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Why the Traction Method Matters Most
The most important factor for traction and safety on ice is penetration: how well the ice cleat bites into the ice. That depends on how aggressive its traction method is. Aggressive traction becomes even more critical:
In frigid temperatures, when ice becomes harder and denser. Ice cleats that work well at 28°F might not work as well, or at all, at 15°F. Think of a dull nail: it goes into soft pine easily but is useless against oak.
On steep hills, where you're also working against gravity. An ice cleat that holds on flat ground may not hold on a slope.
What makes these situations worse is false confidence. If an ice cleat has worked for you on mild days, you'll trust it on the days it can't keep up.
Spikes, also called studs, give the best traction because the sharper the point of contact, the better it penetrates the ice. Place your hand against the bottom of a coil-style traction device, then against a HIGH-PRO® ice cleat. Your common sense will tell you which one grips ice better. A single aggressive tungsten carbide stud out-grips all the coils on both feet of a coil-style device.
Sharp tungsten carbide studs penetrate ice that coils and grit slide over.
Far less grip than spikes, especially on cold, dense ice
What Makes a Spiked Ice Cleat Grip Better
All spikes are not equal. Five things decide how well a spiked ice cleat grips.
1. Spike Design
Some spikes, particularly non-tungsten carbide spikes, are tapered because they aren't as strong. As tapered spikes wear down, they become blunter and less effective. Tungsten carbide spikes are uniform, so they stay equally aggressive throughout their service life.
2. Spike Length
2mm spikes are best. They're more likely to reach the ice through a thin layer of snow or on uneven ice, and they last longer. 1mm spikes give excellent traction when they contact the ice, and they're what let ice cleats you can wear indoors go on most floors. Anything much longer than 2mm becomes a tripping hazard.
3. Number of Spikes
More spikes are generally better, up to a point. Spread your weight over too many points and you get the bed-of-nails effect from the sideshow: none of the spikes penetrates the ice.
4. Spike Distribution
You always want at least one spike in contact with the ice. That's especially critical on bumpy, uneven ice, where spikes bunched in one area or around the edges can miss the ice entirely. Many ice cleats are poor in this respect.
5. Spike Material
Tungsten carbide spikes are far more durable than the alternatives. They last several times longer than carbon steel spikes and tens of times longer than steel coils.
Why a Heel Spike Is Critical
When you take a normal, natural step, your heel strikes the ground first. If there's no spike at the base of the heel, your foot can slide forward and out from under you before any other spike touches the ice. Once you lose traction, it's very hard to get it back.
Ice cleats without a Heel Spike force you to walk flat-footed. That isn't natural, so it's easy to forget, and one normal step is all it takes to fall. Going downhill, where your heel lands harder, a Heel Spike matters even more.
Con: the mounting mechanism can leave a bump on the foot bed that's less comfortable.
Con: a spike can come loose while you're walking, and that may be the one you needed most.
Molded-in spikes are more comfortable and more secure. When they finally wear out, you replace the ice cleats.
Replaceable Screws
Screws are a form of spike, usually made of tempered carbon steel. They rely on the edge around the screw head for traction, and that edge wears smooth fairly quickly. You can replace them easily, but few people remember to check them before heading out, and replacement screws aren't always as secure.
Whatever type you wear, inspect your ice cleats before you head out.
Ice Cleats That Use Chains
Chains with a sawtooth gripping design are effective and durable, but best suited for off-road running and hiking. As they wear, more of the chain touches the ice and traction drops. Some chain designs use roller barrels with edges, and as the name suggests, they tend to roll, especially on flat, smooth ice. Chains can also become a tripping hazard and trap debris.
Wound Steel Coils
Coil-style traction devices have hundreds of gripping edges because none of those edges is aggressive. It takes dozens, if not hundreds, of coil edges to equal one sharp stud. Before you choose coils, consider that they:
aren't effective in deep snow, slush, or on black ice, and lose grip as the temperature drops and ice gets denser;
wear down quickly, especially on bare pavement, so most people get a season or less of use;
must come off before going indoors or into most vehicles, because they're extremely slippery on smooth, dry floors;
are extremely slippery on sewer grates, utility hole covers, marble, and brick;
cost less up front, but need frequent replacement; and
aren't suited for off-road use, climbing, or anywhere sparking is a concern.
