Ice cleats for winter walking and running: coils, spikes and sizing
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- Everyday walking: Yaktrax Walk. Best for: Sidewalks, commutes and trips to the mailbox. See options on Amazon
- Walking, jogging and hiking: Yaktrax Pro. Best for: Packed snow and ice on trails and longer walks. See options on Amazon
- Winter running: Yaktrax Run. Best for: Runners who train through winter. See options on Amazon
- Glare ice: Yaktrax Spikes. Best for: Icy driveways, parking lots and sidewalks. See options on Amazon
Yaktrax models compared
| Model | Traction | Made for |
|---|---|---|
| Walk | 1.2 mm steel coils on an elastic band | Walking to work, school or the mailbox on snow and ice |
| Pro | 1.4 mm steel coils, natural rubber | Walking, jogging or hiking on packed snow or ice |
| Run | 3 mm carbide steel spikes up front, 1.4 mm coils at the heel | Winter running; rated for temperatures as low as -41°F |
| Spikes | Seven tungsten carbide spikes under ball and heel | Icy sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, glare ice |
From Yaktrax product pages, checked October 2026.
Coils or spikes?
- Coils: Yaktrax says its coil design gives 360 degrees of traction for stability in all directions, letting you move naturally. It says coils press into the ice as you step. Coils suit packed snow and ice on walks and trails.
- Spikes: the Yaktrax Spikes put seven tungsten carbide spikes under the ball and heel for aggressive grip, even on glare ice, and stow in a coat pocket.
- Both: the Yaktrax Run combines carbide spikes at the toe for push off with coils at the heel for a flexible landing, aimed at runners who want to keep training through winter.
Yaktrax says coil devices are not meant for gravel, concrete or sanded roads cleared of snow, because those surfaces keep the coils from compressing properly and damage them.
How to size ice cleats
Yaktrax sizes its devices by shoe size, with men's and women's ranges on each product page, and says the men's and women's designs are the same. Its sizing advice:
- Go up one size from your usual shoe size when wearing cleats over work or hiking boots.
- Add two sizes for insulated or snow boots.
- For the Pro and Run, Yaktrax recommends one size larger for oversized shoes or boots.
To put them on, Yaktrax suggests sitting down, pulling your foot up near your other knee and stretching the device over the front of the shoe first, then securing it at the heel.
Where not to wear them
- Not indoors. Yaktrax says its devices are not for indoor use and to avoid marble floors or any surface without ice or snow. Take them off at the door.
- Not on cleared pavement. Skip gravel, concrete and sanded roads cleared of snow.
- Not for small children. Yaktrax says you must weigh above roughly 70 to 75 pounds to engage the device effectively, so it does not make Yaktrax for children.
- Not a guarantee. Yaktrax says its devices will not eliminate the inherent risks of walking, running or working on ice and packed snow, so use extreme care.
Safer winter walking habits
OSHA's winter weather guidance says walking on snow or ice is especially treacherous. When you cannot avoid it, OSHA recommends insulated, water resistant boots with good rubber treads, and suggests keeping rubber over-shoes with good treads that fit over street shoes during winter months.
OSHA also advises taking short steps and walking at a slower pace on icy or snow covered walkways so you can react quickly to a change in traction. Ice cleats add grip on top of those habits; they do not replace them. Yaktrax recommends periodically pinching the coils back into shape as marked on its insert to keep coil devices working.
What to look for when you buy
Everyday walking: Yaktrax Walk
Best for: Sidewalks, commutes and trips to the mailbox
Yaktrax describes 1.2 mm steel coils on a highly elastic band that slips onto shoes of all types.
Watch out: Coils are not for bare concrete, gravel or indoor floors, Yaktrax says.
See options on AmazonWalking, jogging and hiking: Yaktrax Pro
Best for: Packed snow and ice on trails and longer walks
Yaktrax lists thicker 1.4 mm rust resistant steel coils and heavy duty natural rubber that conforms to boots and shoes.
Watch out: Size up one for oversized shoes or boots, per Yaktrax.
See options on AmazonWinter running: Yaktrax Run
Best for: Runners who train through winter
Yaktrax pairs 3 mm carbide steel spikes for toe-off with 1.4 mm coils at the heel and rates it to -41°F.
Watch out: Built for packed snow and ice, not cleared roads.
See options on AmazonGlare ice: Yaktrax Spikes
Best for: Icy driveways, parking lots and sidewalks
Seven tungsten carbide spikes under the ball and heel give aggressive grip on glare ice, and the device stows in a coat pocket, Yaktrax says.
Watch out: Yaktrax offers only two size ranges, so check the chart against your boots.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I wear ice cleats inside?
- No. Yaktrax says its devices are not for indoor use or non-icy surfaces like marble floors.
- What size ice cleats should I buy for boots?
- Yaktrax suggests one size up over work or hiking boots and two sizes up over insulated or snow boots.
- Are Yaktrax good for running?
- Yaktrax makes the Run for that, with carbide spikes at the toe and coils at the heel.
- Do ice cleats work for kids?
- Yaktrax says wearers need to weigh about 70 to 75 pounds to engage its devices, so it does not make them for children.
- Do ice cleats prevent falls?
- They add grip, but Yaktrax says they will not eliminate the risks of ice. OSHA advises short steps and a slower pace.
Sources
- Winter Weather: Hazards and Precautions (osha.gov), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Frequently Asked Questions (yaktrax.com), Yaktrax
- Walk Traction Device (yaktrax.com), Yaktrax
- Pro Traction Device (yaktrax.com), Yaktrax
- Run Traction Device (yaktrax.com), Yaktrax
- Spikes Traction Device (yaktrax.com), Yaktrax