hello,


I hope this is the right foum to ask such a question but i don't know where else to go. I walk with a cane (back problems etc) and in the winter (terrible frost and icy walkways/roads) it's quite hard to get a grip, i wanted to ask if anyone can recommend some sort of help for my boots or cane?
For icy walkways/roads but wont damage or annoy ppl in shops etc?


I looked at yaktrax but the durabilty seams quite weak and others seam to "extreme" for "normal" use specialy when going in shops etc.


If this is the wrong forum to ask could anyone please send me in the right direction ^^;?

They are meant to be taken off when not on icy surfaces. Yaktrax would likely be fine for you since you're not backpacking/jogging. Kahtoola Microspikes would be next step up in traction, but again should be removed once on solid footing.

Perhaps you could also use a trekking pole rather than cane. The carbide tip would provide more bite and you could keep the rubber cover in your pocket for when you go indoors.

For day use in urban areas neither the Yaktrax or Microspikes seem appropriate. But how about the Petzl SPIKY? They seem like they'd be quicker and easier to put on and take off, too.

For that matter, I know that some manufacturers make trail runners with tiny carbide tips sunk into the rubber the sole, but these have the disadvantage that they can't be removed to go in shops without changing shoes.

Stabilicers lite are popular in town in Vermont. They're easier to put on and take off than Kahtoola microspikes. They're less durable but cheaper. The question for you would be, are you able to take them off when you enter a store without hurting your back?
http://www.rei.com/product/760710/stabilicers-lite-traction-devices

Use trekking poles with carbide tips when it's really icy and put tip protectors on them when you enter a store. Or, carry two trekking poles one without tip protector and one with; just use the tip protected one in stores.
http://www.rei.com/product/750120/leki-rubber-walking-tips-pair

If you need the cane type handle, Komperdell makes trekking poles with them:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/komperdell-walking-pole-with-cork-grip-cane-anti-shock-~p~98726/?filterString=trekking-poles-and-walking-sticks~d~240%2F&colorFamily=99

If you can't manage taking the stabilicers off entering a store, perhaps heavy hiking boots with heavy lugged Vibram soles would be best, but they won't match the metal spikes on ice.

I have found Yaktrax entirely adequate for around-town walking on winter snow and ice. They are somewhat difficult to put on, though.

Thats my problem, i woudent be able to take them of and put them back on when entering and leaving a store.
I like the cane idea, will try it out this winter and hope to be a bit more steady on my feet.
Thanks for all the replys so fast :).

I've worn Yaktrax

The rubber pieces on the bottom broke because I was walking on mixed snow and rocks and the rocks nicked the rubber pieces that broke after a while. I think that's maybe the durability problem you're referring to.

That wouldn't be an issue if you're walking on a sidewalk.

If you walked on a gravely surface, it might nick the rubber pieces.

They're not very expensive so you could try them. Occasionally examine the rubber pieces on the bottom to see if they get nicked.

Kahtoola don't have rubber pieces on the bottom.

I agree Yaktrax's aren't durable. I've busted a pair on a snowy route on my first trip.

Also, the coiled loop design doesn't seem like it bites into ice as well as something that has spikes.

I think microspikes would be better. I don't use these because they are the same weight as UL crampons but you should try these.

Not sure about canes. Certainly two trekking poles with carbide tips would be alot better for you.

The standard for walking sticks and crutches in Norway in winter is something similar to item #3203 on this page: http://www.walkingequipment.com/icepick.htm
It will cope with snow and ice and can easily be disengaged if not needed.

Thats my problem, i woudent be able to take them of and put them back on when entering and leaving a store.

That really limits the options for footwear. I was also going to recommend Stabilicers. They offer great grip when walking on slick ice and still feel like a normal boot sole to me. I was also going to suggest checking out Inov-8's spiked trail running shoes, but that won't work either unless you can remove them when entering stores. There are some footwear traction devices that uses grit instead of spikes, and those might be acceptable in some stores.

If you are able to fix climbing skins to your shoes they will be ok on ice, good on snow and shops too. They will not work when there's a light layer of snow over ice.
Make the 'skin sole' out of 4 pieces of skin (front, left, right, rear) so that the hair is pointing towards the center of the sole.

posting to say I've had yaktrax fall off my shoes more time than I care to admit. These are awful. If you want to try/own mine pay the $10 for shipping and they're yours, seriously. Size large.

I think you'd be happier spending your money elsewhere though.