Gaining Traction
Whether they slip over your regular shoes, screw into the sole of your shoe, or come attached to a winter running shoe, traction devices allow you to enjoy outdoor running all winter long by providing sure-footedness on slick surfaces. We tested a variety of options on snow, ice, rocks, pavement, and surfaces with mixed conditions, and here’s what we have to say.
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1Media Platforms Design Team
1. Get a Grip
The benefit of slip-on and off traction aids is that you can take them off mid-run if the terrain becomes dry, and when you want to walk into the coffee shop or your house. You can also use them with a variety of shoes.
The benefit of shoes with built-in traction--and attaching screws to your own shoes--is that you're always prepared for slick surfaces and don't have to futz with a pull-on device. Some shoes with traction built-in, or added, work fine on pavement and dry, rocky trails--some are better suited for all snow and ice, all the time.
We tested all sorts.
Text by Lisa Jhung
The benefit of shoes with built-in traction--and attaching screws to your own shoes--is that you're always prepared for slick surfaces and don't have to futz with a pull-on device. Some shoes with traction built-in, or added, work fine on pavement and dry, rocky trails--some are better suited for all snow and ice, all the time.
We tested all sorts.
Text by Lisa Jhung
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2Media Platforms Design Team
2. YakTrax Run, $40
A combination of 1.4mm steel coils from mid-to rear-foot and six carbide steel spikes under the forefoot, held together by high-strength rubber and securing to your running shoes via Velcro strap over the forefoot. Right- and left-foot specific. 7.8 ounces per pair.
Pros: Easy to pull on and off over shoes. The new "Run" version is lighter weight, more durable and less awkward when hitting hard ground than the YakTrax Pro, thanks to the carbide spikes (instead of coils) under the forefoot.
Cons: Testers report the rubber toe strap slipping off occasionally, requiring readjustment mid-run. Be sure to get the right size to minimize this.
Tester says: "These worked great in a couple inches of snow and on icy surfaces. They're loud and fairly crunchy-feeling on pavement, but it's nice that you can just take them off and carry them when you need to."
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Pros: Easy to pull on and off over shoes. The new "Run" version is lighter weight, more durable and less awkward when hitting hard ground than the YakTrax Pro, thanks to the carbide spikes (instead of coils) under the forefoot.
Cons: Testers report the rubber toe strap slipping off occasionally, requiring readjustment mid-run. Be sure to get the right size to minimize this.
Tester says: "These worked great in a couple inches of snow and on icy surfaces. They're loud and fairly crunchy-feeling on pavement, but it's nice that you can just take them off and carry them when you need to."
More info
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3Media Platforms Design Team
3. Due North Everyday Traction Aids, $15.99
Four tungsten carbide spikes under the forefoot and two under the heel are attached to a rubber compound said to retain elasticity in subzero temperatures. 3.84 ounces (size S/M).
Pros: Perhaps the easiest to pull on and off of any shoe, this is simple, no-frills, inexpensive traction. If the spikes do wear out, it's easy to replace them yourself (and each pair comes with two extra spikes).
Cons: When worn over road shoes, testers mentioned they could feel the rubber straps over their toes, and that the Traction Aids occasionally slipped off over the toe.
Tester says: "I liked how easy these were to get on and off, and how super lightweight and minimal they are while still giving me great traction on ice, even around slick corners. These are decent, easy to use, and confidence-inspiring."
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Pros: Perhaps the easiest to pull on and off of any shoe, this is simple, no-frills, inexpensive traction. If the spikes do wear out, it's easy to replace them yourself (and each pair comes with two extra spikes).
Cons: When worn over road shoes, testers mentioned they could feel the rubber straps over their toes, and that the Traction Aids occasionally slipped off over the toe.
Tester says: "I liked how easy these were to get on and off, and how super lightweight and minimal they are while still giving me great traction on ice, even around slick corners. These are decent, easy to use, and confidence-inspiring."
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4Media Platforms Design Team
4. ICEtrekkers Diamond Grips, $41.95
"Diamond beads" are made of case-hardened steel alloy and strung on steel aircraft cable with biting edges facing different directions for grip. 9.5 ounces per pair.
Pros: We found the Diamond Grips to provide excellent grip, and liked how, since each bead rolls on an axis, snow didn't clog. They also proved durable, even when worn by larger runners on epic mountain runs over snow, ice, and rocks.
Cons: Some found these too big and beefy for their liking, and thought it too much futzing to get a good fit on their shoe.
Tester says: "I love these because they're all-terrain durable, snow doesn't collect in the grip, they're easy to get on and off, and fold up easy to store or carry with you."
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Pros: We found the Diamond Grips to provide excellent grip, and liked how, since each bead rolls on an axis, snow didn't clog. They also proved durable, even when worn by larger runners on epic mountain runs over snow, ice, and rocks.
Cons: Some found these too big and beefy for their liking, and thought it too much futzing to get a good fit on their shoe.
Tester says: "I love these because they're all-terrain durable, snow doesn't collect in the grip, they're easy to get on and off, and fold up easy to store or carry with you."
