These DIY studded running shoes are perfect for running in the snow, on the ice, or on the trails. They’re super easy to do at home!
It seems we’ve been on the brink of winter for the last week or so. Cold, windy — no snow. But alas, I woke up Tuesday morning to several inches on the ground. And had drivers been better prepared, I would have run outside. But since it was the first snow and all, I opted to play it safe until drivers get a little more comfortable on the road. Instead, I did what many other runners do when the snow falls and temperatures (or safety) keeps them indoors: I winterized my shoes!
Winter running is a lot of fun. It’s beautiful and full of adventure! But you have to be safe, right? Snow, ice, windchills — these are all things that could have negative consequences if not prepared for properly. For me, ice is what keeps me indoors when I’d rather be out. Today I’m going to show you how to easily transform your every day running shoes into ice-stopping, snow-plowing, trail-safe winter running shoes. All you’ll need is a pair of old running shoes, a Sharpie or black marker, some hex head sheet metal screws, and a hex screw driver.
Helpful tip: When I studded my own shoes, I chose a pair of older road shoes that I knew still had some life in them. They’re well past their prime and the treads aren’t what they used to be, but they’re great shoes and I’m happy to have breathed some new life into them.
Do-It-Yourself Studded Running Shoes
for Snow, Ice, and Trails
First things first — gather your supplies.
What You’ll Need:
1. Old shoes.
You can use any shoes you want for this project, but chances are if they’re newer and you still wear them for road running, you probably won’t want to be poking holes in the soles. So grab a pair of older pair of running shoes that still have some life in ’em.
2. Hex head sheet metal screws.
I used #8 3/8-inch hex head sheet metal screws for my own shoes. You can use whatever length you want, but I wouldn’t go too long or you risk puncturing the insoles and thus ruining the shoes.
3. Sharpie or black marker.
You’ll need a sharpie or black marker to mark the spots on the bottoms of your shoes for where you want the screws to go.
4. Hex head screw driver.
If you don’t have a hex head screw driver, you can use a flathead screw driver or a drill. A word of caution if you use a drill: like with the length of the screws, you’ll want to be very careful not to puncture the insoles.
Do-It-Yourself Studded Running Shoes
Instructions
1. Mark locations for screws.
Turn your shoes over and put a dot with your Sharpie where you want each of the screws to go. Spread them out fairly evenly, but focus on the forefoot and heel area. Pro tip: mark both shoes in the same spot so you don’t feel “off” when running.
2. Place the screws.
Start screwing the screws into place. A hex head screw driver will be best but like I mentioned above, you can use a flathead or drill if necessary. Pro tip: go slow and don’t screw them in too hard or too far. Also, since these are sheet metal screws, there’s no need for a pilot hole.
3. Bonus step — add duct tape!
To truly winterize your kicks, you’ll want to wrap the toe box portion of your shoes with duct tape. While this won’t be a completely waterproof solution, it will help keep your toes warm and dry.
And voila! Brand new, shiny winter running shoes. Yes, that’s it! Three super simple steps to transforming any pair of running shoes into winter, snow-running beasts. And unlike coils and springs, you can wear studded running shoes safely on a variety of terrain including concrete, asphalt, grass, snow, and ice.
What to do with them after winter’s over? Take ’em for a run on your favorite trails. The added studs will act like slightly more aggressive treads like you’d find on trail runners.
Happy running!
xo
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Do you switch your shoes during winter months?
What’s your must-have winter running accessory?
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