Winter is here and with it comes snow and ice. While many athletes take the winter off, many more continue to run and hike outdoors. To stay safe outside it’s good to consider ice traction devices for your shoes or boots.
Two cautions are necessary: If you use traction devices that fit around or over your shoes, be aware that they may fit differently on different shoes. Secondly, each traction device may work differently on different snow and ice surfaces.
The traction devices below have been around for years. Check out some of the websites. Look at the design and attachment of the different styles, and do your homework to select a pair that will work for you.
W I N T E R T R A C T I O N P R O D U C T S
ICESPIKE Deluxe is a package of 32 notched screws tested to 500 miles. These turn any pair of trail shoes into winter shoes (tool and instructions included). IceSpike is offering 20% off your entire order until December 31 – use the code “stockingstuffer”.
DUENORTH Everyday G-3 and Everyday Pro traction products are designed for people who walk, run, or hike and want greater stability on ice and snow. It fits over your shoes and has bidirectional tread and six tungsten carbide Ice Diamond spikes for maximum grip on ice and snow. It is made with a special compound rubber that retains elasticity in all temperatures. Replacement spikes are available.
ICEBUG Shoes have carbide-tip studs in their outsoles to grip snow and ice. The studs retract into the sole upon contact with rocks. They include a BUGrip outsole with the studs.
ICETREKKERS Diamond Grips are made from case hardened steel alloy, strung on steel aircraft cable, with their patented Diamond Beads with hundreds of biting edges to grip in all conditions. Other options include spikes and chains.
HILLSOUND has a line of crampons for ice: FlexSteps, Trail Crampon Ultra, FreeSteps6 Crampons, Trail Crampon, and the Trail Crampon Pro. They utilize stainless steel chains and spikes. https://hillsound.com
KAHTOOLA’s Microspikes and Nanospikes, a flexible traction system, is designed to be used with any common footwear, from trail-running shoes or hiking boots to snow boots. Kahtoola’s 10-point gripping system is made from the strongest stainless steel. Straps and quick-release buckles make it easy to put the system on any shoe.
KORKERS offers nine versions if ice spikes. For athletes, the Ice Runner with its BOA lacing system, the Ultra Runner, and the Ultra Ice Cleats would work well.
SNOWLINE Chainsen‘s line of spikes includes Trail, Pro, Pro XT, City, and Light Versions. Distribution in North America is by Camp USA.
STABILicer’s are traction devices that have an aggressive cleat-and-tread combination held in place with their tension-fit binding. They are made with dual-density TPE elastomer construction with a traction tread outsole and replaceable cleats. They offer multiple versions for all types of footwear and conditions.
VARGO Pocket Cleats are made from titanium, weigh just 1.9 ounces each, and fold up for easy carrying.
YAKTRAX offers a line of traction device, made of rubber tubing covered with stainless steel coils that fit across the soles of your shoes. The coils are protected against rusting and hand-wound to give you 360 degrees of traction on ice and snow. A removable performance strap fits across the top of the shoe for stability. The line includes the Walk, Run, Pro, Heeltrax, and Traverse made for running type shoes. Other designs are made for higher top boots.
Above all, when out in the snow and ice, stay safe. Failure to take safety precautions, especially in icy conditions, can result in falls leading to fractures and head injuries.