Gritted Ice Cleats
I don't recommend gritted ice cleats for general use. They're far less effective than spiked ice cleats, especially on extremely cold, dense ice. Their place is in non-sparking, non-conductive environments: oil and gas operations, grain elevators, electric and gas utilities, and explosives. If that's your work, see my guide to non-sparking ice cleats and the GRIPS-LITE.
Ice Cleats Built on These Principles
These Winter Walking ice cleats use sharp, uniform tungsten carbide spikes, distributed so at least one is on the ice, with spikes at the heel. Choose by stud length: 2mm for the best grip outdoors, 1mm if you need to wear them indoors and while driving.
What type of ice cleat gives the best traction on ice?
Spiked ice cleats with sharp tungsten carbide studs. A small, sharp point penetrates ice far better than coils, chains, or grit, and tungsten carbide stays sharp for the life of the ice cleat.
Are 2mm or 1mm studs better?
2mm studs grip better outdoors, especially through a thin layer of snow or on uneven ice, and they last longer. 1mm studs grip very well when they contact the ice, and they let you wear ice cleats on most indoor floors and while driving.
Why do my ice cleats work on some days and not others?
Ice gets harder and denser as the temperature drops. A blunt traction method that grips at 28°F may barely grip at 15°F. Slopes, black ice, and a layer of snow over the ice make it harder still.
Do I need a Heel Spike?
Yes, if you want to walk naturally. Your heel lands first, and without a spike there, your foot can slide out before any other spike reaches the ice.
Questions about which traction method is right for you?
Call me at 610-670-2549, every day 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET.
Ice Cleats and Shoe Attachment Volume Discounts
Your discounts are
automatically calculated when you add ice cleats or shoe traction devices to your cart;
calculated based upon the total number of pairs of ice cleats and other shoe traction devices you order; and
not calculated on accessories like Ankle Straps or Replacement Spikes.
Crucial Ice Cleats Sizing Advice
You can go by the shoe sizes. However, the shoe or boot size can vary significantly for the same foot size. Option two below is a better way to select the correct size.
(OR)
Measure the length of your shoe or boot. Measure the bottom from the tip of the sole to the base of the heel. Measure on "the flat", don't wrap around. We want the length. Then, find the size on the sizing chart with the Footwear Length Range, which spans the length of your footwear. Measure carefully. Measure twice. Our goal is to get you the right size on the first try to make you as safe as possible as soon as possible.
Ice cleats sizes are unisex and fit men's and women's shoes and boots according to the sizing charts.
Always try your ice cleats on when you receive them for two reasons.
You want to be ready for the bad weather. Be sure to find out you need a size exchange before the ice is on the ground.
I can't do free size exchanges for ice cleats that you have used because I can't resell them.
FAQs
What should I do if the length of my shoe or boot is extremely close to the breakpoint of a size range? Should I choose the next larger size? For example, assume the length of your boot or shoe is just under 12½". You look at the specific size chart for ice cleats you're buying. Assume for this example the Medium has a size range of 11½" to < 12½" and a Large is 12½" to < 13" For regular shoes and work shoes, stick with the smaller of the two sizes you're considering. Choose the bigger size if you plan to use your ice cleats on heavier winter boots.
I plan to use the ice cleats on my shoes and boots. But they're different lengths. What should I do?
If the difference in length is small, order the size for the larger boots. Purchase the optional Ankle Strap to use when you use the ice cleats on your shoes. The ankle strap will make sure they stay on. If the difference in length is significant, you may need two sizes of ice cleats. That's because you want the ice cleats to be snug so they stay on your footwear and aligned.
I have a large company. There's no way I can measure everyone's footwear.
I understand. Go by shoe sizes. I'll be happy to exchange sizes later on. However, please make sure you haven't used the ice cleats outdoors.
Is the measuring technique 100% accurate?
Nope. It's accurate most of the time. Measuring is far superior to go by shoe size.
ICE BEAST Ice Cleats Sizing Tips
ICE BEAST Ice Cleats run large. Therefore, if you have a normal winter boot and your shoe size is close to the minimum of a size range, choose the next smaller size. If you have a large, bulky boot, stick with the size chart.
Ice cleats sizes are unisex and fit men's and women's shoes and boots according to the sizing charts.
Always try your ice cleats on as soon as you receive them for two reasons.
You want to be ready for the bad weather. Don't wait until the ice is on the ground to find out you need a size exchange.
