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LifestreamSo, I looked at a couple of models but there was always some issue that I couldn’t reconcile with. I almost gave up but now I’m back for round two with a few fresh ideas.
Instead of looking for special boots I tried looking for slip-on ice traction systems like the Kahtoola MICROspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampon, Pogu Spikes, Yaktrax XTR, ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip plus a slew of Hong Kong knockoffs that you can find on Ebay. These all seem very nice, but I could not locate a reseller in Sweden. Could order from Ebay but I am unsure of the sizing. Also, these traction devices are quite expensive. And the knockoffs are not really an option since I know for a fact they use substandard materials and only are available as a one size fits all. Very unlikely as Hillsound and Kahtoola both use three or four sizes to cover all possible feet and boots.
I would have looked for these "trail crampons" earlier but I never knew they existed. Also, needless to say perhaps, these spikes work best with a few centimetres of ice or compacted snow. But if you can find a model that will fit your boots, you have one hell of a traction system that will never fail you and will easily come off when you don’t need it.
I also looked at the Yaktrax Pro which happened to be advertised by Addnature the other day. It seemed like an ok lightweight solution until I read some customer reviews. Turns out they break far too easily and adding insult to injury they might also get lodged in heavier soles (just like Meindl Island) and lose a great deal of traction.
There are increasingly silly solutions, like the Korkers. Wouldn’t be caught dead in those but I should mention them nevertheless.
Last but not least there are of course screw-in ice studs. It has been recommended before but I am just not comfortable doing that to my best boots. Perhaps if I got a cheaper winter boot just for the purpose of studding. It could be pretty much anything really as long as it was reasonably comfy, well insulated and spacious. The downside of course is that just like Icebug you’re stuck with the studs and you may have a real problem walking on hard surfaces not to mention walking indoors. So it’s not really super convenient. If I had some old boot in acceptable condition I could have studded the sole for a super cheap solution that didn’t have to work on all surfaces but as it stands all I have is a whole lot of junk. Nevertheless, the screw-in solution surely represents the best bang for the buck.
Addendum: Did a little recon at some of the larger sporting goods stores in Gothenburg. Entirely unproductive. They had the Yaktrax. And snowshoes. Nothing in-between. So now I’m back to buying from Ebay.
