Five Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Ice Cleats

There are so many things to love about winter in Canada: The gorgeous sights, sports season, and beautiful glistening snow.

But this winter wonderland comes with its disadvantages: Ice. Everywhere.

Slips on ice caused nearly 9,000 hospitalizations in Canada in 2016-2017, making it the top cause of injuries. There are many reasons why people slip and fall on ice and snow, and all are preventable.

Ice cleats are engineered to help prevent slips and falls when walking on ice. You attach them to the bottom of your footwear to help you get a grip on the terrain. They will strap around your heel and toe and provide the safety you need to walk around comfortably and safely outdoors.

Here are five things to consider when buying ice cleats

1. Where you’ll be wearing them: Considering the terrain and your need for some extra traction will help you choose the best ice cleats for walking for maximum safety and comfort
2. What you need them for: Whether you are looking for support to go about your daily chores, walk through icy pavements, shovel the driveway, walk your dog, or go hiking, choose cleats that best suit your requirements. Don’t just consider only what the activities are, but also how rigorous those activities might be.
3. What material would best suit your needs: Cleats come in different materials, and you can choose them based on your needs. Stainless steel cleats are generally more affordable and come various different shapes/sizes which can provide more contact points for traction. Tungsten Carbide spikes are slightly more expensive than steel; however, tungsten ice cleats are more durable since this type of metal is harder than steel and generally regarded as being better able to dig into hard ice.
4. How much you can spend on them: Ice cleats for daily, casual use typically cost under $30. However, if you are looking for something more heavy-duty and durable, you can expect to spend up to $50 a pair.
5. How easy are they to put on and remove: This may not seem important, but your ice cleats are only helpful when you wear them! Cleats that are inconvenient to use may not end up being worn very often, even with the best intentions. Consider whether a strap- or slip-on design, or a step-in design would suit your needs

Walking outdoors at this time of the year can be challenging because of slippery ice that builds up on sidewalks and parking areas. But with a little planning, caution, and proper footwear, you can enjoy your winter - healthy, upright, and comfortably.

Visit icetrax.ca to know more.

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