James, dude, save 200-300 bucks on snowshoes. If you are running on the packed trails, all you need is a traction system that slips over your running shoes. They usually are about 40 dollars. I do most of my heavy training miles in the winter and swear by these. I do suggest gore tex shoes and maybe gaiters for fresh snow.

These snowshoes would work best for packed trails or more consolidated snow. If you find yourself going out in fresh deep powder then you would do best with a larger non "running" snowshoe. Although in these conditions even a huge snowshoe can sink way in. (only big skis would work better in this case)

But if your goal is to mainly explore groomed trails that might still be too unconsolidated for just a boot then these should do great whether walking or running.

22'' will do you fine. And, it's the only size left.

"do"? I hope you mean DON'T!

Yes, but they do fix hypothermia. Be careful out there.

There are a couple of things to take into consideration... One, these are really made for packed snow and well-established snow trails. Anything deep you will sink considerably. Two, expect a little snow to flip up on your back as these are spring-loaded. I would wear long pants and a jacket that's fairly water resistent. Three, running in snowshoes is difficult, much more so than normal running especially if you find yourself in knee-deep snow (probably goes without saying). If your wanting to burn serious calories, you've found it! You should be prepared with water, energy bars or goo, etc. Four, the best shoe for running is a gore-tex running shoe and a small scree gator. I guarantee you will be warm. These are fairly durable shoes, but don't run on pavement, dirt, rocks, etc. Try to avoid these surfaces and they will last for many years.

I ran a 5k on these snowshoes and I really thought they were great. I am part of a women's running group and many of them have the Dion or Crescent Moon race snowshoes. After snowshoeing with them, I felt the Atlas were much easier to take on and off, and seemed much lighter and great especially on packed trails. I never had to stop and adjust them, many of the women I was with did and I heard many complaints. I could not find one bad thing about the Atlas. I thought they were awesome!

You could potentially use any snowshoe binding with a pair of running shoes. You should check out the Kahtoola system. The boots fit over your running shoes and have a clipless binding on the snowshoe. It's a great system and allows you to have the most comfortable set-up with running shoes. They're sold on backcountry.com too.Hope that helps!

These snowshoes are really amazing for everything with the exception of backpacking in the snow. They don't do that well with large amounts of weight. Sounds like they'd be perfect for what you're looking for. I would definitely go with these over any of the Tubbs line. Jeez, what a nice person.....I need more friends like you:)Look into the Atlas Elektras too.

Hey, Rob. These are great snowshoes and yes, totally acceptable in a race. You can easily draw comparisons between snowshoe racing and run racing. Atlas Race shoes are absolute racing machines, like racing flats for running. If you're going to be out there gunning for the gold, and you are an elite snowshoe racer for whom ounces matter, you would probably opt for the Race shoe. But think about how many people do running races in running shoes. Millions. And for them, a racing flat doesn't make sense at all.

Since the shoe is made for fast and light, high output activity on packed trails lighter hiking boots and trail runners are ideal. A waterproof trail runner shoe with gaiters would be ideal I think. And you can also cover your shoe with either a neoprene snowshoe or even cycling booty for warmth.

The snowshoes are the best place to start. You may love it, may hate it. BC.com's return policy is amazing! You will have to experiment with different footwear until you get it right for YOU! This depends on your feet, your style, and depth of snow. Gaiters may be needed in deep snow. I have found that packed snow with a little fresh snow on top is a joy.

Yes, these straps are very versatile and will fit anything from a running shoe up to a bulky winter boot. The heal strap settles comfortably behind the heal of your shoes, not your ankle. Overall, the straps are very unintrusive and almost go unnoticed.