Running snowshoes . . .

[NMG]

Hi everyone,

Have any of you tried running snowshoes? If so, how do you find them? Are they large enough that they require a different stride than with normal running? Do you enjoy it? Is it hard to transition from normal running to snowshoe running? I'd like to try some runs on some trails this winter but I think I'd just fall on through the regular trails. I could probably get away with some traction devices on packed trails, but it's probably not ideal.

Just looking for any feedback you may have. Thanks!

[ultraslacker]

running snowshoes are designed to be narrower than regular snowshoes so that you can have a more natural stride, but they are still definitely wider than regular shoes, so you still have to adjust!

I just have regular trail snowshoes, not running ones. But I can run (slowly) in them, mainly downhill.

[carm]

I have running snowshoes and I've used them once so far. I'm not a huge fan of them to be honest but I'll give it another try next week. I prefer trail running and snowshoe hiking. There is definitely a change in stride since my left calf got a little strained with some hill ascents. It's fine now but it felt funny for a day or so. I had to roll it out like crazy on my foam roller.

[NMG]

Cool, thanks for the feedback! I also prefer trail running so I thought that maybe it would be a way to keep on the trails in the winter. I do have regular snowshoes but they are far too large to run in with any degree of control. They would be great for hiking though so maybe I'll just stick with that until Spring when I can get back on the trails with my shoes

[Sustain26]

terrific info here -

http://www.irunfar.com/2008/11/snowshoe-running-fun-or-flop.html

and

http://runningmagazine.ca/2010/12/sections/gear/shoes/gear-review-lighter-flashier-grippier-the-seasons-best-new-running-snowshoe-and-traction-devices/

[MrBond]

I have running snowshoes and I've used them once so far. I'm not a huge fan of them to be honest but I'll give it another try next week. I prefer trail running and snowshoe hiking. There is definitely a change in stride since my left calf got a little strained with some hill ascents. It's fine now but it felt funny for a day or so. I had to roll it out like crazy on my foam roller.

What Carm said - the stride is definitely different.
Hiking, rather than running, seems a better approach (IMHO)...