I can't do free size exchanges for ice cleats that have been used because I can't resell them.
FAQs
I have a large company. There's no way I can measure everyone's footwear.
I understand. Go by shoe sizes. I'll be happy to exchange sizes later on. However, please make sure you haven't used the ice cleats outdoors.
Ice Cleat Ankle Straps
Winter Walking Ice Cleats fit securely on most shoes and boots. Most people do not need or use the Ankle Strap. However, Ankle Straps add an additional level of comfort, knowing your ice cleats will stay on your footwear. It's more critical to consider Ankle Straps if you
walk through deep snow (especially wet snow), snow with a crusted surface, or mud because Winter Walking Ice Cleats are so comfortable that you may not notice one is missing until you've traveled some distance or, even worse, slip and fall; or
plan to wear them while you're using a snowblower because of the twisting often required while making a tight turn; and
are a senior citizen or a person with disabilities because retrieving an ice cleat that has come off and putting it back on your footwear might be almost impossible depending on the circumstances.
What Free Ice Cleats Size Exchanges Means
No store works harder than we do to get ice cleats sizing right on the first try. If you measure your footwear as I advise you to do in my Sizing Tips, Size Exchanges are rare. However, when Size Exchanges are necessary
We do not charge you additional freight to send out the correct size(s).
The customer is responsible for the freight to return the incorrect size(s).
Lastly, we immediately send out the correct size(s) so you're protected as soon as possible.
This policy is consistent with and exceeds competing stores Free Exchanges policies. If you have questions, please call me at 610-670-2549.
The last thing I want is for you to be disappointed in your purchase or feel that I mislead you or treated you unfairly. So, in the unlikely event you're not totally satisfied with your ice cleats or shoe traction devices purchased from me, I'll refund your money and pay for the return freight. Call me at 610-670-2549.
My satisfaction guarantee is unconditional. However, I'll ask you why you're not satisfied because I want to know if
there's a problem with a product I'm selling; and if
I can improve the description and presentation to avoid future misunderstandings and problems.
You Won't Find a Better, Safer Place to Buy Ice Cleats!
Here's why buying ice cleats from us gives you peace of mind.
Family-Owned and Run
When you buy from us, you're supporting a small, independent, U.S.-based family business, not a large, impersonal conglomerate.
No Sales Gimmicks including no fake sales and no inflated retail prices with overstated discounts.
No Unsolicited Emails or Pop-Up Ads so you can surf the Internet without being harassed by our ice cleat ads.
Informed, Useful Content and Personalized, Expert Advice You Can Trust
We're ice cleat and shoe traction device experts. We don't sell every ice cleat brand. We only sell the best because, although no ice cleat can guarantee you won't slip on the ice, the slightest difference in the design of an ice cleat can make a big difference in reducing your risk. Furthermore, you don't have to guess about which ice cleats or shoe attachments are best for you. The expert, free advice you need is a phone call away at 610-670-2549.
Help is available when you need it, every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET.
Fast PayPal Express Checkout or Call Us at 610-670-2549 to Place Your Order by Phone
Same-Day Order Processing
Unmatched After-the-Sale Customer Service and Support
Authorized Yaktrax and Winter Walking Ice Cleats Dealer
We sell new, authentic Yaktrax and Winter Walking Ice Cleats and shoe traction attachments purchased directly from Implus and Winter Walking.
We Stock What We Sell
If we need to bring in additional stock, we can usually get it within 24 hours.
Immediate Size Exchanges
We don't wait until the incorrect size is returned before sending out the correct size. That's important because the sooner you're wearing ice cleats or shoe traction devices, the safer you are.
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ICEGRIPS™ Ice Cleats Sizing Advice
Here's my recommended approach to choosing the correct size.
First, find the ICEGRIPS™ size that corresponds to your shoe or boot size.
Second, measure the length of your footwear in inches and add ¼ inch. Then compare that length to the "Footwear Length in Inches" column in the size chart corresponding to the size you found in the first step.
If the length exceeds that size range, even by as little as ¼, select the next larger size.
If the length falls below that size range, again, even by as little as ¼, select the next smaller size.
Questions:
What if the measurement I get in the second step above is more than 14.25"?
I would not buy ICEGRIPS™.
Will ICEGRIPS™ fit large, bulky boots?
Yes. A "Bulky Boot" Strap Kit is available at an additional cost.
