Thursday 6 December 2012

Safe Walking


It's been freezing the last few nights and although I have winter tyres, walking from the warmth of my card-playing haunts to the car.

A few years ago I was given a pair of ice grips to attach to my boots/shoes for such occasions and I've been truly grateful that I can walk confidently and safely.

At last night's bridge match some players were discussing their 'clampons' and I believe now there are other more effective grips on the market.

The two which were recommended are the Ice Trekers Diamond Grips and the Betterware Ice Grips (although I note they don't appear to be available for shoes less than a size 6).

For those who regularly walk a dog through snow and ice the Diamond Grips were highly recommended and long lasting.  It was agreed that those grips with small spring-like coils aren't particularly efficient and are best avoided.  The Diamond Grips are on the expensive side but I suppose you get what you pay for in the end - they're still cheaper than a pair of substantially soled boots.

Even the cheaper grippers, which I own, are far better than nothing or ending up in a hospital A & E with a broken hip or knee.  Safe walking.


3 comments:

subrosa said...

Read the reviews killie and decide what's best for you. As I said, forget the ones with the spring coils just on the heel. Good luck. You won't regret buying something.

pa_broon74 said...

I bought the spring coil ones for the great glen way last year, they're meant for snow (compacted too,) they just don't work with ice (or the dirty frozen slush which was the bain of Leith Walk two years ago.)

Unfortunately some shops sell them as ice grippers, as you say, the 'crampons' with the wee sharp teeth are the ones to go for. I keep a pair in the car just in case.

Funnily enough, my Gran had a pair of them (these just slipped over the toes of her shoes, no heel grip) 20 odd years ago, I remember wondering what they were.

subrosa said...

You're right pa_broon, the ones with the coils don't work on ice or slush. The ones with the wee sharp studs and the more expensive Diamond ones seem to be best for ice and slush.

Wish I'd found out about them earlier instead of buying several (!) pairs of boots in the hope they would grip.

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