Let’s start with shoes.
It will get wet and muddy so you will need something that has a good grip. Trail shoes are recommended because they have bigger “lugs” like these from Inov8 or Salomon Speedcross but your regular brand of trainers will also do Trail options. so it’ll be worth looking into these.
The next thing to think about is how badly you dislike wet feet!
As a coach who struggles with chilblains, it’s super important to keep my feet dry! So I’ll always look for waterproof shoes. You can tell if the trail shoe is waterproof because of the “Gore-Tex” label on the actual shoe and/or GTX in the trainer name… Not all trail shoes are waterproof. And not all waterproof shoes are trail shoes!
The trade-off to waterproofing is weight (and £). Waterproof shoes are typically heavier than normal shoes. This is a problem for me when I’m doing my own training. So I’ll typically use my regular trainers with waterproof socks! Like these from sealskinz.
Be warned they don’t really feel like regular socks, but if having dry feet is important you may want to invest.
So some trail trainers to look at:
- Salomon Speedcross is a popular choice with our members. There’s waterproof and non-waterproof to choose from too so remember look for the GTX / Goretex label.
- Inov8 are also really good, fantastic lugs for running through mud. Recommend especially if you’re not so bothered about waterproofing.
- Last year I used Merrell Antora which I was really happy with. And I’ll likely buy again and again!
A note of sizing. In my experience, waterproof shoes are generally ½ a size smaller than regular shoes. And you might be wearing thicker socks.
Salomon sizing is in a whole world on its own and totally incomprehensible to me. If you have wide fit I would avoid.
If you visit Fitstuff in Guildford and mention Melita you can get 10% off.
Next, onto jackets.
Hmmmm. I have ALOT of jackets, but bear in mind that I spend a lot of time outdoors and most of the time, I’m not actually training. I’ve also have been collecting jackets for a number of years.
OK, let’s start with the weather. If you can afford it, you want different jackets (or different combinations of jackets) depending on whether it is:
- A bit drizzly
- Absolute downpour
- Cold
- Cold and windy
Let’s see the options:
Down Jackets: these are your regular puffa jackets. They come in different thicknesses (look for a “fill” number). I would say 600-750 fill power is the most versatile. Down jackets are there to keep you warm, but they are absolutely useless in the rain. They just get soaked, even if they say they’re water resistant! They’re also useless in the wind. So they’re useful for regular days that aren’t too cold or too windy or too rainy. (Which actually is most of the days!) Something like Rab Microlight. Decathlon has some good options too.
Waterproof jackets. Rainy days may need waterproof jackets at least until the warm-up. But after this, they typically become uncomfortable, overly restrictive and too hot. So I very rarely train in a waterproof jacket beyond the warmup. But I’ll make sure I have warm and dry layers to put on AFTER the session. Waterproof jackets are typically not very warm, so I’ll often wear a light down jacket underneath, or a fleece, or a down gilet.
Good quality jackets will have a waterproof rating – look for an HH rating. The higher the number the better the waterproofing. But this is generally at a cost: breathability, elasticity and price tag! something like this.
Softshell jackets. This are my favourite and most versatile type of jacket! Softshells are normally water resistant AND windproof. And many are fleece lined for extra warmth. So these are the best option for actual training. They’re not as rigid as hard-shell waterproof jackets (and therefore not as water-proof). But they are really useful to layer.
- With a fully waterproof jacket if it’s really raining hard (e.g for dog walking or for warming up, or for coaching.
- With a down gilet underneath or a down jacket on top if it’s really cold. (yes, I often wear 2-3 jackets in the winter!)
Note that softshell jackets come in lots of different shapes and variations. Some are more for outerwear: like this. I’ve just purchased a second one of these, having recently retired the one that I’ve had for 10+ years. Some are more for layering, like these, which I wear all the time – they’re the ones that have the Melita branding.
Lightweight, windproof, running jackets. This type of jacket is incredibly thin and lightweight but made of a material that is very windproof. Good for days when it is biting cold (under 5 degrees) and to be used in the active part of the workout. So I’d wear this on the track if I’m doing some really fast sprints. And I’ll be layering up in between reps. I’ve had a one similar to this for about 10 years. It lives in my training bag permanently in winter (and sometimes maybe gets washed). It’s a useful addition (especially if you likes running. )
So I know that’s a lot! (But I am outside a lot!!)
I suggest you start with:
- What do I already have?
- What weather is it suitable for?
- Where are the gaps? Because despite what we say about the British weather, there’s only a handful of days in the year where it’s really, really a problem.
Remember when you’re working out you’ll quickly warm up. So you need apparell that will allow you to move comfortably and layers to keep you warm before and after!
A note on brands. One of the reasons I have so many jackets is that I’ve been collecting for many years! I do prefer to get good brands like Rab and really like some of the Nordic brands like Fjern and Kilpi. I always buy at a discount from SportPursuit. Really worth checking out this website. Decathlon is a good source too – I used to buy alot of the kids stuff there when they were smaller. However it doesn’t seem to last that long as we regularly get broken zips or seams that have come undone.
Leggings!
Did you know most brands have different leggings for different seasons? It’s worth reading the blurb not just the colours…
Favourite brands:
- Designedbysports – Melita10 gets you 10% off. Great designs, great fit and quality. Also on the thicker side so brilliant for winter.
- Fabletics, if you can be bother signing up for membership and skipping every month. I do this and buy in the sales. Great value (in the sales), great fit.
- Adidas – look for COLD.RDY
- Under Armour – look for Cold Gear
- Sweaty Betty – look for their Thermal range…
Other Bits:
- You need a neck buff. Or two. Something to keep your neck and / or ears warm. Hygge / Amazon and I’m sure I still have a box load of Melita ones still!
- You will probably want to wear leg warmers! Because honestly, the gap between your trainer socks and your leggings will may your feet cold. So this is a great fix! Amazon and eBay are your friend.
- Gloves, you need gloves. I would go for cheaper, ones because you will lose them and I will make you crawl in mud! Look for something with a grip if poss. Decathlon is your friend here!
I’m gonna stop here for now! Hit me with any questions!!
