Winter Trail Running Safety: How to Install Studs on Running Shoes
Trails Project Manager Jeff Hough, an avid runner, shares his tips for staying safe on icy trails.
So, you want to keep your running routine going in winter, but conditions are holding you back.
Get out and stay safe with this simple and cheap DIY hack. Aside from slipping and taking a fall, running without proper traction can put added stress on medial leg muscles, from your groin down to your calves. Don’t let the trail and road surfaces keep you inside. If you also need help choosing the best running shoes for men click here.
*Works on hiking boots too.
Supplies you will need
- A drill
- ¼” hex nut driver
- 3/8” #6 hex head sheet metal screws – slotted hex type
- Running shoes
*Pro-tip – add a drop of gorilla glue on the screw threads before installing them
These screws are available at any hardware store and any drill will work. The ¼” driver acts like a socket and will allow you to easily install the #6 screws.
This works best on trail running shoes with lugged treads (the lugs will also provide additional traction). Every shoe is different and runner is different. So experiment to find what works best for you. Don’t place any in the middle where your main contact weight will fall. I like to have a couple in the back to aid with braking on the descents. They can get knocked out, so inspect your set-up periodically. Especially as we head into spring and snow melt will expose rocks. If you lose one, no biggy just reinstall another. And don’t worry, this won’t hurt your shoes. Don’t like them? Pull them out. When trails are snow free pull them out and keep running.
Have fun, see you on the trails!