Active Community: Message List - Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Owenscott — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:24:49 GMT

I read your post differently then others. I see it just as a way to

keep the water out of your shoe not something that bothers you so much

it drives you crazy. I was a steam clean carpet guy for 10 months and

we sprayed "carpet protector" same stuff as scotch guard but generic.

What this does is allow the dirt and somewhat the moisture to bead up

on top and not penetrate the fibers of the shoe.

This will keep you dryer longer but its not a cure all. I'd give it a

shot .. my guess that due to the surface tension of the water when

shoes are protected the water will bead up on top and the act of

running will help flick it away, keeping you dryer longer. You will

need to re-spray often, the flexing of the shoes should break down the

protector fairly quickly. Possibly once a month or more often. I'd

check the net for a carpet cleaning supply / wholesale / janitorial

supply store. When you buy protector in bulk its WAYYYYY cheaper. Let

us know how it works.

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Larry Lobb — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:37:27 GMT

Everyone's right on Scotch Guard not waterproofing. I've found that the Brooks ASR (trail version of the Addrenaline) is a nice winter shoe as it doesn't have a mesh upper and is intended to function both on & off trail. The lugs aren't super deep, but do a nice job of shedding snow. If the shoe works for you, it's a good option. Otherwise, you may want to ask your local running store about shoes for the winter. I believe Nike makes a model too.

I can sympathize with you on the cold feet issue. I run in Illinois and Michigan a lot during the winter and have learned to accept that my feet will forever be cold. This is due partially to the fact that I am tall (6'5") with low body fat and low blood pressure.

As Len mentioned, Smartwool seems to be the best known brand for wool socks. I haven't used them, but have never heard a bad thing about the brand. You may want to just Google "wool running socks" as there are other brands and models made from wool.

Recently, Drymax has come out with a cold weather running sock that appears to do a very nice job. I did a test run in them and found the material to be comfortable as well as warm. They only come in a heathered red color and are crew length, but its function over fashion in this case. My only problem: I wear a size 14 shoe and the XL was just a tad tight in the toe. Drymax makes a XXL sizing, but not in this model sock (at present).

If you check www.Zombierunner.com, they carry the full line of Drymax socks as well as injinji and others. It's at least a good place to start.

One other suggestion: If the socks don't make a difference, try a single-use hand warmer pack in your shoe. They're thin and may help keep your feet warm. If you try it, I'd suggest using it on a short run first to make sure you're not blistering.

Good luck!

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

lenzlaw — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:51:05 GMT

The main brand I've seen is Smartwool. I just bought some wools socks at Sam's Club that are labeled hiking socks with "superb moisture management". I"ve been wearing them for running and they work well.

Regular ThorLo running socks are pretty thick, if you like a well-cushioned sock.

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

car2nwallaby — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:38:13 GMT

Len: do you know of any brands that make wool running socks?

Running socks are like running shoes in my experience; manufacturers

make them only for the summer when you want breathability. I 've

never seen thick running socks.

And Fergs: it's definitlely not a lacing problem as my feet are fine until the temperature drops into the 20s. And starting out warm doesn't help with running shoes, which are the inverse of boots. Boots are meant to keep the outside air out and the inside air in. Every running shoe I've seen is meant to let the inside air out and the outside air in (i.e. "breathability"). Hence the problem when the outside air is subfreezing. Imagine trying to heat a cabin with a screen door in the winter. Doesn't work.

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Pearland Man — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:00:46 GMT

I run in the South (Houston area) so I don't really have that problem but cold feet is almost certainly a circulation issue... assuming the rest of you is warm as you say. Loosening your laces would be the first thing to try although that may promote blisters depending on how loose you go.

If you prefer tight laces, as I do, I would suggest trying a different lacing patern. I've read articles on "lacing technique" on this website and googled the term. There are a myriad of ways to lace shoes to alleviate various shoe/foot problems and a different pattern may allow more blood flow into your feet.

Other than that I can only reference my experience skiing/snowboarding. If my feet go into my boots warm, they generally stay warm. If they are cold and go into a cold boot, they stay colder longer. Start with warm feet.

Fergs

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

lenzlaw — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:32:05 GMT

One possibility is wool running socks. Wool retains its insulating ability when wet.

Len

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

car2nwallaby — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:33:52 GMT

So the other problem with the breathability of most running shoes is that feet get COLD in the winter! Does anyone know of shoes or other solutions that keep the frostbite at bay in sub-freezing temperatures? Running keeps the rest of me nice and warm down into the teens (as long as I'm appropriately dressed) but by the time I'm ten minutes into a deep-winter run I can't feel my feet anymore. What do the rest of you do for cold-weather running?

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Pearland Man — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:29:08 GMT

I've Scotchguarded all my running shoes for years and IMHO, has never negatively impacted breathability. Scotchguard does not waterproof them (which would keep them from breathing), it makes them water resistant. Same difference as in a watch... one you can swim in and the other you can only get wet in the shower/under the faucet.

Light dew and even a light rain is rebuffed by Scotchguard yet if I run in heavy rain or through a lot of tall, wet grass it will wick through.

If nothing else, SG one shoe and not the other. Then run through your wet field for comparison. Remember, it takes SG 24 hours to dry so plan accordingly. I usually spray a heavy coat on mine. 2 or3 passes. SG washes off in one washing so if you think you're losing breathability, it's easily resolved.

.. and like the other caller says, if they get dirty, you can wash them and they look like new. Just remember to SG them all over again.

Fergs

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

Ken Kichler — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:18:01 GMT

Scotch Guard isn't gonna help the waterproofing as the others mentioned, but it will help to keep them clean and prevent stains and dirt from embedding into the shoe especialy grass stains. So doit, but know it's not waterproofing.

Re: Should I just Scotch-guard my running shoes?

KyTrailRunner — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:05:09 GMT

There are a number of good trail running shoes that have Gore-Tex liners. They'll keep your feet dry in conditions short of a stream crossing. The only downside is that they don't breathe quite as well as the lighter-weight mesh-upper shoes and they can be hot in the summer. My feet are frequently wet when I run from rain, snow, water crossing, etc., and I've found that since I started wearing injinji tetra socks (the ones with the seperate toe compartments) I haven't had any issues with blisters. My mesh-topped trail shoes drain better than my Gore-Tex ones too.