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5Media Platforms Design Team
5. Kahtoola MICROspikes, $59.95
A beefy elastomer with reinforced eyelets holds onto the heat-treated, stainless steel chains with 10 3/8th-inch long spikes underfoot--eight beneath the forefoot, and two beneath the rearfoot. 12.7 ounces per pair (based on size medium).
Pros: The "toothiest" traction of our test, these work great on snowy/icy mountain runs, and offer total sure-footedness on flat terrain, too. They've also proved extremely durable.
Cons: This is serious traction that might be too much for some runners, or overkill in mild winter conditions.
Tester says: "What I love is that I don't worry about them breaking, even when I run over rocks or short sections of asphalt. They're super durable, and I feel really confident in them. I wear them even when the trail has sections of dirt instead of ice or snow, and I have no problems."
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Pros: The "toothiest" traction of our test, these work great on snowy/icy mountain runs, and offer total sure-footedness on flat terrain, too. They've also proved extremely durable.
Cons: This is serious traction that might be too much for some runners, or overkill in mild winter conditions.
Tester says: "What I love is that I don't worry about them breaking, even when I run over rocks or short sections of asphalt. They're super durable, and I feel really confident in them. I wear them even when the trail has sections of dirt instead of ice or snow, and I have no problems."
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6Media Platforms Design Team
6. IceSpikes, $24.99
A Deluxe IceSpike package comes with 32 spikes made of patented, heat-hardened composite material, plus one "precision ICESPIKE" tool. IceSpikes can be installed into any shoe's outsole, and placement recommendations are found on icespikes.net. The tool that comes with makes installation quick and easy. See next slide for review.
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7Media Platforms Design Team
7. IceSpikes, installed ($24.95 for spikes and tool)
Icespike recommends fitting each shoe with 12 spikes.
Pros: The composite material of IceSpikes is harder and more durable than sheet metal screws from the hardware store. The deep-groove design of the screw head is self-cleaning, so there's no build-up of snow and ice. They screw into any shoe easily, and unscrew just as easily, leaving your shoes unharmed.
Cons: At $25, these are more expensive than screws from the hardware store. And since they're fixed onto your shoe until you unscrew them, you have to take off your shoes to walk on most indoor surfaces.
Tester says: "I couldn't believe how easy it was to install these. It took me no time at all, and was actually kind of fun. Way easier than using a drill and sheet metal screws, and made me totally sure-footed on snow and ice."
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Pros: The composite material of IceSpikes is harder and more durable than sheet metal screws from the hardware store. The deep-groove design of the screw head is self-cleaning, so there's no build-up of snow and ice. They screw into any shoe easily, and unscrew just as easily, leaving your shoes unharmed.
Cons: At $25, these are more expensive than screws from the hardware store. And since they're fixed onto your shoe until you unscrew them, you have to take off your shoes to walk on most indoor surfaces.
Tester says: "I couldn't believe how easy it was to install these. It took me no time at all, and was actually kind of fun. Way easier than using a drill and sheet metal screws, and made me totally sure-footed on snow and ice."
More info
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8Media Platforms Design Team
8. Asics Arctic 4 WR, $120
A water-resistant upper on an Asics trail shoe with 9mm-long steel spikes built into the outsole--six under the forefoot and four under the rearfoot. GEL cushioning systems in the midsole, and stability for slight under-, to severe overpronators. 13.1 ounces (men's 9); 11.5 ounces (women's 7).
Pros: This is a well-built Asics shoe trail shoe that provides support and comfort. Built-in traction eliminates futzing with pull-on devices. Shoes come with a wrench to remove spikes for replacement, or for dry-season use (when swapped with blanks).
Cons: The spikes don't transition well to pavement; they're prominent enough that runners felt them underfoot when running on hard ground. Some testers noted slippage on patches of solid ice.
Tester says: "On the snow and crunchy ice I had good traction, and the shoes were comfortable. My foot remained warm in the water-resistant upper, but not too warm."
More info
Pros: This is a well-built Asics shoe trail shoe that provides support and comfort. Built-in traction eliminates futzing with pull-on devices. Shoes come with a wrench to remove spikes for replacement, or for dry-season use (when swapped with blanks).
Cons: The spikes don't transition well to pavement; they're prominent enough that runners felt them underfoot when running on hard ground. Some testers noted slippage on patches of solid ice.
Tester says: "On the snow and crunchy ice I had good traction, and the shoes were comfortable. My foot remained warm in the water-resistant upper, but not too warm."
More info
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9Media Platforms Design Team
9. Icebug Pytho2 BUGrip, $169
Seventeen tungsten carbide studs are built into the outsole of this water-resistant running shoe. "Dynamic" studs retract slightly upon hitting solid surfaces, like rocks or pavement. This neutral shoe has a 5mm off-set. 12.4 ounces (men's size 9); 11.4 ounces (women's size 7)
Pros: Durable carbide studs offer awesome grip on ice and snow, and retract slightly when hitting rocks or pavement--the most comfortable running on pavement or hard surfaces of any traction devices tested.
