How To Buy The Best Ice Cleats All You Need To Know
Do you love to run, but have difficulties running in the snow? If so, then perhaps you might want to consider investing in ice cleats. Just like with regular cleats, the ice version has traction at the bottom of the shoe to prevent you from slipping and sliding during the cold season, whether on top of snow or on ice.
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That said, in this article we are here to help you figure out what makes a good ice cleat to purchase, as well as offer you some of our top picks for them. Pretty soon, you will not have to worry about not running when it is slippery outside, so that you can run at any time of the year! Let’s go!
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How to Choose the Best Ice Cleats for Running
From walking to running, ice cleats can be very useful when you would like to run on smooth, slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, or even rainy ground. Selecting a good one can be a long process, but in any case, the payoff will be worth it in the end. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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1. Removable or non-removable.
Believe it or not, there are some out there which can be applied and removed on normal pairs of shoes, while others are already built into the system. Depending on your active lifestyle, as well as the convenience of it all, you will have to decide on your preference when it comes to purchasing your ice cleats.
a. Removable cleats.
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These particular kinds are those which can be fitted on and taken off after a day walking out in the snow or ice. Most of them have built-in spikes for traction and can be snapped onto just about any type of shoe, from running shoes to boots to everything in between.
b. Non-removable cleats.
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Unlike removable cleats, these ones cannot be taken off after wearing them in the snow or ice. They come with the shoe itself and while it can be a convenience not to have to put them on and take them off, it cannot be used for other pairs of shoes, should you decide to do so.
2. Indoor versus outdoor use.
While ice cleats are evidently geared toward outdoor use, you will also need to consider if they will be adaptable when it comes to wearing them indoors. Although there is no reason to wear them indoors, sometimes your work or activity requires traversing over other surfaces besides snow or ice, such as tile or concrete. That said, versatile ice cleats can really come in handy then.
- a. Indoor use.
As already mentioned, there is no reason to wear cleats indoors, just because there is usually traction inside the house already. However, it can be convenient to wear them indoors for an easy transition from the outdoors, so that you will not need to take them off at all. - b. Outdoor use.
This is a no-brainer, since you will be using them outside in the snow or the ice. Enjoying the outdoors while making sure that you stay grounded in the cold weather is the way to go for these particular cleats.
3. Durability.
Of course, you would prefer to have ice cleats which can last a while during use, but when it comes to durability and pricing, it can really depend. In essence, there are two types of ice cleats to choose from under such circumstance:
- a. Retail
The cheaper of the two, retail ice cleats can be found in just about any commercial store, hence the word “retail.” While not very expensive, they tend to be less durable, lasting less time than that of industrial.
Hence, they might not be ideal for heavy-duty activities such as mountain climbing, but an occasional run around the block should be reasonable. - b. Industrial
On the other hand, industrial ice cleats are thicker, heavier, and more expensive than retail ones. They can be used when doing heavy machinery work, as well as for intense sporting activities such as running or hiking. Although they can be rather pricey, industrial ice cleats can be incredibly durable, lasting months, if not years.
For more information on selecting good ice cleats, check out this article here.
Top Five Best Ice Cleats to Choose From
Product Name | Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
STABILicers Maxx Original Heavy Duty Stabilicers Ice Traction Cleat. | 
| A- | $$ | |
| A+ | $ | ||
| A | $$ | ||
| A- | $ | ||
| A | $$$ |
* Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
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Removable and tough, STABILicers’s heavy duty ice cleats are sure to get you around easily. Relied on by postmen, outdoor work crew, and even athletes, these special pairs can help you brave even the toughest snow and ice conditions.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off, for a sense of convenience.
- Stays in position well, no sliding on and off while doing physical activities.
- Fits well, even over the thickest pair of boots.
Cons
- Can be rather noisy when wearing them.
- Not safe for indoor wear.
Opinion
Although I was at first skeptical of removable ice cleats, I actually found them pretty easy to slip on and off, as well as staying in position throughout my long walks in the snow. However, it could be quieter, as I found them to make a lot of noise as I was moving about.
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Easy to slip on and able to be rolled up, Limm’s traction cleats are a good edition to your shoe experience. Need to step outside in the snow after being indoors for work? No problem! These cleats are portable to store in your bag and taken out to place onto your shoes for an easy transition.
Pros
- Has traction all over the bottom of the cleat, with a total of ten spikes for extra anti-slip protection.
- Made from stretchy rubber to be able to slip on just about any shoe size.
- Are lightweight and portable.
Cons
- Might need to consider going up one size for larger shoes.
Opinion
After trying out Limm’s traction cleats, I found them to be very pleasant to walk in. From running shoes to heavy duty boots, I can slip these cleats on just about any type of shoe. Its portability in my bag is a huge plus, too.
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Made from steel alloy and cable, ICETrekkers’s traction cleats are hardy while also being flexible enough to wrap around any shoe size and type. You also do not need to worry about snow and ice buildup, since they have a built-in, self-clearing design for convenience.
Pros
- Made from a combination of steel and rubber for sturdy and flexible cleats.
- Has a self-clearing design to prevent snow and ice buildup.
- Grips well in snow and also on pavement
Cons
- Not recommended for long-term concrete use, since they can wear out more quickly.
- Rusts easily.
Opinion
I enjoyed the strong grip from ICETrekkers’s traction cleats, as well as its self-clearing design for avoiding snow and ice buildup while walking. However, I wish that it could be used on hard surfaces and have longer durability like other brands.
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Yaktrax’s traction cleats consist of a zinc coating to prevent rusting, as well as has been tested for sturdiness under sub-zero temperatures, which has been successful. They are also lightweight and spike-less, so that they can be worn even indoors.
Pros
- Has a rust-free surface for longer durability.
- Is able to withstand temperatures as low as -41°F.
- Contains no spikes, thereby good for indoor wear.
Cons
- Wires can bend and come apart, which can snag on cloth.
- Might benefit from spike traction, since they do not have as strong as a grip.
Opinion
Considering that temperatures can drop as low as the negatives, I appreciate Yaktrax’s traction cleats for being able to operate under such extreme conditions.
While going spike-less is much appreciated for both outdoor and indoor wear, I think having spikes would be more beneficial, since no spikes do not offer quite the same traction as spikes.
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Kahtoola’s traction cleats offer welded chains connected all over the cleats, as means of improving durability. Each shoe’s twelve-spike system also adds extra traction to prevent you from slipping under even the most perilous circumstances.
Pros
- Offers incredible traction, thereby guaranteeing that you do not slip at all.
- Comes with a supplemental bag for storing your cleats inside.
- Their welded chains keep the cleats in place, are flexible and durable.
Cons
- The micro-spikes might offer a bit too much traction, to the point that snow and ice can stick to them, thereby forming clumps.
Opinion
Considering that I tend to slip easily, I found Kahtoola’s traction cleats excellent for preventing slippage when walking on snow and other smooth, wet surfaces.
Only thing would be that snow and ice tends to get packed into the spaces of the cleats, which can be a hassle for removing afterwards.
Winner of the Roundup
For this particular roundup, the winner goes to Limm Pro Traction Cleats (#2). Offering both traction and convenience, this pair of cleats strikes a balance when it comes to providing good, safe service for the user, and is sure to be durable in the years to come. You will not be disappointed when it comes to choosing this special pair for the winter season.
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