I grew up in Minnesota and run throughout the winter months in college, but no one ever wore anything on their shoes for traction. Since moving to Alaska though, studded shoes and YakTraxs are the norm. I’ve tried both and definitely prefer studs in my shoes.
Last Wednesday night freezing rain was falling from the sky, so I knew I was going to need some additional traction for running the next morning. It was time to puts the studs in the shoes.
To start, I use ten 1/2 inch sheet metal screws which can be found at any hardware store. I usually end up replaced the screws two or three times throughout the winter, so it is okay if your husband buys the 100 pack.
I only do the next step because I make Craig put the studs in, and I need to make sure he puts them exactly where I want them. I mark the spot with an X to indicate where each screw should be placed. I put six studs in the forefoot (3 on each side) and four screws in the rearfoot (2 on each side). 
Craig first scores the spot with an X-acto knife so it is easier to drill the screw in. 
The mother of all drills. This was Craig’s early Christmas present. I’m pretty sure this increases his man-factor by ten. 
He then drills each screw in so only the head sticks out of the bottom of the shoe. 
If he has trouble getting the screw started, he will use a regular screwdriver. (This is how he put the screws in last winter before he had the electric drill.)
Here’s a pretty good picture of how I space them out and their placement across the bottom of the shoe.
This is a cheap and easy way to add traction while running on ice and in the snow. I usually only fall once or twice a winter, so I’ll count that as success.
I love doing this. If Craig wants to speed up the process, he could get a hex head drill bit. That way you don’t need the score the running shoes with a knife. Before I had a magnetic hex head bit, it took me quite a while to get the screws in–now it takes me just a couple minutes. Plus, every guy likes buying more tools.
I will have to let him know.
i had no idea this was so easy! since we live in tennessee now, i’m not sure how much winter weather we will get but this is great to know for the future!
What a good idea! I just ordered Yaktrax but if those don’t work out I’m definitely trying this!
Ooh, now I hope no one buys me the yak tray on my wish list! Thanks for sharing. Do you dedicate those shoes to only icy/winter running then? I’m assuming you don’t take the studs out.
Yes, I do have to dedicate one pair to having studs in all winter. The roads around here stay ice-packed all winter, but it seems like MN is a lot better about taking care of their roads, so you may not have to run on ice/snow all winter like I do. (??)
Try to not drill in the screws all way and clip off their head instead, pointier sharper studs should work way better on ice. This vid is in swedish but you see what’s going on: http://www.runnersworld.se/tv/index.htm?ID=1797217434001
Interesting.. . good to know.
Should you use old shoes or is it fine to reuse/take studs out of shoes after winter?
Once winter running is over, you can easily take the studs out and continue to use the shoes. The screws don’t damage the shoes.
I am sure you only made this entry in your blog so that everyone can see what a beautiful electric drill you bought him for Christmas 🙂 I live in Norway and here many are willing to pay good money for spiked winter shoes – instead of just buying a couple of cheap screws and screwing them in (with or without a fancy drill). Thanks for your writing, it confirmed that this alternative works grand!