Published February 10, 2010 01:49PM
Are There Studded Shoes For Ice?
When walking around the neighborhood or out walking the dogs usually duringwinter the streets are most times icy. Are there any shoes or hiking boots that are studded or ones that would be best for ice?
'Kristin Hostetter Gear Pro'
Question:
When walking around the neighborhood or out walking the dogs usually duringwinter the streets are most times icy. Are there any shoes or hiking boots that are studded or ones that would be best for ice?
Submitted by – Mark McMullen; Lakewood, CO
Answer:
No need to buy a whole new pair of boots–there’s an even simpler solution. Just wear your standard footwear of choice (can be anything from snow boots to running shoes), and attach traction.
They’re like crampons, only less spiky, so they’re more appropriate for everyday use (Iike walking the dog) but they’re also light and packable, so they’re great to pack on a winter or shoulder season backpacking trip when snowy steeps are a possibility. We know of three good options:
1)YakTrax. A favorite of our web producer, Katie Herrell. She says: “YakTrax are great for crunchy trail runs when a bit of snow hides the icy spots. They give me a bit more confidence to keep my speed up and allow me to maintain a consistent stride without adding a ton of weight to my feet. Plus, their sharp points are low-profile enough that I can throw them in my messenger bag without shredding anything.” yaktrax.com
2)STABILicers. These stretchy, rubbery gizmos fit over most any shoe or boot, and there are several different types of studded soles, offering different levels of tractions. 32north.com
3)Kahtoolah. Several other editors and I used Kahtoolah MICROspikes (top left) on our recent trip to the Swiss ALPS. When the slope got steep and exposed, it was easy to pull on these babies—like snow chains for your feet. Kahtoola.com