Cold Weather Huarache Running

that's pretty much my plan for most of winter. I am looking into finding either just some smartwool toe socks or (if I can find such a thing) ninja-toe style wool socks. I've heard good things about Injinji's "outdoor" line, but haven't yet tried them myself. If you continue working with a "normal" sock I'd love to hear how they are working after you've spent some more time in them!

I'll let you know how the ongoing athletic sock experiment goes. I am also looking about for other sock options especially since there is a hint on the Invisible Shoe website about some cold weather product that may be in the works. IN the meantime it will be athletic socks or nude feet until something better cmes along.

Jenn

right on! The big thing I worry about is slush. I am having a hard time believing my huarache/sock combo will fare well in slushy conditions (wet socks freezing my feet doesn't sound great), but I keep thinking my trail gloves didn't really hold any wetness out either, so maybe I'm making a mountain of a molehill

I think what I may do is hunt down a specifically slushy road to run on ealy in the season when it isn't too cold yet, run a short course in the socks and see how they do. then I can decide if I want to try longer distances in them.

I have such a hard time putting anything on my feet while we haven't had snow...

I suspect you are a 'tad' more committed than me. I gave up running in the rain, slush, etc. ages ago. I don't feel that this is due to diminished intensity on my part but rather that I feel the need to make the most of my workout time and as such choose the option that will grant me this. So on rainy days or on days when there is snow / slush on the ground I ususally choose to head indoors for a spin class or a strength training session. This also provides both variety and some muscle confusion with also aids my training efforts.

Still to each their own. If challenging the limits of outdoor running is your thing then have at it. I'll just stand on the sidelines (perhaps in the hot tub at my health club) in amazement and cheer you on...

Jenn



PS - I did a run last night in my 6mm huaraches and found that they did the trick for handling the bits of gravel and debris I am now unable to see. I will be making these my go to huaraches for the remainder of the winter running season.

Hey Jenn,

I would suggest checking out Deacon Patrick's thoughts on boiled wool tabi socks over on Barefoot Ted's forums. They seem to be a really good idea, and can be as cheap as a Goodwill sweater and some thread. If you follow the link below you will find a recent thread on the topic, a link to an older thread and a link to some pics.

http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches/browse_thread/thread/1dc1886095ada173#



Gracia y paz,

A

A:



Thanks... will do...

Jenn

Hi Jenn,

I too run in the huaraches in colder weather, as well as wearing them as much as possible when I need something on my feet. I ran a couple of trail runs, above freezing with them and had fun running right through puddles and muddy spots while my shod friends had to dance around them. My feet were dry within a minute or so after the wet parts of the trail while my friends had to complete the run with wet socks and shoes. Remember that awful feeling?

Last year my wife took a thicker pair of my 100% wool socks (no spandex or other stuff) and sewed a toe socket for just my big toe. i.e. she sewed something like the letter 'U' and cut a slot in the middle. This was to accommodate the string between the first and second toe. I have had many runs with them last winter and already this year as well. As long as the sock stays fairly dry my feet stay warm and comfortable. I ran on a slushy run last year and about 5 miles into a 7.5 mile run, things feel apart rather quickly. I was really concerned about how cold my feel were feeling, but about a half mile or so later I felt okay again. Maybe because I knew I was about finished with the run and would soon be inside.

I have a pair of the Injinji's nu wool toe socks which I wear with my invisible shoes when I want to be less conspicuous, like at Church. I guess they are my formal wear, but compared to the 100% wool socks, my feet get cold and uncomfortable in them. They are too thin. Also I think it is just like wearing mittens instead of gloves as the mittens are always much warmer. Don't you think so?

As far as running with the huaraches, with or without socks, I run much faster than barefooted but that concerns me because my stride is probably not totally the correct barefoot form. Since the vibram numbs the feedback that I would otherwise have running barefoot, I have to concentrate on my form as I am running. I run with a group once a week or so and find it hard to concentrate on my form while talking with others.

I am also concerned about keeping my feet "seasoned" for next spring. I ran barefooted quite a lot on a treadmill last winter, but it just isn't the same as the texture of various pavements outside. I guess I am going to have to do the gravel bucket march also.

I hope your winter season barefootin' allows you to log many miles!

Best Regards,

Perry