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Best Ice Grippers for Shoes & Boots: Tested in 2023
In this guide, we have selected some of the very best ice cleats to ensure that a little snow and ice won’t keep you holed up at home all winter.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
When looking for a good pair of snow and ice cleats, it is important to make sure they are ones you can easily use.
Although the footing cleats serve more or else the same purpose, they would be different from one model to another depending on the type that you would like for yourself. A majority of consumers would find the designs that do not have long spikes to be more suitable to wear, in as much as these designs are often considered less appropriate in extreme cases whereby the surface becomes beyond slippery.
If you plan on engaging in simple exercises that may include taking a stroll on ice or snow, then the models that are designed with chains would be the most suitable choice for you.
Traction
An ice cleat designed with numerous metal spikes provides you with the proper grip.
Before making your selection, it is important that you evaluate the level of traction that you would need based on the type of activity that you intend to take part in.
Read also about best winter running shoes.
The upper structure of your favorite design should be made of an elastic material that makes it easy to fit the protrusion on the shoes. A good pair will have well-designed spikes that will enable you to tread level grounds and inclined surfaces effortlessly.
Durability
Ensure that the spikes on the option you would select are made of stainless steel material.
The ones made of stainless steel material are more durable and will endure the harshest weather conditions.
Ease of Use
The main thing that makes them easy or difficult to put on and take off is the webbing that holds the traction elements (spikes, cables, coils, etc.).
Rubber is a good choice because it is flexible enough to make them easy to put on but sturdy enough to give you a solid hold and keep them from sliding around during use. The design is another thing to look at. Some of the options on our list have strapping that goes over the top of your shoes or boots to help hold the cleat in place.
Other options don't have the strap so they're super easy to put on and remove after use but will be slightly less secure.
Top 10 Ice Cleats
1. Outdoor 360
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design. It is composed of strong and durable materials made for any icy winter trails. What we love most about this design is that it isn’t just made for hiking boots. This versatile design is a perfect fit for casual winter shoes, and winter running shoes as well.
Read moreOne of the very first things that we noticed about this option is that it is super easy to put on and adjust over your running shoe or hiking boot. This design comes in a few different sizes to ensure that you get the right fit. Once placed on your shoes, simply pull on the nylon strap to quickly and easily secure it to your foot.
This option also boasts 19 steel spikes that are securely held in place by the welded metal chains. These chains and spikes are composed of durable metal materials that will not rust or corrode when wet. Plus, the exterior shell is able to easily withstand temperatures up to -45 degrees!
If you are in the market for something that is composed of tough materials that are designed to fit over any winter shoe (that includes running shoes!), this design from Outdoor 360 is a great choice. It is composed of simple and lightweight materials that really grip the ground under your feet, and it is easy to pop on and off as needed.
2. Yaktrax Run
This option was designed by runners for runners. =The combination of replaceable spikes and coils gives the user excellent traction, and they even have reflective details to help keep you safe in low-light conditions.
Read moreThese are designed to be used on relatively flat terrains that are covered by ice and snow. The spike plates are designed and placed to help keep you upright during your running footstrikes.
They should last at least a season or two; however, the spikes are replaceable, and the plastic parts have been tested and won't breake down up to -41 degrees F.
Users reported these were simple and quick to put on and take off over their regular running shoes.
3. Extremus
Need something extreme for your cold-weather adventures? This design from Extremus boasts incredibly durable spikes placed in key areas to help you keep your footing on all types of icy trail heads. It comes in a variety of sizes to find the right size for your winter boots and is a cinch to pop on and off as needed. It is a little more expensive than some of the other designs that we have seen, but the durable materials make it an excellent value.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is a cinch to pop on and off. Users don’t need to stretch the rubber frame over their shoes. Instead, simply slip them over your boots and lock them in place with the help of a nylon adjustable band for a secure fit.
Users love that this design comes equipped with an impressive 23 spikes per shoe. These spikes are composed of an incredibly durable, corrosion and rust-resistant metal. The design of these spikes is made to withstand some pretty extreme temperature season after season. These multi-directional metal spikes do a great job at really grabbing the ground under your feet.
If you are in the market for something that is built for extreme temperatures and is easy to pop on and off as needed, this is a great option. The durable metal spikes hold their shape even after miles of use, and won’t rust or corrode when wet. It cost a little bit more, but it is well worth it for dedicated winter adventurers!
4. Ceestyle
This design from Ceestyle does things just a little bit different. If you hate the idea of loose chains under your feet as you walk, you may want to check out this design. What we love most about this option is that it utilizes stationary spikes in key areas of your foot to help keep you stable. It also comes in at a super affordable price point.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this option is that the base looks just a little bit different than some of the other options that we have seen. Instead of using chains, it hosts a series of circular and stationary spikes that grab onto the ground beneath your feet. This design is less awkward and cumbersome compared to chained options.
