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Ice grips for shoes: 10 traction options

A shoe grip may help on suitable snow or ice, but it does not make every route safe. Choose around the surface and the footwear you actually use. Avoid unnecessary journeys in severe conditions and organise assistance where balance, mobility or vision makes travel difficult.

Researched . Informational guide. No checkout on Prepare Now.

Make the right comparison

What to check before spending money

  • Try the exact size on your intended shoes or boots.
  • Check the surfaces and activities the maker allows.
  • Make sure you can put them on, remove them and store the points safely.
  • Plan for indoor floors and clear pavement where some grips can slip or be damaged.

Ten researched options

Top 10 to compare for your own needs

These are editorial shortlists from the sources below, not hands-on test results, a market-wide ranking or a guarantee of suitability. The order is not a performance score. Compare the different use cases before choosing a model.

Links go to manufacturer, distributor, retailer or product-support pages. Some are collection pages covering several models. Check local availability, exact specifications, recalls and seller terms. We do not publish live prices, stock claims or affiliate tracking in this guide.

  1. Kahtoola NANOspikes

    Hard-surface winter option.

    Check: Confirm compatibility with your footwear.

    View source and product details for Kahtoola NANOspikes
  2. Kahtoola EXOspikes

    Mixed road-and-trail option.

    Check: Check the permitted surfaces.

    View source and product details for Kahtoola EXOspikes
  3. Kahtoola MICROspikes

    Snowy-trail option.

    Check: Not technical climbing equipment.

    View source and product details for Kahtoola MICROspikes
  4. Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost

    Lighter trail-traction alternative.

    Check: Compare fit and handling requirements.

    View source and product details for Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost
  5. Yaktrax Walk

    Everyday walking option.

    Check: Check icy-surface limitations.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Walk
  6. Yaktrax Pro

    Secured walking option.

    Check: Practise fitting the strap.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Pro
  7. Yaktrax Diamond Grip

    Alternative traction pattern.

    Check: Check footwear size and surface use.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Diamond Grip
  8. Yaktrax Spikes

    Point-based traction option.

    Check: Cover points during storage.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Spikes
  9. Yaktrax Run

    Running-specific option.

    Check: Running in hazardous conditions is optional.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Run
  10. Yaktrax Chains

    Chain-based traction alternative.

    Check: Check clear-pavement instructions.

    View source and product details for Yaktrax Chains

Practise before you need it

Fit and remove the grips while seated at home. On a safe level patch, check that they remain secure. Do not make a hazardous journey just to test new equipment.

Record where the equipment is kept, who can use it and when it next needs checking. Keep essential instructions on paper or saved offline. A useful item you understand is worth more than a bag of unfamiliar gadgets.

Sources and selection method

We selected recognisable, documented products to illustrate practical choices and tradeoffs. Manufacturer material confirms that a model is described or listed; it is commercial evidence, not independent proof of performance. The range is not exhaustive, and some topics currently contain several products from the same maker. We have not tested these products.

Model names and pages were checked during research on 2026-08-28. Availability is not guaranteed. No manufacturer quotation, customer star rating or old shop review has been presented as our own assessment.

Government sources are guidance to evaluate alongside the hazard, location and evidence. This does not mean ignoring verified live warnings, lawful emergency orders or qualified medical instructions. Read our source standards.