The challenge is finding the right combination of features, durability, and cost for your situation, because the wrong ice cleats can actually increase your chance of injury.
This page will help you choose. If you'd rather talk it through, call me at 610-670-2549. The advice is free.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
Question
Why It Matters
What kind of walking?
Walking to the mailbox or from the car to the store is very different from walking for fitness.
Where are you walking?
Sidewalks, unpaved trails, off-road, the city, or steep hills each call for different ice cleats.
How far, and how often?
The farther and more often you walk, the more durability matters. Occasional use is where light-duty ice cleats make sense.
What's your weather like?
Lots of snow, wet snow, snow that lingers, and especially very cold weather all matter. Cold ice is much denser, and coil-style and gritted ice cleats become less effective or useless on it.
Do you go indoors often, or have physical limitations?
Almost all ice cleats have to come off indoors, because they damage floors or, with coil-style ice cleats, are extremely slippery on smooth floors. If that's not practical for you, choose ice cleats with Transitional Traction™.
Features to Look For
Enough well-placed studs. Studs spread over the whole bottom of the ice cleat give you a better chance of contact on uneven ice, and once you lose traction, it's hard to get back. But too many studs cause a "bed of nails" effect: your weight is spread over so many points that none penetrate, especially on very cold, dense ice.
A Heel Spike. Your heel hits the ground first. Without a stud at the base of the heel, your leg 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 when you have to move quickly.
2mm tungsten carbide studs. Longer is better up to 2mm, which helps when a thin layer of snow covers the ice. Longer than that becomes a tripping hazard. The exception: if you can't take your ice cleats off indoors, 1mm studs with Transitional Traction are the best compromise.
Studs that stay sharp. Tungsten carbide keeps its sharpness for the life of the stud, unlike designs that become less effective with every use.
An aggressive, self-cleaning tread for deeper snow, which pushes out the snow and slush that would keep the studs off the ice. This is a major problem with coil-style ice cleats.
A secure fit, so you don't walk out of your ice cleats in deep snow and the studs stay in position.
EASY SPIKE™ fits over most types of shoes and boots.
Sizes are for regular shoes or sneakers.
Select the next bigger size to fit over boots.
Men's
Women's
Size
11½ - 13½
---
XL
9 - 11
11+
L
6½ - 8½
8½ - 10½
M
< 6
6½ - 8½
S
EASY SPIKE™ is a prosumer-quality ice cleat with features from Winter Walking's professional ice cleats, but it uses carbon steel studs, which wear out faster than tungsten carbide. I recommend it only for occasional use and short distances on bare sidewalks.
For Walking in the City, or If Ice Cleats Are Hard to Put On
You can wear these on most indoor floors and while driving, so you can put them on and leave them on.
A less conspicuous, all-black alternative. Choose it if you:
want an all-black ice cleat that doesn't call attention to your footwear
need a size XS
prefer a flatter ice cleat, which some people with balance issues find easier to walk in
It has the same Transitional Traction™ as LOW-PRO, so you can wear it on most indoor floors and while driving. But LOW-PRO gives better traction: it has 26 studs instead of 16, a more aggressive tread, and Dual Material construction for longer wear. ALTRAGRIPS-LITE has been discontinued, and only some sizes remain in stock.
Want ankle straps? The Ankle Strap Kit fits ALTRAGRIPS-LITE too.
*Measured on the bottom of your shoe or boot from the tip of the sole to the base of the heel.
Shopping for Ice Cleats: What to Know
Should I choose ice cleats by price?
Don't base your decision on price alone. The difference between the ice cleats that give you the best protection and ones that barely work is usually less than $20, and often less than $10. You're trying to prevent a broken hip, arm, or leg, a concussion, or worse, and an injury that could keep you from working and caring for your family. This is no time to shop in the bargain bin.
Can I trust ice cleat reviews?
Be careful. Almost any ice cleat is far better than a rubber or leather sole alone, so many glowing reviews for mediocre ice cleats come from someone's first pair. Some of the worst reviews come from people using ice cleats for things they weren't designed for, like taking light-duty ice cleats on a mountain trail.
When is the best time to buy ice cleats?
When there's no ice or snow on the ground. The worst time is during a storm, when you'll settle for whatever the store has left, if it has any. You don't buy house insurance when the house is already on fire.
Do I need ice cleats if we rarely get ice?
It only takes one fall to cause a life-altering injury, and you can't always choose to stay home, because bad conditions can surprise you when you're already out. Like insurance, ice cleats are a smart investment in something you hope you rarely need.
Want help choosing? The advice is free.
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.
Winter Walking Ice Cleats Low Price Guaranty
No one is more dedicated to helping you find the best Ice Cleats and keeping you safe. I work very hard to bring you the most informative online store that's fast, easy-to-use, and mobile friendly. I don't want to lose a single sale based upon price alone.
Therefore, if you find a lower DELIVERED PRICE from a legitimate online store (not auction sites) selling authentic, new Winter Walking Ice Cleats, I'll match or better that price.
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.
Risk-Free, No-Hassle, Full Cash-Back Satisfaction Guarantee
There's No Safer Place for You to Shop Online No one works harder to protect your privacy because our entire website is secure, not just our cart. We use SiteLock, one of the highest-rated professional firewalls that also scans every line of code daily to detect malware.
