Ever tried Yak Traks? A friend says I should get some, before the next ice storm hits.

[Critters2]

I'm not sure I want to spend the money, but it beats a broken leg, I guess.

Anyone wanted to offer a review?

[JNelson6563]

1. They work great!

My good friend here in northern MI has 'em and loves them.

Julie

[Critters2]

3. Thanks!! Maybe I could actually walk the beagle when the sidewalks are icy

without being dragged all over creation!

Thanks!

[lizziegrace]

2. I'd spend the money

I fell on black ice almost two years ago and broke a bone in my elbow. I now have chronic tendon problems in the arm I didn't break because I still had to work, type, carry laundry and all with my right arm.

[Critters2]

4. Good advice! Thanks!

And sorry to hear your news. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

5. I don't want to become a modern-day Job

Really, I don't. x(

[Critters2]

15. Well, I'll treat you better than Job's friends did!

:hug:

[siligut]

6. People really seem to like the traction devices.

I have read reviews and Yaktrax come up short. Primary complaint is that the plastic straps break. Here is a link to REI’s page, read the reviews and decide for yourself. However, like I said, people really do appreciate the safety these devices offer.

http://www.rei.com/category/12221603

[Critters2]

13. This is interesting. It complicates my decision-making.

Dammit!


Thanks! :hi:

[Sebastian Doyle]

7. "Chains" for your shoes. What a concept!

I doubt they make them big enough for my shoes, but I wish I would have had them on Xmas Eve when I went down in the Safeway parking lot. Fortunately snow is softer than asphalt, so no major damage done, but it certainly didn't help my already Crappy Holiday. :evilfrown:

If you live somewhere the weather requires them more than a week or so out of the year, they would seem like a reasonable investment.

[leftyclimber]

8. I have instep crampons

They're a four-point crampon that buckles over your instep (logically) and rest on the bottom of the arch of your foot. They're somewhat awkward on solid ice, but they're great if there's about an inch of snow under or over the ice. You can spend anywhere between about 20 and 40 bucks on them. Campmor has a 35-buck pair that's got swankier straps than mine, if you'd like to see a picture of what they look like.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___33054

Petzl makes a six-point instep crampon that appears to be a bit more user-friendly, but they're about 75 bucks.

[Critters2]

9. Interesting. Thanks. nt

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

10. LostinVA both have them

I never heard of them until she told me about them. They are worth the money.

[Critters2]

11. Good to know, Haruka. Thanks!

I'm almost certainly gonna get a pair. They would've been nice to have in the weather we had in December. Do you have the kind with the strap over the top of your feet? If not, do they stay on well?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

16. They have the strap that goes over the shoe

We got them at Eddie Bauer, but they are Yak Traks.

I actually just used them for the first time this week (I bought my pair last year). They've done quite nicely after our ice storm a couple days ago. We were too lazy to salt until tonight. And, that was only because we were getting Chinese delivered.

[likesmountains 52]

12. I have had mine in my dog walking boots and running shoes for 2 years..

I love them. I have not had any problem with broken straps or poor quality. And..I have not fallen on the ice either!

[Critters2]

14. Good to know. Thank you! nt

[AmyDeLune]

17. yes! Yes! YES!

Best 20 bucks you'll ever spend.:D It's like not walking on ice at all.

[Reverend_Smitty]

18. A friend's mom gave me a pair of them a few weeks ago...

I'm an athletic trainer and work high school hockey games to make a little extra money, I've used them a few times when I've had to run out on the ice and tend to injuries. I've yet to bust my ass on the ice while wearing them, so I'd give them a thumbs up