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There is nothing worse than the moment you feel your foot give out and see the sky as you slam to the ground because that icy patch gets the best of you. Additionally, falling on ice can lead to fractured and broken limbs, bruises, head trauma, and even more serious complications like spinal injuries. According to the CDC, "one out of five falls does cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury." With ice, you have to be especially careful — but all of this can be prevented by simply putting on traction devices or ice spikes for shoes before you head out for your walk, run, or hike.
Traction devices can literally be life savers, and run from around $20 to upwards of $100. They have the ability to keep you on top of ice with metal spikes or chains on the bottom. They easily slip over everyday shoes, trail runners, hiking shoes or boots, insulated boots, and even ski boots. When shopping for traction devices, you want to make sure they have the proper fit for your footwear choice, are easy to take on and off, and are durable enough for the conditions you face. The team* who tested these products spent the last year using over 15 ice spikes and traction devices to determine the best of the best — so you won't become one of those unlucky people who fell on the ice and wished they had made this simple purchase. Whether you are simply out walking your dog on the streets or venturing into the wild, you will find a pair to fit your needs. Here's our top picks:
1. The Best Ice Spikes for Everyday Use
REI
Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device - REI, $54.95
A tester from Prince Edward Island praised the Diamond Grip not only for daily use around her icy streets, but also for venturing out onto local frozen trails. The durable rubber shoe harness has a rubber loop that was large enough for our tester to easily pull on while standing, even while wearing gloves. Hardened steel gripping beads on the bottom are attached by a steel aircraft cable and offer hundreds of biting edges that grip in all directions. Our tester proved their grip when she was able to pull her grandchildren on a sled down her ice-covered streets without losing her footing. The steel chains are attached to the rubber casing via a rivet, and never showed any signs of failures: Even when walking on trails, the device never accumulated snow build-up and never needed readjusting. Our tester did note that after about a year of use, some rust did show on the beads, but that could be avoided by making sure to rinse and dry them off after use. The traction devices can fit up to a men's size 13 and a women's size 10.5, and weigh anywhere from 9.6 ounces to 11.2 ounces, depending on the size.
2. The Best for Backcountry Trails
Courtesy of Author
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System - REI, $62.95
After using these for more than 200 miles on steep icy slopes and brutal mixed rock/ice terrain, a Washington-based tester claims these unique traction devices are holding on strong. There are no chains or large spikes on the bottom, but rather 12 small (.29 inches) tungsten carbon tips (similar to trekking poles tips) inserted into the plastic bottom, which lock you to icy surfaces, including nasty switchbacks. Our tester noted these were unlike his chained traction devices, as they never balled up snow. In fact, he never even noticed them on his feet unlike other devices that raise you off the ground. The durable elastomer harness has a raised heel tab to pull on and off even with gloves on, and the stretchy rubber casing can fit multiple footwear options up to a men's size 14 and a women's size 13, including mountaineering boots. They weigh anywhere from 6.6 ounces to 8.1 ounces, depending on size. The bonus included tote bag is perfect to store the EXOspikes when not in use.
3. The Best Traction Devices for Trail Running
Courtesy of Author
Black Diamond Blitz Spike Traction Device - REI, $39.95
These lightweight and minimalist ice spikes for shoes are best for those looking to save some weight, as the medium size is just 1.6 ounces — and they pack down to a small ball in the included sack. The trail runner who tested these praised the easy on and off for changing terrain, as the foot chains are attached via a reinforced elastomer with a huge webbing loop to stretch the rubber back portion over the heel, and the toe box slips into the front strap. With only six front spikes, these still offer front engagement and security on slippery slopes, roads, and trails covered by ice. They come in multiple sizes, and fit up to a men's size 15.5 and women's 14, but are best suited for trail runners or hiking shoes.
4. The Ice Spikes With The Most Secure Fit
REI
Hillsound Flexsteps - REI, $65.00
After an Alaska-based tester used these for more than a year and more than 100 miles, she praised the secure fit with several different pairs of footwear for trips to the outhouse to icy hiking trails. The undersole grip tables kept her foot from sliding around inside, while the stretchy rubber outsole and the bonus Velcro strap across the top of the foot gave extra reinforcement. Thanks to the 18 stainless steel (1/4 in) spikes that look like crocodile teeth dispersed along the bottom of the device in various directions, she felt super stable even in the iciest of conditions. Being chain-free means no balling of snow underfoot, and these ice spikes are also easy to take on and off with the large rubber pull tab on the heel. The bottom traction is attached to the to the top portion with a tight riveted system that does not rub or interfere with your stride. These weigh 12.3 ounces and can fit up to a men's size 15 and a women's size 14. The bonus water-resistant drawstring storage bag helps to keep them safe while not in use.
5. The Best Option for Ski Boots
REI
Seirus Cat Tracks - REI, $21.95
Walking around in ski boots is hard enough before adding ice, snow, and dirt to the struggles — getting from your car to the ticket window to the lodge to the lifts can be a chore in itself, and falling is always a concern. These plastic devices slip on over most major brands of ski boots and give you added traction with 32 plastic knobs on the bottom while walking around. They also help prevent damage from gravel and other elements. Our tester loved that they easily slipped on and off — and folded up small enough to fit in her pocket or throw in her bag when not in use. Since they are made completely of plastic and have no metal spikes, they will not tear or ruin your clothing or the contents of your bag. Weighing in at just 6.4 ounces and costing just over $20, these can be an easy solution to prevent a fall while keeping your boots damage-free.
*The testing team referred to are third-party testers working independently with the author.