It is also composed of quality and durable materials that will hold up quite well over the years, the rubber frame is cold-resistant, making it easy to take on and off even in sub-zero temperatures. The spikes are composed of durable stainless steel that won’t bend or break over the years.
If loose chains make you feel a little uneasy on your feet, this option from Ceestyle is a great alternative. Users love that it is composed of quality materials and the unique stainless steel spikes make it a little easier to walk on uneven surfaces without losing your balance.
5. Cimkiz
If you need something that is a little easier to pop on your shoes, this option from Cimkiz is a great option. While other designs out there on the market require that you stretch the rubber over your shoes, this option is super easy to take on and off. The ease of adjustments makes this option ideal for older users, of those that are constantly going from inside to outside.
Read moreIf you find that other designs are a real pain to take on and off of your shoes, this option is a great choice. It utilizes an adjustable band along the side for a secure fit without the need for stretchy materials. They are easy to put in, and place in place once secured.
We also like that this design is composed of incredibly durable materials that hold up in extreme weather conditions. The frame is composed of thermoplastic elastomer that is thicker than standard rubber. It is also able to withstand temperatures of -45 degrees without cracking or becoming brittle.
If you are in the market for something that is composed of durable materials that hold up well in some pretty cold weather conditions, this design from Cimkiz is a great choice. We love that this design is super easy to pull on and off, and comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
6. ICETrekkers
ICETrekkers has a chain like design that is made of strong solid steel. It is safe to wear, sturdy and very durable. The elastic sling makes it easy to fit this item on any type of shoe despite its size.
Read moreIts structure is made of a solid steel material that is attached to an elastic sling element that makes it easy to put it on.
These ice and snow cleats are incredibly durable and built to last thanks to their sturdy construction and high-quality materials.
This option is also designed in such a way that it easily gets rid of the ice lumps that accumulate around the shoes when you move thus enhancing how easy it is to walk on ice and winter trails.
What we also love about this design is the price; geat, affordable price for a quality pair of durable cleats.
7. Hillsound
This option provides you with a good grip on the slippery surface. It is designed with carbon spike plates as opposed to individual spikes in order to grant stable movement on any type of terrain.
Read moreThese ice cleats provide you with excellent grip and traction on slippery surfaces--so you can definitely count on them regardless of the type of terrain you are walking on.
Other than being designed with high-quality materials, these fit well on the shoes, giving you the right support without getting too tight or too loose while you move.
The only downside to this option is the price. Definitely one of the price options on our list; however, considering the sturdy material, the straps that make these fit to perfection and the versatility of use, it's an option worth investing in.
8. Limm Pro
This particular option performs spectacularly due to its rubber frame and steel spikes. They may not be good for walking on rocky surfaces but are great anywhere where hard rock ice and snow cover the surface.
Read moreAs we mentioned above, these cleats are great for icy terrain and slippery surfaces--but stick to walking in these. and we would not recommend them for hiking or any other sports.
Ten metal studs found at the bottom provide good stability and traction. This design is very affordable and there is nothing to complain about when it comes to its good grip to the surface for an effortless movement on slippery grounds.
It is made of a rubber material that makes it easy to fold them for storage. Just another reason these ice and snow cleats deserve a second look, especially if you're searching for an option to put into your backpack while on the go.
9. Unigear
This option offers long lasting soles fitted with spikes made of stainless steel material. The spikes effectively cut through snow and ice for more stability while walking. Unigear cleats are the best when it comes to protecting your shoe soles from potential damage on rocky, uneven and icy terrain.
Read moreThe grippers cover the entire foot and offer good traction. They won't let you slip and slide and are durable enough to hold up on tougher terrain. Each side has 18 spikes; 12 spikes are situated at the front segment of the foot and the remaining six spikes are at the heel.
The body of the ice cleat is constructed with an elastic material that offers flexibility, preventing rocks and ice from tearing or scratching your shoes.
Once you get these you will find that they are actually really easy to use. These cleats can be easily slipped on and adjusted to your shoes for optimal comfort and a secure fit that you can rely on.
10. STABILicers
These cleats are designed for snowy and icy conditions and will deliver the traction that you need so you don't slip and fall. This helps prevent injuries and ensures that you remain stable.
Read moreThe type of material used in designing this option is of the highest quality. It is designed in such a manner that it would fit perfectly on any kind of shoes or boots.
The cleat is perfectly reinforced with a strong stainless steel material that will not corrode in any way when exposed to adverse climatic conditions.
Compared to numerous other brands, this is probably the most cost-effective and high-quality design. They are reliable, flexible, and very simple to use.
Sources
- , Tired of slipping on ice? Here’s the lowdown on ice cleats, News Website
- , Ice cleat policy: tackling the “grey area”, Safety Website