Cons: Since studs are built-in, you have to take off the shoes before walking on most indoor surfaces, or on a wooden porch or deck.
Tester says: "Aside from the awesome, retracting studs that make this shoe a great winter choice, the Pytho2 is still pretty lightweight for a shoe with traction. And I like that it has a 5mm drop."
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Pros: Durable carbide studs offer awesome grip on ice and snow, and retract slightly when hitting rocks or pavement--the most comfortable running on pavement or hard surfaces of any traction devices tested.
Cons: Since studs are built-in, you have to take off the shoes before walking on most indoor surfaces, or on a wooden porch or deck.
Tester says: "Aside from the awesome, retracting studs that make this shoe a great winter choice, the Pytho2 is still pretty lightweight for a shoe with traction. And I like that it has a 5mm drop."
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10Media Platforms Design Team
10. Icebug Heros, $119; Icebug’s Trail BUGweb ($24.95)
Water-resistant trail shoe with a dual-density midsole provides stability for pronation control. Grooves cut into the outsole work compatibly with Icebug's Trail BUGweb, a rubber web with six tungsten carbide studs built-in. Heros: 12 ounces (men's 9); 9.9 ounces (women's 7); Trail BUGweb (3 ounces/pair).
Pros: With or without the Trail BUGweb, the Heros is a cushioned, stable trail shoe. The Trail BUGweb slips over the shoe and fits seamlessly into the grooves of the outsole, providing traction with six tungsten carbide spikes. When taken off, the Trail BUGweb is the smallest, lightest weight and most minimalist traction system to carry on the run. And the BUGweb does work with other shoes.
Cons: The Trail BUGweb takes some finagling to fit perfectly into the grooves of the outsole, and the shoe is slightly heavy. While the BUGweb works worn over any shoe, it can feel a bit "bumpy" underfoot when not sitting perfectly in outsole grooves, but only when running on hard surfaces. Carbide studs don't retract like they do on Icebug's BUGrip shoes.
Tester says: "This is a solid, comfortable trail shoe with the huge bonus of the BUGweb adding great traction on ice, and transforming back to a trail shoe without spikes. It's a really versatile system that works great. This has become my favorite set-up."
Pros: With or without the Trail BUGweb, the Heros is a cushioned, stable trail shoe. The Trail BUGweb slips over the shoe and fits seamlessly into the grooves of the outsole, providing traction with six tungsten carbide spikes. When taken off, the Trail BUGweb is the smallest, lightest weight and most minimalist traction system to carry on the run. And the BUGweb does work with other shoes.
Cons: The Trail BUGweb takes some finagling to fit perfectly into the grooves of the outsole, and the shoe is slightly heavy. While the BUGweb works worn over any shoe, it can feel a bit "bumpy" underfoot when not sitting perfectly in outsole grooves, but only when running on hard surfaces. Carbide studs don't retract like they do on Icebug's BUGrip shoes.
Tester says: "This is a solid, comfortable trail shoe with the huge bonus of the BUGweb adding great traction on ice, and transforming back to a trail shoe without spikes. It's a really versatile system that works great. This has become my favorite set-up."
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11Media Platforms Design Team
11. Icebug Trail BUGweb, $24.95
This rubber web is made to slide over and fit perfectly into the outsole grooves of the Icebug Heros and waterproof Attla trail running shoes, and works when pulled over other shoes, too.
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12Media Platforms Design Team
12. Best of the Rest
Similar to Icespikes, Goat Head Sole Spikes ($18.95) screw into the bottom of any running shoe.
The lightweight, race-oriented Salomon Spikecross 3 CS (8.5 ounces, $170) and Salomon Snowcross CS (12.7 ounces, $200) both feature nine tungsten carbide, blunted spikes underfoot and a Climashield membrane (waterproof in the front, and breathable in the rear) upper. The 8.5-ounce Spikecross 3 is a lightweight, race-oriented shoe, while the Snowcross CS has a built-in gaiter to keep snow off your socks.
Inov-8's Oroc 340 GTX (12 ounces, $180) has a waterproof, Gore-tex upper and seven tungsten carbide spikes underfoot, while the lightweight Inov-8 Oroc 280 (9.9 ounces, $125) has six spikes underfoot, a 6mm off-set, and a breathable synthetic upper.
The lightweight, race-oriented Salomon Spikecross 3 CS (8.5 ounces, $170) and Salomon Snowcross CS (12.7 ounces, $200) both feature nine tungsten carbide, blunted spikes underfoot and a Climashield membrane (waterproof in the front, and breathable in the rear) upper. The 8.5-ounce Spikecross 3 is a lightweight, race-oriented shoe, while the Snowcross CS has a built-in gaiter to keep snow off your socks.
Inov-8's Oroc 340 GTX (12 ounces, $180) has a waterproof, Gore-tex upper and seven tungsten carbide spikes underfoot, while the lightweight Inov-8 Oroc 280 (9.9 ounces, $125) has six spikes underfoot, a 6mm off-set, and a breathable synthetic upper.
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