Pre-season triathlon base training includes running outside in the winter and if you live in an area with cold winters like I do you want to have the right type of clothing to stay warm. One of the essential components to staying warm while running outdoors is a good pair of winter running tights. Running in Minneapolis this winter was frigid, the temperatures were low and the brisk winds were always there. This review will focus on 3 pair of winter running tights from 3 different manufactures (Craft, Pearl Izumi, Under Amour ) I tried out this winter to stay warm.

The testing occurred in various degrees of cold, from a low of around 4 to a high of around 27. Each product was tested the same way but on separate occasions. The lengths of the runs varied between 6 to 9 miles. I always tested these products out with a pair of Craft Gore Wind Stop Gunde Boxer underwear.

Each product had similar characteristics like front panel wind barrier fabric, water-resistant protection, lower leg zippers for easy on-off access and a tight fit around your ankles. They all have breathable / moisture management rear panels, which works but the downside is if you have a brisk tailwind while running your behind and legs are going to get cold. The Craft and the Pearl Izumi products had a thin fleece lining while the Under Amour product did not.

Winter Running Tights Review

Craft Storm Tight (MSRP: $109.99)
- I liked the nice fit of these tights, they were comfortable, perfect length and warm
- The articulated knees give the tights the proper flexibility when you are running
- Reflective piping on the front and back for early morning and early evening runs
- The one thing this pair of tights was missing was a key / credit card pouch
- These Craft tights are a bit pricey but now I know why, they are well worth it when trying to stay warm while running outside in the winter.
 
 
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Tight (MSRP: $99.99)
- This pair of tights unlike the other two has a patch of the windproof and water-resistant material on the rear for additional warmth which is really nice when you have a brisk tail wind while running.
- These tights had a tighter fit; they were still comfortable and kept me nice and warm.
- These tights did have a key / credit card pouch on the inside.
- The cut on the front of the tights made them feel like low riders or like they were coming down while running, every so often I would pull them up because I thought they were falling down.
- The tighter fit seemed to cause the tights to come up a bit. These tights did not have any special fabrication around the knees like the other two pair of tights.

Vista, CA (June 14, 2007) - Zoot Sports, a global leader in premium multisport apparel and wetsuits, introduces the first triathlon specific footwear line – the ULTRA Footwear Collection. Zoot Sports has a long tradition of creating innovative products for multisport athletes. This tradition began in 1983 when Christal Nylin created the first triathlon specific product - the Zoot Racesuit. In staying true to Zoot’s philosophy of “Finding Product Solutions for Multisport Athletes,” the Zoot Product Team reacted to consistent feedback from athletes about the problems with running footwear for triathlons.

After years of studying triathletes and further reinforced by athlete focus groups, Zoot Sports identified four inherent footwear problems specific to triathletes:

Speed of Entry - The need to get in and out of T2 as quickly as possible
Sockless Wear - Triathletes don’t want to take the time to put socks on
Water Retention - Studies have shown that traditional running shoes can gain an additional 30% of their weight during a race
Biomechanics - Athletes run differently after racing a bike

The solution to these problems is the ULTRA Line of Footwear. The initial ULTRA line of Zoot Footwear includes four models in both men’s and women’s styles: the ULTRA Race, an 8.4 ounce neutral racing shoe; the ULTRA TT, a 9.2 ounce neutral lightweight trainer; the ULTRA Tempo+, a 9.5 oz. dual-density midsole stability shoe; and the ULTRA Recovery Sandal, a fully customizable and cushioned sandal that helps reduce swelling and promotes a speedy recovery.

Triathlon training outdoors in the winter can be a challenge for those of us who have to deal with snow and ice. It would be much easier for us to stay home and hibernate or make it to gym and use a treadmill, but that's no fun. Outdoor winter running can be refreshing, exhilarating, scenic and peaceful under most circumstances. The problem is we have many excuses not run outside in the winter besides the "it's too cold" excuse, like "the trails are snow packed but my feet are getting wet" to "the sidewalks are like an ice skating rink". Depending on the conditions, it can turn out to be a short run if you don't have the proper equipment to stay warm, dry and accident free. Here are a few options to look at for winter running shoes.

Brooks Adrenaline ASR IV [MSRP: $90.00]
This water resistant trail shoe features an aggressive outsole for rugged runs. A perfect fit for snowy or slushy conditions. The nylon upper fabric is treated with a durable water repellent that provides outstanding weather protection. The silicon-based cushioning system dynamically dampens the shock and stabilizes the foot. The outsole is made from a high-density carbon rubber for increased traction and durability. The shoes are lightweight, only 10.1 ounces for the women's version while the men's version weighs 11.9 ounces. Men's and Women's styles are available in a wide range of sizes.
http://www.brooksrunning.com/

adidas Winter Trainer [$110.00]
This is an exclusive item in the Sahalie catalog, an all-season outdoor retailer. These unisex water resistant trainers by adidas have several features that make it perfect for outdoor winter training. They are described in the catalog as a high performance, mid-cut running shoe with a water resistant, winterized gaiter made of waterproof material on the outside and a specialized sole made for the cold. The only shoe of it's kind, with deep traction grooves and rubber teeth that actually increase in grip the colder it gets. You'll be able to dig in and push off just as you would running on a clear summer day. Each shoe weighs 17.9 ounces and they come in 3 different colors: Blue, Merlot, Terra Cotta
http://www.sahalie.com/

The North Face Ultra 103 XCR Trail-Running Shoes [MSRP: $110]
These lightweight and waterproof trail running shoes are perfect for all weather conditions. The Gore-Tex XCR waterproof, breathable membrane uppers keep the water out while the shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and the forefoot offer the ultimate in foot and joint protection. The UltraTAC Rubber Outsole traction system grips in wet and dry conditions. They offer a Men's and Women's style and they come in various sizes.
http://www.thenorthface.com/