Running in shoes with screws

Some might think it a screwy idea... but putting screws in my shoes worked out pretty well for an icy run yesterday afternoon.

It was an ugly nasty day of freezing rain and sleet in temps just below freezing. By the time I left work at noon I was slip-sliding down the sidewalk on the trek to my car, and the streets were pretty slick too.

I didn't get out for my daily run until around 3:30, and by that time I knew I would need some assistance.

I'd read about putting screws in your shoes, but had never tried it. I recently bought a 15-pack of #6x3/8" sheet metal screws for just such a time. I dug out an old pair of Hoka's (that I used to mow in) and inserted the screws as pictured above. I used my cordless drill on some and just a screwdriver on others. I read where you should put them mostly around the outside so you don't puncture any padding (or feel them). I wanted the extra traction mostly on my heels because I tend to either land flat-footed or on my heels. I didn't want a foot slipping out from under me! As I started putting in the screws I realized I should have gotten more, but that was all I had.

Neither rain nor sleet was going to stop me now, so I headed out the door. The sleet pellets on the sidewalk actually helped, but it was still pretty slick in regular shoes. I also did run over a sheet of ice in a couple spots on the trail, and had no trouble at all! I ran 3.1 miles at a 10-minute pace and walked another 2 and, while it was maybe a little slower than usual (just to be on the safe side), the ice didn't deter me at all. I was pleasantly surprised.

So, while I wouldn't want to run on screwy shoes all the time (they sound like tap shoes on dry pavement), it worked out just fine! If anything, I may get another 15-pack and add some more to each shoe. Otherwise, I was happy. On this day, it was screws that helped me make it through the day!!

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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13