Do you love to run, but have difficulties running in the snow? If so, then perhaps you might want to consider buying a pair of ice cleats. The ice cleats are wore 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, or even rainy ground. Here are some tips to get you started:

Tip 1, Ice Cleats Comparison
a. Consumer grade ice cleats with replaceable spikes that offer many of the features. It is cheaper or not expensive and can be found in just about any store or grocery shop. They tend to less durable, lasting less time than that of industrial.If you’re planning to use ice cleats for short time, routine winter activities like walking to the mailbox, a short walk with the dog, or walking from your car across a slippery parking lot to the grocery store, a light duty ice traction device will probably be good regardless of how often you get ice and snow.

b.Industrial grade ice cleats are thicker, heavier, and more expensive than general comsumer grade ones.They can be used when doing heavy-duty work, as well as for intense sporting activities such as running or mountain climbing. Although they can be more expensive, industrial ice cleats can be incredibly durable, lasting months,even years.

Tip 2, Spikes vs. Screws vs. Chains vs. Gritted
a. Spikes
Spikes provide the best traction because the more aggressive the point of contact the better the penetration into the ice.Usually carbon steel spikes and Tungsten carbide spikes are available on market. Carbon steel spikes are used to keep the price down. But since they wear out so much faster they need frequent replacement.Tungsten carbide spikes are far more durable and last several times longer than carbon steel spikes.
Secondly, the distribution of the spikes is critical since you alway want at least one spike to in touch with the snowy ground or especially on uneven ice. The heel spike will be necessay since your heel is the first thing to contact the ground when you take a normal step.Without heel spike your foot will slip forward and other spikes never make contact with the ground, then you may fall. As most experience, the 2mm stud is the best.

b. Screws
Screws are a form of stud. They can be easily replaced, but you should always check your ice cleats. Few people actually do remember to inspect them before you loose one screw that you might need the most to prevent a fall.

c. chains
The chains ice cleats have a saw tooth gripping design which are effective and durable but best suited for off-road running,hiking, climbing mountains etc. They have a tendency to slip on flat smooth surfaces.

d. Gritted ice cleats are for use in non-sparking, non-conductive conditions like for use around oil and gas operations, not for general use.

Tip 3, Replaceable vs. Non-Replaceable Studs
Replaceable studs obviously extend the life of the ice cleats,but they can be less comfortable because of the bump on the foot bed resulting from the mounting mechanism. Replaceable studs increase the chance of losing one or more while in use thereby increasing the chance of falling.
Non-replaceable studs are more comfortable and more secure,but obviously when they wear out the ice cleats have to be replaced.

Tip 4 Usage of the ice cleats.
Ice cleats have to be easy to put on and take off on the coldest days.If they’re not,you won’t use them. Firstly,the rubber material should maintain it’s elasticity over time. Secondly,choose a wider straps because the offer more gripping surface are to keep them in place. and the straps should remain flexible a very low temperatures so the ice cleats easy to put on and remove. Thirdly,your ice cleats must remain aligned on your footwear for the studs and tread design to work properly.
Tip 5 Remove the ice cleats before going indoors.
The ice cleats will obviously be exposed to more wear in bare spots like streets, bare metal surface, because sewer and manhole covers are frequently not snow or ice covered which is dangerous.It’s better to remove the ice cleats on interior floors like mass transportation, walking through train stations and terminals in order to avoid slipping.

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Shenzhen LM sports limited is professional in Winter sports and Summer sports for over 10 years Email sales@sportsmfg.com or visit www.sportsmfg.com for additional helpful information and resources.