Working out is like brushing teeth for me. I don’t even think about it. I get up and just do it. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a glorious experience. Being pregnant and working with a toddler not yet in daycare while New York City winter is raging makes it, in fact, anything but glorious when my alarm rings at 4:30AM. What keeps me going through it all is the guaranteed high at the end. Come winter, however, having the proper footwear is imperative.
It doesn’t matter if I’m going for an outdoor run or just walking to an indoor workout, keeping my feet comfortable, safe and protected from the weather is imperative.
It all starts with an insole. CURREX makes a full line of activity-specific insoles, including RunPro for running shoes, BikePro for cycling shoes, EdgePro for ski/snowboarding boots, etc. These are game changing – especially if you have a high arch, flat foot etc. (they have insoles organized by activity, footwear and motion) and a very high level of customization (different last, height and rigidity to respect users’ foot-type, impact forces (weight) and gait). They’ll keep you supported this winter and beyond.
As for shoes themselves, it’s impossible to beat the all-around “cloud-like” comfort of On. For inclement weather they have the Cloudrunner Waterproof. Whether you’re just running (or walking) to the gym or outside on the pavement or even a trail, these feel light and breathable despite keeping feet warm and cozy. They also work well for cross-training even though they were designed with running in mind. They have a number of other waterproof styles as well.
If you speak to people who work at sneaker shops that specialize in performance/running, they’ll often single out Brooks as their go-to. This is especially true for anyone with knee or joint injuries looking for smooth landings and protection. Ghost 14 GTX is a popular style that also happens to be waterproof.
For outdoor hikes when it might get wet and muddy, checkout Hoka’s Anacapa Mid GTX Waterproof. What’s unique about this model is that it looks like a boot, but it feels like a lightweight shoe when you slip it on.
