couple things I thought about: if it’s really icy, don’t run, but if there are just small patches it’s fine. Just shorten your stride when you get to an area with patches. Its fun to run in snow, but you also need to shorten your stride as thin layers of snow can be slick. If it’s dark, wear a headlamp so you can see icy patches. And have fun! I love running in the cold- I think it’s invigorating.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:40 degrees= shorts, mittens, tshirt, long sleeve tshirt and/or arm warmers
30 degrees= swap shorts for leggings, add ear warmers
20 degrees= add gator and additional top layer
10 degrees= add additional bottom layer

If it’s icy out, I wear crampons on the bottom of my sneakers

You are crazy

Please do not run on ice. Not worth the risk.

It’s 15 degrees where I am now- I’m about to head out in fleece lined leggings, a sports bra, and a light down running jacket with a headband and running mittens. I think I may get too hot with the jacket but just a long sleeved shirt seemed too cold. Layers are key (except I’m not doing that bc I think I’ll be too hot).

This depends entirely on the person. In 55 degrees, I'll run in shorts, a tank top, and cheapo gloves that come off after 5-10 minutes. I see people running in full length leggings, earmuffs, and a jacket.

Shoes - fresh snow is actually great for your joints and provides great traction.

Ice - get clampons. Spiky things that attach to your regular shoes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dress for 15 degrees warmer than actual temp.

I plan on 20 degrees warmer. So today it was 50 out and I felt perfect in a short sleeve and pants. But YMMV. I may bring light running gloves and a light headband and take them off.

https://www.rei.com/product/194881/rei-co-op-merino-wool-liner-gloves-20?color=ASPHALT
https://www.rei.com/product/177306/buff-dryflx-headband?color=LIGHT%20GREY

You can also check out dressmyrun.com but I find they say shorts when I prefer pants and maybe a long sleeve shirt. If it says a jacket, then it's too cold for me!

I dress for 30F warmer! Lol. If I don’t feel cold when I start out, I’m overdressed. It depends on how long the run is, too, of course.