Salomon Snowcross CS
Unisex: 366 g (12.7 oz.)
Drop ratio: 11 mm
$220
The Snowcross is a winter-proof beast. The fully waterproof outer
membrane, Climashield mesh in the forefoot and zip-up gaiter
means you can run through a big puddle of slush without a worry.
Under the gaiter is a quick lace system for one-pull tightening.
Underfoot, the nine carbide-tipped lugs will cut into ice and hard-
packed snow, but it will limit them to strictly intense conditions.
The moluded eva mid- and outsole is firm and on the stiff side,
but springy for pushing hard through tough weather.
The improved toe cap from the first version rounds out
perhaps the most aggressive shoe we’ve taken out in a Canadian
winter.Reebok One Cushion 3.0 Nite
Men’s 280 g (9.8 oz.); Women’s 218 g (7.7 oz.)
Drop ratio: 11 mm
$140 (Available styles will differ in colour)
The One Cushion 3.0 concept is a three-part midsole, where
each section has a slightly different density to the eva foam.
Obviously, the heel gets the most protection, so the One
Cushion 3.0 is a safe bet for heel-strikers. This “Nite” version
is designed to be highly visible. Reebok added 3m ref lectivity
throughout the upper for a safer run during those dark winter
months. The upper of this shoe is quite comfy and chafe-resis-
tent, which is ideal for poor, wet conditions. And for a more
road-dedicated shoe, the deep grooves to the outsole lugs were
surprisingly effective, and should power you through slippery
snow on a sidewalk.New Balance Vazee Pace V2 Protect
Men’s: 271 g (9.6 oz.); Women’s 231 g (8.1 oz.)
Drop ratio: 6 mm
$140
The Vazee Pace has been a hit for New Balance. It’s a versatile
neutral trainer that’s light enough for faster running as well.
Version two saw some nice tweaks to the design and this
winterized version will be appealing to those who train on the
roads after dark in winter. The shoe is designed for nighttime
running, adding ref lective and glow-in-the-dark detailing,
including a big chunk of the outsole, so that cars will see your
feet even from behind. dwr (the same coating that keeps most
jackets waterproof ) has been applied to the upper to keep your
feet dry. The tread is the same as the all-season model, so it’ ll
appeal to road runners who don’t have to battle too much snow
on the roads.Brooks Ghost 9 GTX
Men’s 320 g (11.3 oz.); Women’s 283 g (10 oz.)
Drop ratio: 12 mm
$170
The Ghost was a hit with our testers from the onset. It’s one of
those shoes that just feels right from the moment you put it on.
It’s BioMoGo midsole cushioning technology provides a soft
landing, and the blown rubber outsole design is f lexible but firm,
so your feet don’t move around too much. It’s also a warrior of a
shoe, capable of logging hundreds of Ks. The winterized version
has a Gore-Tex upper, so it can withstand the elements during
a Canadian winter. Apart from the upper, it’s identical to the
non-waterproof Ghost 9, so it will handle in the same manner
on slippery, frozen roads. A solid winter trainer.–CR58 Canadian Running November & December 2016, Volume 9, Issue 7
gear
winter shoes