This post is for persistent adventurers; those who, in the winter time, continue to drag themselves onto the snow and ice, even when it can be very dangerous. As a runner myself, I know that being inside on a treadmill just isn’t the same as the fresh air and changing scenery of the outside world, but running on ice or packed snow is risky, downright perilous. Slips and falls are prone to occur, not to mention the danger of the cars that fly by. Did you know that there are ways to increase your traction?

The first route, the easier route, is the more expensive option: buying snow and ice traction devices to add to your shoes, just like snow chains to tires. The options range in price from $20 Yaxtrak Walkers, to the 5-star rated $59 Kahtoola Microspikes Traction System. Sounds intense, right? You don’t have to be a runner to purchase these. They can be helpful to increase your control when shoveling snow, walking your dog, taking a hike; it will fit around any kind of shoe. While $60 may seem like a lot, compare it to the cost of a broken hip! All of the reviews I have seen on these are positive; the Kahtoola Microspikes Traction System has shown to serve its purpose while being lightweight, durable, and versatile.

The second route is a DIY technique that transforms your regular shoe into the Screw Shoe (pictured). Basically, you drill screws into the bottom of your shoes, and they provide enough traction and stability to reduce falls on slippery roads and trails. With some old shoes and screws, you have a great, economical way to be safer on ice. A full explanation of this technique is posted on skyrunner.com. My father tried it, a bit wary at first, but he was very satisfied with the results!

So, maybe we can’t walk on water, but thanks to some innovative minds, we can run, walk, or hike on snow and ice safely.