Whether you’re walking up the road or across the beautiful winter countryside, a pair of simple ice grips on your shoes can make the journey far more enjoyable and much safer.
UK councils have been cutting back on the amount of grit spread on the roads and footpaths. And as a result accidents on the snow and ice are becoming more common place.
In the past snow and ice has brought public transport to a halt, but now the footpaths are equally as hazardous. However, now that winter tyres are finally available, travel by car has become far safer during the coldest months. Similarly, ice grips fitted to everyday shoes or a good pair of walking boots also offers the same extra grip and security.
In the most extreme winter conditions serious outdoor enthusiasts have fitted crampons to their hiking boots, but for the everyday walker staying off the mountains, ice grips are the sensible alternative, being both affordable, long lasting and easy to fit.
Designed for both on and off road walking, ice grips of snow grips are typically made from an elasticised rubber material mesh which stretches around the heel and forefoot, cradling the outsole of footwear. Meanwhile the mesh along the underside of the boot or shoe is wrapped in coils of metal to improve traction and prevent slipping on icy surfaces.
However, after a succession of snow and ice in recent years, consumers are now preparing for the worst well in advance. This means that ice grips have been one of the biggest selling products for many retailers, including shovels, anti-freeze, ice scrapers and other extreme cold weather accessories.
Because it features an additional Velcro strap which wraps around the top of a boot or shoe, the Yaktrax Pro ice grip has quickly become the best selling ice grip design this season as outdoor specialist retailers like GO Outdoors sold all their stock in a matter of days.
With the temperatures dropping week on week it’s only a matter of time until the first UK wide snowfalls. With early snow falls in Scotland already, ice grips for shoes could be on many people’s Christmas lists. But whether this will be too late and whether retailers can meet the sudden seasonal demand for these important winter products remains to be seen.
This article has been brought to you by GO Outdoors
