Ice Cleats Guide: Spiked vs. Spikeless

If you’ve never shopped for ice cleats before, then you’re probably wondering if you should choose a spiked or spikeless product. The answer depends on several factors, including how often you or your employees intend to wear the cleats and the environmental conditions in which you expect them to be worn. For example, the kind of traction required for daily use in deep snow and slush is quite different from what’s required for occasional use on packed snow. To help figure out which model is best for your needs, check out this brief guide.

Spikeless ice cleats

Yaktrax Walker ice cleatsSpikeless ice cleats are typically made of a rubber compound and may be reinforced with steel coils for added traction. They are intended for use on packed snow or ice, making them ideal for light outdoor activities such as walking the dog, shoveling the snow, jogging, crossing large parking lots, or for employees working on shipping docks.

Some spikeless models to consider include:

  • Yaktrax Walker
  • Yaktrax Pro
  • Yaktrax Extreme
  • WinterTrax

Spiked ice cleats

Spiked ice cleats are fitted with steel or tungsten carbide spikes or studs that give the wearer maximum stability and traction even on deep snow, ice, and slush. Spiked ice cleats may be classified into medium-duty products that are suitable for urban walkers, amateur hikers, and outdoor runners or heavy-duty products that are intended forWinter Grips Ice Cleats law enforcement officers, postal workers, serious hikers and climbers, and even emergency rescue teams.

Some bestselling spiked models include:

  • WinterGrips
  • GripOns
  • MonsterGrips
  • STABILicers WALK
  • STABILicers MAXX
  • STABILicers RUN
  • Get-A-Grip Due North Advanced All-Purpose
  • Get-A-Grip Due North Ultra Everyday G-3

For more detailed product information on all the spiked and spikeless ice cleat models listed here, or to view our entire inventory of winter traction devices and warming products, visit the CozyWinters website. We also offer special volume pricing on ice cleats for government agencies and corporate entities, so contact us today.