The use of gaiters in adventure racing is essential in the prevention of foot and ankle injuries. Ankle high gaiters work well due to their light weight and low bulk. The gaiters will keep dirt, gravel, sand, mud, and thorns out of the shoes and away from the ankle. I have raced in two different brands.

I started out in the Minigaters Trail Racer II. This is a one piece gaiter made of Spandura. It is a very snug fitting gaiter which is put on by removing the shoe and slideing over the foot. The foot strap has a durable nylon lace closure system. The Spandura fabric is breathable. The only drawback I experienced using this gaiter in adventure racing is that you must remove your shoes to put on or take off. When sprint racing, changing into and out of bike shoes, this takes unnecessary time in transitions. The retail cost is $24.99.

The gaiter which I am currently using, with great satisfaction, is the OR Flex-Tex Low Gaiter. It also uses Spandura as fabric but it has the added features of a boot loop at the bottom which securely attaches to the bottom lace of your shoe. Above this are top and bottom snaps and a 1" velcro closure system. A nylon instep lace across the instep holds the gaiter in place. I have found that this product is very durable, sheds snow and debris, fits tight but does not constrict, and is easy to don and doff without having to remove the shoe.  They work equally well with trail running and biking shoes. They retail for $33.00 and are available from Active Endeavors.

- Gerry