What trail gear should you have for winter training?

You've registered for the EcoTrail Paris and started training for the most famous trail running race in the Paris region. You've also noticed that the leaves are gradually leaving the branches of the trees, that temperatures are dropping every day and that the sun is becoming rarer and rarer... Autumn is here. It will soon give way to winter, which will accompany you throughout your preparations. From clothing and trail running shoes will be needed to train in the best possible conditions over the coming months.

To help you choose your equipment, we asked 2 Salomon experts to share their advice with you. And who better to advise you than Charline Legrand, Salomon trail running ambassador, and Casquette Verte, who needs no introduction?

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The ideal pair of shoes for winter training

Alexandre Boucheix alias Casquette Verte :

For me, good preparation for the EcoTrail Paris during the winter means above all doing volume, and doing it as regularly as possible.

Who says "volume"? Regularity. It means daily use. And on a day-to-day basis, most of the time, we're in hard-floor environments. We can't necessarily always be on "trail" terrain. We spend a lot of time on good asphalt and a little on trails.

In my opinion, you need to have one or two good pairs of traditional running shoes for winter, versatile between asphalt and trail, in which you can swallow volume easily. I mean volume, not intensity.

Personally, I'd go for two pairs of DRX DEFY GRVL. A "safety flatfoot" ideal for spending the winter doing a bit of volume in comfort.

Charline Legrand:

If you plan to train exclusively on trails around Paris, I'd recommend GENESIS. I used them a lot during my trail runs this summer, and their main advantage is that they adapt to all types of terrain. They have very good grip with relatively large studs, while being very comfortable and light. It's this versatility that I'm looking for, as it will enable me to run on all trails (greasy and dry), regardless of their condition or grip.

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Clothes to keep you warm in winter

Charline Legrand:

In the middle of winter, I prefer warm, waterproof clothing to brave all weather conditions. For tops, I generally run in a BONATTI jacket in case of rain or wind (TRAIL or WATERPROOF), a t-shirt (S/LAB Speed) with the cuff combo (S/LAB Speed), a choker, gloves and an ear band.

I always train with a hydration jacket like the SENSE PRO 10. I find it's the right size to have room for my extra layers of clothing while still having a light, comfortable bag.

For the lower body, I wear shorts and high socks. In tights when it's too cold.

Alexandre Boucheix alias Casquette Verte :

I'm on the "365 days in shorts" team. What counts for me, when temperatures drop, is the triptych:
- ‍A pair of rather thin gloves in double. And for the same reason as the shoes. In order to be regular, it's very unpleasant to put on gloves that are still damp from the day before, and with the smells that go with it.
- The alliance of two t-shirts. A long sleeve underneath. And a short, close-fitting sleeve above.
- A good BONATTI jacket (TRAIL or WATERPROOF) that's warm, light and easy to pack and take out of the bag.