Hi Sammyyy , I agree with Instructor57 that layers are the way to go. I run trails as much as possible and personally having wet feet doesn't bother me, so I've never bothered either with waterproof shoes or waterproof socks.
However, I strongly recommend proper running socks and clothing in so-called technical wicking fabrics, not cotton, which just gets wet, soggy, cold and horrid. You don't have to spend a fortune either, unless of course you want to!
Hi Sammyy,Until recently I wore Gore-Tex trail shoes, and loved them...until they started to leak! I've gone with non waterproof this time as I found it too much hassle finding new Gore-Tex trainers. I do hate wet feet though, so think I might invest in some waterproof socks when the weather gets cold.
Clothes-wise: long running tights ( I even have thermal ones for really cold weather), T shirt ( or long sleeved when really cold), plus light windproof layer for middling temperatures, then warmer windproof top for winter. I find that wind chill is the most significant factor in feeling cold. I usually end up getting hot and peeling the layers off pretty soon, but hate starting cold!
I'm a fan of merino Ts - warm, and minimal pongs 😁 (Decathlon/Mountain Warehouse do reasonably priced merino tops).
Plus light gloves and a buff folded as a headband to keep my ears warm.
I won't wear a raincoat unless it is very, very cold - far too sweaty 🥵
I bought some winter running gear in LIDL a few years ago which is still going strong. Also picked up a couple of bits and bobs from karrimor in Sports Direct. Decathlon is also good. Spend your hard earned money on good running shoes and running socks. After that pick up some bits for a bargain. In winter I wear a base layer and running T-shirt, if it’s very cold an extra layer running top. If it’s very very cold and windy I wear a light wind proof jacket. After that a buff, hat and gloves. I wear shorts all year round.
Usually after 1-2 kilometres your warmed up again anyway.
My feet rarely get wet as I run on paths most of the time. When they do get wet, it is because it is absolutely bucketing down and the rest of me is saturated too.
Waterproof shoes are not recommended to run in. As said before me, they don't let water out and can cause problems for your feet. But you can get waterproof socks, I have a pair of Sealskinz for example. Nice and warm and they keep them feets dry.
If your shoes get wet by the way, do NOT put them besides a heater or so and do NOT put them in the washer / dryer. You will kill them that way. Just put some newspaper in them and let them dry out in the house.
As for winter clothing, I bought myself a pair of winter tights from Decathlon, which have a very thin layer of fleece on the inside. They keep me nice and warm with freezing temperatures. Can be a little chilly when you just get out, but once you're warmed up and running, they are perfect.
As for the top, I wear (also from Decathlon) a winter running shirt with long sleeves and also a thin layer of fleece inside. If it's really cold, I add a body warmer over it all.
And not to forget: a hat and gloves. I prefer gloves where I can pull of the finger part, as my hands can get warm during a run and then I can let my fingers air a bit.
Your feet are going to get wet. You'll just need to get used to it (and the cycle of drying your shoes afterwards). As others have said the trick is to use layers for clothing. Gloves can be handy when its really cold. You can try a hat but everyone is different - for some their head gets too warm, for others it is useful keeping rain out of your eyes.
The main thing is to watch out for getting cold after you stop running. If it is cold outside and you are wet and your run finishes you'll get very cold quickly so time things correctly so you are not standing still (or walking slowly) whist wet.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.