In the case of ice and frozen snow, wearing spikes can significantly increase your sure-footedness. The small metal prongs grip smooth surfaces and reduce the risk of slips and falls. What matters – and when you should definitely take them off again.
Walking on sidewalks in winter can be a real slide in many places. A dangerous one at that: Anyone who loses their footing and falls will, in the worst case, suffer broken bones.
In order to move more safely, there is an aid for putting on your shoes, but it also has its pitfalls: spikes. They provide more grip on ice and snow and, at best, prevent you from slipping and falling badly.
What do you have to pay attention to with overcoats?
The holder, usually made of rubber or plastic, must fit the shoe. The overcoats are often designed for several shoe sizes – for example from 41 to 43. At best, you have the opportunity to test the fit in the store.
It is important that the spikes are made of stainless steel, says Boris Gnielka from the trade magazine “Outdoor”. And: “I would also make sure that they are spikes and not just little pins.”
Pointed pencils with a length of one to two millimeters are better than nothing when it comes to smoothness. But especially when the ice is shifted and covered with snow, longer, jagged shapes up to a centimeter long are better.
Anything that goes beyond this length could be considered more of an alpine area of application. These would be Grödel or light crampons. They are not really suitable for the journey from the apartment to the bus stop.
Should the covers cover the entire sole?
Spikes that only span part of the shoe and therefore only cover part of the sole are also available in stores. Expert Gnielka thinks little of it. Often you slip with your heel and spikes in the ball area are of little use. “If so, then I would choose models that offer traction over the entire sole.”
Can I leave them on on cleared paths?
Rather not. This can then become unintentionally slippery if the metal slides over paving slabs. Especially since the spikes wear out on stone and asphalt. If you no longer walk on ice or snow, you should remove the spikes. This is even more true indoors – where the tips can cause unsightly scratches and holes in the floor covering.
A piece of advice: If you’re no longer so flexible, you shouldn’t underestimate “the fiddling around making deals and getting things done,” as Gnielka calls it. For example, before you get on a bus or train. If there is no seating, moving out can be difficult.
Where do you put the overcoats when you don’t need them?
Depending on how flexible the material is and how large they are, the spike attachments fit in your jacket pocket. There are likely to be unsightly stains, especially after use, when they are wet and full of dirt and road salt – it’s best to have a bag with you to put them in.
And what about shoes with solid spikes in the soles?
Boris Gnielka talks about running shoes with integrated spikes that he once had. “They were great for jogging in the winter.” But when it came to passages without ice or snow, it was very uncomfortable.
“Then you walk as if you had a pile of stones under your soles. It crunches and cracks.” And the sole wears out. You should keep this in mind when choosing shoes with integrated spikes.
What are general recommendations for footwear?
In winter conditions, shoes should be comfortable, fit firmly on the foot and have a soft, sufficiently slip-resistant professional sole. The Institute for Occupational Safety recommended this a few years ago. Not advisable:
- hard, rigid soles
- High heel shoes
- Leather soles
The experts at the institute, which is part of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, also tested spikes.
Conclusion: If there is thick ice or snow on paths and roads, they improve “slip resistance” and thus offer safety.
But only there: “It should be noted that it can become even more slippery if you walk over cleared areas with spikes.” Then the spikes would have to be removed, according to the still current report.
How should you generally handle slippery conditions?
On the occasion of the slippery conditions in the country, the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery recently pointed out the best running style for slippery paths: the Penguin gang.
So: take small, slow steps, place your foot with the entire sole and always have your body’s center of gravity over the front leg.
If there are railings within easy reach, you should use them to hold on. If you take this to heart, you can usually make safe progress even without spikes.
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