Walking in winter, when temperatures vary from chilly to absolutely frigid, may not seem like the most plausible fitness plan.
But, there is a way to get your step count in safely during the winter. Planning out layers made of moisture wicking material and wearing a hat, gloves and sunscreen are just a few of the things you’ll need. Proper footwear and layering are critical to a safe walk in winter.
Footwear
If you’re going to go walking in the snow, you want your footwear to be waterproof with plenty of traction. The ICEBUG Juniper Bugrip shoe is waterproof with Bugdri membranes for keeping feet dry. These shoes feature honeycomb textile uppers and sprayed mudguards to add durability. The Bugrip soles are made of a rubber compound with 19 integrated steel studs to help the shoe adapt to surfaces and provide traction, even on ice. These shoes are available now from REI for a closeout price of $118. You can learn more about them here.
If you don’t want to splurge on a new pair of walking shoes just for winter, then boot grippers may be able to help the shoes you have deal with the winter terrain. The Yaktrax Walker Boot Gripper has a poly elastomer blend webbing and 1.2 millimeter steel coils with a skid lock coil system to enhance traction. The grippers slide over your shoes or boots to give them 360 degrees of traction. The Yaktrax Walker Boot Gripper is available for $19.99 from Gander Mountain here.
Any avid walker or hiker can tell you: moisture wicking socks are a must have for exercising in the winter. Gander Mountain’s Wool-Blend Hiking Socks wick away wetness, so they will pull away your sweat. They have cushioning at the heel, toe and foot are designed to have a no-sag fit. Gander Mountain has a 3-pack available now for a sale price of $11 here.
Layering
Walking in the winter is all about layering. You need to have an inner layer made of synthetic fabric for wicking away sweat, a middle, lightweight insulating layer to keep you warm and a breathable, waterproof outer layer.
The North Face Kilowatt Jacket has a weather-resistant hood and body made of abrasion and wind-resistant fabric, with zip hand pockets and thumb holes on the sleeves to provide greater coverage. This jacket is available from North Face now for $130 here.
The Duofold Insulayer Crew Baselayer Shirt has two-layer thermal for warmth and moisture management feature. It is available from Dick’s Sporting Goods for $19.99 here. The C9 Champion Running Quarter Zip Pullover, available from Target here for $9-15, is an option for an insulating, water wicking middle layer.
Other Essentials
Hats, gloves and sunscreen are all needed for a safe winter walking expedition. If you’re really not a fan of the cold or are traveling somewhere extra chilly, you may also wish to invest in a thermal layer for your sweats or athletic pants.
The sun’s rays can still reach you in the colder weather, so don’t forget to apply your sunscreen of choice before you head out for your walk. You should also consider keeping a good pair of winter sunglasses or goggles on hand.
And, as always, stay hydrated.