Running gaiters have one job: to keep unwanted debris out of your running shoes. That includes sand, dirt, dust, pine needles and even pebbles — all the nasties that can cause race-ending blisters.

Not all winter recreationists want to play in the snow. Even those of us who enjoy skiing and snowshoeing want a change of pace. We just want to hike during the long winter months. But even hikers who ...