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Icy Steps Bring Out the Worst in Ice Cleats
No ice cleat can guarantee you won't slip, even on flat ice. Steps are worse, because you're working against gravity on a narrow surface, and the instant you lose traction, you're going down. On steps, the smallest design detail can make the difference.
Every year I get calls from people who can't find ice cleats they trust on their icy steps. The ones sold in hardware, sporting goods, and department stores are recreational ice cleats, designed first to keep costs down. Professional-grade Winter Walking ice cleats are designed first to prevent slips and falls.
That's why, instead of a "top 10" list, I recommend just one ice cleat for icy steps and stairs: HIGH-PRO®.
What Matters Most on Icy Steps and Stairs
Well-distributed studs. Steps are narrow, which limits how many studs can reach the ice. Many ice cleats put their studs in one area or only around the edges, so on bumpy ice they can miss entirely. Once you lose traction on a steep surface, the remaining studs rarely catch you.
Sharp, aggressive studs. Traction on ice comes from penetration, and a small, sharp point penetrates best. One tungsten carbide stud grips better than all the hundreds of edges on a coil-style ice cleat. Sharpness matters most on black ice, in frigid temperatures when ice is denser, and on steep surfaces where one stud may have to catch you. Coil-style and gritted ice cleats lose much of their grip on cold, dense ice.
2mm studs. Longer is better, up to 2mm. Anything longer becomes a tripping hazard for everyday walking. The extra length, with an aggressive tread, also helps studs reach the ice through a thin layer of snow.
Tungsten carbide. It stays sharp for the life of the stud and lasts far longer than case-hardened or carbon steel spikes, which lose effectiveness as they wear.
A Heel Spike. Your heel hits the step first. Without a stud at the base of the heel, your foot can slide out in front of you. Ice cleats without one make you walk flat-footed, which isn't natural, so it's easy to forget, especially when you have to move quickly.
An aggressive, self-cleaning tread for traction in deeper snow, and to shed the snow and debris that would keep the studs off the ice. Build-up is a major problem with coil-style ice cleats.
A secure fit. On steps, you can't afford an ice cleat that slides out of position or comes off.
My Recommendation for Icy Steps and Stairs
HIGH-PRO has every feature above: 26 well-distributed, molded-in 2mm tungsten carbide studs, the patented Heel Spike, an aggressive self-cleaning tread, and straps that keep it aligned on your footwear.
have to use icy outdoor steps, stairs, or steep walkways
want ice cleats you can put on and take off in seconds
need strong traction on ice, black ice, packed snow, and slush
wear shoes, work boots, or winter boots (for bulky, insulated pack boots, see ICE BEAST™ HIGH-PRO)
Why it works on icy steps:
26 molded-in 2mm tungsten carbide studs spread across the sole and heel
Patented Heel Spike grips the moment your heel lands
Self-cleaning tread sheds snow so the studs keep reaching the ice
Dimpled foot bed, wide straps, and ridges inside the heel strap keep it aligned on your footwear
Just this morning, I was wearing them on my boots as I cleaned 9 inches of snow and ice from my driveway. They provide solid footing, and I have not slipped once on my steep driveway.
Icy steps are especially dangerous for seniors, because falls are so often serious. Even with the best ice cleats, avoid icy steps whenever you can. If you can't, get the best ice cleats available, and if you use a walking stick, consider a sturdier cane with an ice tip.
Shoveling Snow Off Icy Steps
Shoveling steps with ice under the snow is particularly dangerous. You need an aggressive, self-cleaning tread for traction in deep snow and to keep snow from packing under your footwear and holding the studs off the ice. See my guide to ice cleats for shoveling snow.
Why Professional Ice Cleats Are Worth It
My recommended ice cleats can cost up to twice as much as cheap brands, but they're designed to keep you safer and they last far longer. Compare that with the deductibles and copays from a fall, and the cost of a serious injury beyond that. Many of my customers come to me after a life-changing fall, and they'll tell you that paying a little more for ice cleats was the best investment they could have made.
No ice cleat can guarantee you won't slip and fall, especially on steep, icy steps. But I'm confident HIGH-PRO will reduce your risk more than any other ice cleat, and if you're not completely satisfied, you can return them for a full refund.
Questions About Ice Cleats for Steps and Stairs
Are longer spikes better on icy steps?
Up to a point. For walking and everyday use, longer studs grip better up to 2mm. Anything longer becomes a tripping hazard. HIGH-PRO's studs are 2mm.
Can I wear HIGH-PRO indoors?
No. Take them off before going inside, because 2mm studs can damage floors and are slippery on smooth, hard surfaces. If you're constantly in and out of doors, LOW-PRO® can be worn on most indoor floors, but its shorter 1mm studs don't grip icy steps as well.
What if I wear large, bulky boots?
Choose ICE BEAST™ HIGH-PRO. It has 28 2mm tungsten carbide studs and patented Heel Spikes, and it's designed to fit bulky, insulated boots.
Questions about ice cleats for your steps?
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!
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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.
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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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